Cricket

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will feature a star-studded list of 574 players, including Indian stalwarts Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Arshdeep Singh.Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is expected to command the highest bid, with teams like Punjab Kings eager to secure his services. Other top-tier Indian players include Iyer, the IPL-winning captain; Arshdeep, India's leading T20I bowler; Rahul, the stylish opener; Mohammed Shami, the experienced pacer; Mohammed Siraj, the rising star; Yuzvendra Chahal, the wily leg-spinner; and Avesh Khan, the promising fast bowler.The auction will also see a strong contingent of overseas players, with 81 in the top base price bracket of Rs 2 crore. England's Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Jonny Bairstow are among the most sought-after, while South Africa's Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Starc are also highly rated.Notably, retired England pacer James Anderson has made the cut despite T20 not being his forte. Other notable overseas players include Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra, both priced at Rs 1.25 crore.The auction will also feature 48 capped Indians and 193 capped overseas players. Former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand, now an Associate member nation player, has made the cut, while Saurabh Nethravalkar, who impressed during the T20 World Cup, was not shortlisted.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction is poised to be a grand spectacle, set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This mega auction will witness a pool of 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas players, vying for the attention of the 10 IPL franchises.Among the marquee players set to go under the hammer are Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj. These star performers have proven their mettle in both domestic and international cricket, making them highly sought-after commodities.The auction will be conducted by Mallika Sagar, who has successfully handled the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction and the IPL 2024 auction. The bidding war is expected to be intense, with franchises eager to secure the services of these exceptional players.Wicketkeeper-batters are likely to be in high demand, and KL Rahul stands out as a prime candidate. His consistent performances and captaincy experience make him a valuable asset for any team. Rishabh Pant, known for his explosive batting and leadership abilities, is another player who is expected to fetch a hefty sum.Ishan Kishan, another explosive wicketkeeper-batter, has also proven his worth in the IPL and on the international stage. His ability to score runs quickly and his wicketkeeping skills make him a highly desirable player.Other players who are expected to attract significant interest include Shreyas Iyer, a talented batter and former captain, and Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer who has impressed with his performances in the IPL and for India.The IPL 2025 Auction promises to be a thrilling event, with franchises vying to build their squads for the upcoming season. The presence of marquee players and the intense bidding war will undoubtedly make this auction one of the most memorable in IPL history.

Rishabh Pant's Hilarious Banter with Jasprit Bumrah Lights Up Indian Cricket Team's Perth PracticeAs the Indian cricket team gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, the atmosphere in the nets has been filled with both hard work and lighthearted banter. At the heart of the fun has been wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who has been engaging in a hilarious exchange with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.Pant, known for his aggressive batting and infectious enthusiasm, has been trying his hand at bowling during the team's practice sessions. From overpitched deliveries to bouncers, Pant has thrown everything at Bumrah, hoping to claim the prized wicket of the Indian pace spearhead.In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant can be seen claiming to have dismissed Bumrah with a bouncer. "Jasprit Bumrah ko pel diya hai maine, net pe out kara hai 1 wicket mila hai. Morkel se puch skte ho (I've dismissed Jasprit Bumrah and got 1 wicket. You can ask Morkel)," Pant said in the video.Bumrah, however, was quick to counter Pant's claim, calling his bowling action illegal. "His bowling action is illegal. It's not out, it's a four or it's a two, I've connected a pull shot. He thinks he has 7 fielders there. He should not be allowed to bowl," Bumrah said.The banter between Pant and Bumrah continued as the wicket-keeper batter tried to convince India's fast bowling coach Morne Morkel that Bumrah was out. Morkel, caught in the middle of the friendly rivalry, found himself in a conundrum.Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the Indian team is taking their preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy seriously. After their net session, the team engaged in a warm-up match against India A, starting Friday. However, some of India's top stars, including Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah, failed to cross the 20-run mark on the opening day of the practice match.While these are still early days in the preparations, the Indian team will be hoping to find their form and build momentum ahead of the first Test against Australia on December 17.

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, experts and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the performances of key players who could potentially shape the outcome of the series. Both teams boast an array of match-winners, promising an enthralling spectacle that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.The Australian media has already begun its psychological warfare, heaping praise on Indian superstars while simultaneously engaging in mind games. A recent front-page article in The Daily Telegraph featured Virat Kohli with the Hindi headline "Fight for the Ages," while Yashasvi Jaiswal graced the back page with the Punjabi title "The New King." The newspaper's sports section not only chronicled Jaiswal's journey but also hailed him as India's next superstar, suggesting that he is poised to succeed Kohli.In a viral video, former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan discussed the upcoming series. When asked about the Indian player he was most eager to watch, Vaughan singled out Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. "Yashasvi Jaiswal would be one, but Rishabh Pant, I think he is absolutely box-office," Vaughan said. "He makes batting look more like he's just playing in the backyard. For India to be really competitive, this man on screen Rishabh is gonna have to play a blinder once again."Pant's heroics in the fourth and final Test of India's last tour of Australia at the Gabba in January 2021 remain etched in the annals of Test cricket history. Facing a daunting target of 328 runs on the fifth day, Pant played a fearless, match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 138 balls. His aggressive mindset and clever shot selection helped India pull off one of the greatest chases in Test cricket, breaking Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.Pant's fearless approach and unyielding belief, even under immense pressure, have made him a vital cog in India's batting lineup. His attacking play style and ability to turn games on their head have earned him a reputation as a big-match player. As India gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch, as his performances could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.

RCB Should Target Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Suggests Aakash ChopraFormer India opener Aakash Chopra has strongly advocated for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to make a concerted effort to acquire wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Chopra believes that Pant's aggressive batting style and suitability to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium's short boundaries make him an ideal fit for RCB."Will you go towards Rishabh Pant? In my opinion, they should go towards him. Again a small ground, it will suit him as well. Please go for him even if you have to go till Rs 25 crore," Chopra emphasized on his YouTube channel.RCB has retained only three players ahead of the auction: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. This leaves them with a substantial budget of Rs 83 crore to build a formidable squad. Chopra suggests that RCB should not hesitate to splurge on Pant, even if it means spending a significant portion of their budget.If RCB decides that Pant is not the right fit, Chopra proposes considering KL Rahul instead. Rahul's familiarity with the local conditions as a "local boy" and his preference for small grounds and flat pitches make him a viable alternative."If you feel you don't need Rishabh Pant and need KL Rahul because he is a local boy and knows this ground as well, he will also like the small ground and flat pitch. So you can also try to bring him with you," Chopra added.RCB may not pursue Shreyas Iyer as aggressively, according to Chopra, as they may leave him for Delhi to target. Pant, Rahul, and Iyer are expected to be highly sought-after players in the auction, having been released by their respective franchises.

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has arrived in Perth, Australia, to commence his training sessions ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the hosts. Pant is expected to make his return to action on Australian soil when India takes on Australia in the opening Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, commencing on November 22.Pant boasts an impressive record against Australia, particularly on their home turf. In seven Tests against the Aussies, he has amassed 624 runs in 12 innings at an exceptional average of 62.40 and a strike rate of 72.13. His highest score against Australia is 159, and he has registered one century and two half-centuries.Pant's previous series in Australia in 2020-21 proved to be a turning point in his career. Known for his fearless counter-attacking style, Pant emerged as India's leading Test batter, accumulating 274 runs in five innings at an average of 68.50, including two crucial fifties.Two of Pant's most memorable knocks in that series include a game-changing 97 during a 407-run chase at Sydney in the third Test, which ended in a draw, and an unbeaten 89* that led India to a historic 328-run chase at the Gabba, ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. These innings cemented Pant's reputation as one of India's premier Test players.Pant's arrival in Perth marks the beginning of India's preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2020-21, and Pant's presence will be crucial to their chances of success.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) legend AB de Villiers has expressed his doubts about the franchise's chances of acquiring star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Pant, who was released by the Delhi Capitals, is expected to be a hot commodity in the auction, and de Villiers believes that RCB may not be able to match the final bid for the player.De Villiers suggests that Pant may reunite with former DC head coach Ricky Ponting, who has now joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the same role. PBKS will enter the auction with the largest purse among all 10 franchises, giving them a significant advantage in the bidding war for Pant."I think it is incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel. "I think he will be too expensive, and all the franchises are going to go for him in the auction. Punjab Kings spend whatever they can to get him, that's my personal feeling."Apart from Pant, KL Rahul will also be available in the mega auction, and de Villiers suggests that RCB should consider signing their former player instead. However, he emphasizes the importance of signing quality bowlers and talented local players."I have told you guys that I want RCB's focus to be on the bowling department, a world-class spinner, and also some local players," de Villiers added. "Want some Bengaluru players in there, I have heard Anil Kumble say it before that they don't keep their local players, quality talented local players."The IPL 2025 mega auction will be held in Riyadh on November 24 and 25. RCB will be looking to strengthen their squad with a combination of experienced stars and promising young talent.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is poised to witness a bidding frenzy for some of India's most sought-after cricketers. Among them, Rishabh Pant stands out as a potential record-breaker, according to former India cricketer Aakash Chopra.Pant, who was not retained by the Delhi Capitals, is expected to command a massive paycheck at the auction. Chopra believes that the wicket-keeper batter could surpass the current record of Rs 24.5 crore, set by Mitchell Starc in the IPL 2024 auction."Rishabh Pant could still become the most expensive player in the history of the IPL," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "He could go even beyond Rs 25-26 crore."Pant's impressive performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 and Test cricket have solidified his status as one of India's most valuable players. Several teams, including the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are expected to engage in a bidding war for his services."I can see three teams going absolutely hammer and tongs for him," Chopra predicted. "One has Rs 110 cr (PBKS), one has Rs 83 cr (RCB). They'll fight each other and a lot of money will be spent."While the Delhi Capitals have the third-highest auction purse, it is unlikely they will use their Right to Match (RTM) card on Pant. The franchise has already retained several key players, including David Warner and Prithvi Shaw.Pant's availability during the auction is uncertain as he is expected to be playing in the first Test between India and Australia, which clashes with the auction dates. However, his absence is unlikely to deter potential bidders.The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be a thrilling event, with several other top players, including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, also set to go under the hammer. The auction will take place in Jeddah on November 24 and November 25.

Sanju Samson Surpasses Dhoni and Pant, Joins Elite List of Indian Wicket-Keepers in T20IsNew Delhi: Indian batter Sanju Samson has etched his name in the record books by surpassing legendary wicket-keepers MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in the shortest format of the game. During the first T20I against South Africa, Samson recorded his third 50+ score in T20Is, joining the likes of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, who also have three such scores as wicket-keepers for India.Samson's milestone came during an aggressive innings against South Africa, where he showcased his power and precision. The standout moment of his knock was when he smashed back-to-back sixes off Nqabayomzi Peter, reaching his half-century with a brilliant pull shot that sent the ball soaring in front of square.Samson's fifty came off just 27 balls, and his aggressive approach quickly put South Africa under pressure after they opted to bowl first. His remarkable strike rate of over 150 demonstrated his attacking mindset, as he carved up the South African bowlers with ease.Despite the early fall of Abhishek Sharma at 24, Samson and his partner Suryakumar Yadav took control, accelerating India's score and keeping a run rate of around 10 per over. Samson's innings played a crucial role in India's eventual victory, as they chased down South Africa's total of 106 with ease.With this feat, Samson has established himself as one of the most promising wicket-keepers in Indian cricket. His ability to combine aggressive batting with reliable glovework makes him a valuable asset to the team. As he continues to develop, Samson has the potential to become one of the best wicket-keepers in the world.