<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rajasthan-royal" rel="dofollow">Rajasthan Royals (RR)</a> captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sanju-samson" rel="dofollow">Sanju Samson</a> remains a doubtful starter for the side&rsquo;s next IPL 2025 home game against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow-super-giants" rel="dofollow">Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)</a> on Saturday (Apr 19), head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed a day before the tie in Jaipur. Dravid added that the team is awaiting scan results on an injury to his side he suffered in the previous away clash against Delhi Capitals, which RR lost in the Super Over.
"Sanju experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area. So, we have gone for scans. He has done some scans today, so we are waiting for the results of those scans. And then once we get a bit more clarity around the scans and the severity of [the injury], we'll take a decision going forward, and we'll see what happens,&rdquo; RR head coach Rahul Dravid said on Friday.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dewald-brevis-joins-csk-as-injury-replacement-for-remainder-of-ipl-2025-gurjapneet-singh-8976194" rel="dofollow">Dewald Brevis joins CSK as injury replacement for remainder of IPL 2025</a>
While chasing against DC, Sanju retired hurt midway through his innings on 31 off 19 balls. The RR opener appeared uncomfortable with a suspected side issue he suffered after attempting to cut DC spinner Vipraj Nigam, after which the RR physio checked on him. Though he faced the next ball, Samson retired soon after, leaving RR a batter short in the chase.
"It feels alright," Samson informed the broadcasters after the match. "I was just not ready to come back and bat here. We'll observe it tomorrow and see how it is."
Meanwhile, RR began IPL 2025 nursing a thumb injury he suffered against England during the bilateral series, playing the side&rsquo;s first three matches purely as a batter. In his absence, RR&rsquo;s India batter Riyan Parag captained the team, and should Samson remain unavailable for selection due to his latest injury, Parag would lead the team.
Sanju played as a batter, coming in as an Impact Sub in all matches, while Dhruv Jurel kept wickets in his absence.
<h2>RR under Parag</h2>
Under Parag&rsquo;s captaincy, Rajasthan lost their tournament opener to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but returned to winning ways with a close victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their second home venue, Guwahati.
They then beat the Punjab Kings but lost the next three matches; currently, they sit at the eighth spot on the points table with two wins in seven contested matches.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sanju Samson appeared uncomfortable with a suspected side issue he suffered after attempting to cut DC spinner Vipraj Nigam in the previous game. Sports, Cricket

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson remains a doubtful starter for the side’s next IPL 2025 home game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday (Apr 19), head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed a day before the tie in Jaipur. Dravid added that the team is awaiting scan results on an injury to his side he suffered in the previous away clash against Delhi Capitals, which RR lost in the Super Over. "Sanju experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area. So, we have gone for scans. He has done some scans today, so we are waiting for the results of those scans. And then once we get a bit more clarity around the scans and the severity of [the injury], we'll take a decision going forward, and we'll see what happens,” RR head coach Rahul Dravid said on Friday. Also read | Dewald Brevis joins CSK as injury replacement for remainder of IPL 2025 While chasing against DC, Sanju retired hurt midway through his innings on 31 off 19 balls. The RR opener appeared uncomfortable with a suspected side issue he suffered after attempting to cut DC spinner Vipraj Nigam, after which the RR physio checked on him. Though he faced the next ball, Samson retired soon after, leaving RR a batter short in the chase. "It feels alright," Samson informed the broadcasters after the match. "I was just not ready to come back and bat here. We'll observe it tomorrow and see how it is." Meanwhile, RR began IPL 2025 nursing a thumb injury he suffered against England during the bilateral series, playing the side’s first three matches purely as a batter. In his absence, RR’s India batter Riyan Parag captained the team, and should Samson remain unavailable for selection due to his latest injury, Parag would lead the team. Sanju played as a batter, coming in as an Impact Sub in all matches, while Dhruv Jurel kept wickets in his absence. RR under Parag Under Parag’s captaincy, Rajasthan lost their tournament opener to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but returned to winning ways with a close victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their second home venue, Guwahati. They then beat the Punjab Kings but lost the next three matches; currently, they sit at the eighth spot on the points table with two wins in seven contested matches. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Sanju Samson doubtful for RR's home game against Lucknow Super Giants: Dravid

Everything came full circle for Argentina and Lionel Messi when they won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 by beating France in an exhilarating finale. Messi was 35 at the time and with nearly an year and half to go for the next FIFA World Cup, he's wondering about playing in it.
Speaking with Simplemente Futbol, Messi said, &ldquo;This year will be key to see what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup. I would lie if I told you I&rsquo;m not thinking about that."
Well, it'll definitely be a boost for the Albiceleste if Messi joins their title defence. The 37-year-old, who will turn 39 during the next World Cup and 38 in two months, has been in super form this season playing for Inter Miami in US-based Major League Soccer (MLS).
Also Read -&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2025-rafael-nadal-titles-wins-to-be-honoured-at-roland-garros-along-with-mary-pierce-and-richard-gasquet-8976144" aria-label="French Open 2025: Rafael Nadal to be honoured at Roland Garros along with Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet">French Open 2025: Rafael Nadal to be honoured at Roland Garros along with Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet</a>
He has scored five goals so far for Inter Miami this season and have assisted in two more in five MLS games. Additionally, he has scored five more goals CONCACAF Champions Cup including a brace against LAFC in a stunning come-from-behind victory.
He last played at international level back in October 2024 when he scored a hat-trick against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier game. He has not played for the Albiceleste since then owing to his injuries but he looks fit and raring to go based on current form.
Argentina won 10 out of 14 games in World Cup qualifiers - the most among 10 teams. They only lost three games and while played one draw in the remaining four games. In total, Argentina scored 26 goals in 14 games while conceding only 8 - again their goal difference of 10 goals in best among the CONEMBOL teams.
Argentina are also the only team among South American nations to secure a place in FIFA World Cup 2026 with four more rounds to go.
They next play Chile and Columbia in June 2025 followed by Venezuela and Ecuador in September 2025.

37-year-old Messi, who will turn 39 during the next World Cup and 38 in two months, has been in super form this season playing for Inter Miami in US-based MLS. Football Sports

Everything came full circle for Argentina and Lionel Messi when they won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 by beating France in an exhilarating finale. Messi was 35 at the time and with nearly an year and half to go for the next FIFA World Cup, he's wondering about playing in it. Speaking with Simplemente Futbol, Messi said, “This year will be key to see what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup. I would lie if I told you I’m not thinking about that." Well, it'll definitely be a boost for the Albiceleste if Messi joins their title defence. The 37-year-old, who will turn 39 during the next World Cup and 38 in two months, has been in super form this season playing for Inter Miami in US-based Major League Soccer (MLS). Also Read - French Open 2025: Rafael Nadal to be honoured at Roland Garros along with Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet He has scored five goals so far for Inter Miami this season and have assisted in two more in five MLS games. Additionally, he has scored five more goals CONCACAF Champions Cup including a brace against LAFC in a stunning come-from-behind victory. He last played at international level back in October 2024 when he scored a hat-trick against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier game. He has not played for the Albiceleste since then owing to his injuries but he looks fit and raring to go based on current form. Argentina won 10 out of 14 games in World Cup qualifiers - the most among 10 teams. They only lost three games and while played one draw in the remaining four games. In total, Argentina scored 26 goals in 14 games while conceding only 8 - again their goal difference of 10 goals in best among the CONEMBOL teams. Argentina are also the only team among South American nations to secure a place in FIFA World Cup 2026 with four more rounds to go. They next play Chile and Columbia in June 2025 followed by Venezuela and Ecuador in September 2025.

Argentina star Lionel Messi's big revelation on playing in FIFA World Cup 2026, says 'I would lie if...'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/barcelona" rel="dofollow">Barcelona</a> coach Hansi Flick on Friday demanded to meet with La Liga officials over what he called a "joke" schedule, saying Spanish football was failing to take care of players.
<o:p></o:p>The Catalan giants' La Liga game at Real Valladolid on Saturday, May 3, will kick off at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) after being moved from an afternoon start on Sunday, May 4. That rescheduling still gives them less than three days to prepare for the pivotal Champions League semi-final return leg at Inter Milan on May 6.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayer-leverkusen-coach-xabi-alonso-shrugs-future-talks-amid-real-madrid-links-carlo-ancelotti-8976655" rel="dofollow">Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso shrugs future talks amid Real Madrid links</a>
"I want to see this guy who's responsible for that. For me, it's a joke," Flick told a news conference on Friday.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>"It's unbelievable and we have no time to rest... the guys who are responsible for that, I want to discuss with them, because they have no idea how it is."<o:p></o:p>
The Champions League is one of three tournaments Barcelona are competing in, exacerbating challenges relating to fixture congestion that Flick is familiar with after a trophy-laden spell at Bayern Munich.<o:p></o:p>
But the German manager said the situation facing his team before a huge European match left him "speechless".<o:p></o:p>
"I never had this before. Every league protects their clubs when they play in the Champions League, especially in the semi-final," he said.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>"Bundesliga, Premier League, take care about the clubs. But here not. It's just let them play."<o:p></o:p>
Flick was speaking before Barcelona hosted Celta Vigo on Saturday, with the chance to extend their lead over Real Madrid to seven points at the top of La Liga.<o:p></o:p>
Barcelona are also looking to bounce back after a 3-1 loss at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday handed them their first defeat of 2025, although the Blaugrana progressed to the semi-finals 5-3 on aggregate.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Barcelona's next Liga game on May 3 gives them less than three days to prepare for the pivotal Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on May 6. Sports, Football

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on Friday demanded to meet with La Liga officials over what he called a "joke" schedule, saying Spanish football was failing to take care of players. The Catalan giants' La Liga game at Real Valladolid on Saturday, May 3, will kick off at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) after being moved from an afternoon start on Sunday, May 4. That rescheduling still gives them less than three days to prepare for the pivotal Champions League semi-final return leg at Inter Milan on May 6. Also read | Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso shrugs future talks amid Real Madrid links "I want to see this guy who's responsible for that. For me, it's a joke," Flick told a news conference on Friday. "It's unbelievable and we have no time to rest... the guys who are responsible for that, I want to discuss with them, because they have no idea how it is." The Champions League is one of three tournaments Barcelona are competing in, exacerbating challenges relating to fixture congestion that Flick is familiar with after a trophy-laden spell at Bayern Munich. But the German manager said the situation facing his team before a huge European match left him "speechless". "I never had this before. Every league protects their clubs when they play in the Champions League, especially in the semi-final," he said. "Bundesliga, Premier League, take care about the clubs. But here not. It's just let them play." Flick was speaking before Barcelona hosted Celta Vigo on Saturday, with the chance to extend their lead over Real Madrid to seven points at the top of La Liga. Barcelona are also looking to bounce back after a 3-1 loss at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday handed them their first defeat of 2025, although the Blaugrana progressed to the semi-finals 5-3 on aggregate. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Barcelona’s Hansi Flick seeks answers from Spanish Football over ‘joke’ La Liga schedule

Bayer Leverkusen coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/xabi-alonso" rel="dofollow">Xabi Alonso</a> on Friday refused to shut down speculation he could be set for a move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/real-madrid" rel="dofollow">Real Madrid</a> in the summer.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-champions-league-arsenal-oust-holders-real-madrid-to-reach-semis-inter-beat-bayern-3-2-on-aggregate-8970597" rel="dofollow">Madrid's heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal</a> could bring an end to Carlo Ancelotti's second stint at the club, with Alonso believed to be the preferred replacement.&nbsp;
Alonso spent five seasons at Madrid during his playing career, winning the Champions League and La Liga.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-happy-with-the-team-we-have-arne-slot-on-liverpools-summer-transfer-window-mohamed-salah-virgil-van-dijk-8976310" rel="dofollow">'We are happy with the team we have,' Arne Slot on Liverpool's summer transfer window</a>
After taking over as Leverkusen boss in October 2022, his first top-flight job, Alonso led the club to an unbeaten league and cup double last season, the first time they had ever won the Bundesliga.&nbsp;
Speaking ahead of the trip to St Pauli on Sunday, Alonso declined to rule out a summer move to the Spanish giants.&nbsp;
"It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very important moment in the season," Alonso said.&nbsp;
Leverkusen are six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich with five games remaining.
The 43-year-old said he "did not want to talk about speculation and rumours," saying he understands "that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now."
Last Saturday, club CEO Fernando Carro told reporters he believed Alonso would be in the Leverkusen dugout next season.&nbsp;
"He feels comfortable here. We're also planning next season with him: preseason, matches, squad," Carro said.
Alonso was the subject of similar speculation in March last year amid links to Madrid along with his other former clubs Liverpool and Bayern, but called a press conference to shut down suggestions with his side on course for a maiden title.&nbsp;
This year, Leverkusen are still putting together one of the better seasons in the club's history, but looks set to finish the campaign empty-handed.&nbsp;
With the Bundesliga title slipping away, Leverkusen were eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League by Bayern and were knocked out of the German Cup in the semi-finals by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld.&nbsp;
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso spent five seasons at Real Madrid during his playing career, winning the coveted Champions League and La Liga. Sports, Football

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso on Friday refused to shut down speculation he could be set for a move to Real Madrid in the summer. Madrid's heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal could bring an end to Carlo Ancelotti's second stint at the club, with Alonso believed to be the preferred replacement. Alonso spent five seasons at Madrid during his playing career, winning the Champions League and La Liga. Also read | 'We are happy with the team we have,' Arne Slot on Liverpool's summer transfer window After taking over as Leverkusen boss in October 2022, his first top-flight job, Alonso led the club to an unbeaten league and cup double last season, the first time they had ever won the Bundesliga. Speaking ahead of the trip to St Pauli on Sunday, Alonso declined to rule out a summer move to the Spanish giants. "It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very important moment in the season," Alonso said. Leverkusen are six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich with five games remaining. The 43-year-old said he "did not want to talk about speculation and rumours," saying he understands "that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now." Last Saturday, club CEO Fernando Carro told reporters he believed Alonso would be in the Leverkusen dugout next season. "He feels comfortable here. We're also planning next season with him: preseason, matches, squad," Carro said. Alonso was the subject of similar speculation in March last year amid links to Madrid along with his other former clubs Liverpool and Bayern, but called a press conference to shut down suggestions with his side on course for a maiden title. This year, Leverkusen are still putting together one of the better seasons in the club's history, but looks set to finish the campaign empty-handed. With the Bundesliga title slipping away, Leverkusen were eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League by Bayern and were knocked out of the German Cup in the semi-finals by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso shrugs future talks amid Real Madrid links

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to honour Team India's Test and ODI captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> for his almost two-decade decorated international career by naming a stand after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in the city. The latest report suggests that the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will soon be named Rohit Sharma Stand.
An Indian Express report claims this decision was taken during the recently concluded 86th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai. Although the talking point of the meeting was to raise the corpus for the affiliated clubs to INR 75 crore, with a forward plan to increase it to INR 100 crore in the coming years, MCA renaming two more stands, Grand Stand Level 3 and Grand Stand Level 4, as Sharad Pawar Stand and Ajit Wadekar Stand, respectively, was another highlight.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mca-take-bcci-route-make-it-mandatory-for-suryakumar-yadav-shreyas-iyer-shivam-dube-rohit-sharma-to-play-mumbai-t20-league-ipl-8972992" rel="dofollow">MCA take BCCI route, make it &lsquo;mandatory&rsquo; for star India players to play THIS league</a>
Besides this, the MCA also decided to pay tribute to its late president, Amol Kale, by renaming the match day office at the MCA Pavilion as the MCA Office Lounge.
<h2>Ex-MI coach backs Rohit to hit top form</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians" rel="dofollow">Mumbai Indians</a> veteran Rohit hasn't hit the top form in this league for a few seasons now, but the franchise's former head coach, Mark Boucher, feels he is just one outing away from returning to his best.
Against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in his latest outing in IPL 2025, Rohit scored a quick-fire 26 off 16 balls, hitting three sixes, and most importantly, looked like returning to form. His pull shot of Mohammed Shami, which went quite a distance, was perhaps the best of the night.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9msz46u-3wsramua-e89l4itr">
Rohit Sharma brought Wankhede alive with his maximums! 🤩🏟️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MI</a> are 55/1 at the end of powerplay. Will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRH</a> make a comeback and defend the total? Updates ▶ <a href="https://t.co/8baZ67Y5A2">https://t.co/8baZ67Y5A2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvSRH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://t.co/oX3uy8n3ai">pic.twitter.com/oX3uy8n3ai</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1912907391613673522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;Rohit Sharma took it upon himself to go after the bowlers. We saw some good old-fashioned Rohit Sharma sixes &ndash; big ones too. I liked his attitude. He put the bowlers under pressure, created scoring opportunities. He was just past the 30 mark &mdash; a big score is coming very soon. He&rsquo;s looking in that zone again,&rdquo; Boucher said on &lsquo;Jiostar&rsquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dewald-brevis-joins-csk-as-injury-replacement-for-remainder-of-ipl-2025-gurjapneet-singh-8976194" rel="dofollow">Dewald Brevis joins CSK as injury replacement for remainder of IPL 2025</a>
Meanwhile, his numbers this season haven't looked pleasing.&nbsp;
In his previous five outings before the SRH match, Rohit registered scores of 0, 8, 13, 17 and 18. Although MI returned to winning ways with back-to-back victories, bettering their position on the points table and the NRR, Rohit's failure to convert his starts remains a worry for the team.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

In around 500 international matches since his debut in 2007, Rohit Sharma has amassed close to 19,000 runs across formats, including hitting 49 centuries. Sports, Cricket

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to honour Team India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma for his almost two-decade decorated international career by naming a stand after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in the city. The latest report suggests that the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will soon be named Rohit Sharma Stand. An Indian Express report claims this decision was taken during the recently concluded 86th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai. Although the talking point of the meeting was to raise the corpus for the affiliated clubs to INR 75 crore, with a forward plan to increase it to INR 100 crore in the coming years, MCA renaming two more stands, Grand Stand Level 3 and Grand Stand Level 4, as Sharad Pawar Stand and Ajit Wadekar Stand, respectively, was another highlight. Also read | MCA take BCCI route, make it ‘mandatory’ for star India players to play THIS league Besides this, the MCA also decided to pay tribute to its late president, Amol Kale, by renaming the match day office at the MCA Pavilion as the MCA Office Lounge. Ex-MI coach backs Rohit to hit top form Mumbai Indians veteran Rohit hasn't hit the top form in this league for a few seasons now, but the franchise's former head coach, Mark Boucher, feels he is just one outing away from returning to his best. Against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in his latest outing in IPL 2025, Rohit scored a quick-fire 26 off 16 balls, hitting three sixes, and most importantly, looked like returning to form. His pull shot of Mohammed Shami, which went quite a distance, was perhaps the best of the night. Rohit Sharma brought Wankhede alive with his maximums! 🤩🏟️#MI are 55/1 at the end of powerplay. Will #SRH make a comeback and defend the total? Updates ▶ https://t.co/8baZ67Y5A2#TATAIPL | #MIvSRH | @mipaltan | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/oX3uy8n3ai — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2025 “Rohit Sharma took it upon himself to go after the bowlers. We saw some good old-fashioned Rohit Sharma sixes – big ones too. I liked his attitude. He put the bowlers under pressure, created scoring opportunities. He was just past the 30 mark — a big score is coming very soon. He’s looking in that zone again,” Boucher said on ‘Jiostar’. Also read | Dewald Brevis joins CSK as injury replacement for remainder of IPL 2025 Meanwhile, his numbers this season haven't looked pleasing. In his previous five outings before the SRH match, Rohit registered scores of 0, 8, 13, 17 and 18. Although MI returned to winning ways with back-to-back victories, bettering their position on the points table and the NRR, Rohit's failure to convert his starts remains a worry for the team. (With inputs from agencies)

MCA to honour India captain Rohit Sharma for decorated career amid toothless IPL run

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/liverpool" rel="dofollow">Liverpool</a> manager Arne Slot believes maintaining the squad that is romping towards the Premier League title is more important than major new signings.
The Reds' plans for next season have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohamed-salah-pens-new-two-year-liverpool-deal-despite-saudi-pro-league-interest-virgil-van-dijk-trent-alexander-arnold-8950403" rel="dofollow">boosted by Mohamed Salah</a> and Virgil van Dijk signing new deals to remain at Anfield over the past week.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is still reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his deal expires at the end of the season.
Van Dijk said ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-liverpool-extend-virgil-van-dijks-contract-as-club-captain-inks-new-two-year-deal-8972424" rel="dofollow">agreeing his new contract</a> that he expects a "big summer" in the transfer market from the Reds.
Slot's only signing in his first year in charge was Federico Chiesa, who has played a peripheral role.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-europa-league-man-utd-beat-lyon-in-epic-contest-spurs-and-athletic-bilbao-reach-semis-8974500" rel="dofollow">Europa League: Man Utd beat Lyon in epic contest, Spurs and Athletic Bilbao reach semis</a>
But with Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Dutchman is content with the squad he has at his disposal.
"Let's see what the rest of the summer will bring, but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team because I've said this for a year, we are happy with the team we are having," Slot said on Friday.
"Maybe if we can keep that team, it will already be a big summer.
"I think the core of the team you want to keep as long as you can together, as long as they are performing in the best possible way, but it is also, in general, good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players.
"But it isn't really a necessity when you look at the quality we have and the quality of the season we have had."
Liverpool could seal the title as soon as Sunday if they win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich.
Alexander-Arnold is back in contention to feature after returning to training following an ankle injury.
Slot hailed the right-back's "incredible" quality and refused to give up hope of retaining the England international.
"The moment he is on the pitch, he shows me what a great player he is, and he has shown how hard he is trying to achieve our goals this season," added Slot.
"The fans and everyone who watched football for the last five, six, seven years know he is an incredible full-back and has been an incredible full-back for this football club.
"Let's see what the future brings."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk said ahead of agreeing his new contract that he expects a "big summer" in the transfer market from the Reds. Sports, Football

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes maintaining the squad that is romping towards the Premier League title is more important than major new signings. The Reds' plans for next season have been boosted by Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing new deals to remain at Anfield over the past week. Trent Alexander-Arnold is still reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his deal expires at the end of the season. Van Dijk said ahead of agreeing his new contract that he expects a "big summer" in the transfer market from the Reds. Slot's only signing in his first year in charge was Federico Chiesa, who has played a peripheral role. Also read | Europa League: Man Utd beat Lyon in epic contest, Spurs and Athletic Bilbao reach semis But with Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Dutchman is content with the squad he has at his disposal. "Let's see what the rest of the summer will bring, but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team because I've said this for a year, we are happy with the team we are having," Slot said on Friday. "Maybe if we can keep that team, it will already be a big summer. "I think the core of the team you want to keep as long as you can together, as long as they are performing in the best possible way, but it is also, in general, good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players. "But it isn't really a necessity when you look at the quality we have and the quality of the season we have had." Liverpool could seal the title as soon as Sunday if they win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich. Alexander-Arnold is back in contention to feature after returning to training following an ankle injury. Slot hailed the right-back's "incredible" quality and refused to give up hope of retaining the England international. "The moment he is on the pitch, he shows me what a great player he is, and he has shown how hard he is trying to achieve our goals this season," added Slot. "The fans and everyone who watched football for the last five, six, seven years know he is an incredible full-back and has been an incredible full-back for this football club. "Let's see what the future brings." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

'We are happy with the team we have,' Arne Slot on Liverpool's summer transfer window

IPL franchise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings-csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> have roped in South African batter Dewald Brevis, also known as 'Baby AB' among cricket fans, as a replacement for injured uncapped seamer Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the season. Brevis, who represented the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians" rel="dofollow">Mumbai Indians (MI)</a> before, joins CSK for $257,649 (INR 2.2 crore).
Brevis rose to the limelight riding on his 2022 Under-19 World Cup success, where he hit the most runs recorded by a batter in a single edition (506 runs from six matches). The right-handed batter made headlines for batting like his cricket idol and South Africa great AB de Villiers, later cracking his maiden IPL deal with MI, where Brevis played ten games across three seasons, scoring 230 runs and striking at above 133.&nbsp;
Although he hasn't played enough cricket for his national team, representing them just twice in T20Is (in 2023), Brevis has featured in 81 T20s, scoring 1781 runs, with a highest score of 162.&nbsp;
Outside of the IPL, Brevis has played across several franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and the SA20 in South Africa, where he helped MI Cape Town win their maiden title the past season, scoring 291 runs (the sixth highest) striking at 184.17.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-time-for-him-to-retire-says-ex-india-opener-virender-sehwag-about-rohit-sharma-8975625" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025 | 'Time for him to retire...,' says ex-India opener Virender Sehwag about Rohit Sharma</a>
<h2>Brevis at the 2025 IPL auction</h2>
Brevis registered his name for the IPL 2025 mega auction late last year at a base price of INR 75 lakh, finding no bidders. He didn't let his head down, and instead, worked hard to regain form. He performed well in his third SA20 season and carried that forward to the domestic season for the Titans, finishing the second-highest run-getter in the One-Day and first-class tournaments.
Meanwhile, CSK bought lanky seamer Gurjapneet Singh for INR 2.2 crore at the auction, benching him thus far this season.
The franchise, however, sits at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from seven contested matches in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, with four points to their name.&nbsp;
CSK faces&nbsp;MI next coming Sunday (Apr 20) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
(With inputs from agencies)

Brevis rose to the limelight riding on his 2022 U19 World Cup success, hitting the most runs recorded by a batter in a single edition. Sports, Cricket

IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in South African batter Dewald Brevis, also known as 'Baby AB' among cricket fans, as a replacement for injured uncapped seamer Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the season. Brevis, who represented the Mumbai Indians (MI) before, joins CSK for $257,649 (INR 2.2 crore). Brevis rose to the limelight riding on his 2022 Under-19 World Cup success, where he hit the most runs recorded by a batter in a single edition (506 runs from six matches). The right-handed batter made headlines for batting like his cricket idol and South Africa great AB de Villiers, later cracking his maiden IPL deal with MI, where Brevis played ten games across three seasons, scoring 230 runs and striking at above 133. Although he hasn't played enough cricket for his national team, representing them just twice in T20Is (in 2023), Brevis has featured in 81 T20s, scoring 1781 runs, with a highest score of 162. Outside of the IPL, Brevis has played across several franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and the SA20 in South Africa, where he helped MI Cape Town win their maiden title the past season, scoring 291 runs (the sixth highest) striking at 184.17. Also read | IPL 2025 | 'Time for him to retire...,' says ex-India opener Virender Sehwag about Rohit Sharma Brevis at the 2025 IPL auction Brevis registered his name for the IPL 2025 mega auction late last year at a base price of INR 75 lakh, finding no bidders. He didn't let his head down, and instead, worked hard to regain form. He performed well in his third SA20 season and carried that forward to the domestic season for the Titans, finishing the second-highest run-getter in the One-Day and first-class tournaments. Meanwhile, CSK bought lanky seamer Gurjapneet Singh for INR 2.2 crore at the auction, benching him thus far this season. The franchise, however, sits at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from seven contested matches in IPL 2025, with four points to their name. CSK faces MI next coming Sunday (Apr 20) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

Dewald Brevis joins CSK as injury replacement for remainder of IPL 2025

The French Tennis Federation has announced the plans of honouring 14-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal at the upcoming competition which will run from May 19 to June 8. Along with Nadal, Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet will also be honoured for their accomplishments. The developments were informed by French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton and tournament director Am&eacute;lie Mauresmo on Thursday (Apr 17) at the pre-tournament press conference.
Nadal will be facilitated on May 25 on Philippe-Chatrier court. This is the first French Open since the Spaniard's retirement. There will be ceremony to commemorate his career after day session's three matches.
Also Read -&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-i-would-have-gotten-20-years-serena-williams-on-jannik-sinners-three-month-doping-ban-8972561" aria-label="'I would have gotten 20 years,' Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner's three-month doping ban">'I would have gotten 20 years,' Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner's three-month doping ban</a>
"An immersive and entertaining exhibition dedicated to the legendary Spaniard will also run for the duration of the tournament at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum," read a release by the tournament organisers.
Nadal won his first French Open in 2005 and went on to earn a mind-boggling 112-4 record on the Roland Garros. His final and 14th French Open title came in 2022. In total, he has 22 grand slams, making him one of the most successful players of all time and definitely a great on Parisian clay.
Apart from him, Mary Pierce will be honoured on the 25th anniversary of her French Open win in 2000 edition. She will be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame after a ceremony on the Centre Court on June 5 between the two women's semi-finals. She will also be presented with the famous HoF ring as well. Apart from French Open, Pierce also won Australian Open in 1995.
The third player to be hounoured is French national Richard Gasquet - A ceremony is planned for him after the conclusion of his last game at his 22nd and final French Open.
<h2>Fan Zones erected in Paris</h2>
The organisers have also established a fan zone at Place de la Concorde square with the help of city of Paris. The 5,000 metre-square area is capable of hosting 5,000 fans where two giant screens will play the matches quarter-final onwards from June 4 to June 9.
The are will also have a throughout-the-day DJ, foot trucks, a bar and a Roland-Garros boutique as well.

Along with Nadal, Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet will also be honoured for their accomplishments at the French Open 2025 which runs from May 19 to June 8. Sports World

The French Tennis Federation has announced the plans of honouring 14-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal at the upcoming competition which will run from May 19 to June 8. Along with Nadal, Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet will also be honoured for their accomplishments. The developments were informed by French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo on Thursday (Apr 17) at the pre-tournament press conference. Nadal will be facilitated on May 25 on Philippe-Chatrier court. This is the first French Open since the Spaniard's retirement. There will be ceremony to commemorate his career after day session's three matches. Also Read - 'I would have gotten 20 years,' Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner's three-month doping ban "An immersive and entertaining exhibition dedicated to the legendary Spaniard will also run for the duration of the tournament at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum," read a release by the tournament organisers. Nadal won his first French Open in 2005 and went on to earn a mind-boggling 112-4 record on the Roland Garros. His final and 14th French Open title came in 2022. In total, he has 22 grand slams, making him one of the most successful players of all time and definitely a great on Parisian clay. Apart from him, Mary Pierce will be honoured on the 25th anniversary of her French Open win in 2000 edition. She will be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame after a ceremony on the Centre Court on June 5 between the two women's semi-finals. She will also be presented with the famous HoF ring as well. Apart from French Open, Pierce also won Australian Open in 1995. The third player to be hounoured is French national Richard Gasquet - A ceremony is planned for him after the conclusion of his last game at his 22nd and final French Open. Fan Zones erected in Paris The organisers have also established a fan zone at Place de la Concorde square with the help of city of Paris. The 5,000 metre-square area is capable of hosting 5,000 fans where two giant screens will play the matches quarter-final onwards from June 4 to June 9. The are will also have a throughout-the-day DJ, foot trucks, a bar and a Roland-Garros boutique as well.

French Open 2025: Rafael Nadal to be honoured at Roland Garros along with  Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=gujarat+titans" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gujarat Titans</a> have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=glenn+phillips" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Glenn Phillips</a> for the remainder of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=ipl+2025" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025</a>. Interestingly, Shanaka has played for the Titans before, in the 2023 season.
Phillips sustained a groin injury while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (Apr 6). After scans and check-ups, he was ruled out of the tournament and has returned to New Zealand. To fill his spot, GT has brought in Shanaka for INR 75 lakh (around $ 87,800).
<h2>Dasun Shanaka roped in by Gujarat Titans</h2>
Shanaka has played only one IPL season (2023), during which he appeared in three matches for GT, scoring only 26 runs and not getting an opportunity to bowl. However, this time the team will be hoping for a better performance from him.
Gujarat Titans have also been without South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada since Apr 3. He left India due to an important personal matter. GT have not yet named a replacement for Rabada, and it is still not clear if he will return.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sports-explained-are-pitches-influencing-results-at-ipl-2025-heres-what-we-know-so-far-8974714" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Explained: Are pitches influencing results at IPL 2025, here&rsquo;s what we know so far</a>
Even with these player losses, the Gujarat Titans are doing well in the tournament. They have won four out of their six matches and are currently second on the points table. The league stage is almost halfway through, and every game is important from now on.
GT&rsquo;s next match is on Saturday (Apr 19) afternoon. They will face table-toppers Delhi Capitals at home.
Shanaka&rsquo;s return adds interest as he did not get many chances last time, but this season could be different. With big games coming up, the Gujarat Titans will hope Shanaka can step up and help the team continue their strong run.

Sports, Cricket: Shanaka has played only one IPL season, during which he appeared in three matches for GT, scoring only 26 runs and not getting an opportunity to bowl.

Gujarat Titans have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips for the remainder of IPL 2025. Interestingly, Shanaka has played for the Titans before, in the 2023 season. Phillips sustained a groin injury while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (Apr 6). After scans and check-ups, he was ruled out of the tournament and has returned to New Zealand. To fill his spot, GT has brought in Shanaka for INR 75 lakh (around $ 87,800). Dasun Shanaka roped in by Gujarat Titans Shanaka has played only one IPL season (2023), during which he appeared in three matches for GT, scoring only 26 runs and not getting an opportunity to bowl. However, this time the team will be hoping for a better performance from him. Gujarat Titans have also been without South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada since Apr 3. He left India due to an important personal matter. GT have not yet named a replacement for Rabada, and it is still not clear if he will return. Also Read: Explained: Are pitches influencing results at IPL 2025, here’s what we know so far Even with these player losses, the Gujarat Titans are doing well in the tournament. They have won four out of their six matches and are currently second on the points table. The league stage is almost halfway through, and every game is important from now on. GT’s next match is on Saturday (Apr 19) afternoon. They will face table-toppers Delhi Capitals at home. Shanaka’s return adds interest as he did not get many chances last time, but this season could be different. With big games coming up, the Gujarat Titans will hope Shanaka can step up and help the team continue their strong run.

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans rope in SL all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for injured Glenn Phillips

Former India opener Virender Sehwag thinks that Rohit Sharma's time to retire is near and the batter should play normal cricket instead of going hard in the powerplay. The comments come on the back of Rohit's performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where he has scored 82 runs in six innings with a best of just 26.
&ldquo;If you look at Rohit&rsquo;s IPL numbers in the last 10 years, he scored more than 400 runs only once. So he is not the kind of player who thinks that I need to score 500 or 700 runs. If he thinks, he might," said Sehwag while talking on Cricbuzz during MI vs SRH game on Thursday (Apr 17).
Also Read - <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cricket-cricket-australias-new-ceo-todd-greenberg-says-we-need-to-find-ways-to-overcome-bad-light-stoppages-8975371" aria-label="Cricket Australia's new CEO Todd Greenberg says 'we need to find ways to overcome bad light stoppages'">Cricket Australia's new CEO Todd Greenberg says 'we need to find ways to overcome bad light stoppages'</a>
"When he became the Indian captain, he said that he wanted to be the player who wants to cash in on the powerplay and take the chances, so he wanted to make all the sacrifices alone, but he is not considering the fact that at the end of the day when he is not performing, it is your legacy that is getting hurt. It&rsquo;s already time for him to retire, and before retiring, you would want to give fans something to remember you by, and not moments that force them to think, why are they not dropping him,&rdquo; he added.
Mumbai won the game against SRH after chasing down 163-run target in 18.1 overs and four wickets in hand. With the win, MI are now at the seventh place with three wins and four losses in seven games.
SRH, on the other hand, have lost five games out of seven they have played this season and currently sit second last on the 10-team table with four points.
Both these teams need to win maximum of their remaining seven matches if they are to qualify for the playoffs where only top four teams are given a place.

Rohit Sharma, in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has scored 82 runs in six innings with a best of just 26 and this has not helped Mumbai Indian's cause. Cricket Sports

Former India opener Virender Sehwag thinks that Rohit Sharma's time to retire is near and the batter should play normal cricket instead of going hard in the powerplay. The comments come on the back of Rohit's performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where he has scored 82 runs in six innings with a best of just 26. “If you look at Rohit’s IPL numbers in the last 10 years, he scored more than 400 runs only once. So he is not the kind of player who thinks that I need to score 500 or 700 runs. If he thinks, he might," said Sehwag while talking on Cricbuzz during MI vs SRH game on Thursday (Apr 17). Also Read - Cricket Australia's new CEO Todd Greenberg says 'we need to find ways to overcome bad light stoppages' "When he became the Indian captain, he said that he wanted to be the player who wants to cash in on the powerplay and take the chances, so he wanted to make all the sacrifices alone, but he is not considering the fact that at the end of the day when he is not performing, it is your legacy that is getting hurt. It’s already time for him to retire, and before retiring, you would want to give fans something to remember you by, and not moments that force them to think, why are they not dropping him,” he added. Mumbai won the game against SRH after chasing down 163-run target in 18.1 overs and four wickets in hand. With the win, MI are now at the seventh place with three wins and four losses in seven games. SRH, on the other hand, have lost five games out of seven they have played this season and currently sit second last on the 10-team table with four points. Both these teams need to win maximum of their remaining seven matches if they are to qualify for the playoffs where only top four teams are given a place.

IPL 2025 | 'Time for him to retire...,' says ex-India opener Virender Sehwag about Rohit Sharma

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians" rel="dofollow">Mumbai Indians</a> have returned to winning ways in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> with their second straight victory. Against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunrisers-hyderabad" rel="dofollow">SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)</a> at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night, Mumbai beat the visitors by four wickets, inflicting a fifth loss this edition and a blow to their chances of running for a top-four finish.
Mumbai won the toss and elected to field. At first, it looked like a brave call, considering the marvellous form SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were in heading into this game, but how they curbed the pair and restricted them from going berserk impressed everyone. From Deepak Chahar to Trent Boult to Jasprit Bumrah, everyone bowled to the plan and executed it perfectly, leading to SRH batters losing their cool and playing rash shots, eventually losing wickets.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-jaiswal-starc-catch-up-for-first-time-since-too-slow-bgt-taunt-rr-opener-lauds-seamer-for-super-over-winner-for-dc-watch-8973589" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Jaiswal-Starc catch-up for first time since &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; BGT sledge - WATCH</a>
MI bowlers never allowed Abhishek and Travis to get going, picking up each under 50, with the SRH middle order finding it tougher to get going. Excellent bowling helped MI restrict SRH on an under-par total (162 for five in 20 overs).
<h2>Mumbai&rsquo;s game to win</h2>
Rohit Sharma returned to form, much to everyone&rsquo;s cheer and delight. He hit three massive sixes in his brief stay at the crease, scoring 26 off 16 balls, adding 32 for the first wicket. Gloveman Ryan Rickelton had his chances, scoring five fours during his knock, but lost his wicket soon after.
Mumbai was always in the chase, thanks to a brilliant handy innings from Will Jacks (36) and Suryakumar Yadav (26); though MI lost both during the fag end of the innings, MI&rsquo;s batting depth in Tilak Varma and captain Hardik Pandya ensured they sail through without much hiccups.&nbsp;
However, a rare 18th over from Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Eshan Malinga, wherein he conceded just one run and picked two wickets, had everyone on the edge of their seats, but Varma&rsquo;s composed head helped MI beat SRH at home by four wickets.&nbsp;
While MI moved to the seventh place on the table with three wins from seven contested matches, SRH slipped to the ninth, conceding their fifth loss this season.

While MI moved to the seventh place on the table with three wins from seven matches, SRH slipped to the ninth, conceding their fifth loss this season. Sports, Cricket

Mumbai Indians have returned to winning ways in IPL 2025 with their second straight victory. Against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night, Mumbai beat the visitors by four wickets, inflicting a fifth loss this edition and a blow to their chances of running for a top-four finish. Mumbai won the toss and elected to field. At first, it looked like a brave call, considering the marvellous form SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were in heading into this game, but how they curbed the pair and restricted them from going berserk impressed everyone. From Deepak Chahar to Trent Boult to Jasprit Bumrah, everyone bowled to the plan and executed it perfectly, leading to SRH batters losing their cool and playing rash shots, eventually losing wickets. Also read | IPL 2025: Jaiswal-Starc catch-up for first time since ‘too slow’ BGT sledge - WATCH MI bowlers never allowed Abhishek and Travis to get going, picking up each under 50, with the SRH middle order finding it tougher to get going. Excellent bowling helped MI restrict SRH on an under-par total (162 for five in 20 overs). Mumbai’s game to win Rohit Sharma returned to form, much to everyone’s cheer and delight. He hit three massive sixes in his brief stay at the crease, scoring 26 off 16 balls, adding 32 for the first wicket. Gloveman Ryan Rickelton had his chances, scoring five fours during his knock, but lost his wicket soon after. Mumbai was always in the chase, thanks to a brilliant handy innings from Will Jacks (36) and Suryakumar Yadav (26); though MI lost both during the fag end of the innings, MI’s batting depth in Tilak Varma and captain Hardik Pandya ensured they sail through without much hiccups. However, a rare 18th over from Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga, wherein he conceded just one run and picked two wickets, had everyone on the edge of their seats, but Varma’s composed head helped MI beat SRH at home by four wickets. While MI moved to the seventh place on the table with three wins from seven contested matches, SRH slipped to the ninth, conceding their fifth loss this season.

IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians win second straight game as Hyderabad drop points, rankings

We are just a few sleeps away from the grandest event in pro wrestling &ndash; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wwe" rel="dofollow">WWE</a> WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, and the company&rsquo;s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Triple H has revealed the real reason behind formulating the main event of Night 1 involving three superstars &ndash; Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and CM Punk.
The three all-time greats will battle out in a massive triple-threat match on Night 1, with Paul Heyman trying to balance his loyalties between Punk and Roman. Sharing the screen and the ring with the Original Tribal Chief (OTC) Roman for the past four years, Heyman will be at CM Punk&rsquo;s corner at Mania, compensating for a favour he owed to Punk for him joining Roman Reigns at the War Games late last year.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-who-will-induct-triple-h-into-the-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025-before-wrestlemania-41-shawn-michaels-8957783" rel="dofollow">Here's who will induct Triple H into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 before WrestleMania 41</a>
Meanwhile, on the go-home episode of Monday Night RAW before the Showcase of Immortals, Seth took down Punk and Roman, beginning with a chair shot to Roman from behind before stomping CM Punk and later doing the same to Roman to end the segment. While their issues have been long-running, especially since Punk&rsquo;s WWE return a couple of years ago, Triple H explained what prompted him to make it a triple-threat rather than picking a blockbuster singles match on Night 1.
<h2>'Always about the bigger picture'</h2>
Triple H said he understands the magnitude of a singles match involving any two of them, but he looked at the bigger picture of putting these three together in the main event of WrestleMania.&nbsp;
&ldquo;You can make the argument, &lsquo;But you could have gotten a single with Seth and Roman. You could have got a single with Seth and Punk. You could have got Roman and Punk,&rsquo; Triple H said during a recent interview with Peter Rosenberg. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s so much individual stuff. There is. But there&rsquo;s also so much collective stuff that I believe you can get this collective stuff off the table, and then you haven&rsquo;t even nicked the surface yet of where this goes between the three guys, one at a time.
&ldquo;Sometimes, when you get to WrestleMania, people think that should be the definitive end. Well, maybe we&rsquo;re just giving you the definitive beginning. Maybe we&rsquo;re just trying to figure out how to navigate this to get to WrestleMania to START a story that takes you to places that you haven&rsquo;t thought of yet,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 will feature veteran John Cena facing the current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for the title match.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Triple H said he understands the magnitude of a singles match involving any two of them, but he looked at the bigger picture of putting these three together. Sports, WWE

We are just a few sleeps away from the grandest event in pro wrestling – WWE WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, and the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Triple H has revealed the real reason behind formulating the main event of Night 1 involving three superstars – Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and CM Punk. The three all-time greats will battle out in a massive triple-threat match on Night 1, with Paul Heyman trying to balance his loyalties between Punk and Roman. Sharing the screen and the ring with the Original Tribal Chief (OTC) Roman for the past four years, Heyman will be at CM Punk’s corner at Mania, compensating for a favour he owed to Punk for him joining Roman Reigns at the War Games late last year. Also read | Here's who will induct Triple H into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 before WrestleMania 41 Meanwhile, on the go-home episode of Monday Night RAW before the Showcase of Immortals, Seth took down Punk and Roman, beginning with a chair shot to Roman from behind before stomping CM Punk and later doing the same to Roman to end the segment. While their issues have been long-running, especially since Punk’s WWE return a couple of years ago, Triple H explained what prompted him to make it a triple-threat rather than picking a blockbuster singles match on Night 1. 'Always about the bigger picture' Triple H said he understands the magnitude of a singles match involving any two of them, but he looked at the bigger picture of putting these three together in the main event of WrestleMania. “You can make the argument, ‘But you could have gotten a single with Seth and Roman. You could have got a single with Seth and Punk. You could have got Roman and Punk,’ Triple H said during a recent interview with Peter Rosenberg. “There’s so much individual stuff. There is. But there’s also so much collective stuff that I believe you can get this collective stuff off the table, and then you haven’t even nicked the surface yet of where this goes between the three guys, one at a time. “Sometimes, when you get to WrestleMania, people think that should be the definitive end. Well, maybe we’re just giving you the definitive beginning. Maybe we’re just trying to figure out how to navigate this to get to WrestleMania to START a story that takes you to places that you haven’t thought of yet,” he continued. Meanwhile, Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 will feature veteran John Cena facing the current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for the title match. (With inputs from agencies)

WWE: Triple H reveals real reason behind WrestleMania 41 Night 1 main event

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/carlos-alcaraz" rel="dofollow">Carlos Alcaraz</a> overcame a second-set wobble to defeat Laslo Djere 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday and reach the Barcelona Open quarter-finals. The world number two stepped up a gear from his first-round win over Ethan Quinn to dispatch his 80th-ranked opponent on the Catalan clay as he prepares for his French Open title defence.<o:p></o:p>
Alcaraz, who triumphed at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, has had an inconsistent start to the year and, in March, fell at the first hurdle in the Miami Open.<o:p></o:p>
Home favourite Alcaraz saved both break points he faced in a first-set stroll, with Djere unable to produce a single winner, to the Spaniard's eight.<o:p></o:p>
The four-time Grand Slam winner won five games straight to claim a 5-1 first-set lead and sealed it with his second set point.<o:p></o:p>
In the second set, Djere offered more of a fight and even broke for a 4-2 lead, but Alcaraz bounced back quickly.<o:p></o:p>
Djere could not handle the Spaniard in full flow and crumbled away as Alcaraz won the final four games to triumph, sealing his win when the Serb pushed a shot into the net.<o:p></o:p>
"After going 4-2 down in the second, I played a bit more like what my level is," said Alcaraz. "I am very happy that I could step up my level, and seem more like my best, and I want to continue."<o:p></o:p>
Alcaraz will face world number seven Alex de Minaur or Briton Jacob Fearnley in the quarter-finals on Friday.<o:p></o:p>
Earlier, in-form Alejandro Davidovich Fokina defeated world number eight Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4.<o:p></o:p>
The Spaniard, ranked 30th, had never beaten the Russian before but triumphed at the sixth time of asking in straight sets.<o:p></o:p>
Monte Carlo Masters semi-finalist Davidovich Fokina broke three times in a topsy-turvy first set, with Rublev twice reacting before the Malaga native held to love in the 12th game.<o:p></o:p>
Rublev went a break down in the first game of the second set, but despite securing one of his own for 2-2, he was once again broken as Davidovich Fokina took a 5-4 lead and then served out for the match, again to love.<o:p></o:p>
Spain's Jaume Munar came up short against Karen Khachanov, who also won 7-5, 6-4, and will face Davidovich Fokina in the next round.<o:p></o:p>
The Russian, who trains in Barcelona, only converted four of 15 break points but eventually put the battling Munar to bed.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Alcaraz, who triumphed at the Monte Carlo Masters, has had an inconsistent start to the year and, in March, fell at the first hurdle in the Miami Open. Sports, Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz overcame a second-set wobble to defeat Laslo Djere 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday and reach the Barcelona Open quarter-finals. The world number two stepped up a gear from his first-round win over Ethan Quinn to dispatch his 80th-ranked opponent on the Catalan clay as he prepares for his French Open title defence. Alcaraz, who triumphed at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, has had an inconsistent start to the year and, in March, fell at the first hurdle in the Miami Open. Home favourite Alcaraz saved both break points he faced in a first-set stroll, with Djere unable to produce a single winner, to the Spaniard's eight. The four-time Grand Slam winner won five games straight to claim a 5-1 first-set lead and sealed it with his second set point. In the second set, Djere offered more of a fight and even broke for a 4-2 lead, but Alcaraz bounced back quickly. Djere could not handle the Spaniard in full flow and crumbled away as Alcaraz won the final four games to triumph, sealing his win when the Serb pushed a shot into the net. "After going 4-2 down in the second, I played a bit more like what my level is," said Alcaraz. "I am very happy that I could step up my level, and seem more like my best, and I want to continue." Alcaraz will face world number seven Alex de Minaur or Briton Jacob Fearnley in the quarter-finals on Friday. Earlier, in-form Alejandro Davidovich Fokina defeated world number eight Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4. The Spaniard, ranked 30th, had never beaten the Russian before but triumphed at the sixth time of asking in straight sets. Monte Carlo Masters semi-finalist Davidovich Fokina broke three times in a topsy-turvy first set, with Rublev twice reacting before the Malaga native held to love in the 12th game. Rublev went a break down in the first game of the second set, but despite securing one of his own for 2-2, he was once again broken as Davidovich Fokina took a 5-4 lead and then served out for the match, again to love. Spain's Jaume Munar came up short against Karen Khachanov, who also won 7-5, 6-4, and will face Davidovich Fokina in the next round. The Russian, who trains in Barcelona, only converted four of 15 break points but eventually put the battling Munar to bed. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

No stopping Alcaraz! Spaniard overcomes second-set wobble to reach Barcelona Open QF

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yashasvi-jaiswal" rel="dofollow">Yashasvi Jaiswal</a> is a newbie in international cricket, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-starc" rel="dofollow">Mitchell Starc</a> has been around for over a decade, both being great at what they love doing. However, following Delhi Capitals&rsquo; home game against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday night in IPL 2025, which the hosts won inside the Super Over, both caught up candidly, with Jaiswal hugging and lauding the Aussie quick for his heroics in the last over during the chase and DC&rsquo;s Super Over.
Although both had crossed paths several times since Jaiswal&rsquo;s &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; remarks to him during the second innings of the BGT opener in Perth, where he scored a match-winning 161, this was their first public catch-up, with both greeting each other with all but respect.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-franchise-rcb-drag-uber-to-delhi-court-over-targeted-attack-in-promotional-video-srh-travis-head-8973364" rel="dofollow">IPL franchise RCB drag Uber to Delhi court over &lsquo;targeted attack&rsquo; in promotional video</a>
<h3>Watch Video -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9lk3fj3-gzpn6wje-yed3ka2i">
The way YBJ called Starcy a legend... feels 🥹💙 <a href="https://t.co/fTDhi7YWU5">pic.twitter.com/fTDhi7YWU5</a>
&mdash; Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1912771806714339454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
Starc has been on a rampage since joining Delhi this season, returning with ten wickets from six contested matches, including picking his maiden five-for in this format.&nbsp;
Against Rajasthan, he was at the top of his game. Accounting for RR&rsquo;s best batter, Nitish Rana, on 51, Starc returned to bowl the final over, with his team needing to defend just nine runs. For as good as he is, Starc bowled rockets and tight lines, defending nine runs, as Rajasthan could complete only eight, resulting in the game going into the Super Over &ndash; the first for this season and in four years.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mca-take-bcci-route-make-it-mandatory-for-suryakumar-yadav-shreyas-iyer-shivam-dube-rohit-sharma-to-play-mumbai-t20-league-ipl-8972992" rel="dofollow">MCA take BCCI route, make it &lsquo;mandatory&rsquo; for star India players to play THIS league</a>
Starc bowled the Super Over, conceding 11 runs, picking one wicket and resulting in another via run out.
Delhi batters Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul completed the chase without losing a wicket, with Delhi winning the game and maintaining their stance at the top of the points table with five wins from six contested matches.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9lk4t6z-pugbeqcr-6zkqzujr">
𝙉𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨. 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖. 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨! 😉 A quick morning catch-up on that late-night Super-Over nail-biter! 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://t.co/QeKsfPmCyk">pic.twitter.com/QeKsfPmCyk</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1912711260157755467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Jaiswal&rsquo;s cheeky &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; remark</h2>
Playing his first Test Down Under and that too in Perth, where the pitches on offer aid the seamers big time, Jaiswal returned to the pavilion early in the first innings (to Starc) but made the most of his chance in the second, hammering his third-highest Test score. He took the attack to the seamers, including Starc, later taunting him, saying, &lsquo;too slow&rsquo; &ndash; referring to his bowling speed.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ9x3_mBUE0?si=C7GBQE2U0h2bqLC5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Although he enjoyed his moment, winning the game for India, he failed to get going against perhaps the best left-arm quick after that, going down to Starc on several occasions, including on a first-ball duck in the first innings of the next game in Adelaide.
(With inputs from agencies)

Starc has been on a rampage since joining Delhi Capitals this season, returning with ten wickets from six contested matches. Sports, Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal is a newbie in international cricket, and Mitchell Starc has been around for over a decade, both being great at what they love doing. However, following Delhi Capitals’ home game against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday night in IPL 2025, which the hosts won inside the Super Over, both caught up candidly, with Jaiswal hugging and lauding the Aussie quick for his heroics in the last over during the chase and DC’s Super Over. Although both had crossed paths several times since Jaiswal’s ‘too slow’ remarks to him during the second innings of the BGT opener in Perth, where he scored a match-winning 161, this was their first public catch-up, with both greeting each other with all but respect. Also read | IPL franchise RCB drag Uber to Delhi court over ‘targeted attack’ in promotional video Watch Video - The way YBJ called Starcy a legend... feels 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/fTDhi7YWU5 — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 17, 2025 Starc has been on a rampage since joining Delhi this season, returning with ten wickets from six contested matches, including picking his maiden five-for in this format. Against Rajasthan, he was at the top of his game. Accounting for RR’s best batter, Nitish Rana, on 51, Starc returned to bowl the final over, with his team needing to defend just nine runs. For as good as he is, Starc bowled rockets and tight lines, defending nine runs, as Rajasthan could complete only eight, resulting in the game going into the Super Over – the first for this season and in four years. Also read | MCA take BCCI route, make it ‘mandatory’ for star India players to play THIS league Starc bowled the Super Over, conceding 11 runs, picking one wicket and resulting in another via run out. Delhi batters Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul completed the chase without losing a wicket, with Delhi winning the game and maintaining their stance at the top of the points table with five wins from six contested matches. 𝙉𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨. 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖. 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨! 😉 A quick morning catch-up on that late-night Super-Over nail-biter! 🙌#TATAIPL | #DCvRR | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/QeKsfPmCyk — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2025 Jaiswal’s cheeky ‘too slow’ remark Playing his first Test Down Under and that too in Perth, where the pitches on offer aid the seamers big time, Jaiswal returned to the pavilion early in the first innings (to Starc) but made the most of his chance in the second, hammering his third-highest Test score. He took the attack to the seamers, including Starc, later taunting him, saying, ‘too slow’ – referring to his bowling speed. Although he enjoyed his moment, winning the game for India, he failed to get going against perhaps the best left-arm quick after that, going down to Starc on several occasions, including on a first-ball duck in the first innings of the next game in Adelaide. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Jaiswal-Starc catch-up for first time since ‘too slow’ BGT sledge - WATCH

31-year-old Japanese man Nozomu Hagihara has embarked on a Guinness world record-breaking journey from India's Kolkata to New Delhi. What's interesting about his journey is that Hagihara is travelling to Delhi from Kolkata while dribbling a football. He reached Varanasi on April 17 during his 2000-kilometre journey.
Speaking about his quest, Hagihara, while talking to news agency ANI, said: "Throughout the journey, I will conduct football workshops in villages along the route, focusing on gender equality, hygiene, and nutrition. These sessions aim to empower children, especially girls, by promoting important life skills through sports. Just as the Father of India, Mahatma Gandhi, once walked 385 kilometers with his countrymen during the Salt March, someone must take action to spark a positive social movement. I want to dedicate myself in my own way for the future of India&rsquo;s children, the promotion of health, and gender equality."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh | Nozomu Hagihara, a Japanese man who is currently travelling around 2000 km dribbling football in India from Kolkata to Delhi, arrived in Varanasi yesterday. His journey began on March 3rd and is expected to end on May 15th at the Japanese Embassy in&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/OGSgXohRgb">pic.twitter.com/OGSgXohRgb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1912729304934277121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His journey kicked off on March 3 from Japanese Consulate in Kolkata and is expected to be completed on May 15 at Japanese Embassy in New Delhi. During his quest, he'll pass through states of Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh before reaching New Delhi.
<h2>Who is Nozomu Hagihara - Japanese man dribbling football from Kolkata to New Delhi?</h2>
Hagihara initially came to Bodhgaya as an International NGO worker in 2020 to manage rural development programs in India. In 2021, he founded FC Soccer football club after quitting his first job at Toyota.
He is currently employed with Japanese human resources company Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation based out of Tokyo. He has 19+ year of experience as a footballer, playing for Ritsumeikan University Soccer Club and J-league Oita Trinita U-18 division.
On his journey, he plans to conduct 50 workshops during his more than 70-day-long journey in various villages along the route while focusing on nutrition, hygiene and gender equality. He is also planning to make it a charity campaign to take raises fund to take 20-30 children &nbsp;from Bihar to Japan on sports exchange program.

His journey kicked off on March 3 from Japanese Consulate in Kolkata and is expected to be completed on May 15 at Japanese Embassy in New Delhi. football sports

31-year-old Japanese man Nozomu Hagihara has embarked on a Guinness world record-breaking journey from India's Kolkata to New Delhi. What's interesting about his journey is that Hagihara is travelling to Delhi from Kolkata while dribbling a football. He reached Varanasi on April 17 during his 2000-kilometre journey. Speaking about his quest, Hagihara, while talking to news agency ANI, said: "Throughout the journey, I will conduct football workshops in villages along the route, focusing on gender equality, hygiene, and nutrition. These sessions aim to empower children, especially girls, by promoting important life skills through sports. Just as the Father of India, Mahatma Gandhi, once walked 385 kilometers with his countrymen during the Salt March, someone must take action to spark a positive social movement. I want to dedicate myself in my own way for the future of India’s children, the promotion of health, and gender equality." #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Nozomu Hagihara, a Japanese man who is currently travelling around 2000 km dribbling football in India from Kolkata to Delhi, arrived in Varanasi yesterday. His journey began on March 3rd and is expected to end on May 15th at the Japanese Embassy in… pic.twitter.com/OGSgXohRgb — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025 His journey kicked off on March 3 from Japanese Consulate in Kolkata and is expected to be completed on May 15 at Japanese Embassy in New Delhi. During his quest, he'll pass through states of Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh before reaching New Delhi. Who is Nozomu Hagihara - Japanese man dribbling football from Kolkata to New Delhi? Hagihara initially came to Bodhgaya as an International NGO worker in 2020 to manage rural development programs in India. In 2021, he founded FC Soccer football club after quitting his first job at Toyota. He is currently employed with Japanese human resources company Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation based out of Tokyo. He has 19+ year of experience as a footballer, playing for Ritsumeikan University Soccer Club and J-league Oita Trinita U-18 division. On his journey, he plans to conduct 50 workshops during his more than 70-day-long journey in various villages along the route while focusing on nutrition, hygiene and gender equality. He is also planning to make it a charity campaign to take raises fund to take 20-30 children from Bihar to Japan on sports exchange program.

'2000 kilometres on foot': Who is Nozomu Hagihara? The Japanese man dribbling football from Kolkata to New Delhi

In a strange turn of events during the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, franchise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> has dragged the cab-hailing service provider &lsquo;Uber&rsquo; to the Delhi court over infringement and disparagement of their brand in an advertisement aired earlier during the season. Australia batting star and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunrisers-hyderabad" rel="dofollow">SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)</a> opener Travis Head, the protagonist in that promotional video, finds himself in a legal tussle amidst the ongoing season.
Head starred in Uber&rsquo;s comic bike-taxi Moto service advertisement, built around the proposition of &lsquo;Baddies of Bengaluru&rsquo;. That ad showed Head breaking into a stadium and vandalising it with the words, &lsquo;Royally Challenged Bengaluru&rsquo;, only to sneak away by booking an Uber Moto service.
<h3>Watch Video -</h3>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iSHexPbHpRI?si=4u3AbpDv0UfhwxBM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
It, however, didn&rsquo;t sit well with Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, the parent body of the IPL franchise RCB, who accused Uber of attempting to tarnish RCB&rsquo;s brand name, also of copyright violation for using the phrase, &lsquo;Ee sala cup namde&rsquo;, trademarked to Royal Challengers Sports.
&ldquo;This is a targeted attempt to mock and dilute the identity of Royal Challengers Bengaluru,&rdquo; Shwetasree Majumder, RCB&rsquo;s counsel, said to Justice Saurabh Banerjee, per LiveLaw.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bcci-to-hand-central-contracts-abhishek-sharma-shreyas-iyer-nitish-kumar-reddy-harshit-rana-ishan-kishan-8972794" rel="dofollow">BCCI to hand central contracts to Abhishek, Shreyas; rookie players included | details inside</a>
Meanwhile, she also argued that by doing so, the cab-service giants tried going against the law, particularly as a commercial partner for a competitor in SRH.
&ldquo;You had millions of creative ways to do an advertisement. Did you have to do it using my trademark? And using someone who was earlier with me?&rdquo; Majumder said while referencing how Travis Head was once part of the RCB franchise before moving to SunRisers Hyderabad. &ldquo;Does parity, fair use defence lie in the mouth of Uber Moto?&rdquo;
<h2>Uber replies to RCB</h2>
Uber didn&rsquo;t take long before replying to the IPL franchise over this legal issue. Uber&rsquo;s counsel argued that during this promotional video, Uber never referred to RCB in the first place; on those grounds, they have not attempted to harm the franchise&rsquo;s reputation in any way.&nbsp;
&ldquo;If I am referring to RCB, and that is the script of the ad, then I am entitled to refer to them so long as I do it without disparaging them or encashing on their reputation, and there is no harm to their trademark,&rdquo; Uber counsel replied to the RCB. &ldquo;There is no direct use of the plaintiff&rsquo;s registered trademarks, such as &lsquo;Royal Challengers Bengaluru&rsquo;. The reference to &lsquo;Bengaluru vs Hyderabad&rsquo; is generic and does not amount to infringement.&rdquo;
Uber&rsquo;s representative also added that RCB should combat humour with humour and not a lawsuit, adding the reference to Bengaluru was due to the city&rsquo;s reputation as one with horrible traffic congestion.&nbsp;
&ldquo;RCB should combat humour with humour, not with a lawsuit," said Uber's representative.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Australia and SRH opener Travis Head, the protagonist in that promotional video, finds himself in a legal tussle amidst the ongoing season. Sports, Cricket

In a strange turn of events during the ongoing IPL 2025, franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has dragged the cab-hailing service provider ‘Uber’ to the Delhi court over infringement and disparagement of their brand in an advertisement aired earlier during the season. Australia batting star and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head, the protagonist in that promotional video, finds himself in a legal tussle amidst the ongoing season. Head starred in Uber’s comic bike-taxi Moto service advertisement, built around the proposition of ‘Baddies of Bengaluru’. That ad showed Head breaking into a stadium and vandalising it with the words, ‘Royally Challenged Bengaluru’, only to sneak away by booking an Uber Moto service. Watch Video - It, however, didn’t sit well with Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, the parent body of the IPL franchise RCB, who accused Uber of attempting to tarnish RCB’s brand name, also of copyright violation for using the phrase, ‘Ee sala cup namde’, trademarked to Royal Challengers Sports. “This is a targeted attempt to mock and dilute the identity of Royal Challengers Bengaluru,” Shwetasree Majumder, RCB’s counsel, said to Justice Saurabh Banerjee, per LiveLaw. Also read | BCCI to hand central contracts to Abhishek, Shreyas; rookie players included | details inside Meanwhile, she also argued that by doing so, the cab-service giants tried going against the law, particularly as a commercial partner for a competitor in SRH. “You had millions of creative ways to do an advertisement. Did you have to do it using my trademark? And using someone who was earlier with me?” Majumder said while referencing how Travis Head was once part of the RCB franchise before moving to SunRisers Hyderabad. “Does parity, fair use defence lie in the mouth of Uber Moto?” Uber replies to RCB Uber didn’t take long before replying to the IPL franchise over this legal issue. Uber’s counsel argued that during this promotional video, Uber never referred to RCB in the first place; on those grounds, they have not attempted to harm the franchise’s reputation in any way. “If I am referring to RCB, and that is the script of the ad, then I am entitled to refer to them so long as I do it without disparaging them or encashing on their reputation, and there is no harm to their trademark,” Uber counsel replied to the RCB. “There is no direct use of the plaintiff’s registered trademarks, such as ‘Royal Challengers Bengaluru’. The reference to ‘Bengaluru vs Hyderabad’ is generic and does not amount to infringement.” Uber’s representative also added that RCB should combat humour with humour and not a lawsuit, adding the reference to Bengaluru was due to the city’s reputation as one with horrible traffic congestion. “RCB should combat humour with humour, not with a lawsuit," said Uber's representative. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL franchise RCB drag Uber to Delhi court over ‘targeted attack’ in promotional video

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is nearing the halfway mark with the tournament being more or less a batting friendly edition. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), however, have found it hard to get going and be part of that six-hitting spree.
The other five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have also not been able to win their games but they now have Jasprit Bumrah who is back after suffering a back issue in January earlier this year. It'll be important to manage Bumrah's workload with England Test tour scheduled right after the IPL.
One other name who could make a comeback in Indian team is Karun Nair - he's been sensational in recent times in domestic cricket and scored a brilliant 90-odd in his first IPL innings after three years.
Also Read - <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mca-take-bcci-route-make-it-mandatory-for-suryakumar-yadav-shreyas-iyer-shivam-dube-rohit-sharma-to-play-mumbai-t20-league-ipl-8972992" aria-label="MCA take BCCI route, make it &lsquo;mandatory&rsquo; for star India players to play THIS league">MCA take BCCI route, make it &lsquo;mandatory&rsquo; for star India players to play THIS league</a>
WION had a chat with former India women's team skipper Anjum Chopra regarding all those things and here's what she had to say:
<h2>What do you think that's been ailing Chennai Super Kings this season?&nbsp;</h2>
Well, obviously they've not been able to finish the matches in their favour and that is the only thing. The matches that they are playing, if they had won, two or three of those matches, they could have won or normally, when the Chennai team plays other than losing, they win. So, we always say that there is experience in that side. But because those matches, they have not ended up as a winning team.
So suddenly, one after another, when the losses happen, you start asking questions. What is happening? Nothing is happening. It's just that that opening combination did not start well for them then the middle order has not been able to capitalise. So, small, small areas which they have been missing out, or in the fielding, or small areas in the bowling. And small areas, we've seen, you miss on those and opportunity arises for the opposition to utilise those areas. And that's how the matches have been getting slipped from their side to the opposition side.&nbsp;
Also, do you feel like Chennai Super Kings do not have as much power hitting options as other teams?
I think the very fact that Shivam Dubey was such a star attraction when he started hitting last season or the year before that as well and he is still doing the same. So, if he is missing anything, is just somebody else hitting at the other end who is also striking the ball like that. The last couple of seasons, Ruturaj has been giving them such good starts. But Ruturaj, change of batting order, then him picking up an injury has not helped. Now, he is batting at three. So, even if you bat at three, it means obviously few deliveries unless you walk in on the second or the third ball of the match. So, everything changes.&nbsp;
They tried changing the opening combination. It didn't work. The effect was that in the middle order also, somebody apart from Shivam was not able to capitalize. And that start was also not helping. So, few areas, it's not that they are missing out. Once you start winning those matches, then things change and people say, oh wow, Vijay Shankar is such an asset. Deepak Hooda hasn't done well for them. Devon Conway in the last few matches, yes, he is there but, you know, it's not been that kind of a start or an impact. Even Rachin Ravindra. So, small, small areas. Again, if the players are not utilizing their opportunities, then what can the captain do or anybody else do?&nbsp;
Talking about the captains, how good has been Shreyas Iyer this season?&nbsp;
You know, when you win an IPL, obviously the confidence is high. Number one is that also he, in any case, has been a very good captain. And it's not only that he has to prove his captaincy coming into an IPL team. I've seen him, you know, he is one of those, he likes the responsibility. He likes those tough situations and he thrives on them. So, when he is captaining an IPL side and they've ended up winning, it's not a surprise.
It's also not that for the first time he has suddenly become captain. He has been around from domestic cricket side and he has been groomed for it as well. So, yes, the confidence is there after winning an IPL.
Every year IPL throws up some stars, uncapped or capped players. This season has been really about Digvesh Rathi and his celebrations. How do you think that he's going about his bowling after being picked up from local leagues?&nbsp;
Very good. I think it's about talent meets opportunity. If IPL is throwing up such talented cricketers, I mean, we should feel very happy that the way our domestic cricket is structured or is being run over the past so many years. IPL in its 18th season is actually showcasing that you don't need four international players to win your contest. More and more franchises or captains, they're seeing that, you know, their Indian domestic players are performing better than international players.
So, it's obviously talking about the depth of Indian cricket, which is very good. And as I say again, it's not that overnight things have changed. If in the 18th IPL season, we are seeing a Priyansh Arya come through and he'll be back in the nets it's not overnight that things happen. Again, it goes back to the depth and opportunity that, you know, our cricketers have, and they're making the most of it.&nbsp;
There may be so many more Digvesh Rathis or Priyansh Aryas in the system all over our country, who have not got the opportunity, who are unable to show skills. They might be even better at their skills, but we do not see them or we have not seen them. But those that we have seen or we are seeing, I think it's a great moment of pride to say that, you know, we as an India has such talent in our country. &nbsp;
Karun Nair - he was sensational in his first innings for DC and there's been chatter around him that he might have a chance at India comeback. Where do you see him, if he continues to perform like that?&nbsp;
Anybody has a chance of an India comeback. As long as they're playing cricket, any and everyone has a chance. Nobody's gone, I mean, again, of course, till the time you say that you are not looking to play international cricket and you just want to participate in leagues and whatever.
But thing is, Indian cricket doesn't say or international cricket doesn't say that, you know, we will only pick players from this bracket or that bracket. That is not there. People who are performing can go on and play for the country. Country requires match winners and champions. So whether he makes a comeback or he doesn't make a comeback in the Indian League, that is for time to tell. But if he has come back and started performing well in domestic cricket and we saw what he did in that innings, it's brilliant, you know. He was always a very good player. 300 runs scored in a Test match does not happen in a fluke. Obviously, he has had that talent before also. But now he has realised his potential or he is realising his potential again, which is very nice. So it's good. Whether he comes back in the Indian team or not, we'll see.
With England series just right after the IPL, how do you think that IPL or BCCI should be managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload given that he is just back from injury?&nbsp;
That's for the doctors to decide. I mean, you and me or anybody else, we are not aware as to what is the injury, how is he after managing that workload since come back. So obviously, they would have seen that he is fit to bowl. The doctors have given him a clearance that he is fit to bowl and he is participating, he is travelling.
People in the system are well aware of the fact that what is coming up, what is the kind of workload that not only Jasprit, but anybody else also, whether it's Mohammad Siraj or Arshdeep or anyone, is managing. So they will manage it. It's not that today you just wrap him in cotton wool and keep him. No. Human body needs to train as well. So his workload is definitely getting managed. I'm sure it is getting managed and being watched as well. How much is he bowling, whatever. So there is a proper system to it and that system runs for everyone. So for Jasprit also, that system is up for monitoring how he is doing.&nbsp;
With IPL reaching its near half stage, what are your top four picks if you'll have it?&nbsp;
I mean, it's difficult to say because we've seen how matches can go up and down. And that's the beauty of it. It's not only this season, even in the last few seasons, we've seen that the teams who have started at the top don't end up at the top. So it's about maintaining that combination, that form. It's a very long tournament.&nbsp;
If you look at Chennai, they have probably rotated almost 18-19 players? For Punjab, they would have rotated about 13 or 14 players with injuries. Teams who have won matches right at the start have not looked to rotate many players around.
And those who, like Chennai, whenever Chennai wins, they hardly change the combination. So it's difficult to say right now. We certainly have teams who have been winning. We say, wow, they're looking very good. They're looking very good. But we can only have one winner.
We'll see. Right now, that's why we talk about the net run rate being so crucial. Even if you have a slump or a slide on that points table, there is a net run rate which can save you and allow you to come back.

IPL 2025 is nearing the halfway mark with the tournament being more or less a batting friendly edition. Five-time champions CSK, however, have found it hard to get going and be part of that six-hitting spree. Cricket sports

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is nearing the halfway mark with the tournament being more or less a batting friendly edition. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), however, have found it hard to get going and be part of that six-hitting spree. The other five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have also not been able to win their games but they now have Jasprit Bumrah who is back after suffering a back issue in January earlier this year. It'll be important to manage Bumrah's workload with England Test tour scheduled right after the IPL. One other name who could make a comeback in Indian team is Karun Nair - he's been sensational in recent times in domestic cricket and scored a brilliant 90-odd in his first IPL innings after three years. Also Read - MCA take BCCI route, make it ‘mandatory’ for star India players to play THIS league WION had a chat with former India women's team skipper Anjum Chopra regarding all those things and here's what she had to say: What do you think that's been ailing Chennai Super Kings this season? Well, obviously they've not been able to finish the matches in their favour and that is the only thing. The matches that they are playing, if they had won, two or three of those matches, they could have won or normally, when the Chennai team plays other than losing, they win. So, we always say that there is experience in that side. But because those matches, they have not ended up as a winning team. So suddenly, one after another, when the losses happen, you start asking questions. What is happening? Nothing is happening. It's just that that opening combination did not start well for them then the middle order has not been able to capitalise. So, small, small areas which they have been missing out, or in the fielding, or small areas in the bowling. And small areas, we've seen, you miss on those and opportunity arises for the opposition to utilise those areas. And that's how the matches have been getting slipped from their side to the opposition side. Also, do you feel like Chennai Super Kings do not have as much power hitting options as other teams? I think the very fact that Shivam Dubey was such a star attraction when he started hitting last season or the year before that as well and he is still doing the same. So, if he is missing anything, is just somebody else hitting at the other end who is also striking the ball like that. The last couple of seasons, Ruturaj has been giving them such good starts. But Ruturaj, change of batting order, then him picking up an injury has not helped. Now, he is batting at three. So, even if you bat at three, it means obviously few deliveries unless you walk in on the second or the third ball of the match. So, everything changes. They tried changing the opening combination. It didn't work. The effect was that in the middle order also, somebody apart from Shivam was not able to capitalize. And that start was also not helping. So, few areas, it's not that they are missing out. Once you start winning those matches, then things change and people say, oh wow, Vijay Shankar is such an asset. Deepak Hooda hasn't done well for them. Devon Conway in the last few matches, yes, he is there but, you know, it's not been that kind of a start or an impact. Even Rachin Ravindra. So, small, small areas. Again, if the players are not utilizing their opportunities, then what can the captain do or anybody else do? Talking about the captains, how good has been Shreyas Iyer this season? You know, when you win an IPL, obviously the confidence is high. Number one is that also he, in any case, has been a very good captain. And it's not only that he has to prove his captaincy coming into an IPL team. I've seen him, you know, he is one of those, he likes the responsibility. He likes those tough situations and he thrives on them. So, when he is captaining an IPL side and they've ended up winning, it's not a surprise. It's also not that for the first time he has suddenly become captain. He has been around from domestic cricket side and he has been groomed for it as well. So, yes, the confidence is there after winning an IPL. Every year IPL throws up some stars, uncapped or capped players. This season has been really about Digvesh Rathi and his celebrations. How do you think that he's going about his bowling after being picked up from local leagues? Very good. I think it's about talent meets opportunity. If IPL is throwing up such talented cricketers, I mean, we should feel very happy that the way our domestic cricket is structured or is being run over the past so many years. IPL in its 18th season is actually showcasing that you don't need four international players to win your contest. More and more franchises or captains, they're seeing that, you know, their Indian domestic players are performing better than international players. So, it's obviously talking about the depth of Indian cricket, which is very good. And as I say again, it's not that overnight things have changed. If in the 18th IPL season, we are seeing a Priyansh Arya come through and he'll be back in the nets it's not overnight that things happen. Again, it goes back to the depth and opportunity that, you know, our cricketers have, and they're making the most of it. There may be so many more Digvesh Rathis or Priyansh Aryas in the system all over our country, who have not got the opportunity, who are unable to show skills. They might be even better at their skills, but we do not see them or we have not seen them. But those that we have seen or we are seeing, I think it's a great moment of pride to say that, you know, we as an India has such talent in our country. Karun Nair - he was sensational in his first innings for DC and there's been chatter around him that he might have a chance at India comeback. Where do you see him, if he continues to perform like that? Anybody has a chance of an India comeback. As long as they're playing cricket, any and everyone has a chance. Nobody's gone, I mean, again, of course, till the time you say that you are not looking to play international cricket and you just want to participate in leagues and whatever. But thing is, Indian cricket doesn't say or international cricket doesn't say that, you know, we will only pick players from this bracket or that bracket. That is not there. People who are performing can go on and play for the country. Country requires match winners and champions. So whether he makes a comeback or he doesn't make a comeback in the Indian League, that is for time to tell. But if he has come back and started performing well in domestic cricket and we saw what he did in that innings, it's brilliant, you know. He was always a very good player. 300 runs scored in a Test match does not happen in a fluke. Obviously, he has had that talent before also. But now he has realised his potential or he is realising his potential again, which is very nice. So it's good. Whether he comes back in the Indian team or not, we'll see. With England series just right after the IPL, how do you think that IPL or BCCI should be managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload given that he is just back from injury? That's for the doctors to decide. I mean, you and me or anybody else, we are not aware as to what is the injury, how is he after managing that workload since come back. So obviously, they would have seen that he is fit to bowl. The doctors have given him a clearance that he is fit to bowl and he is participating, he is travelling. People in the system are well aware of the fact that what is coming up, what is the kind of workload that not only Jasprit, but anybody else also, whether it's Mohammad Siraj or Arshdeep or anyone, is managing. So they will manage it. It's not that today you just wrap him in cotton wool and keep him. No. Human body needs to train as well. So his workload is definitely getting managed. I'm sure it is getting managed and being watched as well. How much is he bowling, whatever. So there is a proper system to it and that system runs for everyone. So for Jasprit also, that system is up for monitoring how he is doing. With IPL reaching its near half stage, what are your top four picks if you'll have it? I mean, it's difficult to say because we've seen how matches can go up and down. And that's the beauty of it. It's not only this season, even in the last few seasons, we've seen that the teams who have started at the top don't end up at the top. So it's about maintaining that combination, that form. It's a very long tournament. If you look at Chennai, they have probably rotated almost 18-19 players? For Punjab, they would have rotated about 13 or 14 players with injuries. Teams who have won matches right at the start have not looked to rotate many players around. And those who, like Chennai, whenever Chennai wins, they hardly change the combination. So it's difficult to say right now. We certainly have teams who have been winning. We say, wow, they're looking very good. They're looking very good. But we can only have one winner. We'll see. Right now, that's why we talk about the net run rate being so crucial. Even if you have a slump or a slide on that points table, there is a net run rate which can save you and allow you to come back.

Exclusive: What's ailing CSK in IPL 2025 - Former India women's skipper Anjum Chopra shares thoughts

After the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) made it mandatory for all centrally contracted players not picked for any Indian squad or out with an injury or unavoidable personal reasons to play domestic cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) followed their path, making it compulsory for their capped Indian cricketers, including India&rsquo;s T20I captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suryakumar-yadav" rel="dofollow">Suryakumar Yadav</a>, batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer" rel="dofollow">Shreyas Iyer</a> and hard-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube to play the upcoming Mumbai T20I League.
The MCA also decided to make India&rsquo;s ODI and Test captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> the &lsquo;Face of their League.&rsquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bcci-to-hand-central-contracts-abhishek-sharma-shreyas-iyer-nitish-kumar-reddy-harshit-rana-ishan-kishan-8972794" rel="dofollow">BCCI to hand central contracts to Abhishek, Shreyas; rookie players included | details inside</a>
Per the latest report, the board has informed all these players, alongside Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur, that should the selectors not pick them for India&rsquo;s away Test tour of England (June-August), they have to make themselves available for selection for this league. All players, including SKY, Iyer and Dube, have already expressed their willingness to play in this league.
&ldquo;All Mumbai&rsquo;s Indian players have been informed that they have to play the T20 Mumbai League, which will begin after the IPL. It&rsquo;s mandatory, unless those who have India commitment or injury issues, they can skip,&rsquo; an MCA official said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Besides, to lure them into committing to playing in this league, the MCA will also offer INR 15 lakh to their Indian players as appearance fees, up and above their auction salary.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Indian players will be paid 15 lakh separately by the association as a participation fee, plus they will earn separately from the auction fees. We are working on the base price and other details,&rdquo; a source close to the information added.
<h2>Players and auction</h2>
Likewise, in the IPL auction, the players have registered their names for the Mumbai T20 League, with the latest report suggesting that around 2800 local cricketers have registered themselves. While the league&rsquo;s auction will be held next month (in May), the state association plans to get this underway right after the IPL, scheduled from May 26 to June 5.
&ldquo;The response to Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League has been phenomenal. The fact that over 2800 players have registered speaks volumes about both the popularity of the league and the undying cricket passion of Mumbaikars. We are thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation and remain committed to nurturing the next generation of cricket stars,&rdquo; MCA secretary Abhay Hadap said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai's India international players, including Suryakumar Yadav, Iyer and Dube, have already expressed their willingness to play in this league. Sports, Cricket

After the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) made it mandatory for all centrally contracted players not picked for any Indian squad or out with an injury or unavoidable personal reasons to play domestic cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) followed their path, making it compulsory for their capped Indian cricketers, including India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, batter Shreyas Iyer and hard-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube to play the upcoming Mumbai T20I League. The MCA also decided to make India’s ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma the ‘Face of their League.’ Also read | BCCI to hand central contracts to Abhishek, Shreyas; rookie players included | details inside Per the latest report, the board has informed all these players, alongside Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur, that should the selectors not pick them for India’s away Test tour of England (June-August), they have to make themselves available for selection for this league. All players, including SKY, Iyer and Dube, have already expressed their willingness to play in this league. “All Mumbai’s Indian players have been informed that they have to play the T20 Mumbai League, which will begin after the IPL. It’s mandatory, unless those who have India commitment or injury issues, they can skip,’ an MCA official said, as quoted by The Indian Express. Besides, to lure them into committing to playing in this league, the MCA will also offer INR 15 lakh to their Indian players as appearance fees, up and above their auction salary. “Indian players will be paid 15 lakh separately by the association as a participation fee, plus they will earn separately from the auction fees. We are working on the base price and other details,” a source close to the information added. Players and auction Likewise, in the IPL auction, the players have registered their names for the Mumbai T20 League, with the latest report suggesting that around 2800 local cricketers have registered themselves. While the league’s auction will be held next month (in May), the state association plans to get this underway right after the IPL, scheduled from May 26 to June 5. “The response to Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League has been phenomenal. The fact that over 2800 players have registered speaks volumes about both the popularity of the league and the undying cricket passion of Mumbaikars. We are thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation and remain committed to nurturing the next generation of cricket stars,” MCA secretary Abhay Hadap said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

MCA take BCCI route, make it ‘mandatory’ for star India players to play THIS league

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a> central contract list for the upcoming season will not have many exceptions as most first-team players will retain their places; however, there will be a few new additions to the list with the top names, including batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer" rel="dofollow">Shreyas Iyer</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/abhishek-sharma" rel="dofollow">Abhishek Sharma</a>, alongside spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, though there is no mention of gloveman Ishan Kishan&rsquo;s return to the list.
The BCCI central contract for the upcoming season list shall be out soon, with the latest reports suggesting minute changes to the four designated categories. While ace quick Jasprit Bumrah, ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja would retain their places in the A+ category, reserved for the top performers across formats, the BCCI could also promote ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill (A) to the top category.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cricket-abhishek-nayar-t-dilip-sacked-by-bcci-from-gautam-gambhirs-cpaching-staff-after-poor-display-in-australia-report-8970874" rel="dofollow">Abhishek Nayar, T. Dilip sacked by BCCI from Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff after poor display in Australia - Report</a>
Meanwhile, the BCCI could bring back Iyer to the contract list after dropping him and Kishan midway through it the last time, punishing them for not honouring the BCCI&rsquo;s orders. The Indian Cricket Board made it mandatory for every contracted player not picked for any Indian squad or unavailable with injury or for unavoidable personal reasons to appear for their respective state teams in domestic cricket, regardless of the format. While Iyer disobeyed orders, citing back issues despite NCA doctors clearing him, Kishan remained unavailable for selection due to mental health issues.
However, both returned to domestic cricket soon after, scoring tons of runs, with Iyer later receiving an India call-up for the away Sri Lanka tour. Although he failed to press his case for retention in India&rsquo;s white-ball squads, Iyer was one of the cornerstones for India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy success early this year. Meanwhile, Kishan, playing for his new IPL franchise, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), slammed his maiden hundred in his debut game this season, pushing his return to the Indian Team.
<h2>Who are the new entrants to the list?</h2>
Abhishek Sharma is the first name on the list set for his maiden central contract, with his India and SRH teammate, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, another name tipped this time. Alongside them, seamer Harshit Rana, who had a breakthrough with his Test debut in Perth Down Under, might also make the cut. All three and Varun would be part of the C category.
As per the BCCI standard policy, "athletes who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of three Tests or eight ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis."
Per Cricbuzz, the BCCI decision-makers have decided on these names lately.
(With inputs from agencies)

BCCI’s central contract for the upcoming season list shall be out soon, with minute changes expected in the four designated categories. Sports, Cricket

BCCI central contract list for the upcoming season will not have many exceptions as most first-team players will retain their places; however, there will be a few new additions to the list with the top names, including batter Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma, alongside spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, though there is no mention of gloveman Ishan Kishan’s return to the list. The BCCI central contract for the upcoming season list shall be out soon, with the latest reports suggesting minute changes to the four designated categories. While ace quick Jasprit Bumrah, ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja would retain their places in the A+ category, reserved for the top performers across formats, the BCCI could also promote ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill (A) to the top category. Also read | Abhishek Nayar, T. Dilip sacked by BCCI from Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff after poor display in Australia - Report Meanwhile, the BCCI could bring back Iyer to the contract list after dropping him and Kishan midway through it the last time, punishing them for not honouring the BCCI’s orders. The Indian Cricket Board made it mandatory for every contracted player not picked for any Indian squad or unavailable with injury or for unavoidable personal reasons to appear for their respective state teams in domestic cricket, regardless of the format. While Iyer disobeyed orders, citing back issues despite NCA doctors clearing him, Kishan remained unavailable for selection due to mental health issues. However, both returned to domestic cricket soon after, scoring tons of runs, with Iyer later receiving an India call-up for the away Sri Lanka tour. Although he failed to press his case for retention in India’s white-ball squads, Iyer was one of the cornerstones for India’s Champions Trophy success early this year. Meanwhile, Kishan, playing for his new IPL franchise, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), slammed his maiden hundred in his debut game this season, pushing his return to the Indian Team. Who are the new entrants to the list? Abhishek Sharma is the first name on the list set for his maiden central contract, with his India and SRH teammate, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, another name tipped this time. Alongside them, seamer Harshit Rana, who had a breakthrough with his Test debut in Perth Down Under, might also make the cut. All three and Varun would be part of the C category. As per the BCCI standard policy, "athletes who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of three Tests or eight ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis." Per Cricbuzz, the BCCI decision-makers have decided on these names lately. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI to hand central contracts to Abhishek, Shreyas; rookie players included | details inside

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a> have maintained their stance at the top of the points table with five wins from six contested matches in IPL 2025, with their latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-porel-stubbs-take-delhi-capitals-to-1885-against-rajasthan-royals-8969860" rel="dofollow">victory against Rajasthan Royals in the first super over</a> of the season making headlines. A win at home propelled them to stay ahead of Gujarat Titans &ndash; their opponent in the next game- and DC captain Axar Patel hinted at vice-captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/faf-du-plessis" rel="dofollow">Faf du Plessis</a>&rsquo; return for that match, bolstering their batting attack.
Faf last played against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10 and has been out of action since due to an injury. Following beating RR, Axar talked about having the Proteas great back for the table toppers. Without detailing enough on the nature of his injury and confirming his participation in the next marquee clash, Axar said,&nbsp;
"I had been told that he wouldn't be able to play three matches - that's the time he needs to recover - and two matches are done," Axar said. "Maybe he will play the Gujarat game. But the physio has to confirm how his rehab has been going."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cricket-ipl-2025-axar-patel-heaps-praise-at-super-mitchell-starc-as-delhi-capitals-oust-rajasthan-royals-in-super-over-8970642" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Axar Patel heaps praise at 'Super' Mitchell Starc as Delhi Capitals oust Rajasthan Royals in Super Over</a>
Against RCB, Faf suffered an injury while fielding, and though he batted in that game, scoring just two, he missed Delhi&rsquo;s next tie against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5, with the skipper revealing, &lsquo;Faf isn&rsquo;t fit.&rsquo;
Though Delhi&rsquo;s top order has fetched runs this season thus far, with gloveman Abishek Porel and seasoned batter KL Rahul leading the chart, Fraser McGurk&rsquo;s poor run with the bat has somehow restricted their flow of runs inside the Powerplay. The Aussie batter has scored just 55 runs in six contested matches, striking at 105.76, with his best being 38. He looks likely to make way for Faf, should the South Africa great clear fitness test and remain available for selection.
With Delhi playing just three overseas players since Faf&rsquo;s injury, they could stick to the winning combination, including one mandatory (abovementioned) change from the next game onwards.
<h2>Is Kuldeep okay?</h2>
During the 17th over of the chase, Delhi spinner Kuldeep Yadav landed heavily on his shoulder while fielding, with the team physio running towards him to check him. Team captain Axar provided an update on his injury concern.
"I have no update on Kuldeep yet," Axar said. "If something serious had happened, then we would have known by now."
(With inputs from agencies)

Against RCB, Faf suffered an injury while fielding, and though he batted in that game, scoring just two, he missed Delhi’s next tie against CSK. Sports, Cricket

Delhi Capitals (DC) have maintained their stance at the top of the points table with five wins from six contested matches in IPL 2025, with their latest victory against Rajasthan Royals in the first super over of the season making headlines. A win at home propelled them to stay ahead of Gujarat Titans – their opponent in the next game- and DC captain Axar Patel hinted at vice-captain Faf du Plessis’ return for that match, bolstering their batting attack. Faf last played against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10 and has been out of action since due to an injury. Following beating RR, Axar talked about having the Proteas great back for the table toppers. Without detailing enough on the nature of his injury and confirming his participation in the next marquee clash, Axar said, "I had been told that he wouldn't be able to play three matches - that's the time he needs to recover - and two matches are done," Axar said. "Maybe he will play the Gujarat game. But the physio has to confirm how his rehab has been going." Also read | IPL 2025: Axar Patel heaps praise at 'Super' Mitchell Starc as Delhi Capitals oust Rajasthan Royals in Super Over Against RCB, Faf suffered an injury while fielding, and though he batted in that game, scoring just two, he missed Delhi’s next tie against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5, with the skipper revealing, ‘Faf isn’t fit.’ Though Delhi’s top order has fetched runs this season thus far, with gloveman Abishek Porel and seasoned batter KL Rahul leading the chart, Fraser McGurk’s poor run with the bat has somehow restricted their flow of runs inside the Powerplay. The Aussie batter has scored just 55 runs in six contested matches, striking at 105.76, with his best being 38. He looks likely to make way for Faf, should the South Africa great clear fitness test and remain available for selection. With Delhi playing just three overseas players since Faf’s injury, they could stick to the winning combination, including one mandatory (abovementioned) change from the next game onwards. Is Kuldeep okay? During the 17th over of the chase, Delhi spinner Kuldeep Yadav landed heavily on his shoulder while fielding, with the team physio running towards him to check him. Team captain Axar provided an update on his injury concern. "I have no update on Kuldeep yet," Axar said. "If something serious had happened, then we would have known by now." (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: DC captain Axar Patel drops hint on Faf du Plessis' return after Rajasthan win

Serena Williams says 'it would have landed her in jail' if she had have taken performance enhancing drugs during her playing career. The comments were in context of three-month suspension given to Italian Jannik Sinner for the same.&nbsp;
Sinner is currently serving his three-month ban which started on Feb 9 earlier this year, shortly after he defended his Australian Open crown. It will end on May 4, about a couple of weeks before the French Open 2025.
According to Sinner, a physio gave him the drug unknowingly and the International Tennis Integrity Agency agreed with the explanation.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), however, pushed for one year ban. The two agencies reached a settlement for three months but Sinner won't be missing any major tournaments.
Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-french-open-2025-mens-and-womens-singles-players-list-announced-check-details-8971758">French Open 2025: Men's and women's singles players list announced. Check details</a>
&ldquo;Fantastic personality,&rdquo; says Williams in an interview with TIME. &ldquo;I love the guy, I love this game. He&rsquo;s great for the sport.&rdquo;
As for the doping case, Serena was clear that she doesn't have any problem with Sinner and doesn't 'want to bring anyone down.'
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been put down so much, I don&rsquo;t want to bring anyone down,&rdquo; Serena said and added that she&rsquo;s excited to see his return to the the Italian Open next month. &ldquo;Men&rsquo;s tennis needs him.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Serena, however, talked about the ramifications she would have faced in such a situation and said: &ldquo;If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let's be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.&rdquo;
The French Open 2025, year's second tennis grand slam, is just about a month away and the organisers have announced the entry list of men's and women's players set to take part. The tournament, which will run from May 19 to June 8, will see 104 women's tennis players and almost similar number of men's players as well.
The men's singles has several big names including last year's champion Carlos Alcaraz - also touted as the successor of clay king Rafael Nadal. 2025 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, last year's finalist Alexander Zverev and one of the all-time greats Novak Djokovic as he searches for the elusive 25th grand slam title.

Sinner is currently serving his three-month ban which started on Feb 9 earlier this year, shortly after he defended his Australian Open crown. Sports Tennis

Serena Williams says 'it would have landed her in jail' if she had have taken performance enhancing drugs during her playing career. The comments were in context of three-month suspension given to Italian Jannik Sinner for the same. Sinner is currently serving his three-month ban which started on Feb 9 earlier this year, shortly after he defended his Australian Open crown. It will end on May 4, about a couple of weeks before the French Open 2025. According to Sinner, a physio gave him the drug unknowingly and the International Tennis Integrity Agency agreed with the explanation. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), however, pushed for one year ban. The two agencies reached a settlement for three months but Sinner won't be missing any major tournaments. Also Read - French Open 2025: Men's and women's singles players list announced. Check details “Fantastic personality,” says Williams in an interview with TIME. “I love the guy, I love this game. He’s great for the sport.” As for the doping case, Serena was clear that she doesn't have any problem with Sinner and doesn't 'want to bring anyone down.' “I’ve been put down so much, I don’t want to bring anyone down,” Serena said and added that she’s excited to see his return to the the Italian Open next month. “Men’s tennis needs him.” Serena, however, talked about the ramifications she would have faced in such a situation and said: “If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years. Let's be honest. I would have gotten Grand Slams taken away from me.” The French Open 2025, year's second tennis grand slam, is just about a month away and the organisers have announced the entry list of men's and women's players set to take part. The tournament, which will run from May 19 to June 8, will see 104 women's tennis players and almost similar number of men's players as well. The men's singles has several big names including last year's champion Carlos Alcaraz - also touted as the successor of clay king Rafael Nadal. 2025 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, last year's finalist Alexander Zverev and one of the all-time greats Novak Djokovic as he searches for the elusive 25th grand slam title.

'I would have gotten 20 years,' Serena Williams on Jannik Sinner's three-month doping ban

The French Open 2025, year's second tennis grand slam, is just about a month away and the organisers have announced the entry list of men's and women's players set to take part. The tournament, which will run from May 19 to June 8, will see 104 women's tennis players and almost similar number of men's players as well.
<h2>Women's Singles</h2>
Among the 104 players in women's draw, the spotlight will be on defending champion and four-time winner Iga Swiatek as she aims for fifth Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, Along with her is world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka who finished in quarterfinal last year. Sabalenka had a good 2024 when she defended her Australian Open crown and won the maiden US Open as well.
Four players have used protected rankings for get a place in French Open 2025 draw. They are Petra Kvitova who missed last year's event, Jodie Burrage who has never played in main draw at Roland Garros, Yanina Wickmayer and Sorana Cirstea. Apart from the, eight wildcards will also be offered later to complete the main draw.&nbsp;
<a href="https://fft-rg-commun-news.cdn.prismic.io/fft-rg-commun-news/Z_5wnevxEdbNPE3X_RGMDWomen2025.pdf">Check the full player list of French Open 2025 women's singles draw</a>
<h2>Men's Singles</h2>
The men's singles has several big names including last year's champion Carlos Alcaraz - also touted as the successor of clay king Rafael Nadal. 2025 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, last year's finalist Alexander Zverev and one of the all-time greats Novak Djokovic as he searches for the elusive 25th grand slam title.
The players who have used protected rankings are - Reilly Opelka, Jenson Brooksby, Sebastian Ofner, and Emil Ruusuvuori.&nbsp;
<a href="https://fft-rg-commun-news.cdn.prismic.io/fft-rg-commun-news/Z_5wnOvxEdbNPE3V_RGMDMen2025.pdf">Check the full player list of French Open 2025 men's singles draw</a>
<h2>What is protected ranking in tennis?</h2>
If a player is out of the game due to injury or maternity leave, their ranking, when they go out of the game, stays intact for a period of time even through they real time ranking goes down. They can use this intact ranking to make a comeback in tournaments. &nbsp;

French Open 2025, which will run from May 19 to June 8, will see 104 women's tennis players and almost similar number of men's players as well. Tennis Sports World

The French Open 2025, year's second tennis grand slam, is just about a month away and the organisers have announced the entry list of men's and women's players set to take part. The tournament, which will run from May 19 to June 8, will see 104 women's tennis players and almost similar number of men's players as well. Women's Singles Among the 104 players in women's draw, the spotlight will be on defending champion and four-time winner Iga Swiatek as she aims for fifth Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, Along with her is world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka who finished in quarterfinal last year. Sabalenka had a good 2024 when she defended her Australian Open crown and won the maiden US Open as well. Four players have used protected rankings for get a place in French Open 2025 draw. They are Petra Kvitova who missed last year's event, Jodie Burrage who has never played in main draw at Roland Garros, Yanina Wickmayer and Sorana Cirstea. Apart from the, eight wildcards will also be offered later to complete the main draw. Check the full player list of French Open 2025 women's singles draw Men's Singles The men's singles has several big names including last year's champion Carlos Alcaraz - also touted as the successor of clay king Rafael Nadal. 2025 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, last year's finalist Alexander Zverev and one of the all-time greats Novak Djokovic as he searches for the elusive 25th grand slam title. The players who have used protected rankings are - Reilly Opelka, Jenson Brooksby, Sebastian Ofner, and Emil Ruusuvuori. Check the full player list of French Open 2025 men's singles draw What is protected ranking in tennis? If a player is out of the game due to injury or maternity leave, their ranking, when they go out of the game, stays intact for a period of time even through they real time ranking goes down. They can use this intact ranking to make a comeback in tournaments.

French Open 2025: Men's and women's singles players list announced. Check details

The season 6 of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) is all set after the auctions were concluded on Tuesday (April 15). Season 3 champions Chennai Lions made Chinese paddler Fan Siqi the highest-valued player, splurging 1.97 million tokens to secure her services for latest campaign. With players going under the hammer for the first time, India&rsquo;s top-ranked national player Diya Chitale also emerged as the highest-valued Indian paddler, returning to Dabang Delhi TTC through the Right to Match (RTM) card at a value of 1.41 million tokens after an intense bidding war.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">All Squads after Auctions</h2>
Ahmedabad SG Pipers<o:p></o:p>
Manika Batra &ndash; 1.2 million tokens, Ricardo Walther &ndash; 1.16 million tokens, Snehit Suravajjula &ndash; 990,000 tokens, Giorgia Piccolin &ndash; 700,000 tokens, Divyansh Srivastava &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Yashini Sivashankar &ndash; 200,000 tokens
Chennai Lions<o:p></o:p>
Fan Siqi &ndash; 1.97 million tokens, Kirill Gerassimenko &ndash; 1.24 million tokens, Payas Jain &ndash; 1.16 million tokens, Sudhanshu Grover &ndash; 200,000 tokens, Jennifer Varghese &ndash; 200,000 tokens, Nikhat Banu &ndash; 200,000 tokens
Dabang Delhi TTC<o:p></o:p>
Diya Chitale &ndash; 1.41 million tokens, Maria Xiao &ndash; 1.26 million tokens, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran &ndash; 1 million tokens, Quek Izaac &ndash; 700,000 tokens, Suhana Saini &ndash; 230,000 tokens, Sourav Saha &ndash; 210,000 tokens,
Goa Challengers TTC, <o:p></o:p>
Zeng Jian &ndash; 1.72 million tokens, Harmeet Desai &ndash; 1.4 million tokens, Tiago Apolonia &ndash; 700,000 tokens, Ronit Bhanja &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Krittwika Sinha Roy &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Sayali Wani &ndash; 370,000 tokens
Jaipur Patriots<o:p></o:p>
Britt Eerland &ndash; 1.11 million tokens, Kanak Jha &ndash; 1.1 million tokens, Sreeja Akula &ndash; 1.1 million tokens, Jeet Chandra &ndash; 570,000 tokens, Pritha Vartikar &ndash; 240,000 tokens, Yashansh Malik &ndash; 200,000 tokens
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-kkr-sunil-narine-and-anrich-nortje-bats-fail-gauge-check-in-loss-vs-pbks-8968125" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025 | KKR's Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje's bats fail gauge check in loss vs PBKS - WATCH</a>
Kolkata ThunderBlades<o:p></o:p>
Adriana Diaz &ndash; 1.93 million tokens, Aruna Quadri &ndash; 1.1 million tokens, Ankur Bhattacharjee &ndash; 1.14 million tokens, Selena Selvakumar &ndash; 390,000 tokens, Ananya Chande &ndash; 200,000 tokens, Deepit Patil &ndash; 200,000 tokens
U Mumba TT<o:p></o:p>
Bernadette Szocs &ndash; 1.53 million tokens, Lilian Bardet &ndash; 1.11 million tokens, Yashaswini Ghorpade &ndash; 860,000 tokens, Swastika Ghosh &ndash; 700,000 tokens, Akash Pal &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Abhinandh PB &ndash; 210,000 tokens
PBG Pune Jaguars<o:p></o:p>
Alvaro Robles &ndash; 1.81 million tokens, Dina Meshref &ndash; 1.1 million tokens, Taneesha Kotecha &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Anirban Ghosh &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Reeth Rishya &ndash; 400,000 tokens, Mudit Dani &ndash; 220,000 tokens

India News | Sports: Season 3 champions Chennai Lions made Chinese paddler Fan Siqi the highest-valued player, splurging 1.97 million tokens to secure her services.

The season 6 of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) is all set after the auctions were concluded on Tuesday (April 15). Season 3 champions Chennai Lions made Chinese paddler Fan Siqi the highest-valued player, splurging 1.97 million tokens to secure her services for latest campaign. With players going under the hammer for the first time, India’s top-ranked national player Diya Chitale also emerged as the highest-valued Indian paddler, returning to Dabang Delhi TTC through the Right to Match (RTM) card at a value of 1.41 million tokens after an intense bidding war. All Squads after Auctions Ahmedabad SG Pipers Manika Batra – 1.2 million tokens, Ricardo Walther – 1.16 million tokens, Snehit Suravajjula – 990,000 tokens, Giorgia Piccolin – 700,000 tokens, Divyansh Srivastava – 400,000 tokens, Yashini Sivashankar – 200,000 tokens Chennai Lions Fan Siqi – 1.97 million tokens, Kirill Gerassimenko – 1.24 million tokens, Payas Jain – 1.16 million tokens, Sudhanshu Grover – 200,000 tokens, Jennifer Varghese – 200,000 tokens, Nikhat Banu – 200,000 tokens Dabang Delhi TTC Diya Chitale – 1.41 million tokens, Maria Xiao – 1.26 million tokens, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran – 1 million tokens, Quek Izaac – 700,000 tokens, Suhana Saini – 230,000 tokens, Sourav Saha – 210,000 tokens, Goa Challengers TTC, Zeng Jian – 1.72 million tokens, Harmeet Desai – 1.4 million tokens, Tiago Apolonia – 700,000 tokens, Ronit Bhanja – 400,000 tokens, Krittwika Sinha Roy – 400,000 tokens, Sayali Wani – 370,000 tokens Jaipur Patriots Britt Eerland – 1.11 million tokens, Kanak Jha – 1.1 million tokens, Sreeja Akula – 1.1 million tokens, Jeet Chandra – 570,000 tokens, Pritha Vartikar – 240,000 tokens, Yashansh Malik – 200,000 tokens ALSO READ | IPL 2025 | KKR's Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje's bats fail gauge check in loss vs PBKS - WATCH Kolkata ThunderBlades Adriana Diaz – 1.93 million tokens, Aruna Quadri – 1.1 million tokens, Ankur Bhattacharjee – 1.14 million tokens, Selena Selvakumar – 390,000 tokens, Ananya Chande – 200,000 tokens, Deepit Patil – 200,000 tokens U Mumba TT Bernadette Szocs – 1.53 million tokens, Lilian Bardet – 1.11 million tokens, Yashaswini Ghorpade – 860,000 tokens, Swastika Ghosh – 700,000 tokens, Akash Pal – 400,000 tokens, Abhinandh PB – 210,000 tokens PBG Pune Jaguars Alvaro Robles – 1.81 million tokens, Dina Meshref – 1.1 million tokens, Taneesha Kotecha – 400,000 tokens, Anirban Ghosh – 400,000 tokens, Reeth Rishya – 400,000 tokens, Mudit Dani – 220,000 tokens

Ultimate Table Tennis, Season 6: All squad details as Ahmedabad SG Pipers, Chennai Lions spend big at auctions

Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals in season's first super over on Wednesday (April 16). After Delhi Capitals forced the match into Super Over, thanks to a superb last over by Mitchell Starc, Rajasthan Royals put up a score of 11 runs in the super over. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs came to the crease and chased down the target in four balls.
Earlier in the innings, Abishek Porel's composed 49 was complemented by skipper Axar Patel's explosive cameo as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals">Delhi Capitals</a> posted a mammoth 188/5 against Rajasthan Royals.
If Porel and KL Rahul (38) laid a solid foundation with a 63-run stand, Axar's blistering 13-ball 34, along with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tristan-stubbs">Tristan Stubbs</a>&rsquo; (34 no off 18 balls) late surge, provided the final flourish in an innings where momentum swung like a pendulum between the two sides.
It&rsquo;s the first time after 2023 that a score above 200 wasn&rsquo;t posted in IPL games in New Delhi. On a slow pitch, which offered ample help for slower deliveries and balls were stopping at times, RR bowled brilliantly to keep DC on a tight leash, as they reached 111/4 in 15 overs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-wish-they-checked-bats-when-i-was-bowling-says-srh-head-coach-daniel-vettori-8969722">IPL 2025: 'Wish they checked bats when I was bowling', says SRH head coach Daniel Vettori</a>
Put to bat first, Jake Fraser-McGurk got going by smashing Jofra Archer for two boundaries in the opening over. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/abhishek-porel">Abhishek Porel</a> took a liking to Tushar Deshpande&rsquo;s pace and lengths by hitting four boundaries and a six in the 23-run second over, with the wristy flick going over the deep-backward square-leg fence being the standout shot.
DC ended their power-play at 46/2. After that, RR kept things tight, especially with Wanindu Hasaranga bowling slower through the air and finding some grip, especially when bowling the googly.
With Sandeep bowling four wides and a no-ball, Stubbs took DC past 180 with a whipped four and slogged six, before being dropped by Theekshana on the last ball of the innings, as 19 runs came off an 11-ball final over.

Cricket, Sports: Mitchell Starc-inspired Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals in the Super Over. Needing 12 runs in the super over, DC got them in four balls.

Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals in season's first super over on Wednesday (April 16). After Delhi Capitals forced the match into Super Over, thanks to a superb last over by Mitchell Starc, Rajasthan Royals put up a score of 11 runs in the super over. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs came to the crease and chased down the target in four balls. Earlier in the innings, Abishek Porel's composed 49 was complemented by skipper Axar Patel's explosive cameo as Delhi Capitals posted a mammoth 188/5 against Rajasthan Royals. If Porel and KL Rahul (38) laid a solid foundation with a 63-run stand, Axar's blistering 13-ball 34, along with Tristan Stubbs’ (34 no off 18 balls) late surge, provided the final flourish in an innings where momentum swung like a pendulum between the two sides. It’s the first time after 2023 that a score above 200 wasn’t posted in IPL games in New Delhi. On a slow pitch, which offered ample help for slower deliveries and balls were stopping at times, RR bowled brilliantly to keep DC on a tight leash, as they reached 111/4 in 15 overs. Also Read: IPL 2025: 'Wish they checked bats when I was bowling', says SRH head coach Daniel Vettori Put to bat first, Jake Fraser-McGurk got going by smashing Jofra Archer for two boundaries in the opening over. Abhishek Porel took a liking to Tushar Deshpande’s pace and lengths by hitting four boundaries and a six in the 23-run second over, with the wristy flick going over the deep-backward square-leg fence being the standout shot. DC ended their power-play at 46/2. After that, RR kept things tight, especially with Wanindu Hasaranga bowling slower through the air and finding some grip, especially when bowling the googly. With Sandeep bowling four wides and a no-ball, Stubbs took DC past 180 with a whipped four and slogged six, before being dropped by Theekshana on the last ball of the innings, as 19 runs came off an 11-ball final over.

IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals in season's first Super Over

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/daniel-vettori">Daniel Vettori</a> had a light-hearted moment with the media ahead of his team&rsquo;s clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday (April 17).&nbsp;
Responding to the recent trend of umpires checking the width of bats during the ongoing IPL matches, Vettori said with a smile, &nbsp;&ldquo;I wish they would've checked bats when I was bowling.&rdquo;
While it made everyone laugh, the former spinner quickly shifted focus to the present context - his team&rsquo;s form, approach, and plans moving forward in IPL 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabonese-forward-aaron-bupenza-passes-away-aged-28-after-falling-from-11th-floor-8969795">Gabonese forward Aaron Bupenza passes away aged 28 after falling from 11th floor</a>
SRH are coming off a sensational win against Punjab Kings where they chased down a massive 246, which was the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history. It was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/abhishek-sharma">Abhishek Sharma</a> who led the way with a blistering knock, helping Hyderabad grab two important points.
Speaking about SRH&rsquo;s opening pair, Vettori said that while they haven&rsquo;t been consistent, it&rsquo;s not a concern. &nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s more about bad luck than anything else,&rdquo; he said. &nbsp;He backed them to deliver strong partnerships in upcoming games, especially with high on confidence after the Punjab match.
<h2>Smaran Ravichandran replaces Zampa</h2>
The coach also addressed the team's approach with the bat. He explained that while SRH are known for their aggressive style, it isn&rsquo;t careless. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not reckless. It&rsquo;s measured. They know when to go,&rdquo; Vettori said, calling it 'calculated aggression'.
There was a key update on the injury front as Australian leggie <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/adam-zampa">Adam Zampa</a> has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Youngster Smaran Ravichandran has been brought in as his replacement.
With belief in the squad, Vettori remains confident as SRH head into a crucial phase of their campaign. They will be facing Mumbai Indians in their next encounter who are coming on the back of a thrilling win against the Delhi Capitals.

Sports: Recently, umpires have been checking the bats with a gauge through which the willow must pass in order to eradicate the use of oversized bats

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori had a light-hearted moment with the media ahead of his team’s clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday (April 17). Responding to the recent trend of umpires checking the width of bats during the ongoing IPL matches, Vettori said with a smile, “I wish they would've checked bats when I was bowling.” While it made everyone laugh, the former spinner quickly shifted focus to the present context - his team’s form, approach, and plans moving forward in IPL 2025. Also Read: Gabonese forward Aaron Bupenza passes away aged 28 after falling from 11th floor SRH are coming off a sensational win against Punjab Kings where they chased down a massive 246, which was the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history. It was Abhishek Sharma who led the way with a blistering knock, helping Hyderabad grab two important points. Speaking about SRH’s opening pair, Vettori said that while they haven’t been consistent, it’s not a concern. “It’s more about bad luck than anything else,” he said. He backed them to deliver strong partnerships in upcoming games, especially with high on confidence after the Punjab match. Smaran Ravichandran replaces Zampa The coach also addressed the team's approach with the bat. He explained that while SRH are known for their aggressive style, it isn’t careless. “It’s not reckless. It’s measured. They know when to go,” Vettori said, calling it 'calculated aggression'. There was a key update on the injury front as Australian leggie Adam Zampa has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Youngster Smaran Ravichandran has been brought in as his replacement. With belief in the squad, Vettori remains confident as SRH head into a crucial phase of their campaign. They will be facing Mumbai Indians in their next encounter who are coming on the back of a thrilling win against the Delhi Capitals.

IPL 2025: 'Wish they checked bats when I was bowling', says SRH head coach Daniel Vettori

Gabonese forward Aaron Bupenza has passed away after falling from the 11th floor of his residence in China, as revealed by the Gabonese Football Federation, FEGAFOOT, on Wednesday. The forward, playing for China Super League side Zhejiang FC, featured for his country a total of 35 times and made his mark at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/afcon">Afcon</a>) in Cameroon.
"The Gabonese international has passed away following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he played for Zhejiang FC. At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who made his mark during the African Cup of Nations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/cameroon">Cameroon</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sports-what-is-weather-doping-a-new-term-getting-traction-in-athletics-and-is-it-really-unfair-8969699">What is weather doping: A new term getting traction in athletics and is it really unfair?</a>
"Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief stint in Romania. FEGAFOOT and the Gabonese football community offer their sincere condolences to his biological family during this difficult time," read the statement by FEGAFOOT on X.
<h2>'A talented forward'</h2>
Boupendza began his career in his homeland with CF Mounana and went on to have spells with sides in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/united-states">United States</a> before he joined Zhejiang FC from Romanian outfit Rapid Bucharest in January.
&ldquo;It is with great sadness that we release this announcement: Foreign player Aaron Bupenza unfortunately passed away at his residence today. At present, the club is fully cooperating with the relevant departments to carry out the investigation. All the staff of the club express their deepest condolences to his family,&rdquo; read the statement by his club.
Gabon's president-elect, Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, also took to social media to offer his condolences.&nbsp;&ldquo;It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic passing of Aaron Boupendza, a talented forward who brought honour to Gabonese football. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul,&rdquo; he posted on X.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports: Boupendza began his career in his homeland with CF Mounana and went on to have spells with sides in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and USA

Gabonese forward Aaron Bupenza has passed away after falling from the 11th floor of his residence in China, as revealed by the Gabonese Football Federation, FEGAFOOT, on Wednesday. The forward, playing for China Super League side Zhejiang FC, featured for his country a total of 35 times and made his mark at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon. "The Gabonese international has passed away following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he played for Zhejiang FC. At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who made his mark during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Also Read: What is weather doping: A new term getting traction in athletics and is it really unfair? "Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief stint in Romania. FEGAFOOT and the Gabonese football community offer their sincere condolences to his biological family during this difficult time," read the statement by FEGAFOOT on X. 'A talented forward' Boupendza began his career in his homeland with CF Mounana and went on to have spells with sides in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States before he joined Zhejiang FC from Romanian outfit Rapid Bucharest in January. “It is with great sadness that we release this announcement: Foreign player Aaron Bupenza unfortunately passed away at his residence today. At present, the club is fully cooperating with the relevant departments to carry out the investigation. All the staff of the club express their deepest condolences to his family,” read the statement by his club. Gabon's president-elect, Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, also took to social media to offer his condolences. “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic passing of Aaron Boupendza, a talented forward who brought honour to Gabonese football. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul,” he posted on X. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gabonese forward Aaron Bupenza passes away aged 28 after falling from 11th floor

sports

Sports, News on Sports, stories on Sports, articles on Sports, Sports stories at Wion, Sports news, Sports latest news