Cricket

Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain who continues to inspire with his performances for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Ponting, speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, lauded Dhoni's enduring legacy in the sport. He highlighted Dhoni's ability to bounce back from a difficult season two years ago and regain his impact on the game."I think it will be exactly the same now...they might not get him through the whole season. They might think about leaving him out for a game and resting him up here and there to make sure that they're getting the best out of him," Ponting said.As a two-time World Cup-winning captain himself, Ponting understands the challenges of balancing playing and mentoring roles. He believes Dhoni's experience and leadership are invaluable, even when he's not captaining or playing."Any team that he's in, whether he's captain or not, he's always going to be a mentor and a leader around that group, whether he's playing, whether he's sitting on the sidelines, that's just who he is...he's crucial to Chennai, for that leadership that he brings on and off the field," Ponting said.Despite recent injuries, Ponting believes Dhoni still brings an irreplaceable presence to the CSK team. He highlighted Dhoni's ability to evolve and remain impactful, a trait shared by many cricket legends."The best players are the ones that are able to maintain such a high level for a long time...for 10, 12, 14-year careers," he said on Dhoni's longevity.Ponting also acknowledged that while Dhoni's role has shifted over time, with him now batting later in the innings, he continues to make significant contributions to the team."He's actually batting the last 20 balls of an innings now but still showing that you can make a big impact on the game by doing that," Ponting said.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have come under fire for their lack of communication with star players Mitchell Starc and Shreyas Iyer. Despite submitting their list of retained players to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), KKR has yet to reach out to Starc, who was a key contributor to their title victory in 2024.Starc, who was acquired for a hefty Rs 24.75 crore in the mini-auction in December 2023, expressed his surprise at the lack of contact from KKR. "I still haven't heard from them (KKR)," he told Australia's The Daily Telegraph.KKR's silence towards Starc is not an isolated incident. The franchise also had minimal communication with captain Shreyas Iyer before the IPL retentions deadline. As reported by TimesofIndia.com, KKR had their first chat with Iyer just three days before the deadline, despite his impressive leadership in their third IPL triumph.Sources suggest that Iyer was seeking a high retainer fee, but KKR failed to engage in timely discussions. Instead, the franchise prioritized Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who were retained for Rs 12 crore each. Rinku Singh was the top retention at Rs 13 crore, while uncapped players Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh were retained for Rs 4 crore each.KKR CEO Venky Mysore has maintained that the franchise has "engaged in conversations" with all players, but the latest revelations by Starc and Iyer contradict this claim. Mysore's decision to block TimesofIndia.com on WhatsApp further raises questions about KKR's transparency.Shreyas Iyer will now enter the IPL mega auction and is expected to attract significant interest from other franchises seeking a leadership role. KKR's lack of communication and apparent lack of interest in retaining key players has raised concerns about the franchise's long-term prospects.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold its highly anticipated auction in the vibrant capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the last week of November. This mega event will witness the participation of high-profile Indian cricket stars, including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh, who will go under the hammer.The 10 IPL franchises will collectively have approximately ₹641.5 crore to spend on 204 available slots, with 70 of those slots earmarked for overseas players. As of now, 46 players have been retained by the franchises, with a cumulative expenditure of ₹558.5 crore.The IPL auction is a crucial event that shapes the composition of teams for the upcoming season. Franchises will be eager to acquire the services of top-performing players to bolster their squads and increase their chances of success. The auction will also provide opportunities for uncapped players to showcase their talent and earn lucrative contracts.The IPL has become a global cricketing phenomenon, attracting fans from all corners of the world. The tournament's high-octane matches, star-studded lineups, and passionate fan base have made it one of the most popular sporting events in the world.The upcoming auction in Riyadh is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among cricket enthusiasts. The presence of high-profile players and the potential for unexpected acquisitions will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter, has been the heart and soul of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. His unwavering loyalty and exceptional performances have made him an icon for the franchise and a fan favorite.Kohli's journey with RCB has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and heartbreaks. He took over the captaincy in 2013 and led the team to four playoff appearances, including the final in 2016. However, the elusive IPL title has remained out of reach.Despite the lack of silverware, Kohli's contributions to RCB have been immense. He is the franchise's highest run-scorer and the all-time leading run-getter in IPL history, with over 8000 runs to his name. His ability to chase down targets, build innings, and score consistently has been crucial for RCB's success.Kohli's partnerships with AB de Villiers have produced some of the most memorable moments in IPL history. Their aggressive, fearless approach has set the tone for RCB's brand of cricket. Even after stepping down from the captaincy, Kohli remains a leader within the team, guiding young players and motivating teammates.In 2025, Kohli is set to return as RCB captain. The biggest question on everyone's mind is whether he can finally lead the franchise to their maiden IPL title. With his experience, leadership skills, and unwavering determination, Kohli is determined to make it happen.Kohli's legacy with RCB is undeniable. He has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, embodying their spirit and commitment. His loyalty and contributions have made him a symbol of RCB's identity. As he embarks on his second stint as captain, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if he can achieve the one goal that has eluded him so far: an IPL title with RCB.

KL Rahul's omission from the Lucknow Super Giants' retained players list for the IPL 2025 auctions has sparked speculation about his future destination. The former LSG captain, who was one of the most sought-after players in the league, is now a free agent and could be pursued by several franchises.One potential suitor is Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rahul's former team. RCB legend AB de Villiers has hinted that the franchise may be interested in bringing Rahul back. "If only we kept hold of KL Rahul, we never would've had to buy him back in the auction," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.De Villiers also suggested that RCB could target Kagiso Rabada, the South African fast bowler who had a disappointing IPL season with Punjab Kings in 2024. "Kagiso Rabada would be nice at RCB; that would be very, very cool," de Villiers said. "He is a guy that might go for a decent price like a discount. I think he is gonna have the best IPL of his life coming up in 2025."Another team that could be interested in Rahul is Punjab Kings. Newly-appointed coach Ricky Ponting expressed surprise at Rahul's release by LSG. "It seems certain franchises are aiming for a change in direction," Ponting said.Rahul's availability in the auction pool has created a buzz among IPL fans. The 31-year-old is a proven match-winner and has been one of the most consistent performers in the league. He has scored over 3,000 runs in the IPL, including two centuries and 27 half-centuries.Rahul's leadership skills are also highly regarded. He led LSG to the playoffs in their debut season in 2022. He has also captained India in limited-overs cricket.With the IPL 2025 auctions set to take place in December, Rahul's future destination remains uncertain. However, it is clear that he will be one of the most sought-after players in the league.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, has set its sights on retaining a strong core of players from last year's squad in the upcoming mega auction. Head coach Justin Langer revealed that the team's objective is to bring back as many players as possible who contributed to their success in the previous season.LSG has already retained five players, including four Indians and two uncapped players. The retained Indian players are Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. West Indian batter Nicholas Pooran is the only overseas player retained by the franchise."We are really pleased with announcing the four of the most talented Indian players in the country at the moment," Langer said. "We are setting a base for those strong Indian players... I'm excited about that."Pooran, known for his explosive batting, is a valuable addition to the LSG lineup. "Nicholas Pooran is a dynamic player in world cricket and we can't wait to see him in action again," Langer said.LSG released former captain KL Rahul before the retention deadline, leaving the team with a purse of Rs 69 crore for the mega auction. Rahul, who led LSG for three seasons, will now enter the auction pool."The retention for next year's IPL was really tough," Langer admitted. "There were lots of very careful deliberations, strong considerations to come up with the list of retentions."Pooran was retained for a whopping Rs 21 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the IPL. Bishnoi, Mayank, Mohsin, and Badoni were retained for Rs 11 crore each.LSG's focus on retaining a strong core of Indian players aligns with the franchise's long-term strategy. By building a solid foundation of talented domestic players, LSG aims to establish a competitive team that can challenge for the IPL title in the years to come.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have demonstrated their unwavering faith in their express bowler Mayank Yadav by retaining him for a staggering Rs 11 crore despite his injury-prone history. The franchise's co-owner, Shashwat Goenka, emphasized that Yadav's on-field contributions far outweigh his time spent on the sidelines.Yadav, who joined LSG in 2022, made his debut in 2024 and immediately showcased his exceptional pace, consistently exceeding 150kph. In his first two matches, he claimed Player of the Match honors with impressive performances of 3/27 against Punjab Kings and 3/14 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.Goenka acknowledged Yadav's injury history but stressed that it was not a decisive factor in their decision to retain him. "When he plays, what is the contribution he makes to the game and to LSG? That was the guiding principle behind keeping him," Goenka explained.Despite the challenges bowlers face in the high-scoring IPL, Goenka expressed confidence in Yadav's ability to handle the pressure. He cited the performances of Yadav and fellow young pacer Mohsin Khan in the death overs as evidence of their resilience.Yadav's retention is a testament to LSG's long-term vision and belief in his potential. The franchise is optimistic that he will continue to make significant contributions to their success in the years to come.

Virat Kohli's Return as RCB Captain: A Critical AnalysisAs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepares for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, the question of who will lead the franchise has become a topic of intense speculation. While Virat Kohli's name has been prominently mentioned, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns about the wisdom of such a move.Manjrekar argues that fans should set aside their admiration for Kohli and objectively assess his recent performances. He points out that Kohli's T20 batting has declined in recent years, and his captaincy record with RCB has been mixed."Just because he is Virat Kohli, 95% of fans want him to be the captain," said Manjrekar. "But if you just go by his performances, it is not that impressive."Manjrekar suggests that RCB fans consider the possibility of a different captain, someone who may be better suited to the demands of T20 cricket. He emphasizes that Kohli's past achievements should not overshadow the need for a critical evaluation."I just have one question from the fans," Manjrekar added. "If instead of Virat Kohli, there was someone else, you just remove Virat Kohli from your mind, and just look at his performance in the IPL, his batting and captaincy performance. Then you think whether it is the right decision to make him the captain."Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021, guiding the team to one IPL final in 2016. However, his batting form suffered a significant dip between 2020 and 2022. In the last two seasons, he has regained some of his old form, scoring over 600 runs and winning the Orange Cap in 2024.Despite his recent resurgence, Manjrekar believes that Kohli's overall T20 record does not warrant an automatic return to the captaincy. He suggests that RCB should explore other options, including younger players who may be better equipped to handle the challenges of modern T20 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.