Cricket

IPL Mega Auction: Franchises Gear Up for Bidding FrenzyWith the highly anticipated IPL mega auction scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, the 10 franchises are meticulously planning their strategies to acquire the world's top cricketing talent. Having already retained their core players, the franchises will now engage in intense bidding wars to build their teams.Premier Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, recently released by Rajasthan Royals, has added a touch of entertainment to the auction proceedings by conducting a mock auction on his YouTube channel. Ashwin, acting as the auctioneer, auctioned himself off to various "franchises" represented by fans and cricket enthusiasts.The franchises will have a vast pool of 1,574 players to choose from, including 1,165 Indians and 409 overseas players. The list features 320 capped players (48 Indians and 272 internationals), 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations.Rajasthan Royals, having retained their full quota of six players, will not have the Right to Match (RTM) option during the auction. This gives other franchises an opportunity to bid for their former players, such as Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.The auction will be a crucial event for the franchises as they aim to assemble balanced and competitive teams. With a wide range of players available, the bidding is expected to be fierce, with franchises eager to secure the services of the best talent in the world.

Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq's recent comments have reignited memories of his infamous altercation with Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The on-field spat between the two players became a major talking point of the tournament.During a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow, Kohli and Naveen engaged in a heated argument. The incident escalated when Gautam Gambhir, LSG's mentor at the time, intervened and clashed with Kohli.Following the incident, Naveen and Kohli met in Delhi during Afghanistan's ODI World Cup match against India in October 2023. The duo surprised fans by embracing and seemingly resolving their differences. However, the journey between the spat and the reunion was marked by Naveen's frequent digs at Kohli.In a recent interview with ESPNCricinfo, Naveen was asked a witty question: "Never eat a mango again or never take a five-for?" Naveen's amusing response was, "Never eat a mango again." He also expressed his preference to bat with Kohli rather than bowl to him.Naveen's comments come after he was released from LSG's squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season. LSG retained Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi, along with uncapped stars Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni.It remains to be seen whether RCB will target Naveen in the upcoming mega auctions. The young Afghan pacer's performances and his history with Kohli could make him an intriguing prospect for the Bangalore-based franchise.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, Punjab Kings have announced the retention of batters Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh for the upcoming season.Prabhsimran, a wicketkeeper-batsman, has been with Punjab since 2019 and has amassed 756 runs in 34 games, averaging 22.24 with a strike rate of 146.23. Last season, he played some impressive innings, showcasing his potential.Shashank Singh emerged as a key player for Punjab last season, scoring 354 runs in 14 games at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. His ability to bat at multiple positions in the order and his exceptional fielding skills make him a valuable asset to the team.Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon expressed the franchise's goal of winning the IPL trophy this season. He praised newly appointed head coach Ricky Ponting, describing him as one of the sharpest minds in cricket."This auction will be critical as we go there with maximum purse. We will build on what we have at the moment. It will be an interesting auction, especially for us, as we also have a new coach in Ricky Ponting. He is one of the sharpest minds in cricket. You will see us develop an extraordinary team. Our goal is to go for silverware this year - nothing short of that," Menon said.Menon emphasized the franchise's faith in Prabhsimran Singh, stating that they have witnessed his development over the past six years. He believes Prabhsimran is on the cusp of breaking into the big leagues.Regarding Shashank Singh, Menon highlighted his versatility and passion, which were key factors in his retention. He also praised Shashank's gun fielding abilities.Earlier this year, Punjab Kings appointed Ricky Ponting as their head coach. Menon hinted that Ponting's fresh ideas and experience will be instrumental in the upcoming auctions.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have unveiled their five retentions for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, hitter Shivam Dube, pacer Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni making the cut.Gaikwad and Jadeja, the team's top two performers, will be officially retained for Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore, respectively. However, under the IPL's "redistribution of purse" rule, CSK may offer both players the same amount, recognizing Jadeja's seniority and Ruturaj's current status.Dhoni, the former India captain and CSK icon, will take the Rs 4 crore retention. The franchise faces a dilemma with Pathirana and Dube, two crucial players whose salaries may be comparable.CSK will have one Right to Match (RTM) option remaining, which they may use based on auction dynamics. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are potential targets for the RTM.The retentions reflect CSK's emphasis on continuity and stability. Gaikwad, Jadeja, and Dhoni have been key figures in the team's success over the years, while Dube and Pathirana provide valuable depth and versatility.The IPL auction is scheduled for December 16, and CSK will be looking to fill the remaining slots in their squad with a combination of experienced players and promising youngsters.

Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal's remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season has earned him a maiden Test call-up for India's upcoming series against Bangladesh. Despite initial skepticism surrounding his signing by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Dayal played a pivotal role in the team's qualification for the playoffs.In a crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB needed to win by at least 18 runs to secure a playoff berth. With CSK requiring 17 runs off the final over, RCB captain Faf du Plessis entrusted Dayal with the responsibility.Under immense pressure, Dayal conceded a six off the first ball to MS Dhoni, the legendary CSK batter. However, he responded with a stunning dismissal of Dhoni on the next delivery, effectively ending CSK's hopes of reaching the top four.Reflecting on the moment, Dayal expressed mixed emotions. "I felt bad after dismissing him," he said. "I don't know if he will return to the IPL. It was a moment where a lot of things were going through my head."Despite the bittersweet nature of Dhoni's dismissal, Dayal's composure and execution under pressure showcased his maturity and potential. He credited his confidence to the guidance of his teammates, particularly Virat Kohli."With 11 runs needed off 4, I was like why I am even looking at the scoreboard," Dayal recalled. "Virat bhai said, 'don't give pace, nor bowl right onto his bat.' I told him right now it's like peanut butter falling from top. Anywhere I want to bowl, I will I have so much confidence."Dayal's impressive performances in the IPL have not only earned him a Test call-up but have also established him as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to bowl with accuracy, control, and pace has made him a valuable asset to any team.As India prepares for the Bangladesh series, Dayal will be eager to prove his worth at the international level. His determination, skill, and the support of his teammates will undoubtedly serve him well as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a renewed determination to capture the coveted title. The team has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of legendary pacer Zaheer Khan as a mentor.LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka emphasized the importance of having an Indian mind in the support staff to maximize the potential of the players. He believes that Zaheer's unwavering desire to win and his experience as a player will be invaluable assets to the team.Goenka expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance in the previous season, citing a lack of experienced decision-making. He believes that Zaheer's role will be crucial in addressing this issue and guiding the team towards success.Goenka also highlighted the importance of experience in the team, drawing lessons from the Rising Pune Supergiants' journey to the IPL final in 2017. He believes that the team's lack of experience at the time ultimately cost them the title.With Zaheer's addition to the support staff, LSG aims to create a balanced team with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team is confident that these changes will propel them towards their ultimate goal of winning the IPL championship.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season witnessed a heated on-field clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore's Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants' Naveen-ul-Haq. The incident escalated beyond the match, involving Lucknow coach Gautam Gambhir and sparking a heated argument that required intervention from teammates.According to Lucknow spinner Amit Mishra, the altercation stemmed from an incident in Bengaluru, where Gambhir made a "finger on mouth" gesture towards the home crowd. Mishra believes Kohli took offense to this gesture and began verbally abusing LSG players in their subsequent encounter.Mishra expressed that Kohli could have avoided certain actions, but chose not to. He claims that Kohli verbally attacked Kyle Myers and Naveen-ul-Haq, even during their bowling spells. Mishra attempted to intervene, but Kohli directed him to address Naveen instead.The situation worsened after the match, as Kohli continued to abuse Naveen during the customary handshakes. Gambhir intervened, questioning why Kohli was reigniting the issue after the game had concluded. Mishra intervened to separate Gambhir, but Naveen later reported that Kohli had resumed his verbal attacks.Mishra believes that while Kohli and Naveen may have publicly reconciled, the incident has likely damaged their relationship. He questions whether Naveen will ever truly respect Kohli again, and expresses concern about the impact on younger players who witnessed the altercation.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's star batter Virat Kohli expressed immense pride and satisfaction after securing the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite RCB's elimination in the playoffs, Kohli's exceptional performance in the latter half of the tournament played a crucial role in their qualification for the playoffs.Kohli amassed an impressive 741 runs in 15 matches, averaging 61.75 with a century and five half-centuries. His highest score of 113* and a strike rate of 154.69 marked his best performance in a single IPL season."I'm extremely honored to win the Orange Cap this season," Kohli said after the match. "It was a rollercoaster of a ride, but I'm really pleased with the way I performed for the team, especially in the latter half, where we needed to win every game to qualify."Kohli's teammate and Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel also made history by winning his second Purple Cap for the most wickets in the tournament. Patel finished with 24 wickets in 14 matches, becoming only the third pacer after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo to achieve this feat."Deeply honored to be presented with the Purple Cap," Patel said. "It's been a rewarding journey. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and my family. I look forward to the 2025 season."Kolkata Knight Riders' mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy had the opportunity to surpass Patel in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but he could only manage one wicket. The Riders ultimately emerged victorious, claiming their third IPL title.

Gautam Gambhir's return to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has proven to be a catalyst for the team's resurgence, leading them to their third IPL title in 2023. Beyond his tactical acumen, Gambhir's mentorship and unwavering belief in his players have played a pivotal role in KKR's success.Gambhir's connection with KKR runs deep, having captained the team to two previous titles in 2012 and 2014. His return in 2023, after a brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants, was met with both excitement and anticipation.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR has undergone a transformation. He has instilled a positive and confident atmosphere in the dressing room, empowering players to perform at their best. One of his key decisions was to promote Sunil Narine as an opener, a move that has paid dividends. Narine's explosive batting has provided KKR with a solid foundation in the powerplay.Gambhir's unwavering support has also been instrumental in Mitchell Starc's resurgence. Despite initial struggles, Gambhir backed the Australian pacer, recognizing his potential. Starc's match-winning performance in the knockout stages, including a crucial wicket in the final, vindicated Gambhir's faith.Beyond his tactical prowess, Gambhir's mentorship has extended to young players like Nitish Rana. Rana credits Gambhir for his positive influence and the team's improved body language.Gambhir's return to KKR has not only brought success but has also rekindled his emotional connection with the franchise. His passion and dedication have inspired the team and the city of Kolkata.