The TATA IPL 2023 season is a year away from now on. But with the IPL media rights going for a hefty 48000 Crores, the focus has once again shifted to that league. For broadcasting each game, Star TV Network is now going to pay more than 100 Crore Indian Rupees to the BCCI. Now that?s a whopping, a jaw-dropping amount! But why is it so? Are Indian youngsters so talented and are we Indians avid followers of cricket? Yes, we are! And the tournament is growing by the minute. Some fresher players walk in every season and dominate the league. So, who are the top 5 players who can make a big mark next season in TATA IPL 2023? Here is an in-depth look:?



<h2>1) N Tilak Varma will play for the Mumbai Indians in TATA IPL 2023:?</h2>



N Tilak Varma played for the Mumbai Indians in TATA IPL 2022. He was the only batter who was very impressive in the initial stage of the tournament for the men in blue. Tilak was chosen as a left-handed all-rounder but they used him exclusively as a batter. Tilak was given the best of opportunities. He floated up the order at times to deal with the pressure situations. ?



With star players such as Quinton De Kock, Hardik Pandya, and Krunal Pandya walking away from the Mumbai Indians a big void was created in the team. But Tilak effectively filled the void with his presence. He dealt very well with the global stage of bowlers. He played pace very well. He wasn?t frightened by the express pace of bowlers such as Trent Boult and Navdeep Saini. ?



His innings against Rajasthan Royals were a very mature knock. He averaged 36.02 at a strike rate of 131.2. He can be an ideal number 4 batter for the Mumbai team in TATA IPL 2023. ?



<h2>2) Rahul Tripathi will play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in TATA IPL 2023:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Rahul-Tripathi-min-1024x576.jpg" alt="Rahul Tripathi TATA IPL 2023" class="wp-image-91070" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: The Indian Express</figcaption></figure>



Rahul Tripathi finally got his dues cleared from the BCCI when the selection panel finally invited him for the national tour against Ireland. Rahul is a true star batter. He is a complete team man. Harbhajan Singh, the legendary Indian spinner, regards Rahul as one of the most hard-working and one of the purest souls that he has ever come across. &nbsp;



Tripathi played a crucial part in carrying the KKR team to the final in IPL 2021. He then emulated the performances in TATA IPL 2022 to help SRH remain in contention. He hasn?t had a very big breakthrough season and IPL 2023 can be that. Tripathi is a senior player for the Maharasthra domestic team. The MCA ground has a lot to offer for the spinners and this is exactly why Rahul?s game against spin is very well-developed. ?



He deals well with the short balls. He doesn?t rely on power but timing is his key. He averaged 37.55 at a strike rate of 158.88.&nbsp;



<h2>3) Prasidh Krishna:&nbsp;</h2>



Prasidh Krishna has become an integral part of the Indian team. He is one of the top picks when it comes to the ODI format but he has become a mainstay with the team. His opportunity to make a debut in red-ball cricket or T20I cricket is very nearby. He bowls quick, in fact super quick.?



Prasidh clocks 145+kmph consistently. Krishna has made Virat Kohli, one of the greatest batters of all time, his bunny. Every time in a game of RR against Royal Challengers Bangalore, whenever Kohli was to be troubled, Sanju Samson threw the ball to Krishna. He nips the ball away from the right-hander and into the left-hander. ?



Keeping fitness is the key as Rajasthan Royals can easily replace Prasidh with Navdeep. Both the bowlers are almost the same but Prasidh is more of the ?hit-the-deck" kind. Sanju Samson used Prasidh very well. When David Miller hit him for 3 sixes, his performance in the next game was elite. This incident speaks a lot about the character of Skiddy. He has a lot to offer in TATA IPL 2023 ?



<h2>4) Jitesh Sharma:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Jitesh-Sharma-min-1024x683.jpg" alt="Jitesh Sharma TATA IPL 2023" class="wp-image-91071" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: News18</figcaption></figure>



Jitesh Sharma is a senior domestic player. Jitesh has been around the cricketing circuit since 2015. He was initially associated with the Mumbai Indians but this season he played for the Punjab Kings. &nbsp;



The Punjab Kings did not give him an ideal position but due to the collapses in the batting, Jitesh did get a decent number of opportunities to show what he got. Jitesh can be effectively used as a number 3 or number4 batter by any other team. The ideal place for him could be with the Lucknow Super Giants or with the Gujarat Titans, the teams that have an evident loophole in the top order. ?



Jitesh has a lot to offer with the bat and this is exactly what he showed this season. He scored 234 runs at a strike rate of 168.9. It will be great to see what exactly he has in store for us in the forthcoming season in TATA IPL 2023. ?



<h2>5) Dewald Brevis will play for the Mumbai Indians in TATA IPL 2023:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Dewald-Brevis-min-1024x576.jpg" alt="Dewald Brevis" class="wp-image-91072" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: The NDTV News</figcaption></figure>



Baby ABD was no hype! Dewald Brevis is Baby ABD if we look closely. He times the ball to perfection just like him. Dewald Brevis played for the Mumbai Indians in TATA IPL 2022. He gave us a glimpse of his immense potential in the game against the Punjab Kings where he smacked, Rahul Chahar for 29 runs in one over. He hit him for 4 consecutive sixes. ?



Dewald batted at numbers 3 and 4 for the Mumbai Indians in the absence of Suryakumar Yadav and decently filled that void. Brevis will be an asset for the Mumbai Indians in the long run. He is young and has a lot of game time left. If he can have his head on his shoulder and can stay fit, he can go a very long way. ?



To know more go to<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-t20-world-cup-top-10-batters-to-watch-out-for-star-batters/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-t20-world-cup-top-10-batters-to-watch-out-for-star-batters/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> ICC T20 World Cup: Top 10 Batters to Watch Out for. Star Batters.?</a>



Read more at <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-t20-world-cup-2022-top-5-fast-bowlers-to-watch-out-for/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-t20-world-cup-2022-top-5-fast-bowlers-to-watch-out-for/" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Top 5 Fast Bowlers to Watch Out for.?</a>



To read more such articles go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-top-5-moments-in-indian-cricket-history-best-moments/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-top-5-moments-in-indian-cricket-history-best-moments/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Cricket: Top 5 Moments in Indian Cricket History. Best Moments.?</a>



To know more go to the<a href="https://www.iplt20.com/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.iplt20.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> official website of the IPL.</a>

TATA IPL 2023: 5 Players Who Can Dominate Next Season of the IPL.&nbsp;

tata-ipl-2023-5-players-who-can-dominate-next-season-of-the-ipl

IND vs SL: Team India wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka owing to a knee injury. He will be replaced by Jitesh Sharma for the remainder of the Twenty20 series.



Samson hurt his left knee while guarding the boundary ropes in the 1st T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The batter didn't travel with the Indian team to Pune and underwent scans in Mumbai to get ascertained, the reports of which have come. 



As per the reports, Samson will require rest and rehabilitation to nurse his injury and thus will remain out of the remaining T20I series against Sri Lanka. 



"Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during the first T20I," a BCCI release stated. "He was taken for scans and a specialist opinion this afternoon in Mumbai by the BCCI Medical Team and has been advised rest and rehabilitation."



Vidharbha wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was subsequently added to the Indian T20I squad. He will cover Ishan Kishan, who is keeping the wickets in the ongoing series.



Notably, Jitesh Sharma had a memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) debut season with Punjab Kings (PBKS). He scored 234 runs at an impressive strike rate of 163.64. 



Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's injury may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Rahul Tripathi, who is yet to make his debut in the Indian colours. Tripathi has been waiting for his debut cap for a very long and finally, it seems his wait is over. 



Team India won the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium by 2 runs in the final over thriller. Axar Patel defended 12 runs in the last six deliveries to get the 1-0 lead against the island nation.



The second game of the three-match series will be held today (5th January 2023) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-dream11-team-fantasy-prediction-mca-pune-pitch-report-injury-update-playing11-where-to-watch-ind-vs-sl/">India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I Dream11 Team, Fantasy Prediction, MCA Pune Pitch Report, Injury Update, Playing11, Where to Watch IND vs SL</a>

IND vs SL: Sanju Samson ruled out of T20I series against Sri Lanka, Jitesh Sharma added to the squad

ind-vs-sl-sanju-samson-ruled-out-of-t20i-series-against-sri-lanka-jitesh-sharma-added-to-the-squad

Ishan Kishan Controversy Explained: Ishan Kishan's prolonged absence from playing domestic cricket has come into the limelight once again after reports revealed that the young wicketkeeper batter was not pleased with the Indian management's decision to overlook him and go ahead with the likes of Jitesh Sharma.



The matter was in the limelight a little while ago, when Ishan Kishan abruptly decided to leave the Indian camp during the India tour of South Africa. It was cited that Ishan made the decision and the BCCI respects it and will support the batter.



It was speculated earlier as well that Ishan Kishan's handling hasn't been up to the mark. Despite performing well in the limited opportunities in the T20Is, Ishan Kishan has done well. He was in India's white-ball contingent for a year or so, but the batter didn't get too many opportunities on the bounce.



The Indian management would play him in some odd games here and there, which seems to have irritated the cricketer. 



Interestingly, Indian coach Rahul Dravid advised the glovesman to have some game time to earn a spot in the senior men's side, however, Ishan Kishan hasn't made himself available for the domestic season as of now.



?Whenever he [Ishan Kishan] is ready, I didn't say he has to play domestic cricket; I said whenever he is ready... he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything. We are in touch with him,? Dravid had clarified.



Since returning home midway through the South Africa series, Ishan Kishan hasn't played a single domestic match. The southpaw hasn't turned up for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, which is quite amusing.



If the rumours are to be believed, Ishan Kishan's rationale for abruptly leaving the South Africa tour had everything to do with team India overlooking him for young Jitesh Sharma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Perplexing to see Ishan Kishan practice: Irfan Pathan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/12/Ishan-Kishan.jpg" alt="Ishan Kishan Controversy explained: Team India prioritising Jitesh Sharma over Ishan Kishan; Irfan Pathan's comment" class="wp-image-123762" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: ICC/Getty Image</figcaption></figure>



Notably, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan found it perplexing to see Ishan Kishan undergoing practice with Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya at the Kiren More Academy, but not making himself available for the domestics.



Commenting on the same, Irfan took to platform X, formerly Twitter, to share his thoughts as he wrote, ?Finding it perplexing how someone can be fit enough to practice but not play domestic cricket. How does this even make sense??



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Now that he isn't available for domestic and international cricket, Ishan is likely to make his comeback during the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Mumbai Indians (MI). 



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-eng-shreyas-iyer-dropped-virat-kohli-unavailable-as-india-announces-squad-for-last-three-tests-against-england/">Shreyas Iyer dropped, Virat Kohli unavailable as India announces squad for last three IND vs ENG Tests</a>

Ishan Kishan Controversy explained: Team India prioritising Jitesh Sharma over Ishan Kishan; Irfan Pathan's comment

ishan-kishan-controversy-explained-team-india-prioritising-jitesh-sharma-over-ishan-kishan-irfan-pathans-comment

2024 T20 World Cup: The 2024 Tata Indian Premier League is acting as the primary source of the players for showcasing their talents against the best International players out there and help them seal their spots in the squad of the Indian National Men?s Cricket Team for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The spots for the bowlers and the batters have been pretty much sealed but the wicket - keeper spot is still up for grabs.



According to Cricket experts, the duo of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are the front runners for the role of the Wicket - Keeper and when Brian Lara was asked to choose one player between the two, he gave a pretty interesting opinion:



?I think that both of them (Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant) should be a part of India's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. They have performed exceptionally well for their respective IPL franchises so far in the current edition of the Indian Premier League. Sanju Samson is a pretty good player, known for his explosive batting and excellent timing. Rishabh Pant on the other hand has proven to be a consistent performer for India since the last few years. Despite recovering recently from his injury, he has shown glimpses of his old version. According to me, these two players are the frontrunners for the Wicket - Keeper spot in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup,? Brian Lara said on an on air show of Star Sports.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">List of contenders for the role of wicketkeeper for the Indian Cricket Team at the 2024 T20 World Cup:</h5>



The Men in Blue have the option of going with the experienced KL Rahul as the Wicket - Keeper batsman ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup but KL prefers to open the inning in the shortest format of the game and with the opening spots likely to be occupied by the duo of Captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian management will be looking towards other options. Ishan Kishan recently was removed from the list of the Central Contract players so he?s not going to be considered in the Indian squad. The other possible Wicket Keeping options for the Indian team are:



<ul>
<li>Jitesh Sharma</li>



<li>Sanju Samson</li>



<li>Dinesh Karthik&nbsp;</li>



<li>Rishabh Pant</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/DInesh-Karthik.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-132842" /></figure>



Now, out of these four players, if we consider the best possible option, then it would be Dinesh Karthik, given that the RCB wicketkeeper is a pretty experienced player and he?s a skilled player as well who can play the role of the finisher to perfection. Fans want to see Sanju Samson keep the wickets for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup but the Rajasthan Royals captain doesn't have a good record in the Caribbean Islands.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/Rishabh-Pant.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-132843" /></figure>



Rishabh Pant is another good option and he has performed well on the pitches of the Caribbean Islands as well but on surfaces which offer a good amount of bounce and pace and If the Delhi skipper is not completely fit, the 25-year-old will face a lot of difficulties in the hard conditions of the West Indies and the USA.



Punjab Kings wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma is a good choice as well, and when the equation of the match demands some aggressive batting and lofted shots, then Jitesh will be the perfect choice.



In certain conditions where the surfaces offer extra bounce, RR skipper Sanju Samson can face some difficulties against the extra bounce and having done a deep analysis regarding all of the above players, one must consider these players as potential backups to KL Rahul if the LSG captain decides to don the wicketkeeping gloves along with his batting duties.



CHECK:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/no-virat-kohli-in-indias-2024-t20-world-cup-squad-jokes-glenn-maxwell/"> Pakistan?s schedule before the 2024 T20 World Cup</a>



For Latest Update Visit Official Site of<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/"> BCCI</a>

Who will be India's wicketkeeper in the 2024 T20 World Cup?

who-will-be-indias-wicketkeeper-in-the-2024-t20-world-cup

It is time for the next international assignments for Team India. After winning the all-important ICC T20 World Cup 2024, they will now travel to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-zim-t20i-schedule-full-squads-venues-timings-and-probable-playing-11s-india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2024/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-zim-t20i-schedule-full-squads-venues-timings-and-probable-playing-11s-india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2024/">Zimbabwe T20Is</a>. This is a five-match T20I series which will start on July 6 (Saturday). This is a complete new side, which will be led by Shubman Gill. There are only three players who were part of the T20 World Cup 2024 winning side.



Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube are those three players. However, because these three will be travelling first to India with the winning squad and then to Zimbabwe for the T20I series, As a result, the Indian selection committee has announced the replacements for the trio. The three names announced have two debutant for Zimbabwe T20Is.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BCCI adds Harshit Rana, Sai Sudharsan and Jitesh Sharma for the first two games of the Zimbabwe T20Is</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/07/BCCI-names-two-debutants-to-replace-Dube-Arshdeep-and-Samson-for-first-two-Zimbabwe-T20I-1024x555.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-142238" /></figure>



The three names which have been included are Harshit Rana, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_Sudharsan" data-type="link" data-id="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_Sudharsan">Sai Sudharsan</a>, and Jitesh Sharma. Harshit will be the fast bowler, replacing Arshdeep. The right-arm pacer recently had a brilliant IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the title. Harshit bowled well throughout the tournament. Furthermore, India have replaced Jaiswal with another left-hander opener, Sudharsan.



Sai Sudharsan opened for Gujarat Titans. He scored 527 runs at an average and strike rate of 47.90 and 141.28, respectively. Adding to that, India looked at Samson as the first-choice keeper, along with Dhurv Jurel. But with Samson not available, India have picked up Jitesh Sharma, who has been part of the team for the last 12 months or so.



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Jitesh had an average IPL 2024 with the bat, but because he has experience playing at the international level, India have picked him to replace Samson in the first two games. Arshdeep, Samson, and Dube will join the team in the third T20I, which will be played on July 10.



All five matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, Harare. It is a great opportunity for all these youngsters. India will be looking to find the ideal replacements for <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-players-who-might-replace-virat-kohli-in-indias-t20i-squad/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-players-who-might-replace-virat-kohli-in-indias-t20i-squad/">Virat Kohli</a>, <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/who-is-next-captin-after-rohit-sharma/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/who-is-next-captin-after-rohit-sharma/">Rohit Sharma</a>, and Ravindra Jadeja, who have retried from T20Is. The next T20 World Cup is all set to take place in India in 2026, and some of these players will be part of that event.



Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-opening-duo-india-in-zimbabwe-t20is/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-opening-duo-india-in-zimbabwe-t20is/"> 3 Opening Combinations India can try in Zimbabwe T20Is</a>

BCCI names two debutants to replace Dube, Arshdeep and Samson for first two Zimbabwe T20Is

india-names-3-players-for-zimbabwe-t20i

The IPL 2025 mega auction for the upcoming season marked several unexpected choices made by the franchises, as many players were picked for a considerably illogical amount of money while many crucial players who could be useful shortly were left unsold. 
 
While players like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faf_du_Plessis">Faf du Plessis</a> were picked considering their form despite their old age, David Warner, the retired IPL veteran, was left out unsold. Great English pacer Jimmy Anderson, who registered for the first time in IPL auction history, never got a bid as well. 
 
Though some decisions seemed imminent, as all predicted Pant to be the highest-bid player in the auction, while the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jos Buttler, and Yuzvendra Chahal seemed to have acquired their best-deserved prices. 
 
<ol start="5">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Jofra Archer</h2>
</li>
</ol>
 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_675127896c836.jpg" alt="" width="783" height="487">
The English bowling all-rounder was picked for a whopping INR 12.25 crore after a fierce bidding war between the Rajasthan Royals and the Mumbai Indians. Eventually the Royals got back their old hat. 
 
However, given Jofra's weak form and frequent injuries, Archer didn't appear to be a likely player in the long run. Hence, fans have railed against him as not a very conventional pick, especially owing to his high purse. 
 
<ol start="4">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Venkatesh Iyer</h2>
</li>
</ol>
 
Venky Iyer, one of the two Iyers who received a lump sum amount of money in the auction, was picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a huge INR 23.75 crore. With due respect to the players caliber in the game, none anticipated this insane amount of money spent for the MP all-rounder. 
 
KKR signed a middle-order batsman in him, with him not bowling very often with the white ball; hence, for KKR fans as well as the cricket fans, this is among the worst picks in the history of the IPL.
 
<ol start="3">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Jitesh Sharma </h2>
</li>
</ol>
 <img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_675126a74d5cd.jpg" alt="" width="739" height="460">

Punjab Kings fame Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper batsman, was picked this time by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for a huge INR 11 crore. This seemed like a very abrupt choice, as the player has neither shown promising form nor does his record in the domestic or IPL format impress enough for this huge amount of money. 
 
Sharma will be one of the players in the RCB middle order, adding power to their long middle order comprising several power hitters. Yet for a team lacking all-rounders and proper long-scoring batters, Jitesh doesn’t seem to be a good pick. 
 
<ol start="2">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Abdul Samad </h2>
</li>
</ol>
 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67512721c5272.jpg" alt="" width="773" height="481">
LSG made some insane choices this time around; despite having retained Pooran, the explosive left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, for a huge amount, they included Pant for INR 27 crores, the highest-ever bid made in the IPL. 
 
Samad, who played for J&amp;K, has never sparked in the IPL, playing the previous editions for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Samad is known as a big-hitting finisher, yet including him for INR 4.2 crores doesn’t seem to be a calculated move. 
 
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Shreyas Iyer</h2>
</li>
</ol>
 
Shreyas Iyer, this name suggests otherwise in this list, as the ex-KKR title-winning skipper has many reasons to acquire a huge amount of money. Iyer has shown promising form in both the IPL and other domestic games, and he is currently one of the best batters in the IPL. 
 
Ponting and Co. have picked Iyer. It seems a bit unwarranted to cite his supreme form and his antics as a skipper, despite the amount they spent bidding on the player, as social media is rife with Iyer having not done anything to manifest this big bid.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/Veteran-cricketer-Ajinkya-Rahane-emerges-as-the-frontrunner-for-captaining-Kolkata-Knight-Riders-in-IPL-2025/">Rahane emerges as the frontrunner for KKR captaincy in the IPL 2025</a>

A list of the most controversial picks in the IPL 2025 (Image Credit: X)

From the highest-bidding LSG to the PBKS, who had the biggest purse into the mega-auction, here is a good look into the most controversial bids made in the IPL 2025 mega-auction; social media has a say.

After the IPL mega-auction, here is a set of the most controversial picks made in the IPL 2025 auction

Social media makes a mockery of franchises for their choices of these players: Top 5 Most Controversial Signings of IPL 2025

Social-media-makes-a-mockery-of-franchises-for-their-choices-of-these-players:-Top-5-Most-Controversial-Signings-of-IPL-2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) keeper-batter MS Dhoni has been under a lot of pump after the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The clash of two heavyweights was on display at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 
MS Dhoni has been facing a lot of heat for coming out late to bat in the game against RCB. The keeper-batter walked out to bat nine and it made many surprised, especially with Chennai Super Kings still needing over 100 runs in around 8 overs while chasing 197 runs on the board. 
Ms Dhoni also didn't look in good form while batting as he blocked the ball, and then when the game was out of reach, he entertained the fans. The keeper-batter slammed Krunal Pandya in the last over of the innings and scored an unbeaten 30 runs to take his team close. 
During his stay on the crease, MS Dhoni was also mocked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. It was on the last ball of the 16th over when Liam Livingstone was bowling to the Chennai Super Kings keeper-batter, who was at 2 runs at that time. 
MS Dhoni chopped the delivery into the pitch and Jitesh Sharma, who was behind the stumps, jumped to collect. He mockingly climbed up and was about to hit the keeper-batter almost with the ball as the video went viral on the internet. 
<h2>Watch: Jitesh Sharma mocks MS Dhoni during CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 clash</h2>
Here's the video: 
https://x.com/79off201/status/1905673795350003818
This was the second time in his career that MS Dhoni batted at No.9 in his T20 career. The first appearance came against PBKS at Dharamshala last year and he bagged a golden duck against Harshal Patel. However, not many were happy with him coming to bat this late. 
Chennai Super Kings went on to lose the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 50 runs. They had a poor outing with the ball as they first conceded 196 runs on a difficult batting pitch and then couldn't chase a target. This was their first-ever loss to RCB at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai since 2018.
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shocking-scenes-ruturaj-gaikwad-and-khaleel-ahmed-caught-doing-ball-tampering-during-csk-vs-mi-/">Shocking scenes! Ruturaj Gaikwad and Khaleel Ahmed caught doing ball tampering during CSK vs MI</a>

Jitesh Sharma mocks MS Dhoni during CSK vs RCB in IPL 2025 clash  {PC:X}

MS Dhoni has been facing a lot of heat for coming out late to bat in the game against RCB.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) keeper-batter MS Dhoni has been under a lot of pump after the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Jitesh Sharma mocks MS Dhoni, almost hits him with the ball during CSK vs RCB in IPL 2025 clash

jitesh-sharma-mocks-ms-dhoni-almost-hits-him-with-the-ball-during-csk-vs-rcb-in-ipl-2025-clash

RCB vs RR 2025: The Challengers won the battle between the two Royals! RCB have won the first match at their home with a fantastic batting and bowling display. RCB defeated RR by 11 runs in the 42nd match at M. Chinnaswami Stadium. 
Virat Kohli paved the foundation for a big score, and Padikkal, Jitesh and Tim David supported valiantly with the bat. Hazlewood was just phenomenal with the ball and bagged 4 wickets with just 33 runs in his four overs. 
<h2>RCB vs RR 2025, Match Review</h2>
RCB losing the toss at home has been a new normal for the fans. The fourth match for RCB at home, and they have not won the toss here at the M. Chinnaswamy. Rajasthan made the right call at the toss and opted to bowl first. They came up with one change (Theekshana went out, Fazalhaq Farooqi came in), while RCB landed the same playing 11.
RR Playing 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande (Impact- Vaibhav Suryavanshi)
RCB Playing 11: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal (Impact- Suyash Sharma)
Phil Salt’s explosive intent and King Kohli’s calm, calculated strokeplay have been the backbone of RCB’s success this season. But what happens when both decide to go full throttle? That’s exactly what unfolded this time—Salt and Kohli hammered 59 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket.
Even after Salt’s dismissal in the 7th over, Devdutt Padikkal picked up the baton seamlessly. He and Kohli stitched together a solid 95-run stand in just 50 balls, putting RCB in complete control.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202504/image_430x256_680a72a9370d5.jpg" alt="">
It was a golden phase for RCB. Kohli anchored the innings with a classy 70 off 42, while Padikkal dazzled with a quickfire 50 off 27. Both fell within six balls of each other, but the momentum didn’t drop. Tim David and Jitesh Sharma came in swinging, finishing with a flurry in the death overs and propelling RCB to a commanding total of 205.
Rajasthan Royals began their big chase in grand fashion, with Jaiswal launching Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a massive six straight away. Yash Dayal was taken apart in the second over, conceding 18 runs, as Jaiswal went on a rampage against the RCB bowlers. However, Bhuvneshwar struck back by dismissing the young Vaibhav Shuryavanshi cheaply, and on the penultimate ball of the powerplay, Josh Hazlewood cramped Jaiswal with a sharp bouncer, ending his innings on 49, just one short of a half-century.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202504/image_430x256_680a72a6a3a94.jpg" alt="">
Skipper Riyan Parag struggled for timing but still managed a quick 22 off 9 balls before edging one to the keeper off Krunal Pandya. Just as Nitish Rana looked settled, Krunal struck again, removing him for 28 off 22. With 66 runs needed from the final 36 balls, the game was finely poised.
Dhruv Jurel capitalized on his rich vein of form, steadily chipping away at the target. In the meantime, Hazlewood sent Hetmyer back to the pavilion with a faint edge to the keeper. The equation now reads: 40 required off 18 balls.
Then came a rollercoaster final phase. Bhuvneshwar’s 18th over turned out to be expensive, as Dhruv and Shubham Dube smashed 22 runs, putting RR in the driver's seat. But the very next over flipped the script—Jitesh Sharma took a brilliant review, and it got them the big wicket of Dhruv Jurel. Hazlewood then dismissed Jofra Archer on the next delivery, swinging the momentum back in RCB’s favor.
The chase finally crumbled with the wicket of Shubham Dube on the very first ball of the last over. Dayal bowled the remaining five balls with full control, sealing a much-awaited first win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium by 11 Runs. 
<h2>RCB vs RR 2025 Scorecard</h2>
Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 205/5 (20 Overs) Virat Kohli- 70 (42) Sandeep Sharma: 4-0-45-2
Rajasthan Royals- 194/9 (20 Overs) Yashasvi Jaiswal- 49 (19) Josh Hazlewood: 4-0-33-4
RCB Defeated RR by 11 Runs at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium

RCB vs RR 2025: Edge-of-the-Seat Drama as RCB Seal First Win of the Season at Chinnaswamy!

RCB posted 205 with stellar knocks from Kohli and Padikkal. Despite Jurel’s late charge, Hazlewood and Jitesh Sharma's brilliance at the death sealed RCB's first win at Chinnaswamy.

Kohli, Padikkal shine as RCB defend 205; Hazlewood, Jitesh Sharma seal thrilling first win at Chinnaswamy vs Royals.

RCB vs RR 2025: RCB’s Powerplay Dominance and Death-Over Drama Sink Royals, Winning them the first of the Season at Home!

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The reports in Dainik Jagran claimed that BCCI will be hosting a press conference to announce the Test captain of India.

BCCI to announce new India Test captain and squad for England Tests on this date

bcci-to-announce-new-india-test-captain-and-squad-for-england-tests-on-this-date-

India National Cricket Team batter Virat Kohli has made up his mind that he won't be playing Tests anymore.

Virat Kohli REJECTS BCCI's request to continue playing Tests, batter firm on his stance

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The ICC WTC Final 2023-25 will be held at Lord's from June 11-15, 2025, featuring South Africa vs Australia.

ICC WTC Final 2023-25 Date OUT! Check WTC Final Schedule, Venue, Timing and More in One Click

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IPL 2025 Resumption: BCCI Plans to Host Remaining Matches in Bengaluru, Chennai & Hyderabad as Overseas Players Start Leaving

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A source close to the developments confirmed that Virat Kohli has made up his mind to move away from Test cricket.

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