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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. In October, when the Indian cricket team walked on to the pitch in Ahmedabad during the Test series against West Indies with the Apollo Tyres logo on their shirts, it was a moment of intense pride for Neeraj Kanwar. “It’s not just a logo.

Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning squad included Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Aravinda de Silva, Marvan Atapattu, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Upul Chandana, Kumar Dharmasena, and Romesh Kaluwitharana. «PM Modi acknowledged that the aggressive and innovative style of Sri Lankan cricket in the 1996 World Cup in a way giving birth to T20 cricket,» an official said. During his sojourn to the island nation, Modi recalled India's visit to Sri Lanka in 1996 despite a bomb blast, calling it a strong symbol of sportsmanship and enduring friendship. He said he visited Lanka immediately after the 2019 terror attacks. The spirit of India remains the same, he added.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prepare to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 19th match of IPL 2025 on April 6, Sunday, all eyes will be on the pitch and weather conditions at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The SRH squad, led by Pat Cummins, will be looking to bounce back after a tough stretch of three consecutive losses. Their explosive batting approach, which brought them a massive 286-run total in their opening match, has struggled in subsequent games, leaving them at the bottom of the points table. They’ll be eager to rediscover their form at their home ground, hoping to get back on track against a confident Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, who are riding high after an impressive victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

B Sai Sudharsan has been one of the most consistent batters in this IPL – 74, 63 and 49 in his three outings for Gujarat Titans so far. The left-hander spoke with Boria Majumdar about the team, dressing room culture, presence of Jos Butler and his India ambitions. Excerpts Q: You’ve been incredibly consistent this season. What’s the secret? A: I’m glad I’ve been able to make a difference to my team. I’d say I have understood the T20 game better in the course of the last year and know what I need to do to be consistent and not push things too much. I have worked hard and prepared very well and if I do what I know how to do, runs will surely come. Q: How is it opening the innings with your captain Shubman Gill and how is he as a leader? A: He’s an excellent leader of men. He gives you the freedom to say whatever you feel and batting with him is an absolute pleasure. With him at the other end, you know he will soak in the pressure and play some incredible shots. Your job becomes easier that way and you can just focus on your own thing. Q: Did you enjoy batting with Jos Butler, one of the best white-ball batsmen? A: Absolutely true. Jos is such a calming influence out there. You know there is someone who is in control. He will constantly encourage you and also make sure you don’t feel the pressure. He is a leader and you will know it if you bat with him. I have enjoyed every minute we have batted together and learnt a lot in the process.

Indian Premier League (IPL) season 18 has completed two weeks and the is streaming exclusively on the new OTT platform JioHotstar and, unlike previous editions, fans cannot watch the matches for free. However, Jio had launched a special recharge plan that gives fans access to IPL on JioHotstar for free once again before the start of the tournament. According to the offers, fans needed to buy a new Jio SIM or recharge their existing plans with special plans till March 31. However, given the reception for the tournament, Jio has now decided to extend the offer till April 15.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant and bowler Digvesh Singh have both been penalised following LSG’s IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Pant has been fined INR 12 lakh for his team’s slow over-rate during the match, marking his first offence under the IPL’s Code of Conduct. According to Article 2.22 of the Code, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, captains are held responsible when their teams fail to bowl their allotted overs within the prescribed time limit. Additionally, Digvesh Singh has been fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. This fine follows his second Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season. Singh had previously accumulated one demerit point in LSG’s match against Punjab Kings on April 1, 2025, bringing his total to two demerit points after this latest breach. For both players, the decisions made by the Match Referee are final and binding as per IPL regulations.

Kolkata Knight Riders splashed a whopping Rs 23.75 crore to secure Venkatesh Iyer at the IPL mega auction, the cricketing world went into a frenzy. The price tag made him KKR's most expensive player ever and the third costliest buy in the league's history. But after scoring just 9 runs in his first two outings this season, murmurs turned into full-blown debates—was he really worth the money? However, his innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad was enough to show the class player that he is. Iyer has finally opened up on the costly buy and the pressure it builds on players like him. «I won't lie, there is a little pressure. You guys talk so much,» Iyer quipped at the post-match press conference. «But being the highest-paid player (in KKR) does not mean I have to make runs in every match.» «It's about how I am winning for the team and what impact I am able to make. The pressure is not about how much money I am getting or how many runs I have to make. That's never been the pressure on me,» he said firmly.

Both teams are struggling to find consistency this season, with just one win in three matches. While SRH holds the 8th spot in the points table, KKR finds itself at the bottom (10th place) due to an inferior net run rate. With the pitch conditions and weather playing a crucial role, both teams will look to make the most of the Eden Gardens surface to secure a much-needed victory.

Sai Kishore bowled just three balls to Krunal Pandya but that small passage spread across 13th and 15th over of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's innings revealed the big strides the Gujarat Titans spinner has taken as a T20 bowler. In the second ball of the 15th over, Sai Kishore bowled a back-of-the-length delivery that elicited a tame return catch from a clueless Krunal. It required a second viewing to realise that Sai Kishore had delivered a carrom ball — an unusual entity in a left-arm spinner's world. But not really for Sai Kishore as he always chases something novel to stay ahead of the curve. His bowling is an extension of his life where he is a seeker — of his spiritual inner self, new places and people and fresh experiences. True to that trait, the 28-year-old has been practicing the carrom ball over the last few seasons but it was the first time he unleashed it in a real match.

RJ Mahvash, who is rumored to be cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal's new ladylove, has once again ignited speculation with her most recent Instagram reel. The popular radio host, who was previously spotted alongside Chahal at the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai, shared an emotional video that many fans believe subtly hints at their alleged love affair. In the clip, Mahvash enigmatically remarks, «If a guy comes into my life, he will be just one… He will be the same friend, the closest companion, the boyfriend, and ultimately, the husband.» She paired the video with a succinct caption that read, «Only one.» Social media users were quick to draw conclusions, filling the comment section with references to Chahal. One individual wrote, «You're talking about Chahal, right?» while another humorously noted, «Yuzi must be grinning in the background.» Some even urged her to be direct, saying, «Just say it's Chahal already!»

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Consumers continue to order in while watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, and fast food chains continue to see year-on-year growth during the IPL season. India’s largest pizza chain, Domino’s, said there is no consumer fatigue when ordering in on key IPL days.

BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy, an esteemed prize awarded to the winner of the Test cricket series between India and England. The decision, yet to be finalized, has reportedly left veteran actor Sharmila Tagore deeply disappointed. The Pataudi Trophy was first introduced in 2007 to commemorate 75 years since the first Test match between India and England in 1932. Named in honor of legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and his father, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the trophy symbolizes the legacy of one of India's greatest cricketing families. Designed by renowned silver and goldsmith Jocelyn Burton, the trophy is a tribute to their immense contributions to the sport. Sharmila Tagore, wife of the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, expressed her sentiments after learning about the decision through her son, actor Saif Ali Khan. According to her, the ECB sent an official letter to Saif, informing him of the move. While she has not personally heard from the cricket boards, she believes it is up to the BCCI whether they choose to remember Tiger Pataudi’s legacy or not. In an interview to the Hindustan Times, she said, «If the BCCI wants to or does not want to remember Tiger’s (Mansoor Ali Khan) legacy, it is for them to decide.» Reports suggest she is ‘hurt’ by the development, as the trophy has been an enduring testament to her late husband’s impact on cricket.

IPL 2025 Mumbai Indians' camp may be longer than expected. The star pacer is yet to bowl at full intensity at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) as his workload is being increased gradually to prevent a potential stress fracture of the back, sources have told The Times of India (TOI). Bumrah, who suffered a lower back injury during the Sydney Test against Australia in January, was initially expected to join Mumbai Indians (MI) by April 1. However, given his fitness concerns and India's upcoming five-Test series in England immediately after the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is treading cautiously with his return.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), it got even worst for Digvesh Singh Rathi, an emerging player of the IPL 2025 season, all because of his «Kersik Williams-like» celebration. The bowler, playing only his third IPL game, gave his team an early breakthrough in clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), who were chasing a total of 172 runs. Rathi dismissed Priyansh Arya in his very first over, giving the perfect start to the hosts. However, his celebration is something that caught the eyes of the crowd and of course, the umpires. He gave a send-off to Arya with a notebook-pen celebration, therefore violating IPL code of conduct. Rathi was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for the same. «Digvesh Singh, Bowler, Lucknow Super Giants has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated One Demerit Point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Punjab Kings at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Tuesday,» IPL said in a statement late Tuesday night. As per IPL, Digvesh admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction.

Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder of Mumbai Indians, has recently garnered significant attention not only for his impressive performances on the field but also for his rumoured relationship with Jasmin Walia. The rumours gained traction when Jasmin was spotted in the stands of an IPL match, passionately cheering for Hardik, the MI captain. The situation further sparked curiosity when she was later seen boarding the Mumbai Indians team bus, fueling speculation about their blossoming romance. Amid the growing buzz around Hardik and Jasmin’s relationship, now, ex-wife, Natasa Stankovic, has reacted. Taking to Instagram story, Natasa Stankovic reacted by sharing a quote, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; May I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalms 103:2".

Ashwani Kumar made a dream start to his IPL career for Mumbai Indians, delivering a standout performance against Kolkata Knight Riders in MI’s first home game of the season at Wankhede Stadium. The left-arm seamer returned with figures of 4/24, the best by an Indian debutant in IPL history. He also became the first Indian bowler in a decade to take a wicket with his very first ball in the tournament. The pacer, known for his expertise in death overs, was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh in the 2025 mega auction.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Mumbai: The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) extravaganza has already garnered record viewership in the first weekend, propelled by the reach of social media influencers promoting brands and teams to India’s upcoming cricket stars. Creators are driving engagement not just about matches but life off the field, too.

Ashwani Kumar picked up four wickets on IPL debut as MI restricted KKR to 116 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The left-arm pacer got the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane on the first ball he bowled and went on to become the first Indian to take a four wicket haul on IPL debut. After the heroic performance, the 23-year-old said he was feeling the pressure early on and had eaten only a banana before the match as he was not hungry. “I am feeling very good. I was feeling pressure early on but the team environment did not make me feel that way. I just had a banana because there was pressure, so was not feeling very hungry. I had planned a little but they told me to enjoy myself on debut and bowl what I have been bowling,” Kumar said. “Hardik bhai told me to bowl short and to bowl at the body and that led to a wicket. In my village, everyone would be watching. They were just waiting for my debut, and by god's grace, I got an opportunity tonight and did well,” he added.

Salman Khan, the Bollywood superstar, has never shied away from expressing his admiration for sports personalities. Among the many athletes he respects, one stands out — Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team. Khan's admiration for Dhoni goes beyond his cricketing skills; it is Dhoni's unique personality that truly impresses the actor. During an appearance on a sports show, Salman Khan was once asked to name his favorite cricketer, to which he immediately responded, “I am a fan of Dhoni.” The actor expressed that he has great admiration for Dhoni’s calm and composed nature, describing him as someone who is “very cool” and never shows aggression. He emphasized that Dhoni's mannerisms, whether he takes a wicket or achieves something remarkable, are always understated. Khan remarked, “Even if he takes a wicket, he does not make much noise, and he never humiliates the opponent.” This quality of remaining unruffled and dignified, according to Khan, makes Dhoni stand out in the world of cricket.

Zeeshan Ansari made his much-awaited IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Delhi Capitals at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. The 25-year-old was included in the playing XI by SRH captain Pat Cummins, replacing pacer Simarjeet Singh. Cummins won the toss at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium and opted to bat first against Axar Patel & Co.

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, two teams finding their foot in IPL 2025, go head to head at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday. CSK faced a drubbing at home against RCB when they lost by 50 runs — their worst defeat at Chepauk. RR, on the other hand, have lost their opening two matches. Rajasthan, the hosts for this encounter, have been exposed and the lack of depth in the squad is visible. Sanju Riyan Parag, who will captain once again, Sanju Samosn, who is playing as an impact sub, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Parag, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana and Dhruv Jurel have not fired consistently. Though they have done well in patches, it was not enough to escape defeat. The bowling looks even bleaker with Jofra Archer not in form and the two Sri Lankan spinners being picked easily. CSK look better on paper even after a bad defeat in the previous match. The spin trio of Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja is capable of destroying any batting attack on a slow surface. CSK, however, have a problem in their middle order which has failed to contribute anything significant if the openers Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad do not get runs. MS Dhoni further down the order has also led to the CSK batting order looking unbalanced.