Cricket

With the IPL player retention deadline looming, franchises are strategizing their rosters for the upcoming cycle. For the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the focus remains on Virat Kohli, but beyond that, the team faces a dilemma.RCB retained Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj ahead of the 2022 mega auction. However, Siraj's recent struggles and Maxwell's poor 2024 performance raise questions about their value. Skipper Faf Du Plessis' age (40) also presents a concern.Cameron Green, acquired from Mumbai Indians, is unlikely to be retained due to his recent back surgery. Dinesh Karthik's retirement leaves a void in the finisher role, while Rajat Patidar's potential may not warrant a significant investment.This leaves RCB with the need to rebuild at the mega auction. The Right to Match (RTM) option remains, but premium costs make it unlikely for multiple retentions. The team's priority is finding a long-term captain.Over the years, RCB has neglected local Bengaluru players. Devdutt Padikkal was the last consistent local talent, while Vyshak Vijay Kumar has played sparingly. Government pressure may force the franchise to prioritize Karnataka players in the auction.One potential target is KL Rahul, who fits the bill as a top-order batter, captaincy candidate, and local player. However, his availability depends on his relationship with the Lucknow Supergiants. If Rahul becomes available, RCB could face intense competition for his services.For RCB, the preparations revolve around Virat Kohli, with the rest of the roster to be determined at the auction. The team's future success hinges on finding the right balance of experience and potential.

KL Rahul's Touching Gesture Sparks Retirement Speculation After India's Test LossTeam India's recent defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium has ignited speculation about KL Rahul's future in Test cricket. Following India's eight-wicket loss, a video emerged on social media showing Rahul touching the pitch, a gesture reminiscent of Sachin Tendulkar's farewell moment during his final Test.Rahul's recent form has been under scrutiny, with disappointing scores of 0 and 12 in the match against New Zealand. His second-innings failure was particularly crucial as it came after a promising partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.With Shubman Gill likely to return for the upcoming Test in Pune and Sarfaraz Khan's impressive 150-run performance in Bengaluru, speculation is mounting that Rahul may be dropped for the critical match. The viral clip of Rahul touching the pitch has further fueled these rumors, with some fans suggesting the right-hander could be considering retirement from Test cricket.Rahul's struggles have been evident in his last five innings, where he has managed just one fifty during India's recent series against Bangladesh. Despite scoring a half-century against England and a century in South Africa earlier this year, his inconsistency has raised questions about his place in the Test squad.The gesture in Bengaluru has only intensified the speculation surrounding Rahul's future in the format. While some fans believe it could be a sign of his impending retirement, others suggest it may simply be a moment of reflection after a disappointing performance.The Indian team management has not yet commented on Rahul's future, but the speculation is likely to continue until he addresses the issue or his performance improves significantly.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has opined that KL Rahul should open the batting for India in the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia if Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to personal reasons. Kumble believes that Rahul's adaptability and experience make him the ideal candidate for the role, while Shubman Gill should continue to excel at the No. 3 position.Kumble suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner Rahul at the top of the order, maintaining a balanced batting lineup. He emphasizes Gill's versatility and ability to adapt to different batting positions, including his successful stint as an opener in the past.Kumble acknowledges that Gill's batting style differs from traditional No. 3 stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, but believes that his dynamic strokeplay and adaptability could provide India with an edge in challenging Australian conditions.The former India head coach notes that the No. 3 batsman often faces the new ball and must control the first session of play. He believes that Gill has the ability to fulfill this role effectively, ensuring that the middle-order batsmen can come in later and score runs comfortably.Kumble emphasizes that Gill may need to adjust his approach based on the conditions in Australia, but he has the ability to do so. He believes that India can benefit from Gill's adaptability and versatility in the upcoming series.

India's Test juggernaut rolls into Bengaluru for the first of three matches against New Zealand, starting Wednesday at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The hosts, riding high on a six-match winning streak, will be aiming to extend their dominance against a New Zealand side missing the services of star batter Kane Williamson.For Indian opener KL Rahul, this Test holds special significance as it marks a homecoming to the city where his cricketing dreams took flight. In an interview with BCCI TV, Rahul expressed his emotional connection to the Bengaluru ground, recalling his journey from an 11-year-old boy to an international cricketer."It's always special for me to come back here," Rahul said. "This is where I grew up, played all my cricket. The feeling for me as an eleven year old boy who came here first time, played a game, that feeling for me hasn't changed."Rahul described the overwhelming flood of memories that come rushing in whenever he steps onto the field at Chinnaswamy. "From the time you leave the dressing room and walk to the middle, so many emotions hit you. It's like a whole three-hour movie plays in your mind – from my early cricketing days at U13s, U15s, U19s, to Ranji Trophy and IPL matches, and finally, representing India internationally. It gives me goosebumps."He also fondly reminisced about his time in the clubhouse canteen, where breakfast routines became a cherished tradition. "From age-group cricket to Ranji Trophy, we'd have breakfast at the canteen, finish training, and return for lunch," Rahul recalled. "I haven't been there in the last year or so. I don't know if that place has changed now. But it used to be really delicious and our morning started really good with dosa and coffee."Rahul, who made his Test debut against Australia in 2014, has garnered 2969 runs in 52 Tests, averaging 34.52. In 2024, he has featured in four Tests, scoring 222 runs at an average of 44.40, with two fifties.Rahul also displayed his form in the Duleep Trophy, scoring 37 and 57 for India A. With one eye on the upcoming Australia tour, Rahul will be eager to prove his mettle and cement his spot in the team's starting eleven for the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 season, and the excitement is palpable among fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released guidelines for the mega auctions, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players.Retention Guidelines:Franchises can retain players with the following financial implications:* First retention: Rs 18 crore* Second retention: Rs 14 crore* Third retention: Rs 11 crore* Fourth retention: Rs 18 crore* Fifth retention: Rs 14 crore* Uncapped player retention: Rs 4 croreAuction Venue:The IPL 2024 auctions were held in Dubai, UAE, but for the 2025 edition, Saudi Arabia is likely to host the event. Riyadh and Jeddah are the probable venues for the two-day auction.Cristiano Ronaldo's Influence:The presence of renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, playing for Al-Nassr, may have influenced the decision to host the IPL auctions in the country.Expert Analysis:Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul will command a hefty sum if he enters the auction. Chopra also suggests that LSG may consider using the Right to Match card for Mayank Yadav, who has been selected in the India squad for the Bangladesh T20Is.Conclusion:The IPL 2025 mega auctions promise to be a thrilling affair, with franchises strategizing to retain their core players and acquire new talent. The event will be held in Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter in the history of the IPL.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has unveiled its player regulations for the 2025 season, introducing significant changes to the retention and auction process. Franchises will now be allowed to retain a maximum of six players, down from eight in previous seasons. This move aims to create a more balanced competition and encourage teams to invest in a wider pool of talent.The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be held in late November or early December and will be a mega auction, meaning all players will be available for selection. Franchises will have an auction purse of INR 120 Crore to bid on players, with the total salary cap now consisting of the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees.Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul will command a hefty price if he enters the auction. "He is the face of the franchise and you would want to make him the captain," Chopra said. "If he goes to the auction, he will get Rs 18 crore."Chopra also discussed the case of Mayank Yadav, who has been selected in the India squad for the Bangladesh T20Is. "They would have definitely wanted to retain him, but if he gets the India cap, there is no advantage of retaining him," Chopra said. "Then you can use the Right To Match card."A significant change for the 2025 season is the introduction of a match fee for players. Each playing member, including the Impact Player, will receive INR 7.5 Lakhs per match in addition to their contracted amount. This move aims to reward players for their performances and create a more competitive environment.Overseas players will be required to register for the Big Auction, and those who fail to do so will be ineligible to participate in the following year's auction. Any player who registers and then makes themselves unavailable before the start of the season will be banned from the tournament and player auction for two seasons.Capped Indian players will become uncapped if they have not played in the starting XI in international cricket or do not have a Central Contract with the BCCI in the last five calendar years. This rule applies only to Indian players.The Impact Player Regulation will continue for the 2025 to 2027 cycle, allowing teams to substitute a player during the match.

LSG's Retention Strategy: Chopra Advocates Prioritizing Rahul, PooranFormer Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to prioritize retaining KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Chopra emphasized the crucial role these players have played for the franchise.KL Rahul: The Franchise CornerstoneChopra believes that KL Rahul should be LSG's top retention choice. As the team's captain and a prolific run-scorer, Rahul is indispensable to the franchise's success. "You want to make him the captain, and he is the face of the franchise," Chopra said. "You won't get him for 18 crores in any case. If KL Rahul goes to the auction, he will take 18 crores for sure, and you don't leave the captain in any case."Nicholas Pooran: A Consistent T20 ForceChopra also highlighted the importance of retaining Nicholas Pooran, who LSG acquired for Rs 16 crore in the previous auction. Pooran's consistent performances in T20 cricket have made him a valuable asset for the team. "The sort of performances he has given in T20 cricket—don’t even think about it, you have to retain him," Chopra added.Marcus Stoinis: The Game-ChangerFor the third retention, Chopra suggested Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Stoinis was previously retained by LSG for 10 crores and has proven to be a game-changer with his all-around abilities. "He is that game-changer kind of a player," Chopra said.Mayank Yadav: A Potential Uncapped RetentionChopra also mentioned Mayank Yadav as a potential uncapped retention, depending on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Yadav's impressive batting form could earn him a place in LSG's retained squad.

The Indian cricket team displayed unwavering determination in the second Test against Bangladesh, overcoming significant weather disruptions to emerge victorious. Despite losing over two and a half days to rain and a wet outfield, Rohit Sharma's men refused to settle for a draw and instead opted for an aggressive approach.After bowling out Bangladesh on Day 4, India's batting lineup, led by Rohit Sharma, launched an all-out assault on the Green Park Stadium. KL Rahul later revealed that Rohit's clear message to the team was to "find a way to play for the win."Inspired by their captain's words, India set a blistering pace, breaking records for the fastest team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250. Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal also etched their names in history by registering the fastest 50-run partnership in Test history."The message was very clear from the start," said Rahul. "We lost a couple of days due to rain, but we wanted to see what we could do in the time that was left. The plan was simple: find a way to play for the win."India's attacking intent continued in the second innings, with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja claiming three wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 146. Despite the weather setbacks, India had put themselves in a commanding position, needing just 95 runs to seal the series 2-0.The hosts eventually secured a seven-wicket victory, further bolstering their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final. India's resilience and determination in the face of adversity showcased their unwavering commitment to success.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped praise on middle-order batter KL Rahul for his scintillating performance in the second and final Test match against England at Green Park in Kanpur. Rahul played a blistering knock of 68 runs off just 43 balls, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to adapt to different match situations.Manjrekar believes that Rahul thrives when given the freedom to play aggressively. "When he has the license, where there is only a one-point agenda, like today, and even in that second innings [in Chennai], although, it was a brief innings, you just see the class of KL Rahul - the shots that he plays," Manjrekar said.Rahul's versatility and adaptability were evident in his innings, as he effortlessly switched between attacking and defensive shots. He displayed his mastery of the reverse sweep, a shot that has become his signature move. Manjrekar lauded Rahul's commitment to the team, noting that he always puts the team's needs ahead of his own.In a rain-affected Test match, India adopted an aggressive approach, aiming to force a result despite the odds favoring a draw. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with their aggressive batting, laying the foundation for a run-scoring fest. India declared on 285/9, taking a 52-run lead over England.With limited overs remaining, England managed to see off the day without losing any wickets. However, Ravichandran Ashwin's exceptional bowling skills proved too much for Zakir Hasan and Hasan Mahmud, who were both dismissed by the master spinner.