Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have bolstered their coaching ranks by appointing a new assistant bowling coach for the IPL 2025 season. The announcement, made ahead of the tournament’s anticipated start in late March, signa??ls CSK’s intent to refine their bowli??ng strategy as they gear up for another shot at glory.

CSK appoints a new bowling coach

The Super Kings have appointed Sridharan Sriram as their new assistant bowling coach. Sriram, a Chennai native and former Indian cricketer, is no stranger to the cricketing ecosystem of Tamil Nadu. He grew up playing on the dusty tracks of Chepauk, the iconic ??home ground of CSK. His cricketing journey saw him don the Indian jersey in eight ODIs bet?ween 2000 and 2004, where he showcased his skills as a left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner. In domestic cricket, he amassed over 9,500 runs and claimed 85 wickets in 133 first-class matches, representing Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.

“Say Yellove to our assistant bowling Coach Sriram Sridharan! Brought up from the tracks of Chepauk to a packed portfolio of coaching tenures in Australia and Bangladesh, he embarks on this new journey with the pride!” tweeted CSK.

Say Yellove to our assistant bowlin??g Coach Sriram Sridharan! 💛💪🏻

Brought up from the tracks of Chepauk to a packed portfolio of coaching tenures in Australia and Bangladesh, he embarks on this new
journey with the pride! 🦁🥳#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/adrzPFnwlq

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 24, 2025

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A proven coaching pedigree

Sriram’s transition from player to coach has been nothing short of remarkable. After hanging up his boots, he carved out a reputation as one of the game’s sharpest tactical minds. His most notable stint came with the Australian men’s team, where he served as spin-bowling coach and later assistant coach from 2016 to 2022. During this period, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s maiden Men’s T20 World Cup victory in 2021, mentoring spinners like Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar.

Sriram’s coaching journey also took him to Bangladesh, where he worked as a technical consultant during the 2022 Asia Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup, and 2023 ODI World Cup, enhancing their spin-heavy attack. In the IPL, he’s no stranger to the dugout, having served as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) spin-bowling coach until 2023 and as an assistant coach with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024. His extensive experien?ce across formats and leagues makes him a valuable additio?n to CSK’s already formidable coaching lineup.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Former ??CSK player takes a dig at the newly appointed RCB skipper Raja??t Patidar

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Afghanistan‘s superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan has reached a remarkable milestone, setting a new world record in T20 cricket.

A record-breaking feat for Rashid Khan

Playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 2025 League in South Africa, Rashid claimed two crucial wickets in a match against Paarl Royals, surpassing West Indies’ legendary all-rounder Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker in T20 history. With this achievement, Rashid’s total tally of wickets across international T20s and franchise leagues has now reached 633 wickets. Among these, Rashid has taken 161 wickets for Afghanistan in T20 Internationals, while securing 472 wickets in various T20 franchise leagues and domestic competitions worldwide. This makes him the most prolific bowler in the shortest format of the game, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.

The landmark match: Rashid’s crucial wickets

Rashid’s record-breaking moment came in the SA20 2025 Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Leading the Cape Town, Rashid surpassed Bravo’s tally of 631 wickets when he dismissed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. Shortly after, he removed experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, further cementing his place in the record books. In the same match, MI Cape Town’s bowling attack, including Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch, playe?d a key role in restricting the Royals to 160 in 19.5 overs, securing a 39-run victory and a place in the SA20 final. Rashid’s spell saw him return figures of 2/33 in four overs, adding another memorable chapter to his already illustrious career.

Also READ: Hashm??atullah Shahidi to lead as Afghanistan announces squad for the Champions Trophy 2025

Rashid’s T20 career in numbers

Rashid’s meteoric rise in T20 cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. The Afghan spin wizard has been a match-winner for every team he has represented. In his T20 career so far, he has played a total of 461 matches and taken 633 wickets. His impressive bowling average of 18.07 reflects his consistency in picking wickets, while his best bowling figures of 6/17 highlight his?? ability to single-handedly dismantle opposition lineups. Rashid has recorded four five-wicket hauls and 16 four-wicket hauls, further proving his dominance as a wicket-taking bowler.

What makes him even more dangerous is his remarkable economy rate of 6.50 runs per over, which is exceptionally low for a bowler who operates in the shortest and most explosive forma?t of the g?ame. Among active cricketers, Rashid Khan is in a league of his own, with the next-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket being Sunil Narine of West Indies, who has 574 wickets from 536 matches. Rashid’s dominance in T20 bowling is unparalleled, and at just 26 years old, he has the potential to become the first bowler in history to reach 1,000 T20 wickets if he remains injury-free.

Rashid’s journey from Afghanistan to T20 stardom

Rashid Khan’s T20 journey began in 2015 when he made his debut for Afghanistan at the age of 17 against Zimbabwe. Over the years, he has transformed into one of the most sought-after players in global T20 leagues. His ability to deliver sharp, deceptive leg-spin, along with his control and variations, has made him a match-winner across formats. Rashid has represented several elite T20 f??ranchises across the world, making an impact in almost every major league.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has played for Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), becoming a vital part of their bowling attacks. In the Big Bash League (BBL), he has been a dominant force for the Adelaide Strikers. His presence has also been felt in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he has represented Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

In the SA20 League, he currently leads Cape Town, while in England’s The Hundred, he has been a key player for Trent Rockets. Additionally, he has featured in the International League T20 (ILT20) for MI Emirates and Major League Cricket (MLC) for Los Angeles Knight Riders. His impact in franchise cricket has been massive, making him a top pick in almost every major?? T20 league worldwide.

Also READ: SA20 2025: A complete guide to Indian, Afghanistan and Sri Lankan players parti??cipating in the Season 3

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Sanjay Manjrekar recently stirred the pot with his bold assertion that one of cricket’s most celebrated players, played for the “wrong franchise” during his illustrious 11-season tenure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This statement has ignited discussions about the im??pact of franchise dynamics on player performa?nce and legacy.

The misfit in RCB

AB de Villiers, often referred to as “Mr. 360” for his remarkable ability to play shots all around the ground, is undeniably one of the greatest players in T20 cricket history. However, Manjrekar’s comments suggest that RCB may not have been the ideal fit for De Villiers’ immense talent. He opined that the franchise’s management and strategy limited De Villiers’ potential, particularly in T20 cricket, where match-winning performances are paramount.

“AB was incredible. But AB’s greatness was that he averaged 50 in Tests. Even in one day (ODIs). So, he’s an amazing player. But only if you look at T20 cricket; I’ve seen both of them a lot. AB, in IPL, he was not used properly. His real ability. So, in IPL we didn’t get that much juice out of him. Definitely (batted higher). And, sorry to say, but played for the wrong franchise. If he had played elsewhere, we could have seen the greatness of AB de Villiers,” Manjrekar stated during a discussion on Star Sports.

This critique raises questions about RCB’s approach to utilizing their star players effectively. Despite De Villiers’ explosive batting and match-winning capabilities, RCB has historically struggled to secure an IPL title, finishing as runners-up three times without ever clinching the trophy. De Villiers himself acknowledged RCB’s weaknesses over the years, particularly in forming a consistent core group of players—a strategy that has proven successful for franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

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Legends legacy beyond titles

While Manjrekar’s assessment may hold some truth regarding franchise strategy, it is crucial to recognize De Villiers’ significant contributions to RCB during his tenure. He is the second-highest run-scorer in the franchise’s history, amassing 4,522 runs from 2011 to 2021, only behind Virat Kohli. His remarkable innings include a record-breaking unbeaten 129 against Gujarat Lions in 2016, showcasing his ability to perform under pre??ssure.

Moreover, De Villiers’ legacy transcends mere statistics. His innovative batting style and ability to entertain fans have made him a beloved figure in Indian cricket. Even after his retirement from all formats in 2021, he declared himself an “RCB-ian for life,” emphasizing his emotional connection with the franchise and its supporters.

Sanjay Manjrekar compares greatness

The discussion sparked by Manjrekar also involved a comparison between De Villiers and current T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav. While Manjrekar placed Suryakumar slightly above De Villiers e V??illiers in T20Is based on recent performances, he conced??ed that De Villiers remains superior in Tests and ODIs. This comparison highlights the evolution of T20 cricket and how different players excel in varying formats.

Also READ: So??urav Ganguly names the second??-best Indian bowler after Jasprit Bumrah

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England have recently unveiled a dynamic squad for their upcoming tour o?f India and the prestigious ICC Champions Tro?phy 2025. The team, led by experienced wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, blends a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, aimi??ng to strike the perfect balance betwee??n experience and youth.

England preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

This squad features some key inclusions, with Joe Root returning to the ODI setup after being absent since the 2023 World Cup in India. His inclusion brings stability to the middle order, adding depth and class to the batting line-up. Alongside him, Jofra Archer is set to spearhead the pace attack, offering pace, bounce, and versatility. The leg-spin of Adil Rashid, England??’s lone proper s?pinner in the squad, brings crucial wicket-taking options, especially in subcontinental conditions.

The squad showcases a clear intent from the England management to build a team capable of competing in Asian conditions, blending tactical flexibility with match-winning abilities. However, despite the excitement surrounding this squad, several big names have been notably left out. While these omissions might raise eyebrows, these players remain valuable assets for their IPL franchises, where they are set to showcase their abilities in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

4 England players who’ll feature in IPL 2025 but won’t be part of Champions Trophy

1. Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians – INR 2 crore)

Will Jacks, known for his explosive batting and off-spin bowling, has been a noticeable exclusion. With Root’s return, Jacks potentially couldn’t find a spot despite showing promise in his 15 ODI appearances, scoring 468 runs at an average of 31.20 and a strike rate of 100.64, including four half-centuries. While the 26-year-old has excelled in franchise cricket globally, his performances at the international level have not been as consistent. However, his all-round capabilities will be a valuable asset for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in?? IPL 2025, where he was signed for INR 2 crore.

2. Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings – INR 2.40 crore)

The exclusion of Sam Curran, one of England’s most versatile all-rounders, came as a surprise. Despite his reputation as a match-winner, the selectors opted for other pacers such as Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, potentially leaving Curran out due to role-specific needs. Curran, who has been a key player in the IPL, have been purchased in the mega auction by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for IN??R 2.40 crore. His ability to swing the ball, deliver under pressure, and contribute valuable runs in the lower order makes him a critical part of CSK’s setup in IPL 2025.

Also READ: BCCI confirms dates and host venues for the ?Indian Prem??ier League (IPL) 2025

3. Reece Topley (Mumbai Indians  – INR 75 lakh)

The towering left-arm pacer Reece Topley has been a staple in England’s white-ball setup but misses the Champions Trophy squad after enduring a series of injuries. Known for his ability to extract bounce and trouble batters with his swing, Topley’s absence highlights England’s focus on players with consistent recent performances. Despite his international struggles, Topley was picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 75 lakh??, where he is expected to strengthen their bowling attack in IPL 2025.

4. Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders  – INR 2 crore)

Veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali is not a part of England’s Champions Trophy plans as he had already announced retirement from international cricket in 2024. Moeen, who played 298 international matches, announced his retirement after featuring in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and being left out of England’s white-ball series against Australia. Although no longer representing England, Moeen remains a key figure in franchise cricket and will feature for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. His off-spin and explosive batting will add balance to KKR’s squad.

Also READ: Harbhajan Singh picks his India squad for the Champions Trophy 2025; big ?names misses out

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The highly anticipated third edition of the SA20 cricket league is set to kick off on Thursday (January 9), featuring an exciting opening clash between defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. As excitement builds for the tournament, SA20 brand ambassador and legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers shared his thoughts wi??th select media outlets, offering insights into the league’s potentia??l and players to watch.

AB de Villiers’ player to watch out for in the SA20 2025

When asked about a standout player for SA20 Season 3, De Villiers did not hesitate to name Donovan Ferreira, a hard-hitting South African batter and a new recruit for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the upcoming IPL 2025. Ferreira, who was acquired for INR 75 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction, transitioned from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Delhi. Representing Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, the sister franchise of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ferreira has caught the attention? of cricket pundits.

”I think one player that stands out, and I don’t often or haven’t, spoken about him in the past regularly is Donovan Ferreira. And the only sad thing there is he bats too low in the order to really showcase his his true potential. He’s they’re all a bit older, where Donovan Ferreira is also not the youngest anymore. But I just haven’t seen enough of him and I wish they could push him in at number 3 or 4 just from time to time for us to see what he’s really capable of. So that’ll be my pick. Hopefully, this season, will be his season of getting more game time and more time up the order,” De Villiers was quoted as saying by the Khel Now.

De Villiers reiterated the importance of utilizing Ferreira ??higher up the order, as the batter often comes in too lat??????????????????????????e to make a substantial impact. He explained that Ferreira typically enters the game in the 16th or 17th over, leaving him with insufficient balls to display his full range of skills.

‘‘I think he bats at number 6, and he showcased a little bit of what he’s capable of in that last season once or twice, but just not enough balls. I really hope he could come in from overs 6 onwards, you know, and sometimes overs 8, where more often than not, he comes in only at 16th or 17th over. Really shows his skill and then he’s out again. He’s off and the balls are done. So that’s one guy I would keep an eye out for,” the 40-year-old added.

Also READ: South Africa legend Allan Donald pi??cks two I?ndian stars he would love to see in SA20 league

Comparisons with MS Dhoni and batting challenges

De Villiers, renowned for his 360-degree shot-making ability, made an intriguing comparison, stating that Ferreira reminded him of MS Dhoni during his prime years. Interestingly, de Villiers compared Ferreira’s batting style to Dhoni in his prime-noting the similar ability to dominate bowlers and strike fear into world-class players like Dale Steyn and Mitchell Starc. While he clarified that he wasn’t directly equating Ferreira to Dhoni, he emphasized Ferreira’s ability to hit the ball with incredible power and precision.

“I think he’s a he’s a out and out match winner. Just a fantastic player. He reminds me a bit of MS Dhoni in his prime, and it’s that I’m not comparing them. I’m saying he reminds me of him where MS was really brutal, against the bowlers. He really bludgeoned the ball, all parts of the ground. He made guys like Dale Steyn, Mitchell Starke look like they are scared to bowl to him. And that’s the feeling I get with Donovan. Hits the ball so hard. He’s got such a good eye, and, hopefully, he will face a few more more deliveries in this coming season,” De Villiers concluded.

Also READ: Fr??om Kevin Pietersen to AB de Villiers: Here’s the elite panel of commentators for SA20 2025

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Ravichandran Ashwin has been spe??nding more time on social media now that he has taken r?etirement from international cricket. The off-spin wizard recently paid heed to a request from a CSK fan and cheekily asked his IPL franchise whether it is possible to do so in the upcoming IPL season.

Everyone wants to see MS Dhoni bat

The centre of this special request from the CSK fan was MS Dhoni. Notably, the former Indian captain still features for his IPL franchise even after taking retirement from all forms of international cricket. CSK fans and Dhoni lovers wait all-round the year to see a glimpse of him battin?g and wicket-keeping. However, Dhoni had demoted himself to lower order in the batting line-up during the previous IPL season.

Also Read: Harbhajan Singh spills beans over his rumoured rift with recently-retired Ravicha??ndran ??Ashwin

Wanting to see Dhoni bat more often, a CSK fan asked Ashwin whether it is possible if Dhoni plays in the top order for CSK during IPL 2025. Ashwin, wasting no time, tagged just the right handle on his Instagram story to ask about the possibility of Dhoni playing in the top-order for CSK. “@chennaiipl ok ah?” asked Ashwin. It is now speculated that Ashwin shares the fans�?desire to see Dhoni b?at more often for CSK.

Here’s a screenshot of the story

Ashwin heaped praises on Dhoni’s leadership qualities

Talking about Dhoni’s personality as a captain, Ashwin recently showered praises of Dhoni during a Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

�?�He does most basic things right, and most other captains miss the basic elementary things. It makes the game look much more ??difficult for them.�?/em> Ashwin said.