Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation is building for the potential record-breaking deals. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a bold prediction, suggesting that Rishabh Pant could surpass Mitchell Starc's auction record of Rs 24.75 Crore.Pathan took to social media to express his belief in Pant's ability to fetch a staggering price. "Mitchell Starc's auction record is in danger. @RishabhPant17 is ready to break it," he wrote.Pant, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has established himself as one of the most sought-after players in the IPL. His explosive batting and exceptional wicket-keeping skills make him a valuable asset to any franchise.Starc's record-breaking deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction set a new benchmark for player salaries. However, Pathan believes that Pant's star power and recent performances could eclipse that record.Meanwhile, the IPL auction has also created a scheduling conflict for Australia's bowling coach, Daniel Vettori. He will leave the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the auction in Saudi Arabia as the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad.This scheduling conflict also affects Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who will leave the Test to attend the auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.Vettori's decision to prioritize the IPL auction over a Test match reflects the evolving landscape of cricket. While franchise commitments have previously caused coaches to miss series, this is the first time a coach has left midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction.Cricket Australia (CA) is currently seeking a new full-time national pace bowling coach to cover for Vettori when he is unavailable.

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.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has hailed Rishabh Pant as the next-best red-ball batter after Virat Kohli, predicting a significant impact from the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Pant's aggressive approach, coupled with his exceptional talent, has made him a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly against Australia. His fearless batting in the fourth Test in Brisbane in 2021 played a pivotal role in India's historic victory, earning him the moniker "Toota Hai Gabba Ka Ghamand."Ganguly, who has witnessed Pant's growth firsthand during their time together at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, believes the 25-year-old is a "generational talent" in red-ball cricket. "He is India's next-best red-ball batter after Kohli and could have a huge impact in the series," Ganguly said.Pant's recent performances in Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand have showcased his ability to score runs consistently. In five matches, he amassed 422 runs at an average of 46.88 and a strike rate of 86.47.In the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pant's scintillating 99, supported by Sarfaraz Khan, provided a glimmer of hope for India when they were struggling.Ganguly emphasized that while Pant still needs to improve his game in white-ball cricket, his talent in red-ball cricket is undeniable. "Look at the innings he has played in England, Australia, and South Africa, and you will know, he is a generational talent in red-ball cricket," Ganguly said.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on Friday in Perth, all eyes will be on Pant to continue his impressive form and make a significant contribution to India's quest for a third consecutive World Test Championship final appearance.

The Gabba Test of 2021, a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history, witnessed a remarkable triumph against all odds. Mohammed Siraj's exceptional bowling performance laid the foundation for India's historic victory, while Rishabh Pant's match-winning knock sealed the deal.Siraj, in only his third Test match, delivered a stunning spell of 5/73 in Australia's second innings. His maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket came at a crucial juncture, dismissing key players like Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Matthew Wade. These wickets played a pivotal role in restricting Australia to 294, setting India a challenging target of 328.Despite the absence of senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Siraj led the depleted Indian bowling attack with maturity and aggression. His performance was even more remarkable considering the personal tragedy he had endured during the tour, having lost his father.Pant's unbeaten 89-run knock in India's chase was equally crucial. His gritty innings anchored India's successful pursuit of the highest-ever target chased at the Gabba. The victory ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue, showcasing India's resilience and depth.The Gabba triumph highlighted the emergence of a new generation of Indian cricketers. Debutants like Washington Sundar and T. Natarajan, along with other inexperienced players, stepped up to the challenge and performed beyond expectations. This Test showcased the future of Indian cricket, with young players proving their mettle on the biggest stage.India's victory in Brisbane was a testament to their unwavering spirit and refusal to give up, even when faced with adversity. It became a story of triumph over adversity, inspiring fans worldwide. The Gabba Test win will be remembered as one of the most defining moments in the history of the sport, with Siraj and Pant playing pivotal roles.

Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record Under Threat from Rishabh PantAustralian pacer Mitchell Starc's record-breaking INR 24.75 crore acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 auction may be short-lived, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.Pathan predicts that Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket after a car accident, is poised to break Starc's record in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant's sensational form, despite India's 3-0 Test series whitewash against New Zealand, has drawn widespread acclaim.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Pant's aggressive batting, leadership potential, and ability to single-handedly turn games make him a prime candidate for a record-breaking bid. Ali suggests that Pant could fetch as much as INR 50 crore in the auction.The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will feature 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. The auction will also see significant procedural updates, with marquee players divided into two sets for the first time since 2018.Mallika Sagar, who previously conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, will helm the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction promises to be a spectacle, with a plethora of marquee players and international stars available for selection. The presence of 12 marquee players, including Indian stalwarts Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, has generated immense excitement within the cricket fraternity.Marquee Players in the Spotlight:Jos Buttler: The English wicketkeeper-batter is a T20 behemoth, boasting an impressive record of 11,929 runs in 427 matches. His exceptional performances for Rajasthan Royals (RR) have earned him a reputation as one of the finest white-ball batters of this generation.Shreyas Iyer: A versatile all-rounder, Iyer has excelled in all formats for India. His leadership skills and aggressive batting style have made him a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Rishabh Pant: The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter is known for his fearless approach and match-winning abilities. His impressive T20 record and consistent performances for Delhi Capitals have established him as a force to be reckoned with.Kagiso Rabada: The South African pacer is among the world's best, with a proven track record in T20 cricket. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a formidable weapon for any team.Arshdeep Singh: The young Indian left-arm pacer has emerged as a rising star, impressing with his swing and wicket-taking abilities. His performances for Punjab Kings and India have earned him widespread recognition.Mitchell Starc: The Australian pacer is a multi-time world champion and one of the most feared bowlers in the game. His ability to deliver match-winning spells has made him a highly sought-after player.Yuzvendra Chahal: The Indian spin wizard is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, with an impressive record of 205 wickets in 160 matches. His ability to control the run rate and take crucial wickets has made him a valuable asset for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder is a T20 World Cup winner, known for his explosive batting and useful spin bowling. His ability to accelerate the innings and take wickets makes him a valuable addition to any team.David Miller: The South African finisher is considered one of the modern greats of white-ball cricket. His ability to score quick runs and finish matches has made him a highly sought-after player.KL Rahul: The Indian batter is a versatile performer, capable of opening the innings, anchoring the middle order, and keeping wickets. His consistent performances for various IPL teams have established him as one of the most reliable players in the tournament.Mohammed Shami: The Indian pace veteran is a proven match-winner, having played a crucial role in India's success in the 50-over World Cup. His ability to swing the ball and generate pace makes him a formidable weapon.Mohammed Siraj: The Indian pacer has emerged as a solid performer in all formats, impressing with his accuracy and ability to take wickets. His performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made him a valuable asset for the team.

Team India is poised to embark on a challenging tour of Australia, aiming to secure their third consecutive Test series victory on foreign soil. However, the Aussies are determined to halt India's momentum and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.With captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the opening Test in Perth, the onus will fall on the rest of the Indian batting lineup to deliver. Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, will be under immense pressure to rediscover his form. Despite his impressive record in Australia, Kohli has struggled in recent times, averaging a mere 22.72 in six matches in 2024.Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will play pivotal roles in India's quest for victory. "Virat Kohli's record in Australia is phenomenal," Clarke said. "If India are to win this series, it has to be Virat Kohli leading run scorer with Rishabh Pant just behind."Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring a half-century in each innings in 2012 and a century in 2018. He will be eager to start the series strongly and set the tone for India's batting.Pant, known for his fearless approach, played a match-winning knock in the fourth Test of India's last tour of Australia at the Gabba in 2021. His unbeaten 89 off 138 balls helped India chase down 328 runs on the fifth day, securing a historic victory at a venue where Australia had been undefeated for 32 years.India's ultimate goal is to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. The team will need to overcome the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions and facing a determined Australian side.

India's upcoming tour of Australia holds immense significance as the team aims to regain its dominance Down Under. Former captain Sourav Ganguly, who led India to a memorable 1-1 draw in Australia in 2003-04, shared his insights on the team's preparations, the challenges they face, and the potential of the next generation of players.Ganguly expressed concern over India's recent 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand, emphasizing the need for introspection and a shift in mindset. He criticized the excessive use of rank turners in India, arguing that they hinder the development of batters and spinners alike.Regarding the transition to Australian conditions, Ganguly stressed the importance of adjusting to pace and bounce. He believes that the team's previous experience in Australia will be beneficial, but they must focus on hard practice and a clear game plan.Ganguly highlighted the significance of setting the tone early in the series, particularly in the first Test in Perth. He emphasized the need for senior batters like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to take responsibility and inspire the team.On the topic of the next generation of players, Ganguly expressed confidence in the abilities of Shubman Gill and Pant. He believes they have the potential to emerge as senior batters and lead the team in the future.Ganguly acknowledged the changing nature of the game, with batters now adopting an aggressive approach. However, he emphasized the importance of adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure.Regarding the uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's availability, Ganguly expressed his belief that the team can cope with his absence. He highlighted the presence of experienced batters who can step up and set the tone.Finally, Ganguly discussed the team's bowling attack, praising the performances of Mohammed Shami and the potential of playing two spinners. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, considering both batting stability and bowling strength.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has hailed Rishabh Pant's recovery from a horrific car accident as a "miracle." Shastri visited Pant in the hospital shortly after the incident and was initially uncertain about his cricketing future."Honestly, if you had seen him, you would not have given him a hope in hell to play cricket again," Shastri said. "He was in terrible shape. I went to see him in hospital a month after he was injured. He was battered and bruised, scarred all over."Pant underwent a major operation and had stitches all over his body. Shastri said that from that point, for him to recover and play cricket again was a miracle."To then go on and play in a World Cup-winning team and be a part of the Test team is a truly remarkable achievement," Shastri added.Pant has been in incredible form since his return to the game, averaging 62 on his two tours of Australia. Shastri said that Pant returns to Australia for this tour in form and as a man Australia fears, an unthinkable prospect when he was bailed up in hospital unable to walk."When you speak to him now, the respect he has for the game is even more," Shastri said. "He was nowhere. Suddenly he is back and he values that. But I have seen him work really, really hard over the past few months to get in to the shape he is to play Test cricket."Pant's accident occurred in December 2022 while he was returning to his hometown from New Delhi. He had a narrow escape thanks to some good Samaritans and his own presence of mind, which prompted him to break the windshield of his car."First time in my life I had that feeling of letting it go. I felt my time in this world was over," Pant had said. "When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me. I can't even imagine how much worse it could have been. Doctors even spoke to me about amputation."Pant was later airlifted to Mumbai, where he underwent reconstruction in three knee ligaments."I asked the doctor how long it would take for me to recover. He said it would take 16 to 18 months," Pant said. "I told the doctor that whatever timeline he gave me, I would reduce six months from it."Pant's determination and hard work have paid off, and he is now back playing at the highest level. His recovery is a testament to his resilience and the power of the human spirit.