The biggest t20 tournament in the world, the IPL is back and the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to kick off on the 22nd of March with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening contest of the tournament. The full schedule has also been unveiled and we will be focussing on the schedule in this article

IPL 2025 Schedule: Complete Match Details, Venues & Timings | KKR vs RCB to kick off the tournament

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The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League will be played in 2025, as it is scheduled to begin on the 21st of March. The IPL, considered one of the greatest leagues in the world in terms of franchise-level T20 cricket, has turned out to be a massive platform for younger talents from around the world. 
The IPL has given high standards to players like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Maxwell">Glenn Maxwell</a>, David Miller, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan, who later went on to establish themselves as greats of the game in international cricket. 
Many senior players and Indian domestic scouts look out for and keep track of the domestic games that recognize junior uncapped players who are instead picked in the IPL mega-auction. 
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<h2 dir="ltr">Top scouted players who can make it big post the IPL 2025:</h2>

<h3 dir="ltr">Jacob Bethell </h3>
The English batting all-rounder, Bethell, has been a standout talent in international cricket. The player stepped up from the English Vitality T20 Blast, and later the world witnessed his rise in both T20, ODI, and test cricket for England, as the kiddo has made his mark across all formats. 
Currently, Bethell is being seen making his mark in Australia in the ongoing Big Bash League while he is about to make his debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. 
<h3 dir="ltr">Anshul Kamboj </h3>
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Anhsul Kamboj starred in IPL 2024 for the Mumbai Indians (Image Credit: X)
The player who made his debut in the IPL with the Mumbai Indians has been picked up by the Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming season of the IPL in 2025. Kamboj has been a stunning player in the T20 domestic tournament in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while he also left his mark in the Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy as well. 
He recently made the cut of news headlines as he picked all 10 wickets in a single innings of a test match and made it to the unique record books. Kamboj is sure to earn some name for himself after his contributions with both bat and ball. 
<h3 dir="ltr">Vipraj Nigam</h3>
The youngster has been stunning with his recent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and later in the UP T20 League. Nigam does not have stats in his favour; while he has been a superb hitter of the white ball, his services have also been outstanding with the promising medium pace he bowls. 
<h3 dir="ltr">Allah Ghazanfar </h3>
Mumbai Indians have picked the young Afghan spinner as their lead spin option if Mitchell Santner is not featured in the games. Ghazanfar is known to have taken the place of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, as the new off-spinner has brought immense glory to the Afghan team. 
The spinner might excel in the subcontinent and hence might be a standout player to look after the IPL 2025 concludes. 
<h3 dir="ltr">Suryansh Shedge</h3>
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The explosive down the order batsman for Mumbai (Image Credit: India Today)
Promising down the order, batting all-rounder Shedge has been a stunning performer down the order while the batter has played for the Mumbai team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. On many occasions, the batter has played with a strike rate of over 250 in the shortest format. 
While with the ball, he has been effective as well and has picked wickets at regular intervals. Shedge has been picked by the Punjab Kings for a very minor cost, though his effectiveness will be a major effort to watch out for in the upcoming season of the IPL. 
ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rohit-sharma-categorically-tells-selector-he-wants-to-captain-india-in-tests-and-odis-till-/"> Rohit Sharma informs selectors that he will remain India's test and ODI captain until they can find a replacement for the skipper </a>

A look into the underdog players picked for IPL 2025 who can excel in this season

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League will be played in 2025, as the IPL 2025 is scheduled to begin on the 21st of March. The IPL, considered one of the greatest leagues in the world in terms of franchise-level T20 cricket, has turned out to be a massive platform for younger underdog talents from around the world. 

Top 5 underdog talents who can be star favourite players post IPL 2025

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The IPL 2025 mega-auction marked every franchise bringing in some new players in their squads, while many teams are also in the hunt for a new player in the role of a skipper. 
 
Though every team has included the likes of several players in their squad, they are yet to announce who would be seen in a captain’s role. Likes of great <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Dhoni">MS Dhoni</a> and Rohit Sharma, the most successful among IPL skippers, have now decided to end their role as they continue to feature for their sides as players. 
 
With five of the franchises being certain over their captains, only the likes of the remaining sides are looking for a new captain, while some teams’ like the Punjab Kings went all loose to acquire the likes of last season's title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer. 
 
<h2 dir="ltr">Let's see a list of skipper choices from all 10 franchises:</h2>
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Chennai Super Kings</h3>
 
CSK have been the most legendary side in the history of the IPL under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, and now the captaincy has passed onto the next generation of players in Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad will continue in the role of captain. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Mumbai Indians</h3>
 
The veteran all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the MI skipper, would once again be resuming duties in the IPL as the skipper, having the national skippers, SKY and Rohit Sharma, play under him. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Gujarat Titans</h3>
 
The Gujarat Titans have included several new players in the role, while Shubman Gill, the rising Indian sensation, remains to be the captain of the side, as per speculations made. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
 
The SRH side was led by World Cup-winning skipper Pat Cummins last season, as he led them to another final against the KKR, which they eventually lost. The skipper was retained with a whopping INR 18 crore and will resume his duties. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Rajasthan Royals</h3>
 
Sanju Samson, the skipper of the Royals side, seems fixed from the last few years, and he will continue to do so while also being their prime gloveman and opening batter. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Lucknow Super Giants</h3>
 
The LSG side looked very interested in Rishabh Pant, as they spent almost 1/3rd of their remaining purse, as Pant was included for a whopping INR 27 crore. However, if reports were to be considered and Pant unwilling to continue as skipper, then he might be seen playing under Nicholas Pooran; otherwise, Pant would take up captaincy for LSG from IPL 2025. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Delhi Capitals</h3>
 
The Capitals have made choices that seem to be significant for their future, as KL Rahul, who was swapped in from LSG to the Capitals squad, might be considered their ideal option for the role of the Capitals skipper. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
 
RCB are in the biggest dilemma over their choice of skipper, having not retained Faf. Earlier speculations suggested that Virat Kohli might be resuming his role as the skipper; however, no confirmed reports have been made from either end of the player or the management. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Punjab Kings</h3>
 
The Punjab Kings have not included Shreyas Iyer just for fun, as Iyer, the captain with the defending title, was bought in for a whopping INR 26.75 crore to be termed the captain of the side under Ponting. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
 
The defending champions have let go of their skipper and are not looking to bring any such player who can be decisive as a captain, Sunil Narine who captains their other sides, Andre Russell, while also their heavily invested Venkatesh Iyer, all would stand a chance to be seen in the role of a skipper. 

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-csk-squad-after-auction-players-prices-and-full-swot-analysis/">Chennai Super Kings Full Team SWOT analysis </a>

Let's take a good look at the players who can fit into the shoes of a captain.

Like Virat Kohli resuming as RCB captain, Hardik Pandya continuing as MI skipper, and Shreyas Iyer moving to PBKS as their skipper, let's take a good look at the players who can fit into the shoes of a captain.

Before the action resumes for IPL 2025, let's look at the possible choices for the franchises in the role of a skipper.

IPL 2025: Predicted Captains of All 10 Franchises for the upcoming season of the IPL

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The IPL 2025 mega-auctions marked one of the biggest auctions in the history of the IPL, consisting of one of the largest pools of players in over a decade. Every franchise included a huge bunch of players, as over 200 players went sold in the auction. 
 
This time around, a huge entrustment in Indian pacers was shown by the IPL franchises, as several Indian as well as overseas pacers went for some immense amount of money. From Arshdeep Singh’s whopping 18 crores to Mohammad Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Mohammed Shami getting a double-digit bid for the first time, the Indian pacers specially aced the IPL mega-auction. 
 
Among overseas options as well, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_Boult">Trent Boult</a>, Jofra Archer, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazelwood emerged as a few of the most heavily invested bowlers, over whom teams went on to spend a huge amount of their purses. 
 
<h2 dir="ltr">Let’s rate every team based on their Pace bowling deck:</h2>
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Chennai Super Kings: Mateesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, and Anshul Kamboj. </h3>
 
Rating: 7/10
 
Though the Chennai Super Kings have one of the finest blends of pace and spin on their side, their pace deck looks a bit inexperienced. With the Lankan speedster Pathirana leading from the front, Khaleel Ahmed and Anhsul Kamboj, who recently gained stardom owing to his 10-wicket in a single inning, might turn out to be options sharing the new ball. 
 
While English all-rounders Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, and Aussie ace T20I bowler Nathan Ellis seem to be the backup options for CSK if their bowling trio fails to capitalize. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Royal Challengers Bangalore: Josh Hazelwood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Romario Shepherd, Rasikh Dar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thusara, and Lungi Ngidi</h3>
 
Rating: 7/10
 
Rating: Owing to their lack of interest in spinners, the Challengers are not left with much except Krunal Pandya on their side. Hence, in the bowling deck, RCB would go with an all-pace attack, with experienced Bhuvi and Hazelwood leading alongside the two young Indian stars Yash and Rasikh Dar. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Rajasthan Royals: Jofra Archer, Yudhvir Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tushar Deshpande, and Akash Madhwal. </h3>
 
Rating: 7/10
 
The Royals came much later into the party, and their biggest among bids lay in Jofra Archer, the ex-Royals pace bowler who was brought back into the side. Meanwhile, Afghan pacer Farooqi might back up Archer owing to his prone injury status. 
 
Tushar Deshpande The rising talent from the CSK academy and Sandeep Sharma might be crucial to the team alongside Madhwal and Yudhvir, all not eminent yet aspiring names in the history of the game. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Delhi Capitals: Mitchell Starc, Thangarasu Natrajan, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, and Dusmantha Chameera. </h3>
 
Rating: 8/10
 
The Delhi Capitals do not have the most promising bowling lineup, as they have the least number of pacers on their side. Still, with a fine set of picks, they have included the hot favourites in the last auction's biggest buy, Mitchell Starc, and Indian medium pacers Mukesh Kumar and Natrajan as their other key seamers. 
 
Mohit Sharma played a very vital role for the Gujarat Titans last season during the death overs, while Natrajan and Mukesh were also the finest with the ball during the end phase. Now they would all play for the Delhi Capitals. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Kolkata Knight Riders: Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, and Umran Malik. </h3>
 
Rating: 8/10
 
The Kolkata Knight Riders have almost retained their entire deck of quick bowlers in Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, the stars who bowled last time alongside the Aussie speedster. The Protea pacer Nortje or Aussie left-arm seamer Spencer Johnson might be placed to replace Starc in the XI. Umran Malik brings a raw pace alongside him; however, his way into the team doesn’t seem very likely, especially in the presence of an additional golden arm from Andre Russell. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, NK Reddy, Brydon Carse, Simarjeet Singh, and Eshan Malinga. </h3>
 
Rating: 8/10
 
The Sunrisers Hyderabad have completely brought in new players to their bowling side alongside skipper Pat Cummins. Cummins will be leading a pace attack now comprised of another experienced hat, Mohammed Shami. 
 
Harshal Patel, the highest wicket-taker from the seasons of 2022 and 2024, will now be seen for the Orange Army, alongside fellow all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, currently dominating Aussies in the BGT. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Lucknow Super Giants: Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mitchell Marsh, and Digvesh Singh</h3>
 
Rating: 8/10
 
The Lucknow Super Giants, having bought Rishabh Pant, were not left with much to invest in a lot of talented pacers; hence, though their pace deck doesn’t look fancy, it seems of great futuristic scope, especially under Zaheer Khan, the new LSG mentor. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Punjab Kings: Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Xavier Bartlett, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, and Lockie Ferguson. </h3>
 
Rating: 9/10
 
Punjab Kings have used their RTM to bring back their most trustworthy bowler, Arshdeep Singh, currently India’s most budding player in the shortest format. While alongside him, Marco Jansen, the lanky fast bowler from South Africa, will be an asset to Ponting’s side. 
 
Their deck would also comprise Vyshak, Stoinis the all-rounder, Omarzai, Hardie, Lockie Ferguson, and Yash Thakur, who among the main seamers can be of immense importance. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya, Raj Angad Bawa, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley, and Lizaad Williams. </h3>
 
Rating: 9.5/10
 
Undoubtedly, the Mumbai Indians are one of the deadliest-looking teams when their bowling deck is considered. Other than their pacers, the overall team looks stunning on the team sheets. 
 
Led by world-class pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, the MI pace deck will now have the services of Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult sharing the new ball in the powerplay, while middle-overs can have Pandya at the best services he can provide. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Gujarat Titans: Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, Mohammad Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Ishant Sharma. </h3>
 
Rating: 10/10
 
Probably, the second pacer deck looks like a nightmare to the franchises, as Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace bowling options alongside the Indian pace maestro Mohammad Siraj. 
 
However, what seems eminent on the Titans' side would be their backup options, and the 3rd or 4th pace options look equally promising alongside the frontline pacers. Prasidh Krishna, Coetzee, and young left-arm pacer Arshad Khan are expected to have a dream track under their belt in Ahmedabad.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/bgt-2024-australia-unveil-their-squad-for-the-2nd-test-this-player-has-been-added-as-cover-for-mitch-marsh/">Aussies call in debutant for Second Test at Adelaide </a>
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Pacers will be crucial from the point of view of the IPL franchises for the upcoming edition

The IPL 2025 mega-auctions marked one of the biggest auctions in the history of the IPL, consisting of one of the largest pools of players in over a decade. Every team looked to bolster their pace attack and hence rate them based on their bowling strengths.

The upcoming IPL will be an event to remember for their bowlers, as it's the pace deck that will bring glory to every franchise to their extent.

Rating All 10 IPL 2025 Franchises based on the strength of their pace bowling deck

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The IPL 2025 auction is seemingly getting exciting as the franchises slowly lose their huge purse amounts, especially with Punjab Kings reduced to less than INR 50 crores despite them entering the auction with a huge purse of INR 110.5 crores. Having made some crazy deals over the likes of captain Shreyas Iyer and iconic batsman <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rishabh_Pant">Rishabh Pant</a>, who surpassed his fellow mate further to be IPL?s highest-ever bid player with INR 27 crore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let?s take a look at the auction purses left after the end of the 2nd set of Marquee Players with 12 players bought.</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Delhi Capitals: INR 47.25 crore</h3>



They have roped in two invaluable players, KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc, for much less money.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chennai Super Kings: INR 55 crores</h3>



Chennai Super Kings successfully tried on several players but still await their first inclusion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rajasthan Royals: INR 41 crore</h3>



Rajasthan Royals have also tried their luck hard, though nothing went in their favor as they, despite trying, could not acquire any players.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Royal Challengers Bangalore: INR 74.25 crore</h3>



RCB have also made some good attempts, though only ending up with Liam Livingstone for 8.75 crores.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kolkata Knight Riders: INR 51 crore</h3>



KKR, the defending champions, are trying harder but still looking for their first player addition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lucknow Super Giants: INR 34.50 crores</h3>



The Super Giants have the most unique auction, having made the highest bid of Rishabh Pant and then followed by dynamic middle-order finisher David Miller.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sunrisers Hyderabad: INR 35 crores</h3>



The SRH have now roped in Mohammed Shami as their only inclusion to their pace bowling deck as of yet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mumbai Indians: INR 45 crores</h3>



The Indians, in the quest for many players, have not bid eagerly for any except for Jos Buttler and Mitchell Starc, though withdrawing very early.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gujarat Titans: INR 30.25 crore</h3>



The Titans can be arguably said to have the best auction day till now with the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Jos Buttler, and finally Kagiso Rabada, the best three inclusions possible for them.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Punjab Kings: INR 47.75 crore</h3>



The people with the highest purse have spent a significant amount of money to acquire the likes of Arshdeep Singh for a huge INR 18 crore, while next getting Yuzi Chahal for another 18 crore and skipper Iyer for a record-breaking INR 26.75 crore.



ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indias-yashasvi-jaiswal-creates-history-becomes-the-batsman-to-hit-the-highest-number-of-sixes-in-a-calendar-year-of-test-cricket-ind-vs-aus/"> India?s Yashasvi Jaiswal creates history, becomes the batsman to hit the highest number of sixes in a calendar year of Test Cricket | IND vs AUS</a>

IPL 2025 Auction Updates: Every Franchise Purse Left After the Completion of the Marquee Set 2

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Pacers are having a day out here at Jeddah on the second day of the much anticipated IPL auction, as after several among batters and all-rounders went unsold, the pacers are making the banks of the franchises shaken up. First of all, Marco Jansen, the lanky pace bowling all-rounder from the Proteas, goes for the biggest bid of the day from the first session, with the Punjab Kings showing immense interest in the left-arm seamer.



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 Followed by a short break, the teams now seemed too determined, with the likes of Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and RCB all looking forward to decking up their pace bowling set. India?s one of the most anticipated pacers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, also the greatest ever Indian in the history of the IPL, gets rewarded for his consistency, as RCB bring him in for a whopping INR 10.75 crore, the only double-digit bid for the day.



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 While Indian pacers other than Bhuvi, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepak_Chahar">Deepak Chahar</a> earns a huge bid going to the arch-rivals MI from the Men in Yellow. While followed by him are Tushar Deshpande to the Rajasthan Royals, while Mukesh Kumar was retained by the Capitals using the RTM.



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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1861003858396451129</div>
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Coetzee is the only overseas bowler now going to the Gujarat Titans pace deck alongside national mate Kagiso Rabada, pairing for a breathtaking pace bowling duo.



Akash Deep gets a new franchise in the Lucknow Super Giants, who have their first player of the day and quite intriguing a futuristic option seemingly for the Super Giants.



Lockie Ferguson off at base price to the Punjab Kings.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/live-ipl-auction-2025-live-updates-day-2-latest-news-and-more-on-auction/">[LIVE] IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates DAY 2, Latest News and More on Auction</a>

The IPL Auction  Day 2 sees its first major jump; A pacers day out Bhuvneshwar Kumar sold for INR 10.75 Crores to RCB

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The IPL 2025 mega-auctions are knocking at the doorstep, and every team management is gearing alongside their coaches, mentors, and skippers. Every possible team has looked to retain their core team, though some teams have made some startling retentions, leaving out several crucial players. After the retentions were announced at the end of last month,<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Challengers_Bangalore"> Royal Challengers Bangalore</a> and Punjab Kings retained the least number of players. RCB only retained the likes of their veteran batters Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, the two promising youngsters. While PBKS retained only two of their vital uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, these two teams will be left with the highest purse amount in the history of the IPL. RCB have INR 83 crores, while PBKS entered the mega-auction with a record INR 110.5 crores in their bag. 



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#5-players-who-can-instill-a-bidding-war-between-rcb-and-pbks">5 players who can instill a bidding war between RCB and PBKS:</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#liam-livingstone">Liam Livingstone</a></li><li class=""><a href="#kagiso-rabada">Kagiso Rabada</a></li><li class=""><a href="#yuzvendra-chahal">Yuzvendra Chahal</a></li><li class=""><a href="#rishabh-pant">Rishabh Pant</a></li><li class=""><a href="#faf-du-plessis">Faf du Plessis</a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="5-players-who-can-instill-a-bidding-war-between-rcb-and-pbks">5 players who can instill a bidding war between RCB and PBKS:</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="liam-livingstone">Liam Livingstone</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Liam-Livingstone-PBKS-New-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-149652" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Liam Livingstone - The dynamic all-rounder for Punjab Kings (Image Credit: Times of India)</figcaption></figure>



The English all-rounder has had a dream form since his return to the English side following the T20 World Cup. Livingstone has been equally effective with the bat and ball, though he has recently been replaced as the ICC's No. 1 T20I all-rounder. Livingstone might be one of the RTM options in head for the Punjab Kings, while RCB will also look to acquire his services in order to reinstall their side for the IPL. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="kagiso-rabada">Kagiso Rabada</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Kagiso-Rabada-IPL.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-149653" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rabada in the IPL mega-auction (Image Credit: X.com)</figcaption></figure>



Rabada, the most veteran overseas bowler in the recent few years in the IPL, has been an ever-effective pace option for the teams; hence, he might be the second RTM option considered by the Punjab Kings. However, other than the Kings and RCB, even the likes of several other franchises like CSK and LSG, who are in the quest for an experienced pacer, would look to target the Protea legend. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="yuzvendra-chahal">Yuzvendra Chahal</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Yuzi-Chahal-IPL-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-149654" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chahal - The highest wicket getter in IPL (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)</figcaption></figure>



The Royals released their spin option while also not having much of a retention option left with them; hence, Chahal might be travelling to some other part of India. Chahal?s spin capacity turned him into the highest wicket-taker in the format and the tournament, which might find him travelling back to the Chinnaswamy or to the hills in Dharamshala or Mohali. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="rishabh-pant">Rishabh Pant</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Pant-IPL.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-149657" style="width:688px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pant in the IPL mega-auction for the first time (Image Credit: X.com) </figcaption></figure>



Pant has been anticipated by many, like Irfan Pathan and Suresh Raina, to be the IPL 2025 mega-auction?s highest-bid player. Some have also predicted that he might break Starc's record for the highest bid amount in the mega-auction. Pant might be backed only by the two biggest IPL franchises, who have the secured purse amount required for acquiring a high-stakes player like Pant. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="faf-du-plessis">Faf du Plessis</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/faf-from-RCB-1024x538.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149658" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Faf Du Plessis won the CPL trophy as a skipper in 2024 (Image Credit: NDTV Sports) </figcaption></figure>



Faf was not retained by the Royal Challengers, maybe because he could be received for a lower amount than the retention slab. Hence he might be said to be RCB?s prime target in the form of an RTM. Du Plessis recently led the St. Lucia Kings in the CPL, a daughter franchise of the Kings, and since then he might highly be in demand in the IPL as well, especially with a new mentor and hopes of lifting the title for the first time in the IPL.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-when-and-where-to-watch-the-series-in-india/">Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024: When and Where to watch the series in India? </a>

5 players who can stir up a bidding contest between RCB and PBKS; two teams with the highest purse in the IPL 2025 mega-auction|||||||

5 players who can stir up a bidding contest between RCB and PBKS; two teams with the highest purse in the IPL 2025 mega-auction

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Australian legend and two-times World Cup as well as Champions Trophy-winning skipper <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Ponting">Ricky Ponting</a> has been appointed in the role of PBKS head coach. Ricky Ponting has had an exemplary record in the Indian Premier League, as he was first seen starring for the Kolkata Knight Riders as a player back in the inaugural season of 2008, then he returned to the Mumbai Indians in 2013. Ponting started his days as a coach in the IPL when he turned Mumbai Indians batting consultant before parting ways with the team in order to turn head coach and mentor for the Delhi Capitals. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/09/DC-Coach-Ponting-1024x710.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147259" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ricky Ponting coached the Delhi Capitals for 7 editions (Image credit: The Hindu)</figcaption></figure>
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 Ponting has had quite a large success with the Capitals, as he took them to multiple playoffs and, on one of those occasions, to a final. It would not be more than 2 months since the legend parted ways with his former franchise, the Delhi Capitals; he is back in the IPL with a new role for a new franchise. After ending his stint with the Capitals, Ponting was seen in the role of Washington Freedom?s head coach in the MLC 2024. Under Australian head coach and Aussie skipper Steven Smith, Freedom went on to claim the MLC 2024 title. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/09/Ponting-WAF-coach-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-147260" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ricky Ponting went on to coach Washington Freedom in their title triumph in MLC 2024 (Image: Cricbuzz.com)</figcaption></figure>
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 Ricky Ponting, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, has entered a multi-year contract with the Punjab Kings and has also received the liberty to decide on the remaining of the coaching staff. The roles of previous coaches, Trevor Bayliss, Sanjay Bangar, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charl_Langeveldt">Charl Langeveldt</a>, and Sunil Joshi, remain unclear as to who would reprise their roles under the new mentor. The Punjab Kings have been the most disappointing among IPL franchises since they could not make it to the playoffs for 10 seasons since 2014. Ponting is their third man in the role of head coach over the last 4 editions of the IPL. 



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 Appointed just before the retention season, Ponting would have a key role to play as only the likes of players like Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, the purple cap winner, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Singh, and Arshdeep Singh seem to be the handy players in the lineup. 



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/lsg-skipper-kl-rahul-has-hinted-towards-joining-rcb-ahead-of-the-ipl-mega-auction/">LSG skipper KL Rahul has hinted towards joining RCB ahead of the IPL mega-auction</a> Also, Ponting would decide the future of overhyped all-rounder Sam Curran and currently placed England's No. 1 ICC T20I all-rounder, Liam Livingstone. After Shikhar Dhawan?s retirement, they are also in the quest for a new skipper in the upcoming season.

New Role for Legendary Australian: Ricky Ponting appointed as PBKS head coach||

New Role for Legendary Australian: Ricky Ponting appointed as PBKS head coach

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After Hardik Pandya assumed the leadership of the Mumbai Indians, rumors quickly spread that Rohit Sharma, the former captain and five-time IPL champion, might depart from his long-standing franchise. Now, in a surprising turn of events, Sanjay Bangar has added fuel to the speculation by suggesting that Sharma could be listed in the IPL Auction for 2025.



There could be a surprising bidder for Rohit Sharma if the Mumbai Indians do not retain the Indian captain before the upcoming mega auction. Speculation is running high in the cricketing world about Sharma's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with rumors circulating that he may join the Punjab Kings for the 2025 season. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/Rohit-Sharma-Hardik-Pandya-IPL-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="IPL 2024: Fresh take on Rohit Sharma vs Hardik Pandya MI captaincy controversy, '3 more people involved' believes Harsha Bhogle" class="wp-image-132532" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Express photo by Nirmal Harindran</figcaption></figure>



If this move comes to pass, it could be one of the most groundbreaking transfers in IPL history, given Sharma's reputation and remarkable achievements.



With the IPL Mega Auction 2025 fast approaching, one team rumored to be interested in Rohit Sharma is the Punjab Kings (PBKS), who will be looking for a new captain after Shikhar Dhawan's retirement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Rohit-shikhar.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan" class="wp-image-146282" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image- BCCI/IPL</figcaption></figure>



Rumors tend to gain traction when they come from prominent figures, and similarly, Sanjay Bangar, the head of cricket development for PBKS, did not dismiss the possibility of the franchise attempting to sign Rohit Sharma. However, he cautioned that Sharma is likely to command a high price in the IPL 2025 auction.



In an interaction on the RAO Podcast Youtube channel, Bangar said: "It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe, he is going to go for a high price."



This only statement was quite enough to break the internet with Rohit Sharma trending on Twitter. Social media, especially X, is buzzing with fan theories and predictions. Many fans and analysts are eager to see Rohit Sharma don a new jersey, with the Punjab Kings often emerging as a popular choice. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/05/Rohit-Sharma-1024x708.jpg" alt="IPL 2024 MI vs LSG: Match Prediction, Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report, Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants Head-to-Head Records and Winner Prediction" class="wp-image-134211" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rohit Sharma</figcaption></figure>



The anticipation goes beyond just a change of team for Sharma; it's also about the potential impact his leadership could have on a franchise that has lacked consistency over the years.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-wtc-points-table-updated-after-eng-vs-sl-1st-test-england-in-top-4-with-commanding-victory/">ICC WTC Points Table Updated After ENG vs SL 1st Test | England in TOP 4 With Commanding Victory</a><div></div><div class="tdb-author-name-wrap" style="align-items: baseline"></div><div></div>



SOURCE- <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/if-rohit-sharma-comes-to-auction-pbks-official-hints-at-major-ipl-auction-shock-amid-mi-future-speculations-101724634550202-amp.html">CRICIT by HINDUSTAN TIMES</a>

"If Rohit Sharma Comes To Auction..." Bangar Hints Something Big For The Upcoming IPL Auction 2025

if-rohit-sharma-comes-to-auction-bangar-hints-something-big-for-the-upcoming-ipl-auction-2025

IPL 2025: Recently, legendary Indian opener and second-highest run-getter in the IPL and former Punjab Kings skipper, Shikhar Dhawan, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He was highly praised after he announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket. Dhawan, aged 38, was the skipper of the Punjab Kings at the beginning of the season, though due to his lack of fitness, he remained out of contention for most of the season. Now with him out, PBKS would look to have a new player in the role of their skipper. Also, the likes of their substitute skipper, Sam Curran, who has a whopping worth of 18.5 crores, might not be retained for the season, as the player might be too heavy for their purse in the IPL mega-auction. 



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#the-top-3-players-who-can-be-ideal-to-replace-shikhar-dhawan">The top 3 players who can be ideal to replace Shikhar Dhawan</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#steven-smith">Steven Smith </a></li><li class=""><a href="#rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma </a></li><li class=""><a href="#harry-brook">Harry Brook </a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-top-3-players-who-can-be-ideal-to-replace-shikhar-dhawan">The top 3 players who can be ideal to replace Shikhar Dhawan</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="steven-smith">Steven Smith </h3>



The Aussie legend was once one of the finest players in the IPL, as he also led the Rising Pune Supergiants to the Finals back in 2001. However, since 2022, he has yet to be featured in the IPL as he went unsold for three seasons. The Aussie came back strongly for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL, while she was not again picked for the Australian team traveling to the United States for the T20 World Cup. After this, Smith was chosen as a skipper and opening batsman by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Freedom_(cricket)">Washington Freedom</a> in this year?s MLC 2024. There he led them from the front by example, as he batted stunningly to be the second-highest run-getter and also led his team to a Trophy win with a stunning knock in the final. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Steve-Smith-Back-to-his-prime-in-MLC.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-146288" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steven Smith back to his prime with MLC 2024 (Image Credit: ESPNcricinfo)</figcaption></figure>
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 Smith can be the final answer to PBKS? search for a consistent batter and also one of the finest cricketing brains. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma </h3>



A legendary Indian skipper who won the T20 World Cup recently and is in the best form of his career can be a better player than him to be brought in by any team. With large speculations over Rohit Sharma's parting ways with former franchise Mumbai Indians, he becomes a likely choice for a franchise like Sharma. Sharma can be a huge buy for the Punjab Kings, though his age is also a factor since he also retired from international T20 cricket post the title triumph of India. 



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/eng-vs-sl-josh-hull-receives-maiden-test-call-after-mark-woods-injury/">ENG vs SL: Josh Hull receives maiden test call after Mark Wood?s injury</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="harry-brook">Harry Brook </h3>



English youngsters have not had the most exemplary record while playing limited-overs cricket. He has enjoyed much success in the longest format of the game; however, he has also been recognized as one of the finest talents in short formats. Brook has an IPL hundred in his opening season; though he missed the previous season due to injury, he has played in The Hundred and took his team forward with his alarming presence. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/The-perfect-blend-of-all-round-brilliance-from-Sam-Curran-potrayed-at-The-Hundred-min-1024x768.png" alt="" class="wp-image-146289" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The perfect blend of all-round brilliance from Sam Curran potrayed at The Hundred (Image Credit: ESPNcricinfo and CricTracker)</figcaption></figure>



 However, Sam Curran might also be favored over Brook, due to the latter's ability to bowl four overs, as he was the third-highest wicket-getter of The Hundred with 17 wickets and also scored 200+ runs with a handy strike rate. Yet his price is to drop to a subtle amount before the auction.

IPL 2025: 3 players Punjab Kings can target in the auction to replace Shikhar Dhawan as their skipper

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The Punjab Kings are a franchise cricket team based in Mohali, Punjab, that plays in the Indian Premier League. Established in 2008 as the Kings XI Punjab, the franchise is jointly owned by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta and Karan Paul. The team plays its home matches at the PCA Stadium, Mohali.

Punjab Kings

The poor luck for Rohit Sharma continued in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

"Rohit Sharma deserves Nobel Prize in Mathematics"- Fans troll India captain as team loses 15th consecutive toss loss in ODIs

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The reports claimed that if India wins the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, then Rohit Sharma will be calling his retirement right away just as he did in the T20Is after the final of the T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma to announce his retirement after ICC Champions Trophy 2025...

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Gujarat Titans have made a new addition to their coaching staff ahead of the IPL 2025.

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans rope in this Australian star as their assistant coach

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India faces New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. With spin-friendly conditions, India's dominant form meets New Zealand’s resilience. Fantasy tips, pitch insights, and Dream11 predictions included!

IND vs NZ Final, Dream11 Prediction, Dubai Pitch Report, Playing Conditions, Fantasy Tips, and More

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UP warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bangalore cricket: WPL 2025: UP Warriors defeated RCB by 12 runs. With this defeat, last season's champion Bangalore is out of the playoff race.