Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention list is set to be unveiled on October 31, and the Delhi Capitals are facing a pivotal decision regarding their star players. While Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel are widely expected to be retained, rumors have emerged that Pant could potentially be released into the auction pool.Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Aakash Chopra has fueled these speculations, suggesting that Pant's availability in the auction could spark a bidding war. Chopra highlighted Pant's status as India's number one wicketkeeper, his ability to score quick runs, and his experience as an IPL captain as factors that would make him a highly sought-after player."If Rishabh Pant enters the auction pool, it will be massive," Chopra said. "He is a keeper-batter, and even though his T20 numbers have been inconsistent, he has the potential to be a game-changer. I can guarantee that his name will fetch a hefty sum in the auction."Pant's potential release would create a significant void in the Delhi Capitals' lineup. The franchise has yet to win an IPL title, and Pant has been a key figure in their recent campaigns. However, the team may be forced to consider other options if they believe that Pant's performances have not justified his high salary.Several teams are likely to be interested in acquiring Pant's services if he becomes available. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all in need of a wicketkeeper-batter, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans could also be potential suitors.The IPL 2025 retention list will provide clarity on the future of Pant and other top players. If Pant does enter the auction pool, it will be one of the most significant developments in the history of the tournament.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise retention deadline is fast approaching, with teams having until October 31 to submit their lists. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has predicted the players that Delhi Capitals (DC) may retain ahead of the auction, which is likely to take place on November 25-26 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.According to Singh, Rishabh Pant is an automatic choice for retention. He believes that DC should also retain Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and potentially Mitchell Marsh. This would mean that DC would retain five capped players, which would cost them a minimum of Rs 75 crore.Singh does not believe that DC will opt for an uncapped player, as the price slabs for capped players are higher. He believes that DC should focus on retaining a strong core of players and then filling out the rest of their squad through the auction.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction retention deadline approaching on October 31, all 10 IPL teams are gearing up to announce their retained and released players. Franchises are permitted to retain up to six players, including at least one uncapped Indian player. Rumors have circulated that prominent names like KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant may enter the auction pool, prompting franchises to consider lucrative contracts to secure their services.Five Players Likely to be Retained for Rs 20 Crore:1. Virat Kohli:The former India captain has been a loyal member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. As the tournament's all-time leading run-scorer, Kohli could make history by being retained for Rs 20 crore. RCB may reward his loyalty with an improved deal, surpassing his previous retention amount of Rs 18 crore in 2018.2. Rishabh Pant:Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant has hinted at leaving his team and entering the auction through a social media post. Pant has been with DC (formerly Delhi Daredevils) since his debut in 2016. To prevent him from entering the auction, DC may retain him for a record sum of Rs 20 crore.3. Shreyas Iyer:Despite losing his BCCI central contract earlier this year, IPL-winning captain Shreyas Iyer remains a highly sought-after player. After leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title last year, Iyer's retention should be a priority. With several teams seeking a new captain, KKR could offer Rs 20 crore to retain his services.4. Hardik Pandya:After acquiring him last season in a mega trade deal, Mumbai Indians (MI) are likely to retain their captain Hardik Pandya ahead of the mega auction. However, they may offer him an improved contract worth Rs 20 crore.5. Rohit Sharma:Rohit Sharma's future with MI has been the subject of speculation, with reports suggesting he may leave the franchise. However, a recent report claims that MI is set to retain Rohit, despite stripping him of captaincy duties last season. They may offer him Rs 20 crore to prevent him from entering the auction.

India's pursuit of a record-breaking 359 against New Zealand in the second Test at Pune hit a major roadblock on Saturday, despite a promising start. After losing captain Rohit Sharma early, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal kept India in the game with a blistering half-century.Jaiswal's 62-run partnership with Shubman Gill provided India with the momentum they needed. The 22-year-old was in scintillating form, scoring a rapid 77 off just 65 balls, including three sixes and nine fours. However, his dismissal by Mitchell Santner in the 22nd over proved to be a turning point.Disaster struck in the very next over when Rishabh Pant was run out for a duck, leaving India reeling at 127/4. The run-out, described as "avoidable," shifted the momentum in New Zealand's favor. Pant's dismissal also saw him join an unwanted list, becoming only the third Indian batter to be dismissed for a duck via run-out while batting in the top seven positions since 1990.With India losing momentum, the task of chasing down the daunting target became even more challenging. Virat Kohli, who was involved in the mix-up that led to Pant's run-out, will need to play a crucial role if India is to have any chance of victory.The match is evenly poised heading into the final day, with India needing to bat with patience and determination to reach their target. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and secure a series-leveling victory.

Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is known for his entertaining antics both on and off the field. In a recent video that has gone viral, Pant can be seen playing a "kick prank" on his teammate Sarfaraz Khan during a team huddle. The video shows Pant attempting to kick Khan, who quickly moves out of the way.Pant's playful behavior has been a constant throughout his career. Even when he is not playing, he is always looking for ways to keep the atmosphere light and fun. This latest prank is just one example of his infectious personality.In addition to his off-field antics, Pant has also been making waves on the field. He recently overtook Virat Kohli to reach the sixth spot in the ICC Test rankings for batters. Pant's impressive performance in the second innings of the opening Test against New Zealand, where he scored a counter-attacking 99, helped him gain three spots in the rankings.Pant's rise in the rankings is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed well for India in all formats of the game, and he is now one of the most feared batsmen in the world.Pant's success is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the strength of Indian cricket. India currently has a number of world-class players, and Pant is one of the most exciting young talents in the team.With his unique style of play and his infectious personality, Rishabh Pant is one of the most popular cricketers in the world. He is a true entertainer, and he is sure to continue to make headlines for years to come.

Rishabh Pant's on-field antics and witty remarks have become a staple of Indian cricket. During the first day of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, Pant's stump mic captured a hilarious exchange with spinner Washington Sundar.As New Zealand's tailender Ajaz Patel approached the crease, Pant suggested to Sundar, "Washi aage daal sakta you can bowl a little fuller, thoda bahar daal sakta hai." Sundar obliged, delivering a tossed-up ball that Patel swung through for four runs.Pant's disappointment was evident as he muttered, "Yaar mereko kya pata issey Hindi aati hai." (I didn't know he understood Hindi.)Sundar's seven-wicket haul played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 259. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also contributed with three wickets, dismissing the Kiwis in just 79.1 overs.In response, India lost captain Rohit Sharma for a duck, leaving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill at the crease with a deficit of 243 runs.Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra led New Zealand's batting effort with scores of 76 and 65, respectively.

Rishabh Pant's stellar performance in the second innings of the opening Test against New Zealand has propelled him to the sixth spot in the ICC Test rankings for batters, surpassing his illustrious teammate Virat Kohli. Pant's counter-attacking 99 earned him a three-spot jump, while Kohli's fluent 70 saw him drop to eighth.India's highest-ranked batter remains opener Yashasvi Jaiswal at fourth, while captain Rohit Sharma slipped two places to joint 15th alongside Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne. England's Joe Root continues to dominate the rankings at the top.New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway made significant gains in the batters' rankings, climbing 36 and 12 spots to 18th and 36th respectively. Matt Henry emerged as the standout performer in the bowlers' category, rising two rungs to ninth with a new career-high rating.Henry's eight wickets in New Zealand's drought-breaking victory over India in Bengaluru earned him the recognition, while teammate Will O'Rourke also moved up two spots to 39th for his seven scalps in the same match.Pakistan spinner Noman Ali re-entered the rankings at 17th after claiming 11 wickets across two innings against England. His teammate Sajid Khan jumped 22 places to 50th after being named Player of the Match in the same contest.India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah remains atop the bowlers' rankings, followed by teammate R Ashwin. Ravindra Jadeja, retaining the seventh spot, is another Indian in the top 10.

The upcoming IPL mega-auction is set to witness a significant shake-up in team rosters, with several franchises eyeing the services of Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly likely to enter the auction pool due to his desire for captaincy, which the current DC management is hesitant to grant.Pant, who has been with the Capitals since 2016, has emerged as a highly sought-after player. His exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities have made him a prime target for teams in need of a captain. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are believed to be particularly interested in acquiring Pant, as they seek a replacement for the retiring Dinesh Karthik.Other franchises, including Lucknow Supergiants and Punjab Kings, are also expected to bid aggressively for Pant. Ricky Ponting, who has a close relationship with Pant from their time at the Capitals, is now in charge of the Punjab unit.The mega-auction, scheduled for the last week of November, is expected to feature a large pool of Indian stars, including Shreyas Iyer, who is unlikely to be a top retention for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Mumbai Indians, with their star-studded roster, are the only team likely to retain a significant number of players.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have reportedly finalized their retention list, with Heinrich Klassen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma as their three picks. The Right To Match (RTM) card is expected to be used aggressively in the auction, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional left-arm spin, combined with his fielding prowess and batting contributions, has solidified his position as India's premier Test spinner. With the Pune pitch expected to favor spinners significantly more than the Bengaluru surface, New Zealand may opt to include Mitchell Santner in their playing XI.According to Ryan ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, there is optimism that Rishabh Pant will be fit to resume wicketkeeping duties in the second Test after sustaining a knee injury in the series opener. However, a selection battle is brewing between middle-order batters KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan, with head coach Gautam Gambhir keen on giving Rahul an extended run.India's team selection remains a closely guarded secret, with the home side keeping their cards close to their chest. The team is eager to bounce back from their 0-1 deficit in the three-match series, not only to level the series but also to maintain their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final.