Cricket

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback to Test cricket after a life-threatening car accident has been an inspiration to many. The young wicketkeeper-batsman's determination and resilience have been evident throughout his journey, which includes winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 with Team India and scoring a century in his first Test match since the accident.Pant's return to the Indian Test team for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The 25-year-old has been named in the 15-man squad, which will be led by Rohit Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah will serve as the vice-captain.Pant's recent cryptic message on social media, where he asked his followers if he would be sold at an auction and for how much, has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Delhi Capitals (DC) captain is known for his fun-loving nature, but his message has raised questions about his commitment to the franchise.However, Pant has remained focused on his cricket and has been working hard to regain his form. He has been in good touch in domestic cricket, scoring a century in the Ranji Trophy. Pant's inclusion in the Indian Test squad is a sign that he is back to his best and ready to contribute to the team's success.The upcoming Test series against New Zealand will be a tough challenge for India, but Pant's presence in the team will give them a boost. The left-hander is a match-winner and can change the course of a game with his aggressive batting and brilliant wicketkeeping.Pant's journey from a life-threatening accident to a triumphant return to international cricket is a story of courage, determination, and resilience. He is an inspiration to many and his story will continue to motivate others to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.

Delhi Capitals' Retention Strategy: Aakash Chopra Advises Prioritizing Pant and AxarFormer Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the Delhi Capitals (DC) to prioritize the retention of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.Despite rumors of Pant's potential departure, Chopra confirmed that the star player will remain with the Delhi-based franchise. He emphasized Pant's importance as the team's first retention, allocating a budget of Rs 18 crore for his services.Chopra also highlighted Axar's consistent performances, citing his contributions as a bowler, batter, and fielder. He believes that retaining Axar will save the team significant funds in the auction, as his value would be high if he were available.For the third retention, Chopra identified a dilemma between Australian all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk and Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While he prefers an Indian player, he acknowledges the value of Fraser-McGurk and suggests using the Right To Match (RTM) card for one of them.Chopra further recommended retaining Abishek Porel as the uncapped player, securing him at a lower price of Rs 4 crore. This move would leave DC with two RTM cards after retaining three capped players and Porel.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has revealed that the team will definitely retain captain Rishabh Pant ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced new retention rules, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players, including one Right-To-Match (RTM) option.Jindal emphasized the importance of retaining key players, stating that the team has several talented individuals. He mentioned Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed as potential candidates for retention."We have some very good players in our team. The rules have come out now, so after discussing with GMR and our director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, decisions will be made. Rishabh Pant will definitely be retained," Jindal said.However, Jindal did not mention Australia's David Warner, who has been a key player for Delhi Capitals in the past. The new retention rules classify players who have not represented India in the past five years as 'uncapped,' allowing them to be retained at a lower price.This rule could benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are likely to retain former captain MS Dhoni under this category. Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but last played for India in 2019.The deadline for franchises to submit their retention lists is October 31. Delhi Capitals will carefully consider their options and aim to build a strong team for the upcoming IPL season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has unveiled new retention rules for the upcoming season, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players. Delhi Capitals (DC) have begun deliberations on their potential retentions, with co-owner Parth Jindal confirming the retention of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.Jindal revealed that other players under consideration for retention include Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed. According to the IPL Player Regulations, franchises can retain up to five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped players through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option."We have some very good players in our team," said Jindal. "The rules have just come out, so after discussing with co-owners GMR and our director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, decisions will be made."DC have yet to win the IPL since its inception in 2008. Jindal expressed optimism about the team's chances in the upcoming season, stating, "We'll see what happens in the auction. As per the rule, we can retain six players. Those discussions will be held first."The new retention rules provide DC with flexibility in building a competitive squad. With a strong core of players to retain, the franchise can target specific areas of improvement in the auction. The retention of Pant, a key figure in the Indian national team, is a significant boost for DC.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaches, franchises are finalizing their retention strategies. According to reports, the Delhi Capitals have identified their priority players, with skipper Rishabh Pant topping the list.Pant, a key member of the Indian team across all formats, was rumored to be considering a move to Punjab Kings, where former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting is now in charge. However, a report in Cricbuzz suggests that Pant will remain with DC and be their top retention pick.The wicket-keeper batter currently earns INR 16 crore per season, but this figure is expected to increase with the BCCI's new retention guidelines. In addition to Pant, Delhi is likely to retain Team India stars Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.Overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are also reportedly set to be retained by the franchise. If the BCCI allows franchises to retain an uncapped player, DC is expected to keep wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel.

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a resounding statement in the ongoing 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. In his first Test appearance since December 2022, Pant smashed his 6th Test century, scoring 109 runs in the second innings.Pant's performance has come amidst speculation about his future at Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it has now been reported that the 26-year-old is set to be retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL mega auction.According to Cricbuzz, Pant met with DC co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai before the 1st Test to finalize his contract talks. The report suggests that Pant may receive an improved contract, having been retained by DC for Rs 16 crore in the 2022 mega auction."Pant's current IPL salary is INR 16 crore, but this figure is expected to go up based on the total player purse allowed to a franchise and the retention fee guidelines set by the BCCI," the report states.DC's co-owners, the GMR and JSW Groups, have reportedly finalized other retention decisions as well. If the BCCI allows more than five player retentions, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be kept, along with overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs. Additionally, 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel may be retained as an uncapped player.Pant made his return to competitive cricket in the IPL earlier this year, leading DC to a sixth-placed finish. The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to be a two-day affair held overseas in November or December this year.The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention rules, but it is anticipated that the announcement will be made soon.

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian skipper, has shed light on his departure from the Delhi Capitals (DC) coaching setup, citing availability issues and the franchise's desire for a full-time head coach. Ponting's exit from DC after seven years paved the way for his appointment as the new head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) starting from IPL 2025.Ponting's IPL journey began as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, followed by a stint with Mumbai Indians, where he relinquished the captaincy in 2013. He later served as an advisor in 2014 and head coach in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, he took over as head coach of DC, guiding them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including their maiden final in 2020.Reflecting on his time with DC, Ponting emphasized the "family environment" he fostered. However, he acknowledged the franchise's desire for a full-time head coach, which he could not commit to due to other commitments and family time."I understand what they want; they said to me that my availability was becoming an issue. And they wanted to pretty much have a full-time head coach. I could not commit to that, so I was disappointed that it ended, but I understand the direction they wanted to head going forward," Ponting said.Despite the disappointment, Ponting expressed gratitude for the memories and relationships he built during his tenure. He also highlighted the pressure of winning a trophy, which he embraces as a coach."That is the thing that makes coaching inviting to me. I like having that pressure. It is as close to getting back to playing as you can possibly get," he added.Ponting acknowledged the evolution of coaching in the IPL, with teams appointing coaches for specific roles. He believes this has contributed to the improvement of Indian players, who benefit from exposure to top coaches.As for his new role with PBKS, Ponting will prioritize identifying players for retention ahead of the next season. Key performers from last season include Harshal Patel, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma. The squad also boasts notable talents like Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, and overseas players like Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Kagiso Rabada.With the retirement of Shikhar Dhawan, Ponting and the team management will also need to appoint a new captain.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer and coach, is currently a free agent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after parting ways with Delhi Capitals (DC) in July 2023. Ponting, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, joined DC in 2018 and guided the team to its maiden IPL final in 2021. However, the team's performance in subsequent seasons fell short of expectations.Despite his lackluster coaching record in the IPL, Ponting remains a highly sought-after figure in the league. As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, rumors are swirling that Ponting could join defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a recent interview, Ponting expressed his interest in continuing his IPL journey, albeit with a different franchise."There might be a few opportunities coming up in IPL in the next few weeks, and we'll see what happens," Ponting told Sky Sports.KKR is reportedly considering Ponting or Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara as a replacement for former mentor Gautam Gambhir, who was recently appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team.Meanwhile, Ponting remains eager to take up coaching opportunities in the IPL. He acknowledged that the lack of silverware during his tenure at DC led to his departure but expressed his desire to return to the league."I'd love to coach again in the IPL. I've had a great time every year that I've been involved, whether that was in the early days as a player or the couple of years I had at Mumbai as head coach there," Ponting said on The ICC Review podcast."I've had seven seasons at Delhi, which unfortunately didn't really work out the way that I would have wanted and certainly the way that the franchise would have wanted.""Me going there was all about trying to bring some silverware to the team and that didn't happen," he conceded.With his wealth of experience and knowledge, Ricky Ponting remains a valuable asset to any IPL franchise. His potential move to KKR would be a significant development in the league and could bolster the team's chances of retaining its title.

Delhi Capitals' Lalit Yadav, a promising all-rounder, has expressed his confidence in filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja's retirement from T20I cricket. Yadav, who has been in impressive form for his IPL franchise, believes he has the skills and determination to step into the role."I definitely see myself in the race for the all-rounder slot," Yadav told PTI Videos. "Playing for India and wearing the jersey is my biggest motivation."Yadav, 27, has been playing for Purani Dilli 6 in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). While his batting performance has been underwhelming so far, he remains optimistic about his abilities."I'm not satisfied with my performance in the DPL, but I'm hungry for the next few games," he said. "I consider this an average performance."Despite his recent struggles, Yadav is confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. He believes the IPL is a platform for talented cricketers to showcase their skills."There are many talented players in our state," Yadav said. "If I perform better, people will notice. I focus on what I can control."As captain of Purani Dilli 6, Yadav feels no pressure in leading the side. He believes the team has the potential to qualify for the playoffs."We have a positive gut feeling that we will qualify," he said. "We're looking to carry the momentum from our last win."Yadav also praised the DPL for providing a platform for young players to develop their skills. He believes the tournament will continue to improve in the future."The players are starting to become professionals gradually," Yadav said. "They're getting used to playing at a high level."