Cricket

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.

KKR CEO Reveals Reasons Behind Shreyas Iyer's Non-RetentionFollowing Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) dominant IPL 2024 title win under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, the franchise's decision to not retain him ahead of the mega auction raised eyebrows. KKR CEO Venky Mysore has now shed light on the thought process behind this move.Mysore emphasized that Iyer was KKR's top retention priority, but the decision ultimately rested with the player. He hinted that Iyer's desire to test his market value in the auction played a role in his non-retention."He was No. 1 on our list (for retention). He's captain and we have to build everything around the leadership. We picked him for this specific reason in 2022," Mysore said.Mysore clarified that the retention process requires mutual agreement between the franchise and the player. In Iyer's case, this agreement could not be reached."What is fundamental to a retention is that it's a matter of mutually agreeing. It's not a one-sided right that the franchise has, the player has to consider various factors and agree," Mysore explained."Somewhere along the line, if that agreement doesn't happen because of factors like money or someone wants to test their value, then the decision is influenced," he added.Mysore expressed his support for Iyer's decision to explore his commercial value in the auction. He acknowledged that players have the right to prioritize their financial interests."In this case, it so happened that he felt it was best, and we're always supportive of the players when it comes to going to the auction and testing their value," Mysore said.With several teams in need of captains, including Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Iyer is expected to be a highly sought-after player in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Virat Kohli's Infectious Dance Moves Light Up Wankhede StadiumIndian cricket superstar Virat Kohli brought a touch of Bollywood flair to the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. Amidst the intense competition, Kohli couldn't resist showcasing his playful side by dancing to the iconic Bollywood number "My Name is Lakhan" from the 1988 film Ram Lakhan.Kohli's infectious dance moves were captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, delighting fans and teammates alike. The moment provided a lighthearted respite from the high-stakes match, showcasing Kohli's ability to find joy even in the most competitive of environments.The dance came just a day after Kohli was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the next three IPL seasons. The Rs 21 crore contract makes Kohli the joint-second costliest retained player in the IPL 2025 retention list, alongside Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad leads the list with a Rs 23 crore retention.Kohli's retention by RCB is a testament to his enduring value as a player and leader. The former Indian captain has been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2008, leading them to two IPL titles and numerous other accolades.Kohli's dance at the Wankhede Stadium is a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can find moments of joy and levity amidst the pressures of competition. His infectious enthusiasm and playful spirit are a testament to his love for the game and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline of October 31st has passed, revealing a list of prominent players who will enter the auction pool for the 2025 season. These notable absentees include:Rishabh Pant: The star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman has been released by the Delhi Capitals, ending his eight-year stint with the franchise. Pant's absence is a significant surprise, given his status as one of the most dynamic players in the league.KL Rahul: The former Lucknow Super Giants skipper has parted ways with the franchise after three seasons. Rahul led LSG to two playoff appearances and is expected to be a highly sought-after player in the auction.Mitchell Starc: The veteran Australian pacer was not retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders despite his impressive performance in the 2024 season. Starc's release is a testament to the competitive nature of the IPL auction.Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer has been released by the Punjab Kings after a consistent run in India's T20I team. Arshdeep's 19 wickets in the 2024 IPL season highlight his value as a reliable bowler.Shreyas Iyer: The former Kolkata Knight Riders captain has been released after leading the team to the IPL title in 2024. Iyer's omission is a setback for the player, who was also left out of the BCCI's contracted players list earlier this year.Ishan Kishan: The big-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman has been released by the Mumbai Indians due to the franchise's retention of five capped players. Kishan's absence is a blow to MI, who have relied heavily on his explosive batting in recent seasons.Jos Buttler: The England white-ball captain has been released by the Rajasthan Royals despite his impressive run as an opener. Buttler's 359 runs in 11 matches in 2024 were not enough to convince the Royals to retain him.Glenn Maxwell: The Australian batting all-rounder has been released by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a disappointing 2024 season. Maxwell's failure to live up to expectations has led to his omission from the franchise's retained players list.Mohammed Siraj: The Indian pacer has been released by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after taking 15 wickets in 14 matches in 2024. Siraj's release is a sign of the competitive nature of the IPL auction.Mitchell Marsh: The Australian T20I captain has been released by the Delhi Capitals after playing just four matches in the 2024 season. Marsh's injury-plagued campaign has contributed to his omission from the franchise's retained players list.These high-profile releases have set the stage for an exciting IPL auction, where teams will compete fiercely to acquire the services of these talented players.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the rising star of Indian cricket, has expressed his gratitude to the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise for their unwavering support and has pledged to repay their trust. Reddy, a fast-bowling all-rounder, was retained by SRH for INR 6 crore, marking a significant milestone for the Andhra Pradesh native.Reddy's journey to the IPL began in 2023 when he was acquired by SRH for INR 20 lakh. Despite limited opportunities in his debut season, he showcased his potential in IPL 2024, earning the Emerging Player of the Season award. His impressive performances, including a match-winning 64 against Punjab Kings and an unbeaten 76 against Rajasthan Royals, propelled him to the Indian national team.Reddy's retention by SRH is a testament to his rapid rise in the cricketing world. It also marks a significant moment for Andhra Pradesh, as Reddy becomes the first player from the state to secure an IPL retention.In an exclusive interview, Reddy expressed his pride in representing his region and his commitment to the SRH franchise. "Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad fills me with pride. As a Telugu speaker, I'm proud to represent my region when playing for the team in the IPL," he said.Reddy credits the IPL with transforming his life. "Everything has just changed like a rapid fire. Like in one year from nowhere to being something, I really feel that IPL is a big stage where my talent came out and everyone knows me now," he said.The all-rounder emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation, particularly in developing his power-hitting game. He also highlighted the role of shadow practicing in improving his downswing.Reflecting on his journey, Reddy expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by his father, Mutyala. "When he took the decision to retire early to focus on my cricket, everyone turned upon us. But once you don't have the government job, people treat you so differently and I saw that," he said.Reddy's father played a pivotal role in his development, traveling with him to matches and providing support. "I still remember all these things my father did for me in becoming what I am," he said.For Reddy, the joy of cricket lies in the nostalgia of his childhood days spent on the field. "For me, whenever you play cricket, you should not be feeling that you should take the pressure or something like that. You should just enjoy being in the game, as that's how everything started for me," he said.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Key Questions AnsweredWith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaching, franchises are gearing up for the mega auction. Before the retention deadline of October 31, 5pm IST, teams must finalize their list of retained players. Here are some key questions answered:Retention Limit and Cost:Each franchise can retain a maximum of six players from their 2024 squads, including five capped players (international cricketers) and two uncapped Indians. The retention costs are as follows:* First player: ₹18 crore* Second player: ₹14 crore* Third player: ₹11 crore* Fourth player: ₹18 crore* Fifth player: ₹14 crore* Uncapped Indian player: ₹4 croreRetention Pool Distribution:Franchises have a purse of ₹120 crore to build their teams. The ₹75 crore retention pool can be distributed among the five capped players as deemed fit. However, if the total retention cost exceeds ₹75 crore, the excess amount will be deducted from the overall purse.Right to Match (RTM) Card:Teams that retain less than six players will have RTM options to buy back players at the mega auction. Each RTM card allows a franchise to match the highest bid for a player they previously had. However, a new rule allows the bidding team to increase their offer after the RTM is used.Uncapped Player Definition:The IPL has revived a rule that allows capped Indian players who have retired or not played international cricket in the last five years to be categorized as uncapped players. This means teams can retain players like MS Dhoni as uncapped players at a cost of ₹4 crore.Player Refusal:Players have the right to refuse retention offers and enter the mega auction. Unlike the mini-auction, there are no player trades allowed between the retention deadline and the start of the 2025 season.Mega Auction Details:The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to take place in the last week of November. It will be a two-day event where teams will bid for players who are not retained or released by their previous franchises.

Rajat Patidar's scintillating century on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy match against Haryana has sent a resounding message to his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With the IPL retention deadline looming on October 31, Patidar's blistering knock has put him firmly in contention for a place in RCB's retained squad.Patidar's unbeaten 100 came off just 68 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. His innings helped Madhya Pradesh recover from a 132-run deficit in the first innings. The knock has not only boosted MP's chances of victory but has also caught the attention of RCB, who are yet to finalize their list of retained players.RCB currently has only one confirmed retention in star batter Virat Kohli. The future of captain Faf du Plessis and other key players remains uncertain. With teams allowed to retain a maximum of six players, RCB has a crucial decision to make.Patidar's century has put him in a strong position to be one of RCB's retained players. His impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, coupled with his consistent showings in the IPL, makes him a valuable asset for any team.The IPL retention rules allow teams to retain a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped Indian players. Patidar, who has yet to make his international debut, would be classified as an uncapped player for retention purposes.The purse for the mega auction has been increased to INR 120 crore, giving each franchise a larger budget to work with. The price for retaining uncapped players remains set at INR 4 crore.Patidar's century has not only boosted his chances of IPL retention but has also sent a clear message to RCB. The young batter is ready to take on a bigger role in the team and is determined to make a significant contribution to their success.

Chennai Super Kings Face Dilemma: Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja for Higher Retention Slab?As the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline of October 31 approaches, all franchises are finalizing their rosters. Among the most scrutinized teams is five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who must decide between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja for the higher retention slab.According to reports, CSK is considering offering both players the same pay scale. The official retention slabs are: Rs 18 crore (first), Rs 14 crore (second), Rs 18 crore (third), Rs 14 crore (fourth), Rs 11 crore (fifth), and Rs 4 crore (uncapped player).However, CSK may opt to avoid creating a disparity between Gaikwad and Jadeja. Gaikwad has emerged as the franchise's captain, while Jadeja has been a mainstay since 2012 and was CSK's highest retention before the previous mega auction.The Times of India reports that while CSK is leaning towards equalizing the pay of Gaikwad and Jadeja, a final decision is pending. The management will consult with both players before making an announcement.If CSK retains four players, two retention slabs of Rs 18 crore are mandatory, potentially opening the door for Gaikwad and Jadeja to be retained on equal terms.Another consideration for CSK is the Right to Match (RTM) option, which allows teams to retain players who have been released into the auction. CSK must decide whether to retain Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube using the RTM.Notably, the RTM option is included in the six retentions. If a team uses all six retentions, it will have no RTM at the auction.

Nitish Rana, a seasoned left-handed batter, has been a mainstay in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batting lineup for the past seven years. However, with the IPL 2025 auction approaching, his chances of being retained by KKR seem uncertain.Rana has expressed his desire to continue with KKR, highlighting his consistent run-scoring record. "I have been serving KKR for the past seven years. It's not in my hands if I will be retained; it's up to KKR management to decide. I haven't received any calls yet. I have scored runs for KKR every year and if they consider me an asset, they will retain me," he said.Meanwhile, India's rising pace sensation Mayank Yadav is set to join the IPL's "Million Dollar Club" after making his T20I debut against Bangladesh. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will need to retain his services for a minimum of Rs 11 crore (USD 1.31 million).Similarly, Sunrisers Hyderabad will also need to pay a minimum of Rs 11 crore to retain all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy after his international debut in the same match.According to IPL retention rules, any uncapped player who makes their international debut before the auctions will be elevated to the capped player category. This means that the retention prices for capped players are significantly higher.While the deadline for announcing the retention list is October 31, it is widely expected that LSG will retain Mayank as one of its three primary retentions. The 22-year-old pacer has impressed with his raw pace and potential."There is no way that LSG will put a rare bowler like Mayank back in the auction pool. They have invested in him for the past two seasons and he will certainly be one among the top three retentions," said an IPL insider.