Recently, social media has been buzzing with rumors about Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant potentially joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The speculation gained traction when a user posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Pant had approached the RCB management regarding a possible move, with hopes of taking over the team’s captaincy.

Rishabh Pant to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

The user’s post included a photoshopped image of Pant wearing an RCB jersey, and the accompanying caption added fuel to the fire. According to the user, Pant’s approach to the IPL franchise came through his manager, and he was allegedly seeking to replace the current captain. The post also alleged that former RCB captain and cricket icon Virat Kohli was against Pant joining the team, accusing him of indulging in “political tacticsâ€?within both the Indian national team and his current IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC).

“Rishabh Pant approached RCB

Pant approached RCB through his manager earlier this week as he foresee a captaincy vacancy there but got declined by RCB’s management.

Virat doesn’t want Pant in RCB due to his Political Tactics in Indian team as well as in DC.

– RCB Source,â€?The user wrote on his X account.

🚨 Rishabh Pant approached RCB 🚨

– Pant approached RCB through his manager earlier this week as he foresee a captaincy vacancy there but got declined by RCB's management.

Virat doesn't want Pant in RCB due to his Political Tactics in Indian team as well as in DC.

– RCB Source pic.twitter.com/B6KY2gj4gp

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 26, 2024

This claim, though lacking credible sources, quickly gained attention, prompting a wave of reactions across social media. The suggestion that a power struggle involving Pant ?and Kohli could be brewing sent shockwaves through the fanbase, leading to speculation about internal politics within both RCB and the Indian cricketing landscape.

Also READ: Delhi Capitals opener David Warner can join Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 ??�Reports

Fact Check: Uncovering the truth

Pant, however, wasted no time in addressing the rumor head-??on. Shortly after the post gained traction, Pant took to his own X account to?? refute the claims, dismissing the news as entirely false. In his response, Pant expressed his frustration with the growing trend of misinformation spreading on social media, urging people to be more responsible and verify their facts before posting unsubstantiated rumors.

“Fake news. Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media? Be sensible, guys. So bad. Don’t create an untrustworthy environment for no reason. It’s not the first time and won’t be the last, but I had to put this out. Please always recheck with your so-called sources. Every day, it’s becoming worse. Rest, it’s up to you guys. This wasn’t just for you, it’s for a lot of people who are spreading misinformation. Take care,” Pant wrote on his X account.

Fake news . Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media. Be sensible guys so bad . Don’t create untrustworthy environment for no reason. It’s not the first time and won’t be last but I had to put this out .please always re check with your so called sources. Everyday�/p>

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 26, 2024

Pant’s firm denial has put the rumors to rest, but his response highlights a broader issue within the digital landscape. With the increasing ease of sharing information (both real and fabricated), players like Pant are often forced to clear the air over b??aseless claims that can damage their reputation or stir unnecessary controversy.

Also READ: IND vs B??AN: Abhishek Nayar spill beans on India’s playing XI for Kanpur Test

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As the India Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaches, franchises are carefully assessing their squads, strategies, and leadership roles to build a competitive team for the future. With factors like age, fitness, player form, and evolving team goals, seve?ral captains might find their roles under scrutiny.

Keeping major auctions in mind, teams are now looking at younger, dynamic leaders who can guide them through a long-term vision while maintaining a high level of performance. Let’s have a look at such franchises that could potentially release their captains before the next IPL season as they rework their leadership structure to align with future goals.

4 teams who can release their captains ahead of the IPL 2025 players’ auction

1. Faf du Plessis �Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Faf du Plessis has been a key figure for RCB since taking over the captaincy, but age and recent form may prompt the team to look for a younger leader. At 40, Du Plessis’ performances have dipped slightly, and with RCB focused on building a squad for the future, the franchise might consider a fresh captain.

Further, RCB could potentially bring in KL Rahul, who started his IPL career with the franchise. Rahul’s leadership experience and batting prowes?s could make him an ideal replacement for D??u Plessis.

2. Shikhar Dhawan �Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Shikhar Dhawan, who has recently retired from all forms of the game??, will definitely be released by P?unjab Kings ahead of the 2025 season. Dhawan’s retirement paves the way for the franchise to appoint a new captain, and the frontrunner is all-rounder Sam Curran.

Curran, who became the most expensive player in IPL history, is seen as a promising young leader. His all-round abilities and consiste??nt performances make him a strong candidate to lead Punjab Kings into a new e?ra.

Also REA?D: 3 players Punjab Kings can release ahead of IPL 2025 auction

3. KL Rahul �Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Rahul’s tenure as Lucknow Super Giants captain has been marked by mixed results, and reports suggest his relationship with the franchise’s management is strained. With a potential return to RCB on the cards, LSG may release Rahul before the 2025 auction.

Rahul’s previous stint with RCB and his strong leadership credentials could ?make him an attractive option for his former team, especially if they decide to release Du Plessis.

4. Hardik Pandya �Mumbai Indians (MI)

Hardik Pandya‘s form has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and his injury-prone body has raised concerns among Mumbai Indians fans. Although Hardik remains a valuable all-rounder, the team may consider moving forward without him as captain.

Suryakumar Yadav, currently leading India in T20 internationals, is seen as a st??rong contender to take over the captaincy. His experience, aggressive style, and current form make him a fan favorite to lead MI in the upcoming seasons.

As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, these potential captaincy changes could shape the direction of several franchises. Fans will be eager to see which teams make bold mo??ves in the pursuit of success.

Also READ: Mumbai Indians – 3 key players MI can release ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

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Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, two of India’s most prominent cricketers, have shared a tumultuous relationship both on and off the field. Their rivalry, which has often been played out in front of millions of fans, is marked by several fiery confrontations, especially during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, their verbal spats have stirred up considerable media attention and fan interes?t, with many questioning whether the two truly harbor??ed ill feelings toward each other.

However, recently, the duo put an end to all rumors regarding their differences when they sat down for a candid conversation ahead of India’s Test series against Bangladesh. The interaction, posted by the BCCI, was cordial and insightful, allowing fans to see the professional camaraderie that still exists between them despite past confrontations. This conversation was viewed as a significant moment, dispelling long-standing speculations about any lingering tension. It highlighted that, while their personalities may have clashed in the heat of competition, both players respect each other’s contributions to Indian cricket.

But while the air may be clear now, there have been a few instances over the years when Kohli and Gambhir were involved in high-profile clas??hes that sent social media and fans into a frenzy. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments when the two engaged in a war of words:

The heated exchange in IPL 2013

One of the most infamous confrontations between Kohli and Gambhir occurred during the IPL 2013 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Gambhir, then captain of KK?R, and Kohli, leading RCB, were involved in a heated exchange on the field after Kohli was d??ismissed. Words were exchanged, and both players had to be separated by their teammates to avoid further escalation. This altercation was widely covered, with both players fined for their conduct.

Here is the video:

pic.twitter.com/3OQ198e1Y0

— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) September 18, 2024

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and G?autam Gambhir end ‘Masala and Spice�rumours in fun interaction ahe?ad of IND vs BAN Test series

Argument during RCB vs LSG clash at IPL 2023

A fresh verbal spat erupted during the IPL 2023 match between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where Gambhir was the mentor of LSG. The incident took place during the post-match handshake. After RCB’s win, a heated argument broke out between Kohli and Gambhir, escalating from an earlier confrontation between Kohli and LSG’s player Naveen-ul-Haq. The duo had an intense face-off, and videos of them being restrained by t?heir teammates and coaching staff went viral.

Here is the video:

Full fight between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir #GautamGambhir #ViratKohli𓃵 #ViratKohli #ViralVideos #viral2024 pic.twitter.com/0qt0svVevP

— Shortfineleg (@freehitnoball) September 18, 2024

Verbal digs in interviews and social media

Gambhir has occasionally taken indirect digs at Kohli in interviews, especially regarding captaincy, fitness culture, and his aggressive style of ??leadership. While not direct confrontations, these comments ??have often led to speculation about tension between the two. Gambhir has also been vocal about certain cricketing decisions related to Kohli during his stint as a cricket commentator and analyst.

While Kohli and Gambhir’s relationship has seen its fair share of heated moments and public confrontations, their recent interaction ahead of the Bangladesh series shows that time and maturity have allowed both to move past their differences. What once seemed like an intense rivalry driven by fierce competitiveness on the field now appears to be water under the bridge.

Also READ: Top 5 run-scorers in India vs Bangladesh?? Test matches �September 2024

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Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI, featuring a meticulously crafted lineup of six batters and five bowlers. At the helm of this star-studded team is none other than MS Dhoni, who has been named captain. Ashwin’s selections include international cricketing giants such as AB de Villiers and Sunil Narine, showcasing some of the finest talent to have ?graced the IPL.

Formidable openers in Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-time IPL XI

Speaking at the Cheeky-Cheeka Youtube channel, Ashwin’s choice for the opening duo consists of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit, with his impressive tally of 6,628 runs from 257 IPL matches and a strike rate of 131.14, has been a pivotal figure in leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL championships. Kohli, the tournament’s all-time run-scorer with 8,004 runs in 252 matches at a strike rate of 131.97, continues to be a formidable force at the top of the order for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Their combined expertise provides a solid foundation for Ashwin’s dream team.

Also READ: IPL 2025: LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka discusses rumours of potential bid for Rohit Sharma ?in an upcoming auction

Middle order and spin department

In the middle order, Ashwin has selected Suresh Raina, Suryakumar Yadav and De Villiers to occupy the crucial positions of three, four, and five. Raina’s explosive batting, Suryakumar’s recent form, and De Villiers�extraordinary ability to change games with his stroke play make them a formidable trio. The spin department is manned by Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine, who have been exceptional in t??heir roles over the years. Ashwin himself, with a record 180 IPL wickets, adds significant depth to this lineup.

Valuable pace attack

The pace attack in Ashwin’s all-time IPL XI is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Lasith Malinga. Bumrah, instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ five IPL victories, brings unmatched precision and skill. Kumar’s ability to swing the ball and Malinga’s iconic death-overs bowling further enhance the team’s pace department. Their inclusion underscores the importance of a well-rounded bowling attack in T20 cricket, making Ashwin’s XI a balanced and formidable unit.

Also READ: Will Lucknow Super Giants retain KL Rahul? San??jiv Goenka breaks silence on LSG captain’s future amid speculations

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Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana has joined the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. Mandhana?? becomes the first Indian player to secure a WBBL pre-draft overseas contract, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Fourth WBBL team for Smriti Mandhana

The Strikers will be the fourth team Mandhana represents in the history of the WBBL. The left-handed opener has previously played for Brisbane Heat (WBBL 2016-17), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL 2018-19), and Sydney Thunder (WBBL 2021). Her journey through multiple ??teams reflects her impact and value in?? the tournament.

Focus on workload management

Mandhana had opted out of the WBBL 2022 season to manage her workload and skipped the inaugural player draft ahead of the 2023 edition, choosing to focus on India’s domestic cricket instead. Her return to the WBBL adds signi?ficant depth to the Strikers�lineup for the upcoming season.

A decorated career continues to shine

Mandhana, who serves as the vice-captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team, is a highly decorated player across all formats. She holds two prestigious ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year awards, sharing this rare achievement with Australia’s Ellyse Perry. Earlier this year, Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, further solidifying her status as ?a top-tier player.

Also READ: Alyssa Healy provides hints of Jess Jonassen’s return amid ace spinner’s exit from Australia’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Reunion with coach Luke Williams

Interestingly, Mandhana will be reunited with her RCB head coach Luke Williams, who also serves as the coach of Adelaide Strikers. The two have shared success in the past, not only at RCB but also during their time together at Southern Brave in The Hundred Women. Mandhana expressed her enthusiasm about working with Williams again, stating, “I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers. I’m thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I’m looking forward to building on that.â€?/em>