IND vs NZ: Jadeja’s five-for and Sundar’s four-for land India an early upper hand on Day 1

Subhomoy Datta
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IND vs NZ: Jadeja’s five-for and Sundar’s four-for land India an early upper hand on Day 1

IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar, the spinner brought into the team for the second and third tests, dismissed star New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra for the third time in the series.

Sundar was not initially a part of the squad for the India vs. New Zealand red-ball series but was later brought into the squad as an additional spinner for the second and third tests.


Rachin Ravindra has been New Zealand’s master batter in sub-continent conditions, while the spinning track at Pune found Sundar breaking all hell loose for New Zealand as he got his maiden 10-wicket haul in First Class cricket.

After dismissing him twice in the Pune test for a decent half-century in the first inning and then early on in the second, the spinner has also broken open his stumps wide in the first inning of the Wankhede test.

Before dismissing Ravindra, Sundar also got rid of the skipper, Tom Latham, as New Zealand were reduced to 97/3 at lunch on Day 1.

The post-lunch period went completely in favour of the Indians, as the partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell was the last standout partnership for the Blackcaps before the Indian spinners wreaked havoc.


Ravindra Jadeja struck twice in the same over with Will Young caught at slips followed by Blundell being bowled out for a duck. Also, Glenn Phillips fell to Jadeja before the tea break.

Post Tea, in the third session of the day, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja went on to pick the remaining 4-wickets in no time, as New Zealand were bowled out for a minor 235 runs. Jadeja with the 5-for in this game, went past the likes of great Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma as the highest wicket-taker in red-ball cricket for India.

India’s supposed chances at the WTC

India in the WTC
India eyes third straight entry into WTC finals (Image Credit: X.com)

India is not at all out of the World Test Championship race despite their huge drop in the PCT, which they recorded after the series loss to the New Zealand side, losing the first two test matches.

India is still at the top of the points table of the WTC, while the PCT nears the defending champions Australia. The Australians, on the other hand, are looking forward to fancying their chances in the home BGT they would play against India.

India would have to manage a win in 4 of their next 6 WTC appearances, of which 5 games would be in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Losing any more than 2 games would mean India will also have to depend on other fellow contenders to enter into the third consecutive WTC final to be held at Lord’s in 2025.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Royals target many players for the mega-auction as they reveal retentions to ESPNcricinfo ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal

IND vs NZ: 2 Changes India might make for the 3rd Test against New Zealand; Check Out For Full Details

Rahul Chaube
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IND vs NZ: 2 Changes India might make for the 3rd Test against New Zealand; Check Out For Full Details

IND vs NZ 3rd Test: This is the first time in the last 12 years when India lost a home test series and this has put the skipper Rohit Sharma and new head coach Gautam Gambhir under a lot of heat. There is a possibility of a couple of changes in the playing11 of India and here we are with the 2 Changes India might make for the IND vs NZ 3rd Test.

India played a test series against Bangladesh at home prior to the current New Zealand Series. Team India’s performance in that series set the strong foundation for the era of the new head coach Gautam Gambhir but no one would have imagined that building was just about to collapse in their next home series against New Zealand.

IND vs NZ: Ravindra and Young led New Zealand to an iconic Test victory after 36 years; Match Summary, Updated WTC Standings and many more
Kiwis script iconic history after Test victory in India after 36-years: IND vs NZ (Image: India Today)

After India’s heroic win against Bangladesh in the two Tests, the stakes and expectations were high for India to slaughter the Kiwis down but the Blackcaps turned the table upside down and now they are in a dominating position with the series 2-0 in their pocket.

Defeating India in India was something the world hadn’t witnessed in the last 12 years, but this New Zealand side wrote the history of winning not just the Test Match but also the Test series.

After the humiliating series loss, Rohit Sharma said “We are allowed one such performance in 12 years. If we were collapsing like this regularly then we would not have been winning at home. We have a lot of expectations. We are expected to win every game at our home, and it is because of our performances.”

Now, the eyes are on the third and last match of the series. India would be highly anticipating a consolation win in the last match but this would require a lot more than what they did in the first two tests.

There are possibilities of a couple of changes in the playing11 of India and below are the 2 Changes India might make for the IND vs NZ 3rd Test:

2 Changes India might make for the IND vs NZ 3rd Test

1- Mohammad Siraj IN for Akash Deep

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Mohammed Siraj (Photo by Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Mohammad Siraj played the first test but his performance forced the skipper to replace him with Akash Deep. But, India need more experienced players in the last Test and Wankhede’s Pitch suits more to Siraj.

The team would also like to play Kuldeep Yadav but there is no spot in the team to place him in. The team would be more focused on strengthening the batting.

2- KL Rahul IN for Sarfaraz Khan

IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah to PLAY 3rd India vs England Test, India's Test Squad Selection in a day
Image: BCCI.tv

Sarfaraz Khan tried his level best in the first test to save the match but it was not meant to happen. However, his big runs in the second innings of the first test secured his place in the playing11 for the second test.

KL Rahul is a quality and defensible player, while Sarfaraz is an aggressive option and team in this situation requires a player with good techniques and experience and KL Rahul takes the lead here. Also, Sharfaraz is a top-order batter while Rahul is comfortable batting down the order.

INDIA PLAYING11 Prediction For IND vs NZ 3rd Test

Rohit Sharma
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Rishabh Pant
KL Rahul
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sunder
Ravi Ashwin
Jaspret Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj

READ: Rajasthan Royals target many players for the mega-auction as they reveal retentions to ESPNcricinfo ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Rajasthan Royals target many players for the mega-auction as they reveal retentions to ESPNcricinfo ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Subhomoy Datta
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Rajasthan Royals target many players for the mega-auction as they reveal retentions to ESPNcricinfo ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal

The Champions of the very first edition of the IPL since 2008, Rajasthan Royals have not been able to make it to their best in the tournament. Their next final appearance came so many years later, in 2022, when they reached the final under Sanju Samson’s leadership, though they lost to the debutant Gujarat Titans.

Finally, the Rajasthan Royals have announced the likes of IPL retentions for the upcoming season, as they have named only the likes of the 4 Indian players. They have let go of their overseas talents, even the likes of England’s white-ball skipper, Jos Buttler.

https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1851798997280641293


Veteran Windies finisher Shmiron Hetmyer and the likes of great Trent Boult have been released by the Rajasthan Royals, as they look to retain a higher purse as they enter the mega-auction. The biggest surprise was the release of the Indian spin duo of Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Also, the likes of Dhruv Jurel, who was once made a part of the Royals franchise back in the 2022 mega-auction for a minor INR 20 lakh, have been a matter of debacle in the Royals camp.

Though the Royals have not revealed their likely retention slabs, they are supposed to lose at least 47 crores from the entire purse amount. In case Jurel is also included for the side, the retention slab would be as high as INR 65 crores, which seems very unlikely.

Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag RR min
Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag – The highest scorers for Rajasthan Royals (Image Credit: X.com)


The Rajasthan Royals are looking forward to retaining the likes of skipper Sanju Samson, who went on to score 531 runs in the format in the IPL 2024 season. Also, the highest run-getter of the season, Riyan Parag, has been retained in the season after having scored 573 runs.

ALSO READ: KL Rahul has decided to part ways with LSG; while these four franchises have reportedly shown interest in the IPL veteran

While two-time centurions, Jos Buttler from the last season, and most-successful bowler Yuzi Chahal have been released, while Sandeep Sharma and Jaiswal have been retained, welcome to the era of unexpected cricket under World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid.

KL Rahul has decided to part ways with LSG; while these four franchises have reportedly shown interest in the IPL veteran

Subhomoy Datta
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KL Rahul has decided to part ways with LSG; while these four franchises have reportedly shown interest in the IPL veteran

The Lucknow Super Giants as claimed by reports never looked to return with the former skipper KL Rahul, however, they supported today as they looked forward to making KL Rahul one of their top-priority retentions.

However, the former skipper, KL Rahul has decided to opt out of the Lucknow Super Giants side and look out for new franchises, the cricketer has claimed to have made this decision based on personal and professional concerns.

KL Rahul after leaving out LSG is a seeming target for these 4 franchises

Gujarat Titans

The Gujarat Titans are looking forward to rebuilding a team to level up with the other franchises, as they lack in the batting department. With a wicket-keeper who can open the innings for the Titans, everything might be sorted.

KL Rahul might be looking to fancy his chances into such a team, as Rahul might also be a valuable asset to the side owing to his brilliance in the top order, as he might be paired alongside Gill.

Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals have not decided to opt up their retentions as of yet, while the skipper Samson surely would look for an opener who can help them settle down at the top alongside young Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The Royals, who have several Indian middle-order talents in Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, will only be decked up with KL Rahul, who might allow more finishing all-rounders of overseas origin for the Royals, the only thing they lacked.

Chennai Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings are possibly the most successful franchise in history and retaining the great MS Dhoni; they are not in need of a wicketkeeper, yet having a middle-order vacant, they would look to bring in someone for sure.

CSK would hence deck up their middle order in the absence of Rahane, Ravindra, Mitchell, and Moeen, and KL Rahul seems to be one of the best choices for the same.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

As said earlier by reports, RCB were always looking to let go of their former skipper Faf du Plessis, despite him being in irresistible form. KL Rahul can be an asset to them in the top-order.

With speculations of Kohli returning as the RCB skipper for the upcoming season, Rahul might be seen more of as a batter, and KL Rahul might be posed alongside Kohli as the other opener back for the side he made his debut for in 2013.

ALSO READ: A true Captain’s show! Shubman Gill agrees to lesser pay to promote building a core team for the Gujarat Titans

A true Captain’s show! Shubman Gill agrees to lesser pay to promote building a core team for the Gujarat Titans

Subhomoy Datta
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A true Captain’s show! Shubman Gill agrees to lesser pay to promote building a core team for the Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans have finally taken a call regarding their list of retentions ahead of the IPL mega-auctions, as Shubman Gill will be retained as the skipper of the side.

The latest development suggests that Shubman Gill, the probable skipper, has nodded his head for a lesser pay to allow the Titans to retain most of their core players and also enter the mega-auction with a substantial amount of purse.

The developments suggest that, alongside Shubman Gill, the Titans are looking forward to retaining the likes of legendary T20 spinner Rashid Khan, who has been the other player in the squad since their debut title triumph in 2022.


“There were plenty of talented players in the existing pool, and the captain taking a paycut has allowed the franchise to retain a lot of them. At such a young age, Gill has already started thinking as a leader and is in constant discussions about the mega-auction and the road ahead,” the source who seemed closest to the developments made.

SRH announces their 5 retentions as they deduct their purse amount by INR 75 crores

SRH retentions big4 min
Sunrisers Hyderabad to retain the likes of Big-4 (Image Credit: X.com)

The Sunrisers Hyderabad made it to their third final in the history of the tournament after the first two came back in 2016 and 2018. SRH bullet a massive squad, which seemed very eminent from the mammoth totals they made in the previous edition.

They hold on to their likely decision of retaining the likes of Heinrich Klaasen for a whopping INR 23 crore, which will be followed by skipper Pat Cummins being held for a surpassing INR 18 crore, a similar pay cut which the skipper agreed to.

Alongside Klaasen and Cummins, the likes of frontrunning openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head will be retained for a huge INR 14 crore, respectively, while lastly Nitish Kumar Reddy will be retained for an amount of INR 6 crore.

SRH hence adds up their retentions to a whopping INR 75 crore, which will leave them with just an amount of INR 45 crore for the mega-auction, thus not leaving them with much to do.

ALSO READ: IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: “Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection” Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada displaces Jasprit Bumrah to become the new number 1 ranked Test-Bowler

Aryan Malik
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South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada displaces Jasprit Bumrah to become the new number 1 ranked Test-Bowler

South Africa’s elite fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has displaced India’s Jasprit Bumrah to become the new number 1 ranked Test-Bowler as per the recently updated ICC Men’s Test-Player Rankings. Overtaking the Indian pacer, the 29-year-old now sits comfortably at the top of the rankings after wrecking havoc with the ball versus Bangladesh.

It’s a really bright-time for Kagiso to shine for his country, especially since his performances will play an important role in helping South Africa qualify for their first ever WTC Final. The 29-year-old recently completed the achievement of picking up 300 Test Wickets versus the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh in the 1st Test-Match at the Cricket Stadium of Dhaka.

Kagiso Rabada Returns To The Number 1 Spot After a span of Five-Years

Rabada managed to pick up nine-scalps in the match versus the Tigers which helped him to make a jump of three spots and he managed to surpass Bumrah, Ashwin and Josh Hazelwood to make his comeback as the world’s number one Test-ranked bowler for the first time since 2019.

Notably, the South African seamer held the position back in January of 2018 and he has been sitting inside the top 10 ranks on a regular basis after he was dethroned from the first rank in February of 2019.

The South African pacer sits at the top of the rankings with 860 ranking-points next to his name and he’s followed by Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood (847 ranking-points) at the second-position, Jasprit Bumrah (846 points) and Ravi Ashwin at the fourth place with 831 ranking-points. Aussie captain Pat Cummins rounds up the top 5 of the Test Bowling Rankings.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli likely to return as the captain of RCB, Faf Du Plessis set to be released ahead of Mega-Auction

For more information, visit the official website of ICC

IPL 2025: Virat Kohli likely to return as the captain of RCB, Faf Du Plessis set to be released ahead of Mega-Auction

Aryan Malik
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IPL 2025: Virat Kohli likely to return as the captain of RCB, Faf Du Plessis set to be released ahead of Mega-Auction

Virat Kohli: With speculations about the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) retentions heating up ahead of the 2025 Mega-Auction, fresh rumours have claimed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon and ace Indian batsman Virat Kohli is poised to return as the captain, replacing Faf du Plessis as the new skipper.

According to a news report of ESPNCricinfo, the Bangalore based team intend to release their veteran South African batsman Faf Du Plessis, with Kohli returning to handle the leadership duties of the franchise.

Kohli to replace Du Plessis as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming edition of the IPL: Reports

Taking into account the recent-developments, the three-time runners up are looking to provide another chance to Virat as the captain if they don’t manage to find a suitable captaincy candidate in the forthcoming IPL 2025 Mega-Auction.

With the Bengaluru based team still in search of their maiden IPL title win, they could return to their former skipper Virat Kohli to lead them to glory if reports are to be trusted.

The news regarding RCB’s captaincy position gained attention when ESPNcricinfo announced Kohli’s decision to take the helm once more during its Retention-Chatters panel discussion.

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Royal Challenger Bangalore player Virat Kohli during the practice session at PCA stadium on April 19, 2012 in Mohali, India. Royal Challenger Bangalore will play the IPL T20 Cricket match against Kings Xi Punjab in Mohali on April 20, 2012. (Photo by Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

It’s worth noting that the 35-year-old has been associated with the franchise since the tournament’s inaugural-edition in 2008 and was appointed as their full-time skipper in the 2013 edition of the cash-rich T20 league.He relinquished his leadership duties ahead of the 2022 edition of the competition in order to manage his workload and Faf replaced him as the skipper.

Talking about Virat’s stats as a captain in the history of the IPL, he has led RCB in 143 contests and out of these 143 matches, the Bengaluru based team have won in 66 games while they have lost 70 matches under his leadership.

In the previous season of the Indian Premier League, finished as the highest run scorer, winning the orange cap for the second time after scoring a total of 741 runs in 15 fixtures at a good strike rate of 154.69.

Also Read: Top Three Franchises Who Might Target Washington Sundar for the IPL mega-auction ft. Mumbai Indians

For more information, visit the official website of IPL

IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: “Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection” Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25

Subhomoy Datta
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IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: “Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection” Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25

IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India is all set to tour the Aussie island for a five-match series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after the two legends of the game from both nations.

India will tour Australia for a red-ball series after a three-year break in 2021, where India emerged the proud winners, while the series this time is scheduled from 22nd November at every iconic venue in Australia.

The BCCI earlier this week announced the squad for the Indian travel that will travel to Australia for the BGT. Some notable omissions, along with some very fresh recruits, took the cricketing world by surprise.


Last time India visited Australia, they included the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shardul Thakur, who have been left out this time despite Pujara being in the best of forms with the bat both in the Ranji Trophy and the County Championship this season.

Senior pacer Mohammad Shami is not yet available based on his recovery schedule from an injury he faced during the World Cup back in 2023. In his absence, the Indian pace deck will be led by ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, as he will have the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana alongside him, none of whom have played a single red-ball match in the country.

Raising questions on the same, former Indian selector for the BCCI back in 2020, Sunil Joshi slammed the selectors with harsh words over ignoring experience for such a vital series en route to the WTC.

ALSO READ: IND vs NZ: Kane Williamson was ruled out of the third test, while the uncapped pacer has been drafted into India’s squad for the Third Wankhede Test

He directly took names of players, as he mentioned the likes of Shardul Thakur and T Natrajan among the players who could have had the experience India needed under such conditions. Alongside Pant, he also had the backs of Pujara and Hanuma Vihari, once an Indian player who had been left out of the squad for a long time now.

His faith in the likes of Shardul Thakur, Pujara, and Natrajan’s experience seemed far more compelling than the inclusion of youngsters in Harshit Rana, NK Reddy, and lastly, promising batter Abhimanyu Easwaran.

ALSO READ: IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: With Steven Smith destined to be back at No. 4, these players are auditioning for the opening spot in the Australian 11

England announce their Test squad for the New Zealand series, allrounder Jacob Bethell receives maiden call-up

Aryan Malik
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England announce their Test squad for the New Zealand series, allrounder Jacob Bethell receives maiden call-up

England’s Cricket Governing Body, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced England’s 16-member squad for the team’s upcoming Test-Series tour of New Zealand on Tuesday, 29th of October.

The Kiwis and the Three Lions will be battling it out against each other in a three-match Test-Series in the months of November & December.

The squad of the Ben Stokes-led team features an exciting new addition in the form of 21-year-old wonderkid Jacob Bethell, a talented Batting All-rounder hailing from Warwickshire. Bethell has been handed his debut five-day format call-up after making his debut in One Day International and T20 International earlier this year.

Bethell, who is well-known for his aggressive intent with the bat and skilled left-arm spin bowling, gained the attention of the English selectors versus Australia and now he’s set to make his debut in the longest format of the game as well.

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Jacob Bethell had an outstanding series versus Australia with both bat and ball | Image: ECB / Getty Images

The 21-year-old is currently with England’s limited overs team in the Caribbean islands and he will join the Test team for the tour of the Black Caps after completing his white-ball duties alongside the duo of Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith will be absent from the tour of New Zealand due to his paternity leave responsibilities.

Since Jamie will be busy in welcoming his first kid in to this world, Cox will be taking his place in the team and will be making his maiden Test appearance as the wicketkeeper-batsman of the Ben Stokes-led team in the forthcoming three-match Test Series versus the 2021 WTC winners, starting from 28th of November onwards in the Hagley Oval Stadium of Christchurch.

Apart from this, no other changes have been made in England’s Test-Squad and it’s similar to their squad versus Pakistan.

England’s squad for the Three-match Test-Series versus New Zealand

Ben Stokes (Captain), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, Zak Crawley, Jordan Cox (WK), Brydon Carse, Ollie Pope (Vice-Captain), Jack Leach, Olly Stone, Matthew Pots, Ben Duckett and Joe Root.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Andre Russell Not a Confirmed Retention choice for KKR Ahead of Mega-Auction: Reports

For more information, visit the official websites of England Cricket and ICC

Top Three Franchises Who Might Target Washington Sundar for the IPL mega-auction ft. Mumbai Indians

Subhomoy Datta
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0
Top Three Franchises Who Might Target Washington Sundar for the IPL mega-auction ft. Mumbai Indians

Since Washington Sundar starred for India in the T20I series’ after the retirement of legendary all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, he has made quite an impact under several difficult circumstances. Reports suggest teams like Mumbai Indians, CSK and Gujarat Titans are eyeing him for the mega-auction.

Sundar, though young, has been an eminent part of Indian domestic cricket and has several standout records across all formats of the game. Sundar recently, after his dominating second-class hundred of 159 runs, was called up for the Indian team.

Washington Sundar has also been a long part of the IPL, as Sundar in the recent game against New Zealand went on to secure his best-ever international performance with 11 wickets in the game.

With Sundar nearing 50 international T20I wickets, several IPL franchises have shown a keen interest in hiring him into their side as SRH is not likely to retain him for the upcoming season.

The top 3 franchises who might target Washington Sundar in the IPL mega-auction

Gujarat Titans

Shubi Gill GT
Shubman Gill – Likely retention for Gujarat Titans (Image: Adda247)

The Gujarat Titans are reportedly only looking to retain the likes of their skipper and star batter Shubman Gill, while Rashid Khan’s retention also remains questionable, and nothing has been confirmed for either of these claims.

However, something that seems imminent is that the Titans would be in the quest to reinforce their squad and hence would look for crucial players of Indian origin who can turn the fortunes for the champions from the 2022 season.

Chennai Super Kings

Jadeja in CSK
Ravindra Jadeja the most likely CSK retention (Image Credit: X.com)

The CSK side is often known for featuring the likes of India’s best-ever spinner produced in the IPL, Ravi Ashwin. Washington Sundar is also not very different from the former, with his excellence being on par.

Sundar has also had a good hand in batting, he can also score quick runs with the bat and can be very helpful on the Chepauk track, which is very handy for off-spinners. Only having Jadeja as a spinner, they would be in the quest for another such bowler.

Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya MI
Hardik Pandya – Will he continue as MI skipper (Image Credit: News18)

The Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in the history of the game, as the Hardik Pandya-led side have been troubled by their lack of spin bowlers in the middle-phase of the game. Also, the overseas batters do not find the pace of Pandya or anyone else to be threatening in the middle overs.

Mohammad Nabi could not be very handy, while another Indian addition will be crucial to the team, as Sundar can be an asset for MI, so that he can provide further depth to their batting order, which is often favored by Mahela Jayawardene and the Mumbai management.

ALSO READ: LSG to retain 3 capped players alongside 2 uncapped Indian players for IPL 2025 ft. Nicholas Pooran suggests reports from ESPNcricinfo

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