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.

Rohit Sharma's IPL Future Sparks Fan Frenzy at India-New Zealand TestDuring the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, India captain Rohit Sharma found himself at the center of a light-hearted moment that has captured the attention of cricket fans on social media. As Rohit walked off the field, a fan shouted out a question that has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."Bhai, IPL mein kaun sa team?" (Brother, which IPL team?), the fan asked, eager to know Rohit's preferred destination for the upcoming season. Rohit responded with a playful question of his own: "Where do you want?"Without hesitation, the fan replied, "Bhai, RCB mein ajao yaar (Come to RCB, brother)." Rohit, however, did not respond to the plea and continued walking towards the pavilion, leaving the fan's request unanswered.Rohit's current IPL team, Mumbai Indians (MI), has been his home for the past 13 seasons, during which he has led them to five championship titles. However, the fan's plea from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp highlights the intense rivalries and transfer hopes that run deep within the IPL.In the match itself, Rohit bounced back from a disappointing first innings with a solid 52 in India's second innings, providing a strong foundation alongside opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (32). The hosts have staged a remarkable recovery by erasing New Zealand's mammoth 356-run lead, bringing the team back into contention for a victory.Rohit's future with MI remains uncertain, and the fan's plea for him to join RCB has sparked speculation about a potential transfer. While Rohit has been a key figure for MI, the team's recent struggles and the emergence of young talent could lead to a change in strategy.The IPL is known for its unpredictable nature and game-changing transfers, and Rohit's future destination will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether he remains with MI or makes a move to another franchise, his presence is sure to have a significant impact on the upcoming season.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has shifted his focus from personal milestones to team success, according to Mike Hesson, the former Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Hesson believes that this mindset could prove dangerous for opposing teams, as Kohli's natural ability will lead to big scores regardless.Hesson, speaking on Jio Cinema ahead of India's Test series against New Zealand, praised Kohli's desire to win games for his country. He noted that Kohli's focus on team success rather than individual statistics could be a major advantage for India."I think Virat Kohli is at that stage in his career where he just wants to try and win games for India," Hesson said. "And I think that's a dangerous stage for other sides, because if he is doing that rather than focusing on numbers, the big scores will come naturally."Hesson emphasized the importance of Kohli's ability to control the tempo of an innings and counter-attack when necessary. He believes that Kohli's presence at the crease will prevent the game from drifting away from India."The ability to hold a tempo in Australia is so important--being able to counter-attack and knowing the right moments to do so," Hesson said. "As mentioned, from 30 to 60 overs is a key phase. If Kohli is batting at that point, he won't let the game drift. It is about finding gaps, hitting gaps, getting ones and twos, and then, if they try and attack him, then he can counterattack."Hesson also commented on Kohli's recent struggles against Bangladesh, noting that the former captain appeared to be in good form despite not making many runs. He expressed confidence that Kohli will thrive in the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia."He looked like he was moving well and getting into good positions," Hesson said. "After playing in New Zealand, heading to Australia will suit him, as he thrives in those conditions."

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction looming, the future of India captain Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians (MI) remains uncertain. Rohit was surprisingly removed as captain by MI last season, with the franchise handing over the leadership duties to Hardik Pandya, who was traded from Gujarat Titans (GT).All 10 IPL teams can retain up to six players ahead of the auction. However, there is no clarity whether MI will retain Rohit, or will the six-time IPL winner enter the auction for the first time in 13 years.According to recent reports, multiple franchises are interested in acquiring Rohit, including the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). During a recent interaction with India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, a fan expressed his excitement over the possibility of having Virat Kohli and Rohit in the same team.Reacting to the fan's wish, Ashwin said that RCB would have to keep at least Rs 20 crore aside for Rohit at the auction table. "Agar Rohit Sharma ke liye aap jaa rahe hai to 20 crore rakhna padega (You need to keep 20 crores with yourself if you want to sign up Rohit Sharma)," Ashwin said during a discussion on his YouTube channel.MI had traded Hardik from GT ahead of IPL 2024. However, the decision to sack Rohit as captain wasn't welcomed by the fans. In the end, MI finished last in the 10-team points table.With as many as 6 players allowed by the BCCI, including Right-To-Match, some tough decisions are expected to unfold in the coming months. It is the discretion of the franchise to choose its combination for Retentions and RTMs. The 6 retention/RTMs can have a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian & Overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players.Rohit, who joined MI ahead of IPL 2011, led the franchise to five IPL titles. His departure would mark a significant change for MI, who have been one of the most successful teams in IPL history.

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked confusion and speculation with a cryptic post on social media. On October 8, 2024, Singh took to Twitter to write, "Nowadays, some ants are teaching bees how to make honey."The enigmatic message has left the internet baffled, with many trying to decipher its meaning. Some have suggested that it is a reference to another cricketer, while others have speculated about a political connection, as the post coincided with the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results.Singh's post comes after he shared his thoughts on the thrilling IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). RCB emerged victorious, securing a spot in the playoffs.In a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Singh revealed an incident that occurred after the match. He claimed that CSK legend MS Dhoni lost his composure and punched a screen while walking back to the dressing room."RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens," Singh said.Singh's cryptic post and the revelation about Dhoni's reaction have further fueled speculation and discussion among cricket fans. The true meaning behind the message remains unknown, but it has certainly sparked a buzz on social media.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has suggested that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should consider acquiring Rohit Sharma as their captain ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Kaif's proposal stems from the recent announcement of IPL's retention and auction rules, as well as rumors surrounding Rohit's future with Mumbai Indians (MI).Rohit, the current Indian skipper, has led MI to five IPL titles. However, MI's disappointing performance in the 2024 season, where they finished last with only four wins, has raised questions about his future with the franchise.Kaif believes that RCB, despite boasting star players like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, has never won an IPL trophy due to a lack of effective leadership. He argues that Rohit's exceptional captaincy skills, evident in his recent ICC T20 World Cup victory, could transform RCB's fortunes."RCB should take this chance. Somehow convince Rohit and make him the captain. He might not score that much as a batter, he scores forties and fifties, but I believe Rohit knows how to build a playing eleven very well," Kaif said.Kaif emphasized that Rohit should focus solely on captaincy in the IPL, given his proven track record as a leader. "Rohit Sharma should play as a captain only in the IPL because he is such a great captain. He has come after winning the T20 World Cup. He would have offers. We know people would have been calling him and asking him to play for them. I feel he should take the role of a captain only, whichever franchise is offering it," he said.Rohit's impressive IPL record, with 6,628 runs at an average of 29.72 and a strike rate of 131.14, further supports Kaif's suggestion. His ability to build a cohesive team and inspire players to perform at their best could be the key to RCB's long-awaited IPL triumph.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) Player Regulations for 2025-27 announced, franchises are gearing up to make crucial decisions regarding player retention. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to seize the opportunity to acquire Rohit Sharma as their captain if the chance arises.Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, was replaced by Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 season. However, the move proved unsuccessful as MI failed to qualify for the playoffs. Kaif believes that Rohit's leadership skills could be the key to ending RCB's title drought."Rohit Sharma turns a player from an 18 to a 20," Kaif said in a video circulating on social media. "He knows how to get the best out of a player by putting an arm around him."Kaif highlighted Rohit's tactical acumen and ability to identify the right players for specific roles in the team. "He understands the tactical moves, knows which player to fit where in the playing eleven," Kaif added.According to the IPL Player Regulations, franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including five capped players and two uncapped players. RCB currently has Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Wanindu Hasaranga as their retained players.Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league's inception, has been the team's top scorer in recent seasons. However, he has yet to lead the franchise to an IPL title. Kaif believes that Rohit's experience and leadership qualities could make a significant difference for RCB."If RCB gets a chance, they should definitely take Rohit Sharma as captain," Kaif concluded.

Star Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has vehemently denounced the spread of false news regarding his potential transfer to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Pant took to social media to express his frustration and anger towards an individual who had disseminated baseless information on the platform. The user had alleged that Pant's management had inquired about the possibility of him becoming the captain of the RCB team, but Pant had ultimately declined the offer.The user further insinuated that this decision was influenced by a political agenda, taking a swipe at senior batsman Virat Kohli in the process.In response, Pant strongly condemned these claims, emphasizing the importance of responsible reporting and the need to verify facts before making such statements. He urged the individual to exercise more caution when sharing information on social media."Fake news. Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media? Be sensible guys so bad. Don't create untrustworthy environment for no reason. It's not the first time and won't be last but I had to put this out. Please always re-check with your so-called sources. Everyday it's becoming worst. Rest it's up to you guys. It's wasn't just for you it's for a lot for people who is spreading misinformation. Tc," Pant tweeted.Pant's outburst comes amidst a sensational Test comeback in the opening game of the two-Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai. He scored a magnificent century, re-entering the ICC rankings at an impressive sixth position.The spread of false news and misinformation on social media has become a growing concern, with individuals often sharing unverified information without considering its potential consequences. Pant's response highlights the importance of responsible reporting and the need for individuals to be more discerning when consuming information online.

Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal's remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season has earned him a maiden Test call-up for India's upcoming series against Bangladesh. Despite initial skepticism surrounding his signing by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Dayal played a pivotal role in the team's qualification for the playoffs.In a crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB needed to win by at least 18 runs to secure a playoff berth. With CSK requiring 17 runs off the final over, RCB captain Faf du Plessis entrusted Dayal with the responsibility.Under immense pressure, Dayal conceded a six off the first ball to MS Dhoni, the legendary CSK batter. However, he responded with a stunning dismissal of Dhoni on the next delivery, effectively ending CSK's hopes of reaching the top four.Reflecting on the moment, Dayal expressed mixed emotions. "I felt bad after dismissing him," he said. "I don't know if he will return to the IPL. It was a moment where a lot of things were going through my head."Despite the bittersweet nature of Dhoni's dismissal, Dayal's composure and execution under pressure showcased his maturity and potential. He credited his confidence to the guidance of his teammates, particularly Virat Kohli."With 11 runs needed off 4, I was like why I am even looking at the scoreboard," Dayal recalled. "Virat bhai said, 'don't give pace, nor bowl right onto his bat.' I told him right now it's like peanut butter falling from top. Anywhere I want to bowl, I will I have so much confidence."Dayal's impressive performances in the IPL have not only earned him a Test call-up but have also established him as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to bowl with accuracy, control, and pace has made him a valuable asset to any team.As India prepares for the Bangladesh series, Dayal will be eager to prove his worth at the international level. His determination, skill, and the support of his teammates will undoubtedly serve him well as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.