Cricket

IPL Mega Auction: Teams Vie for Captains and Indian Wicket-KeepersAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction approaches, teams are gearing up to address their key needs. With several franchises seeking new captains and Indian wicket-keepers, the auction is expected to be highly competitive.Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK's primary concern is finding a successor to MS Dhoni as captain. Rishabh Pant is the top target, but their limited purse of Rs 55 crore could hinder their pursuit. Ishan Kishan could be an alternative if Mumbai Indians (MI) do not exercise their right-to-match (RTM) card.Delhi Capitals (DC)With Pant departing, DC will seek a captain who can match his stature. Shreyas Iyer, who led them to the IPL final in 2020, is rumored to be their top choice.Gujarat Titans (GT)GT has retained Shubman Gill as captain. They may consider Pant as a wicketkeeping option, given their remaining purse of Rs 69 crore.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)KKR, having released Iyer, are also in the market for a captain. KL Rahul and Jos Buttler are potential candidates, but their purse of Rs 51 crore could limit their options.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG has a purse of Rs 69 crore and is likely to target Pant as their captain and wicketkeeper. They released KL Rahul, who is now available in the auction.Mumbai Indians (MI)MI has spent heavily on retentions and named Hardik Pandya as captain. They are expected to use their RTM for Ishan Kishan.Punjab Kings (PBKS)With Ricky Ponting as head coach, PBKS has released all players except Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. They have a massive purse of Rs 110 crore and are likely to build their squad around Pant. They may also use RTM for Arshdeep Singh.Rajasthan Royals (RR)RR has retained most of its core players and has a limited purse of Rs 41 crore. They will focus on acquiring support players for Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Yashashvi Jaiswal.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)RCB has the second-highest purse after PBKS, with Rs 83 crore. Dinesh Karthik's move to the coaching staff opens up a slot for a captain and Indian wicketkeeper. Pant is a potential target, with Rahul as a backup option.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)SRH is one of the few teams that appear settled. They will seek support players for their retained core, including Aiden Markram, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Umran Malik.

Shreyas Iyer Joins Elite Captains with Most 50+ Scores in IPL PlayoffsIn a remarkable display of leadership and batting prowess, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer has etched his name among the most successful captains in IPL playoff history. With an unbeaten 58 off just 24 balls in the Qualifier 2 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Iyer guided his team to a comfortable victory and a berth in the IPL final.Iyer's blistering knock, which included six fours and four sixes, was instrumental in KKR's successful chase of 160 runs in just 13.4 overs. His unbeaten 97-run partnership with Venkatesh Iyer showcased their exceptional batting skills and the team's ability to perform under pressure.Iyer's achievement is even more impressive considering the high-stakes nature of the IPL playoffs. Only a select few captains have consistently delivered notable batting performances in these crucial matches. Joining Iyer in this elite group are three renowned captains: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner.Dhoni, the former Chennai Super Kings captain, is known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. His clutch performances have been pivotal in guiding CSK through many critical playoff matches.Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians skipper, mirrors Dhoni's prowess with his calm demeanor and explosive batting. His contributions with the bat have often been the backbone of Mumbai's successful campaigns, helping them secure multiple IPL titles.David Warner, the former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, has consistently been among the top scorers in the league. His aggressive style and leadership have propelled his team forward in crucial playoff encounters, making him a formidable opponent.With his latest performance, Shreyas Iyer has proven that he belongs among these legendary captains. His ability to lead by example and deliver under pressure makes him a valuable asset to the Kolkata Knight Riders and a rising star in the IPL.