Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 season with a mega auction set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas players, will go under the hammer. This includes 330 uncapped players, of which 318 are Indian and 12 are from overseas.The auction will feature a total of 204 slots, with 70 available for overseas players. This is the first time since the 2018 auction that the marquee list has been split into two. The marquee list includes players who have a base price of INR 2 crore or more.The IPL auction is a crucial event for teams to build their squads for the upcoming season. Teams will be looking to acquire a mix of experienced and talented players to bolster their chances of success. The auction is also an opportunity for young and uncapped players to showcase their skills and earn a contract with an IPL franchise.The IPL has become one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world, attracting top players from around the globe. The league has also played a significant role in the development of Indian cricket, providing a platform for young players to showcase their talent and earn international recognition.The 2025 IPL season is expected to be another exciting and competitive one, with teams vying for the coveted trophy. The mega auction will play a key role in shaping the teams and determining the outcome of the season.

James Anderson, at 42, Registers for IPL 2025 Mega AuctionFormer England pacer James Anderson, a veteran of international cricket, has made history by becoming the oldest player to register for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. At 42 years of age, Anderson has set his base price at Rs 1.25 crore for the auction, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25.Anderson's entry into the IPL auction pool marks a significant moment in his illustrious career. The seasoned fast bowler, who hasn't featured in T20 cricket since 2014, could make his inaugural appearance in the IPL. Should any team secure his services at the upcoming auction, it would represent a major milestone for Anderson as he ventures into the IPL arena.The IPL released its highly-anticipated Player Auction List on Friday, featuring a total of 574 players for the upcoming Mega Auction. Of the 574 players, 366 are Indian, and 208 are from overseas, including three from Associate Nations. The list includes 318 uncapped Indian players and 12 uncapped players from abroad.In total, 204 slots are up for grabs, with 70 spots available for overseas players, as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on behalf of the IPL. According to the BCCI statement, the highest reserve price is set at Rs 2 crore, with 81 players opting for this top bracket. Additionally, 27 players have a reserve price of Rs 1.50 crore, while 18 players are listed with a reserve price of Rs 1.25 crore.Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, both aged 40, are the second-oldest players set to go under the hammer at the auction. The presence of these experienced players adds depth and experience to the auction pool.The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be an exciting event, with a wide range of talented players available for selection. Anderson's registration for the auction has generated significant buzz, and it remains to be seen which team will secure the services of the veteran pacer.

The Mumbai Indians (MI), a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are gearing up for the 2025 mega auction with a strategic plan and a substantial auction purse. The auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will be a battleground for teams seeking to revamp their squads for the upcoming season.MI, after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them finish last in the 10-team league, will enter the auction with Rs 45 crore remaining in their purse. The five-time IPL champions aim to bolster their squad by acquiring key players across various departments. They also possess one strategic Right to Match (RTM) card, allowing them to potentially retain a player by matching the highest bid during the auction.In preparation for the mega auction, MI has retained five key players who form the backbone of their team. These retentions have consumed a significant portion of their total auction budget of Rs 120 crore. The retained players and their respective salaries are as follows:* Jasprit Bumrah: Rs 18 crore* Suryakumar Yadav: Rs 16.35 crore* Hardik Pandya: Rs 16.35 crore* Rohit Sharma: Rs 16.30 crore* Tilak Varma: Rs 8 croreThese retentions have cost MI a total of Rs 75 crore, leaving them with Rs 45 crore to spend at the auction. These players bring a wealth of experience and talent, with Bumrah as the bowling spearhead and Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, leading their dynamic batting lineup. Notably, Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to a T20 World Cup win, remains a pivotal figure for MI despite stepping down as captain. His leadership duties have been handed over to Hardik Pandya, who returned to MI after a stint as Gujarat Titans' captain.With Rs 45 crore in hand, MI will target crucial areas in their squad. They will aim to rebuild after a poor 2024 season, focusing on reinforcing both their batting depth and bowling attack. The presence of an RTM card gives them added flexibility to bring back a former player who might attract high bids.After five retentions, MI have a minimum of 13 slots and a maximum of 20 slots available to fill. Mumbai Indians will have several important slots to fill during the auction, with a focus likely on securing few world-class overseas talents and uncapped Indian cricketers. Additionally, MI could look to bolster their bowling unit to support Jasprit Bumrah, particularly with spinners and pacers who can adapt to different conditions.Having retained their core group of stars, including their new skipper Hardik Pandya and the explosive Suryakumar Yadav, MI now have the challenge of finding the right balance in the rest of their squad to return to their winning ways in 2025.

RCB Should Target Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Suggests Aakash ChopraFormer India opener Aakash Chopra has strongly advocated for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to make a concerted effort to acquire wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Chopra believes that Pant's aggressive batting style and suitability to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium's short boundaries make him an ideal fit for RCB."Will you go towards Rishabh Pant? In my opinion, they should go towards him. Again a small ground, it will suit him as well. Please go for him even if you have to go till Rs 25 crore," Chopra emphasized on his YouTube channel.RCB has retained only three players ahead of the auction: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. This leaves them with a substantial budget of Rs 83 crore to build a formidable squad. Chopra suggests that RCB should not hesitate to splurge on Pant, even if it means spending a significant portion of their budget.If RCB decides that Pant is not the right fit, Chopra proposes considering KL Rahul instead. Rahul's familiarity with the local conditions as a "local boy" and his preference for small grounds and flat pitches make him a viable alternative."If you feel you don't need Rishabh Pant and need KL Rahul because he is a local boy and knows this ground as well, he will also like the small ground and flat pitch. So you can also try to bring him with you," Chopra added.RCB may not pursue Shreyas Iyer as aggressively, according to Chopra, as they may leave him for Delhi to target. Pant, Rahul, and Iyer are expected to be highly sought-after players in the auction, having been released by their respective franchises.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, teams are strategizing their purchases. Dinesh Karthik, batting coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has predicted that South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee could command a hefty sum.Coetzee, currently part of the South African squad facing India in a T20I series, impressed in the second match. He dismissed opener Abhishek Sharma and contributed 19 runs off nine balls, helping his team secure victory.Karthik believes Coetzee's versatility and impressive performances will spark a bidding war at the auction, scheduled for November 24 and 25. "He's a thinking cricketer who has worked on his batting. He's not just a one-trick pony," Karthik said.Coetzee was acquired by Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 5 crore in IPL 2024, taking 13 wickets in 10 games. However, he was released ahead of the mega auction.RCB, with the second-highest purse of INR 83 cr, has retained Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor Zaheer Khan also praised Coetzee's batting prowess and dedication to his role.Coetzee's performances in the ongoing T20I series have further enhanced his reputation. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for any IPL franchise.Teams will be eager to secure Coetzee's services at the mega auction, and it remains to be seen how high the bidding will go for the talented South African all-rounder.

Delhi Capitals' Strategic Retention of Tristan Stubbs Lauded by Paul AdamsFormer South African spinner Paul Adams has hailed the Delhi Capitals' decision to retain Tristan Stubbs for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Amidst significant roster changes, including the release of former captain Rishabh Pant, Stubbs's retention underscores the franchise's belief in his abilities."It was a calculated move from Delhi Capitals," Adams told IANS. "Stubbs is one of the few young players who will be a long-term asset for the franchise. He has proven his credentials in all formats, including a classy innings against Bangladesh in Tests. Having a young, hard-hitting batter and a terrific fielder will always benefit the team."The 22-year-old Stubbs has impressed with his aggressive batting and efficient fielding in previous IPL seasons, scoring three half-centuries in 18 matches. Alongside Stubbs, Delhi Capitals have also retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and uncapped player Abishek Porel, aiming to solidify their core team."With Axar, Kuldeep, and Porel also in the retention list, DC has tried to retain their core strength," Adams added. "But with Rishabh gone, it will be interesting to see who will lead the team."Stubbs, who made his IPL debut in 2022, has scored 405 runs at an average of 36.82, including three fifties. Acquired for Rs 50 lakh in the 2024 IPL Auction, his performance showcases his potential as a long-term asset for the team.Adams also praised the emergence of young talent like Gerald Coetzee and credited the SA20 tournament for its positive impact on South African cricket, attributing part of its success to the involvement of IPL franchises."Coetzee has been around for a while and has always been able to contribute with the bat," Adams said. "His innings the other night was absolutely amazing. Coming in and taking the pressure off Stubbs immediately. Having a player like that down the order and the batting depth South Africa now has in T20 is important.""It allows batters to continue to keep going hard," Adams added. "And you've got to understand that the game's never finished. You've got to make sure you've got length in your batting and batters down the order that can clear the ropes. And we had to see what Gerald is capable of."

Munaf Patel, the former Indian pacer and 2011 ODI World Cup winner, has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This marks Munaf's first major coaching role since his retirement from competitive cricket in 2018.Munaf, known for his ability to generate reverse swing and deliver accurate yorkers, represented India in 86 matches across all three formats from 2006 to 2011. He also played for several IPL franchises, including Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, winning the IPL title with Mumbai in 2013.Munaf replaces former Australia all-rounder James Hopes, who parted ways with DC in July 2024. The franchise has undergone a significant overhaul in its coaching staff, with Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket.As part of their preparations for the upcoming IPL cycle, DC has retained key players such as Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel. They will enter the auction on November 24 and 25 with the third-highest purse of INR 73 crore, aiming to strengthen their squad and improve their performance after failing to reach the playoffs in the last three IPL seasons.Munaf's appointment is expected to bolster DC's bowling attack, which has struggled for consistency in recent years. His experience and expertise in the art of fast bowling will be invaluable to the team's young bowlers.

Chennai Super Kings Eye 17-Year-Old Mumbai Opener Ayush Mhatre for IPL 2025 Mega AuctionFive-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly targeting a promising young batter for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise has invited Mumbai's 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre for a selection trial before the auction.Mhatre has caught the attention of CSK's talent scouts and none other than legendary India and CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The youngster has impressed with his performances for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.In his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup game against Rest of India, Mhatre opened the batting alongside Prithvi Shaw and scored 19 and 14 runs in the two innings respectively. In the Ranji Trophy, he has made 321 runs in five games at an average of 35.66, including one century and one half-century.Mhatre's impressive century came against Maharashtra, where he scored a brilliant 176. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed by CSK, who are keen on adding him to their squad for the next IPL season.CSK Managing Director and CEO Kasi Viswanathan has requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to allow Mhatre to attend a trial at their CSKHPC Navalur grounds. The trial will take place after the end of the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy 2024 season (on November 16) and before the start of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.CSK will enter the mega auction with a purse of Rs 55 crore, having retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and Dhoni. If they choose to buy Mhatre, the youngster could emerge as an option at the top of the order, alongside captain Gaikwad.Mhatre's inclusion in the CSK squad would add depth to their batting lineup and provide them with a long-term option for the opening slot. The youngster's talent and potential have impressed Dhoni and the CSK management, and he could be a valuable addition to the franchise in the upcoming IPL season.

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman and former Indian captain, has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a sum of Rs 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. This move comes as a surprise, as Dhoni had previously hinted at retirement after the 2023 season.The retention of Dhoni is significant due to a recent rule change in the Indian Premier League. The new rule states that India players who have not played any international game or held any BCCI central contract within five years will be considered uncapped. This rule change has allowed CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, which gives them a significant advantage in the upcoming auction.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed confidence in Dhoni's continued presence in the team. He stated that the doors are always open for the legendary player and that he is sure Dhoni will make the "right decision" regarding his future."As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he'll play his last game in Chennai, we're hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I'm sure he'll always take the right decision," said Viswanathan.Following CSK's unexpected exit in the group stage of IPL 2024, Dhoni has remained reserved about his plans for the league's next season. However, he recently shared how professional sport often makes it difficult for players to purely enjoy the game. The 43-year-old said he now wants to savor cricket for the next few years."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play, like when we used to go out to play at 4 pm during our childhood, simply enjoying the game. But in professional sport, it becomes challenging to enjoy it as just a game. There are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy it for the next few years," Dhoni said.Dhoni last represented India in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, a match that ended in disappointment for India. Since his retirement in 2020, Dhoni has only appeared in the IPL. In the 2024 season, he scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220, fulfilling the role of a finisher for the five-time champions.