Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold its highly anticipated auction in the vibrant capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the last week of November. This mega event will witness the participation of high-profile Indian cricket stars, including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh, who will go under the hammer.The 10 IPL franchises will collectively have approximately ₹641.5 crore to spend on 204 available slots, with 70 of those slots earmarked for overseas players. As of now, 46 players have been retained by the franchises, with a cumulative expenditure of ₹558.5 crore.The IPL auction is a crucial event that shapes the composition of teams for the upcoming season. Franchises will be eager to acquire the services of top-performing players to bolster their squads and increase their chances of success. The auction will also provide opportunities for uncapped players to showcase their talent and earn lucrative contracts.The IPL has become a global cricketing phenomenon, attracting fans from all corners of the world. The tournament's high-octane matches, star-studded lineups, and passionate fan base have made it one of the most popular sporting events in the world.The upcoming auction in Riyadh is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among cricket enthusiasts. The presence of high-profile players and the potential for unexpected acquisitions will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Rishabh Pant's valiant half-century in the third and final Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was a beacon of hope for Team India, but his controversial dismissal left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and pundits alike.With India reeling at 29/5 in pursuit of 147 runs for victory, Pant entered the fray and played a counterattacking knock, reaching his fifty in just 48 balls. His aggressive approach gave India a glimmer of hope, but his innings was cut short in the 22nd over.Ajaz Patel's delivery initially appeared to miss Pant's bat, but replays indicated a spike on UltraEdge as the ball passed. The on-field umpire initially ruled not out, but New Zealand captain Tom Latham and Patel convinced him to review the decision.After a tense wait, the third umpire ruled in favor of the fielding team, much to the dismay of Pant and the Indian team. Pant briefly contested the decision with the on-field umpire before expressing his disappointment in the dressing room.Despite the setback, Pant finished the three-match series as the top run-scorer with 261 runs at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 89.38. His impressive performance included three half-centuries, with a highest score of 99.Pant's dismissal sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans and experts questioning the decision. Some argued that the sound on UltraEdge could have been caused by Pant's bat hitting his pads, while others maintained that the ball had clearly nicked the bat.The incident highlighted the challenges of using technology in cricket and the fine line between a legitimate dismissal and an unfortunate error. It also served as a reminder of the immense pressure that players face in high-stakes matches.Despite the loss, Pant's fighting spirit and determination left a lasting impression on fans. His performance in the series showcased his ability to counterattack on challenging pitches and his unwavering belief in his team.

India's wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant's valiant effort to salvage a consolation victory in the third and final Test against New Zealand was cut short by a controversial dismissal that has sparked debate in the cricketing world.After India's top order collapsed, losing five wickets for just 29 runs, Pant launched a counter-attacking knock, scoring 64 runs off 57 balls in the chase of 147 runs. However, his innings was halted when he was adjudged caught behind off Ajaz Patel's bowling.New Zealand appealed for a catch by the wicket-keeper, but the umpire initially remained unmoved. However, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham convinced Patel to review the decision. Upon assessment, it was found that a spike was witnessed on the snicko meter when the ball passed the bat. However, at the same time, Pant's bat had also hit his pads.Despite the dilemma, the third umpire decided to give the decision in New Zealand's favor. The dismissal sparked outrage on social media, with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers highlighting the "grey area" in the DRS technology."Controversy! Little grey area once again. Did Pant get bat on that or not? Problem is when the ball passes the bat at exactly the same time a batter hits his pad snicko will pick up the noise. But how sure are we he hit it? I've always worried about this and here it happens at a huge moment in a big Test match. Where's hotspot?!", De Villiers posted on Twitter.Disappointed with the third umpire's call, Pant had a brief chat with the on-field umpire before taking the heavy and slow walk back to the dressing room. The dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match, as India eventually lost by 128 runs.The controversy surrounding Pant's dismissal has raised questions about the reliability of the DRS technology and the need for further advancements to eliminate such grey areas.

Rishabh Pant's release from the Delhi Capitals has sparked a frenzy among IPL franchises eager to acquire the star wicket-keeper batter. However, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), despite being linked with Pant, faces challenges in securing his services due to financial constraints.CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni ahead of the auction, leaving them with only one Right To Match (RTM) card. They are likely to use this card for opening batter Devon Conway.With just INR 55 crore remaining in their purse, CSK may struggle to compete for Pant, who is expected to fetch a fee of around INR 25 crore. The Super Kings have several areas to address, and spending such a significant amount on Pant could disrupt their balance.Other franchises with larger purses, such as Punjab Kings (INR 110.5 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 83 crore), and Lucknow Super Giants (INR 69 crore), are better positioned to sign Pant. Gujarat Titans (INR 69 crore) could also be in the race.Meanwhile, CSK could potentially reunite with Ravichandran Ashwin, who was released by the Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin has expressed his desire to play for his home franchise again, and this auction could provide an opportunity for that dream to be realized.

Rishabh Pant Blazes to Record-Breaking Test Fifty Against New ZealandIndian star batter Rishabh Pant etched his name into the record books on Saturday, smashing the fastest Test fifty by an Indian against New Zealand. On Day 2 of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Pant reached his half-century in a blistering 36 balls, eclipsing Yashasvi Jaiswal's previous mark of 41 balls set in the Pune Test.Pant's whirlwind innings came at a crucial juncture for India, who had suffered a mini-collapse late on Day 1. Joining Shubman Gill at the crease, Pant played with characteristic aggression, helping India recover from the loss of key wickets, including Virat Kohli and Jaiswal.The left-hander's quickfire 60, adorned with eight boundaries and two towering sixes, shifted the momentum back in India's favor. Pant's fearless approach kept the New Zealand bowlers on their toes, forcing them to adjust their tactics.However, Pant's luck ran out when he was trapped lbw by Ish Sodhi. Despite his dismissal, Pant's 60 off 59 balls, including two sixes and eight fours, left an indelible mark on India's innings.Pant's record-breaking fifty is a testament to his exceptional talent and ability to play match-winning knocks under pressure. It also highlights the growing maturity and consistency of the young Indian batter, who is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting players in world cricket.

Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, has opted to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, setting the stage for a bidding war for his services. Iyer's decision to leave KKR, where he led the team to the IPL title in 2024, has sparked speculation about his potential destination.According to reports, Iyer's former franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), is keen on bringing him back. DC, who released Rishabh Pant ahead of the auction, is reportedly offering Iyer the captaincy role. With a purse of Rs 73 crore, DC has the financial muscle to make a significant bid for Iyer.Iyer's departure from KKR was amicable, according to CEO Venky Mysore. "There won't be too many teams that would want Iyer the T20 batter, but just to ensure DC spends a bomb on a player, they might engage in a bidding war for Iyer," said an IPL franchise official.Meanwhile, other teams are also eyeing potential acquisitions. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is reportedly considering KL Rahul, who was released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Rahul could be a potential captaincy option for RCB.Punjab Kings is expected to retain Arshdeep Singh via the Right to Match (RTM) card if his value stays below Rs 20 crore. LSG is reportedly interested in wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan as a replacement for Rahul.The IPL auction is set to be a major event, with several high-profile players available. Iyer's availability is likely to be one of the most sought-after acquisitions, as teams look to bolster their squads for the upcoming season.

India's batting duo of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill put on a dominant display on the second morning of the Kanpur Test against New Zealand, guiding their team to a strong position at lunch.Resuming on 19 for 1, Pant and Gill added a quickfire 96 runs for the second wicket, bringing India within striking distance of New Zealand's first innings total of 235. Pant was particularly aggressive, scoring his half-century in just 36 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand.Pant's attacking mindset forced New Zealand to adjust their field placements, but he continued to find the boundaries with ease. He hit two sixes off Ajaz Patel and looked set for a big score before being dismissed lbw for 60 by Ish Sodhi.Gill, who was dropped on 45, played a more cautious innings but still managed to reach 70 off 106 balls at lunch. He and Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted to maintain the left-right combination, saw India through to the break with a 15-run stand.New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Patel and Sodhi being the only ones to take wickets. Patel finished with figures of 2 for 76, while Sodhi claimed 1 for 42.India will be looking to build on their strong start in the afternoon session and take a first-innings lead. New Zealand, on the other hand, will need to find a way to break the partnership between Gill and Jadeja and restrict India's scoring rate.

Rishabh Pant's return to cricket has been marked by a meticulous approach to fitness and recovery, including a tailored nutrition plan managed by a private chef, Akshay Arora. Arora, the founder of Neat Meals, travels with Pant to ensure he adheres to a strict dietary regimen.In collaboration with nutritionist Shweta Shah, Arora carefully monitors Pant's dietary needs, emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods and hydration to enhance recovery between games. Arora's culinary skills ensure that Pant's meals are both nutritious and enjoyable, preventing monotony and maintaining his interest in eating healthy.Arora explains that energy, in terms of nutrition, refers to nutrients that Pant may not have received sufficient supply of. By understanding Pant's specific requirements, Arora adjusts the macronutrient composition of his meals to optimize his performance.Arora recalls two particularly fulfilling moments: Pant's return to cricket in the IPL 2024 and his Test century against Bangladesh in Chennai. These milestones were not only significant for Pant but also for Arora, who witnessed the culmination of their collaborative efforts.Arora believes that the trend of private chefs will gain popularity among Indian cricketers, as it contributes to longevity in their playing careers. Players are increasingly recognizing the importance of clean eating and proper nutrition for on-field performance.

Rishabh Pant's missed run-out opportunity on the final ball of the 22nd over during New Zealand's first innings in the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium has drawn criticism from former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik.On the opening day of the game, Daryl Mitchell played a reverse sweep on the bowling of Washington Sundar. He ran the first one hard and asked his partner Will Young for a second run. Pant collected the ball at the striker's end but failed to hit the stumps. What he failed to notice was that Young was still around the halfway mark when he collected the ball. A good throw at the non-striker's end could have caught the New Zealand batter short.Karthik pointed out that Pant needed game awareness and should have taken one glove off to throw the ball at the other end. "They (India) had their opportunity in the form of a run-out. Have a look at Will Young, he is thinking just a single. Rishabh Pant is the man you need to watch out for. He didn't remove his glove and you can still see Will Young scrambling. If he had removed his gloves, have a look at where Young is and a throw down the non-striker's end would have definitely been a much better chance. There was so much time and because Rishabh Pant didn't remove his gloves there, he didn't even have the opportunity to go at it at the other end. As a keeper, it is very important to be aware of what's happening. And (I) must admit that Rishabh Pant did miss an opportunity there for a run-out," said Karthik on-air.India ended the opening day at 86 for 4, trailing New Zealand by 149 runs. India were solidly put at 78 for 1 at one stage but they lost three wickets in 8 balls to hand advantage to New Zealand. Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja claimed his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket as India made a remarkable comeback to bowl out New Zealand for 235 runs. With four wickets to his credit, Washington Sundar also helped the hosts' cause. Daryl Mitchell top-scored for New Zealand with a terrific 82, while Will Young hit 71 after New Zealand skipper Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bat.