Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the second time the auction will be held overseas, following the 2024 auction in Dubai.Every three years, IPL franchises undergo a reset, allowing them to retain a maximum of six players and rebuild their squads at the mega auction. This year, teams have a total purse of INR 120 crore to form their squads, with varying amounts available based on the number of players retained.As many as 1574 players registered for the auction, but the final list is yet to be released. Big names expected to be in the auction include Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, T Natarajan, Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, David Warner, Jos Buttler, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Devon Conway, Tim David, Rachin Ravindra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone.Teams have a maximum of 25 slots to fill, with a maximum of eight overseas players allowed. The size of each franchise's squad is a maximum of 25 (minimum size is 18) and there are ten teams - so a maximum of 250 players in total. Forty-six players have already been retained by the teams, leaving a maximum of 204 slots to fill during the IPL 2025 auction.The IPL teams were allowed to retain up to six players this time - of which a maximum of five can be capped and a maximum of two can be uncapped. The six could either be retained outright ahead of the auction, or can be bought back using Right-to-Match (RTM) options at the auction, or a combination of both.

KL Rahul's struggles with form continued during India A's second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Indian opener drawing sharp criticism following a bizarre dismissal. With just weeks left before the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rahul's failure to capitalize on a key opportunity has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media.Drafted into the India A side to regain form ahead of the series, Rahul had an underwhelming outing in both innings. After scoring just 4 in the first innings as part of India A's early collapse, he had a chance to redeem himself in the second innings. However, his dismissal in a peculiar fashion left fans and critics stunned.Facing spinner Corey Rocchiccioli in the 18th over, Rahul, who had already played 43 deliveries, chose not to offer a shot to a tossed-up delivery that turned to the middle stump. He padded the ball away, but it deflected off his pad and onto the stumps, resulting in his dismissal for 10 off 44 balls.Rahul appeared to misjudge the ball's trajectory, expecting it to spin down the leg side, only for it to sneak through his legs and dislodge the bails. Shaking his head in frustration, Rahul walked back to the pavilion, his dismissal leaving fans speechless.The uncharacteristic dismissal has further amplified concerns over Rahul's form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Social media exploded with reactions, with many fans expressing frustration at the batter's continued vulnerability to spin and his lack of confidence.Some users sarcastically commented, "Even your haters are feeling sad for you now," while others described it an "innovates new ways to throw wicket."Rahul, who has faced intense scrutiny over his performances in recent months, was hoping to use the unofficial Test series as a platform to regain form. However, this latest setback has sparked doubts about his readiness for the upcoming Test series against Australia.

Haris Rauf's devastating five-wicket haul propelled Pakistan to a commanding position in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, giving them a golden opportunity to level the series.Rauf's incisive spell of 5 for 29 ripped through Australia's middle order, leaving the hosts reeling at 163 all out in just 35 overs. The right-arm pacer's relentless pace and accuracy proved too much for the Australian batsmen, who were unable to settle into any rhythm.Rauf's wicket-taking spree began with the dismissal of Josh Inglis for 18, followed by the prized scalp of Marnus Labuschagne for a mere 6. He then accounted for Aaron Hardie (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16), leaving Australia in tatters.Captain Pat Cummins (13) was Rauf's fifth victim, caught behind in a moment of brilliance. Steve Smith's 35 was the only significant contribution for Australia, as they were bowled out for their lowest ODI total against Pakistan since 2002.Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan played a crucial role behind the stumps, taking six catches to complete a memorable performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi also chipped in with three wickets, removing openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply.The victory gives Pakistan a much-needed boost after their narrow defeat in the first match. They will now look to seal the series in the third and final ODI on Sunday in Perth.

As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepare for one of the most significant challenges of their careers in the upcoming Test series in Australia, former India head coach Greg Chappell believes the two stalwarts can rediscover their youthful energy and focus to reclaim their lost glory.Wounded by an unprecedented 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand, India will look to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the marquee five-match Test series in Australia beginning on November 22. According to Chappell, the ageing Sharma and Kohli must summon the same drive and focus that once marked their prime years if India hopes to reclaim its form on foreign soil.Reflecting on a conversation with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2005, Chappell shared insights into the hurdles players face as they age. Tendulkar had sought Chappell's perspective and asked, "Greg, why does batting become harder as you get older? Surely it should get easier?""I explained to him that the mental demands of batting intensify with age," Chappell wrote in a column for 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "Batting gets harder because you realize how hard it is to make runs at this level and how difficult it is to maintain the mental focus that is required to be successful," the Australian batting legend wrote.He said "it's not the eyesight or the reflexes that drop off" when a player starts ageing but "it's the intense focus that is required that becomes harder to sustain.""When one is younger, the mind is focused on making runs. As you age, the opposition has put work into finding your weaknesses, and you are more aware of the conditions and the situation of the game."As a young player, you don’t worry about the conditions or the situation of the game, you only see the ball and how to make runs," Chappell wrote, describing Rohit, Kohli, and Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith as the "giants" of current times."If you want to play like you did as a younger player, you have to rekindle the attitude and the thought processes that you had as a younger player. That is the greatest challenge for the ageing player,” Chappell had explained to Tendulkar.Chappell said the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia "will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill, with each player needing to summon the drive and adaptability of their younger selves.""This sentiment captures what Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith will confront this series. They know that opposition teams have scrutinized their techniques, studied their weaknesses, and developed strategies specifically to exploit even minor chinks."Against New Zealand, Kohli endured his lowest-ever aggregate in a home Test series where he batted at least six times, scoring only 93 runs at an average of 15.50, with one half-century. This poor run has lowered his Test average to 47.83 from a peak of 55.10 in October 2019 -- the first time it has dipped below 48 since November 2016. He has dropped out of top-20 batters in ICC Test rankings for the first time in a decade.Kohli dropped eight spots to 22nd in the rankings while Rohit slipped to 26th. "For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation. Known for his unmatched intensity, passion, and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him," Chappell wrote."The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation."For Rohit, according to Chappell, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. "As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive."This Test series, then, is more than just another chapter in cricket; it is a testament to the challenges that father time presents to even the most skilled players." Each player is more than a celebrated cricketer; they are icons of the determination and skill that defines our game. This series will be a defining chapter in their legacies.""For Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith, the true battle is not against their opponents but against time itself," Chappell wrote.

Marcus Harris' gritty 74 and a crucial last-wicket stand between Corey Rocchiccioli and Nathan McAndrew propelled Australia A to a 62-run first innings lead over India A on a rain-affected second day at the MCG.Harris, vying for a Test recall, held Australia A's innings together through two rain delays, anchoring the innings with a patient knock. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, valuable contributions from Jimmy Peirson, McAndrew, and Rocchiccioli helped Australia A post a competitive 223.Prasidh Krishna continued his impressive tour with four wickets, while Mukesh Kumar bagged three for India A. However, India A's second innings faltered, losing five wickets for 73 runs. McAndrew and Beau Webster did the damage in the absence of Michael Neser, who injured his hamstring on day one.KL Rahul, who is being considered as a potential replacement for Rohit Sharma in the first Test in Perth, failed again, falling for just 10 to the offspin of Rocchiccioli in bizarre fashion. Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad also departed cheaply, leaving India A in a precarious position.Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy held the innings together for India A, but the lead remains a slender 11 runs at stumps. The pitch has proven challenging for both sides, with only Harris and Peirson managing to pass 35 so far.Australia A's last-wicket stand could prove crucial in the context of the match, as they look to build a substantial lead and put pressure on India A. The third day promises to be pivotal, with India A needing to bat with resilience and Australia A aiming to capitalize on their advantage.

Pakistan's Rizwan and Australia's Zampa Engage in Humorous Banter During Adelaide ODIThe second One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia in Adelaide on Friday featured a lighthearted exchange between visiting skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. The banter, captured on the stump microphone, quickly went viral on social media.Australia's innings took a dramatic turn when Haris Rauf's fiery spell of 5 for 29 reduced the hosts to a mere 163 all out in 35 overs. Amidst the intense action, a moment of levity occurred in the 34th over bowled by Naseem Shah.As Zampa attempted a pull shot, Shah's bouncer sailed past his bat. Rizwan, behind the stumps, appealed for an edge, but the umpire ruled it a wide for height."You heard something?" Rizwan inquired of Zampa."You are appealing for everything?" Zampa retorted.Undeterred, Rizwan playfully asked, "Should I take the review?"To Rizwan's surprise, Zampa replied, "Yes, you should."Heeding Zampa's advice, Rizwan signaled for the review. However, replays showed that the ball had not touched Zampa's bat before entering Rizwan's gloves.The exchange drew laughter from both players and the commentators. It highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can exist even in the midst of intense competition.

Abhimanyu Easwaran's recent struggles in the unofficial Test series against Australia A have cast doubt on his readiness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Bengal opener, who was expected to cement his place as a potential opener in the Test series, has failed to make an impact with the bat in his four innings.In the first unofficial Test at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Easwaran scored just 7 and 12. His performance dipped further in the second match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first innings and managed only 17 off 31 balls in the second innings.Easwaran's total tally of just 36 runs from four innings reflects a significant missed opportunity for the opener. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22 in Perth, questions are likely to be raised about his readiness for the marquee series.The 29-year-old batter has been waiting in the wings for a spot in India's Test team, but his recent performances have not been encouraging. He will need to find his form quickly if he wants to be considered for a place in the playing XI for the first Test in Perth.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has expressed his gratitude towards Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) following his release ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Maxwell, who was not retained by RCB, described his exit as a "beautiful" parting, praising the franchise's professionalism and transparency.Maxwell joined RCB in 2021 and played a crucial role in their middle order, helping them reach the playoffs three times. In 52 matches for RCB, he accumulated 1,266 runs and forged a strong bond with the franchise.Despite his successful stint, Maxwell understands RCB's decision to focus on building a core group of Indian players. "I got a phone call from Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, and it was actually a really beautiful exit meeting," Maxwell said. "We ended up talking about the game for about half an hour, discussing their strategy and what they were looking to achieve going forward. I was really happy with that."Maxwell commended RCB's approach, stating that it would foster smoother relationships between players and franchises. "If every team did that, I think it would probably make the relationship smoother. I could not speak high enough of the way they dealt with the whole situation," he added.While acknowledging the team's need to rebuild, Maxwell expressed his desire to return to RCB in the future. "I wouldn't say my RCB journey is over," he said. "I'd certainly love to get back there. It was a great franchise to play for, and I really enjoyed my time."As RCB embarks on a new chapter, Maxwell remains a highly sought-after overseas player. His all-round abilities and experience make him a valuable asset for any team. With the IPL 2025 auction approaching, Maxwell is likely to attract interest from multiple franchises.

India's promising batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his outrage over a controversial dismissal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Gaikwad, who is currently in Australia with the India A team for a three-match unofficial Test series, took to social media to vent his frustration over the incident involving Maharashtra's stand-in captain Ankit Bawne.During the Maharashtra vs Services match in Pune, Bawne was adjudged caught behind off a delivery that replays clearly showed had bounced before reaching the fielder in the second slip. The decision left Gaikwad fuming, and he shared a slow-motion video of the incident on Instagram, questioning how such a dismissal could be given in a live game."How can this be given out in a live game???" Gaikwad wrote in his post. "Shame to even appeal for a catchhhh! Absolutely pathetic."Gaikwad's reaction highlights the growing frustration among players over questionable umpiring decisions in domestic cricket. The use of slow-motion replays has made it easier to scrutinize such incidents, and players are increasingly demanding a higher standard of officiating.The incident also raises questions about the role of technology in cricket. While the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) has been widely praised for reducing umpiring errors, it is not available in all domestic matches. This means that players are often left at the mercy of the on-field umpires, who may not always have the best view of the action.Gaikwad's outburst is a reminder that umpiring remains a crucial aspect of cricket. Fair and accurate decisions are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that the best team wins. As technology continues to evolve, it is important to find ways to incorporate it into the decision-making process to minimize the risk of controversial dismissals.