Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation is building for the potential record-breaking deals. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a bold prediction, suggesting that Rishabh Pant could surpass Mitchell Starc's auction record of Rs 24.75 Crore.Pathan took to social media to express his belief in Pant's ability to fetch a staggering price. "Mitchell Starc's auction record is in danger. @RishabhPant17 is ready to break it," he wrote.Pant, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has established himself as one of the most sought-after players in the IPL. His explosive batting and exceptional wicket-keeping skills make him a valuable asset to any franchise.Starc's record-breaking deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction set a new benchmark for player salaries. However, Pathan believes that Pant's star power and recent performances could eclipse that record.Meanwhile, the IPL auction has also created a scheduling conflict for Australia's bowling coach, Daniel Vettori. He will leave the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the auction in Saudi Arabia as the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad.This scheduling conflict also affects Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who will leave the Test to attend the auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.Vettori's decision to prioritize the IPL auction over a Test match reflects the evolving landscape of cricket. While franchise commitments have previously caused coaches to miss series, this is the first time a coach has left midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction.Cricket Australia (CA) is currently seeking a new full-time national pace bowling coach to cover for Vettori when he is unavailable.

The upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to witness an intense bidding war for wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerging as potential frontrunners to secure his services.Rahul's consistent run-scoring record and leadership experience make him a highly sought-after commodity for teams seeking a reliable top-order batsman and potential captaincy material. His versatility and composure make him an ideal fit for franchises looking to strengthen their batting lineup.CSK and RCB, in particular, could benefit significantly from Rahul's ability to anchor the innings and provide stability. Both teams have a history of success in the IPL, and Rahul's addition could further bolster their title aspirations.Legendary Indian player Sunil Gavaskar believes that Rahul's hometown connection with Bengaluru could give RCB an edge in the bidding war. "I do believe that the two south franchises, Bengaluru as well as Chennai, will go for KL Rahul. Maybe even Hyderabad will go, but Bangalore is of course KL Rahul's hometown," Gavaskar said.Meanwhile, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed doubts about David Warner's prospects in the auction. Warner, known for his aggressive batting style, has seen his performances decline in recent years. Manjrekar believes that CSK, who released Devon Conway, may not be interested in bringing Warner into their plans.Manjrekar also raised concerns about Mohammed Shami's recent fitness issues, which could impact his price tag in the auction. "There will definitely be interest from teams, but given Shami's injury history — and this recent one took a significant amount of time to recover — there’s always a concern about a potential breakdown during the season," Manjrekar said.With substantial budgets and a need to fill key positions, CSK and RCB are expected to be among the most active teams in the upcoming auction. Rahul's availability will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched storylines, and his eventual destination could have a major impact on the balance of power in the IPL.

Rishabh Pant, the former captain of the Delhi Capitals, has refuted claims that his non-retention by the franchise was financially motivated. In response to a video featuring former India batter Sunil Gavaskar's comments on the IPL retentions, Pant clarified that money was not a factor in his departure."My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Pant tweeted.Gavaskar had speculated that Pant's non-retention may have stemmed from a disagreement over fees. However, Pant's response suggests that other factors were at play.The Delhi Capitals released Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. The franchise opted to retain Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, and Anrich Nortje.Pant's release has sparked speculation about his future in the IPL. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the league, and his availability in the auction could attract interest from multiple franchises.The Delhi Capitals have not publicly commented on the reasons behind Pant's non-retention. However, it is believed that the franchise was looking to reduce its salary cap and rebuild its squad.Pant's departure from the Delhi Capitals marks the end of an era for the franchise. He was appointed captain in 2021 and led the team to the IPL final in 2022.It remains to be seen where Pant will play in the IPL 2025 season. However, his talent and experience make him a valuable asset for any franchise.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has appointed Omkar Salvi as their new bowling coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Salvi, who guided Mumbai to Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy titles last season, brings a wealth of experience to the RCB camp.Salvi, the younger brother of former India player Avishkar Salvi, has worked as an assistant coach with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the past. He is expected to join RCB after the conclusion of the ongoing Ranji season, which resumes on January 23.In the meantime, Salvi will oversee Mumbai's campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. He is contracted with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) until March 2025.RCB has never won an IPL title despite participating in the tournament since its inception in 2008. The franchise will be hoping that Salvi's expertise can help them break their title drought.Salvi's appointment is a significant move for RCB, as they look to strengthen their bowling attack. The franchise has a talented group of bowlers, including Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, and Wanindu Hasaranga. Salvi's guidance will be crucial in helping them reach their full potential.Salvi's experience and success at the domestic level make him a valuable addition to the RCB coaching staff. He will be working alongside head coach Sanjay Bangar and batting coach Sridharan Sriram.RCB will be hoping that Salvi's appointment can help them finally lift the IPL trophy. The franchise has a strong squad on paper, and they will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.

Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record Under Threat from Rishabh PantAustralian pacer Mitchell Starc's record-breaking INR 24.75 crore acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 auction may be short-lived, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.Pathan predicts that Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket after a car accident, is poised to break Starc's record in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant's sensational form, despite India's 3-0 Test series whitewash against New Zealand, has drawn widespread acclaim.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Pant's aggressive batting, leadership potential, and ability to single-handedly turn games make him a prime candidate for a record-breaking bid. Ali suggests that Pant could fetch as much as INR 50 crore in the auction.The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will feature 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. The auction will also see significant procedural updates, with marquee players divided into two sets for the first time since 2018.Mallika Sagar, who previously conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, will helm the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction promises to be a spectacle, with a plethora of marquee players and international stars available for selection. The presence of 12 marquee players, including Indian stalwarts Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, has generated immense excitement within the cricket fraternity.Marquee Players in the Spotlight:Jos Buttler: The English wicketkeeper-batter is a T20 behemoth, boasting an impressive record of 11,929 runs in 427 matches. His exceptional performances for Rajasthan Royals (RR) have earned him a reputation as one of the finest white-ball batters of this generation.Shreyas Iyer: A versatile all-rounder, Iyer has excelled in all formats for India. His leadership skills and aggressive batting style have made him a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Rishabh Pant: The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter is known for his fearless approach and match-winning abilities. His impressive T20 record and consistent performances for Delhi Capitals have established him as a force to be reckoned with.Kagiso Rabada: The South African pacer is among the world's best, with a proven track record in T20 cricket. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a formidable weapon for any team.Arshdeep Singh: The young Indian left-arm pacer has emerged as a rising star, impressing with his swing and wicket-taking abilities. His performances for Punjab Kings and India have earned him widespread recognition.Mitchell Starc: The Australian pacer is a multi-time world champion and one of the most feared bowlers in the game. His ability to deliver match-winning spells has made him a highly sought-after player.Yuzvendra Chahal: The Indian spin wizard is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, with an impressive record of 205 wickets in 160 matches. His ability to control the run rate and take crucial wickets has made him a valuable asset for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder is a T20 World Cup winner, known for his explosive batting and useful spin bowling. His ability to accelerate the innings and take wickets makes him a valuable addition to any team.David Miller: The South African finisher is considered one of the modern greats of white-ball cricket. His ability to score quick runs and finish matches has made him a highly sought-after player.KL Rahul: The Indian batter is a versatile performer, capable of opening the innings, anchoring the middle order, and keeping wickets. His consistent performances for various IPL teams have established him as one of the most reliable players in the tournament.Mohammed Shami: The Indian pace veteran is a proven match-winner, having played a crucial role in India's success in the 50-over World Cup. His ability to swing the ball and generate pace makes him a formidable weapon.Mohammed Siraj: The Indian pacer has emerged as a solid performer in all formats, impressing with his accuracy and ability to take wickets. His performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made him a valuable asset for the team.

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auctions are set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24-25. A total of 1574 players, including 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations, will be up for grabs.Among the marquee players available in the auction are Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj. Rahul, who captained Lucknow Super Giants since 2022, was released by the franchise ahead of the auctions.Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should target Rahul as a potential successor to MS Dhoni. CSK has retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana, but Dhoni has been retained as an uncapped player."What all do they need? I feel they need a successor to Dhoni, a wicketkeeper-batter and it's great if they get an Indian. Everyone is saying, let me also say - he is more than 30 years old, is going to be a father very soon and everyone has written him off as well, so he is right for Chennai, that's KL Rahul. So they will definitely go for KL Rahul," Chopra said on his YouTube channel."We can't say for how long they will go but they will try to acquire him because the franchise still has Rs 55 crore to be spent. So if they can get an Indian like him, Ishan Kishan or Rishabh Pant for Rs 10-15 crore, they are going to try. They might think about Shreyas Iyer for some time because they will need Indian batters to bat in those conditions," he added.Other notable players in the auction include David Warner, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Jofra Archer. The auction is expected to be a fiercely competitive affair, with teams looking to bolster their squads for the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to witness a plethora of young talents vying for the attention of the ten franchises. With an unprecedented number of Indian and overseas superstars in contention, the auction promises to be a thrilling affair.Among the 574 shortlisted players, five stand out as the youngest:* Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Age: 13 years 234 days): The youngest player on the list, Suryavanshi made his first-class debut for Bihar at the tender age of 12. He has since impressed with his batting prowess, scoring a century against Australia U19.* Ayush Mhatre (Age: 17 years 123 days): An opening batter, Mhatre has showcased his talent in the Ranji Trophy, scoring two centuries and one fifty in just five matches. He also earned a call-up to Mumbai's Irani Trophy squad.* Hardik Raj (Age: 18 years 44 days): A spin-bowling all-rounder, Raj has impressed with his performances in the Maharaja T20 Trophy and India U19 matches. He is known for his left-arm spin and aggressive batting.* C Andre Siddarth (Age: 18 years 80 days): The nephew of former Tamil Nadu batter S Sharath, Siddarth has been in stellar form in the Ranji Trophy, scoring multiple half-centuries. He has also received his maiden call-up to the India U19 squad.* Kwena Maphaka (Age: 18 years 104 days): The youngest overseas player on the list, Maphaka is a South African U19 pace sensation who shone in the U19 World Cup. He has already made his international debut for South Africa.These young players represent the future of Indian cricket and are eager to make their mark on the IPL stage. With their exceptional talent and potential, they are sure to attract the attention of franchises looking to build their squads for the upcoming season.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: RCB's Mo Bobat Emphasizes Flexibility and Contingency PlanningWith the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaching on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, teams are meticulously crafting their auction strategies to navigate the unpredictable dynamics of the event. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bobat acknowledges the inherent uncertainty of the auction and stresses the importance of having multiple contingency plans in place."As we get closer to the auction, we start considering the auction dynamics that will come into play," Bobat said in a statement. "Knowing the set orders and potential player availability significantly impacts our planning and strategy."Bobat highlights the crucial task of setting cost parameters for different player roles and emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability during the auction. "We're trying to prepare for as many eventualities as possible," he added. "There's no absolute certainty, but we have plans A, B, C, and D to ensure we can react quickly and make informed decisions."RCB has retained only three players for the upcoming season: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. This leaves them with a purse of INR 83 crore and three Right to Match (RTM) cards to acquire former capped players.Bobat acknowledges the challenges of building a balanced squad with limited retentions. "We have a clear understanding of the areas we need to strengthen," he said. "We'll be looking for players who can complement our existing core and contribute to our overall team performance."The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be a highly competitive affair, with 574 players set to go under the hammer and only 204 spots available across the ten franchises. Teams will need to carefully consider their needs, budgets, and potential player combinations to emerge from the auction with a squad capable of challenging for the title.