Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made a fine start to their Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign as they have beaten the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians away from home. The fine start has led talks for the side to target its maiden IPL title with Virat Kohli fans yet again chanting &ldquo;ee sala cup namde&rdquo;, a Kannada phrase. But what does the phrase mean and why is it popular?<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What does 'ee sala cup namde' mean?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Having finished runners-up in IPL 2016, fans had huge hopes for the RCB in IPL 2017 but the side had a poor season as they finished rock bottom in the eight-team tournament (now expanded to 10). To raise the confidence of the team in IPL 2018, an unofficial slogan was launched by local Kannada-speaking fans of RCB. <o:p></o:p>
This slogan was &ldquo;ee sala cup namde&rdquo; which is a combination of &ldquo;ee sala&rdquo; meaning &ldquo;this year&rdquo; and &ldquo;cup named&rdquo; meaning &ldquo;the cup is ours&rdquo;. This basically meant &ldquo;this year the cup is ours&rdquo; to push RCB to their maiden IPL title. <o:p></o:p>
However, the side has not enjoyed any success in the IPL and are yet to win their maiden title. This has seen the 2018 slogan continue its trend to this date as the South Indian franchise targets glory.
ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-updated-points-table-indian-premier-league-rankings-standings-net-run-rate-8888780" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank"> 'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">RCB vs DC on Thursday</h2>
RCB have been runners-up on three occasions in the IPL including defeats in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 final. They have also lost two Champions League finals to Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Now under Rajat Patidar&rsquo;s captaincy, RCB will look to end the drought having made a bright start to the season. At the time of writing, RCB have played four matches, winning three of those and sitting third. They will be in action against Delhi Capitals on Thursday when Delhi Capitals travel to Bengaluru.<o:p></o:p>

Sports, Cricket: RCB have made a fine start to their Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign as they have beaten the likes of KKR, CSK and MI away from home.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made a fine start to their Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign as they have beaten the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians away from home. The fine start has led talks for the side to target its maiden IPL title with Virat Kohli fans yet again chanting “ee sala cup namde”, a Kannada phrase. But what does the phrase mean and why is it popular? What does 'ee sala cup namde' mean? Having finished runners-up in IPL 2016, fans had huge hopes for the RCB in IPL 2017 but the side had a poor season as they finished rock bottom in the eight-team tournament (now expanded to 10). To raise the confidence of the team in IPL 2018, an unofficial slogan was launched by local Kannada-speaking fans of RCB. This slogan was “ee sala cup namde” which is a combination of “ee sala” meaning “this year” and “cup named” meaning “the cup is ours”. This basically meant “this year the cup is ours” to push RCB to their maiden IPL title. However, the side has not enjoyed any success in the IPL and are yet to win their maiden title. This has seen the 2018 slogan continue its trend to this date as the South Indian franchise targets glory. ALSO READ | 'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details RCB vs DC on Thursday RCB have been runners-up on three occasions in the IPL including defeats in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 final. They have also lost two Champions League finals to Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Now under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, RCB will look to end the drought having made a bright start to the season. At the time of writing, RCB have played four matches, winning three of those and sitting third. They will be in action against Delhi Capitals on Thursday when Delhi Capitals travel to Bengaluru.

RCB vs DC: What does 'ee sala cup namde' mean and why is it trending on social media as Virat Kohli targets...

After guiding his team to a nail-biting four-run win over defending champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2025, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow-super-giants">Lucknow Super Giants</a> (LSG) captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rishabh-pant">Rishabh Pant</a> assured fans that his back is fine, following an injury scare during the match.
The incident occurred during the 12th over of KKR&rsquo;s innings when Pant was seen receiving treatment from the physios on the field for some discomfort in his back. Despite the concern, he continued to keep wickets for the remainder of the match.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-we-are-not-at-all-worried-about-russells-form-says-kkr-skipper-ajinkya-rahane-after-narrow-loss-to-lsg-8940467">IPL 2025: 'We are not at all worried about Russell&rsquo;s form', says KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane after narrow loss to LSG</a>
Addressing the issue during the post-match presentation, Pant said simply, "It is fine now."
<h2 data-start="563" data-end="657">'Our plan was get the basics right'</h2>
Reflecting on LSG's gritty performance, he added, "When we batted, we didn&rsquo;t realise it would get this close. But after the powerplay, we sensed it. At the first timeout, we spoke to the bowlers, told them to stick to the plans, not overdo things, and just get the basics right."
On slowing down the tempo of the game, Pant said it was a deliberate move: "When the game starts moving at that pace, you have to try something different. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn&rsquo;t."
With this win, LSG have now climbed to the fourth spot on the points table with six points from five matches (three wins, two losses). KKR, on the other hand, dropped to sixth with four points from five outings (two wins, three losses).
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: The incident occurred during 12th over of KKR’s innings when Pant was seen receiving treatment from physios on the field for some discomfort in his back

After guiding his team to a nail-biting four-run win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant assured fans that his back is fine, following an injury scare during the match. The incident occurred during the 12th over of KKR’s innings when Pant was seen receiving treatment from the physios on the field for some discomfort in his back. Despite the concern, he continued to keep wickets for the remainder of the match. Also Read: IPL 2025: 'We are not at all worried about Russell’s form', says KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane after narrow loss to LSG Addressing the issue during the post-match presentation, Pant said simply, "It is fine now." 'Our plan was get the basics right' Reflecting on LSG's gritty performance, he added, "When we batted, we didn’t realise it would get this close. But after the powerplay, we sensed it. At the first timeout, we spoke to the bowlers, told them to stick to the plans, not overdo things, and just get the basics right." On slowing down the tempo of the game, Pant said it was a deliberate move: "When the game starts moving at that pace, you have to try something different. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t." With this win, LSG have now climbed to the fourth spot on the points table with six points from five matches (three wins, two losses). KKR, on the other hand, dropped to sixth with four points from five outings (two wins, three losses). (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: My back is fine now: LSG skipper Rishabh Pant after thrilling win over KKR

In the world of fast-paced T20 cricket, where chaos often rules,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/xavier-bartlett" rel="dofollow">Xavier Bartlett</a> brings a calm confidence that&rsquo;s impossible to ignore. The young Australian pacer, known for his intelligent variations and quiet intensity, has made a solid impression in his maiden IPL stint with Punjab Kings. From lighting up Australia&rsquo;s domestic circuit to now sharing the dressing room with global stars, Bartlett&rsquo;s journey is one of steady growth, quiet ambition, and relentless hard work.
Bartlett&rsquo;s rise in Australian domestic cricket has been nothing short of impressive. A consistent performer for Queensland and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, he has earned a reputation as a clever fast bowler with a strong tactical mind. His control, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different situations stood out early on, making him a highly anticipated pick for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a>.
Now wearing the Punjab Kings jersey in the world&rsquo;s most glamorous cricket league, Bartlett finds himself surrounded by world-class talent and in the spotlight like never before.
<h2>Settling into IPL</h2>
Speaking about his transition into the IPL, Bartlett shared, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been an amazing experience so far&hellip; the atmosphere in the last couple of games has been electric.&rdquo; The chance to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world and learn from them has been a key part of his development, and Bartlett is soaking in every bit of it.
He&rsquo;s already working on fine-tuning his skill set for Indian conditions, especially focusing on slower balls and smarter variations on smaller grounds. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s so much research and data available here, and everyone&rsquo;s so good. You really have to stay one step ahead,&rdquo; he added.
One of the standout aspects of Bartlett&rsquo;s IPL journey so far has been the team environment. &ldquo;Everyone gets on so well&mdash;it&rsquo;s like one big family here in Punjab,&rdquo; he said, with genuine warmth. Whether it&rsquo;s seasoned veterans like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh">Arshdeep Singh</a>, Yuzvendra Chahal or rising stars like Suryansh Shedge, Bartlett is learning from everyone around him.
His praise for Arshdeep&rsquo;s work ethic was telling: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s one of the hardest trainers I&rsquo;ve ever seen&hellip; he expects the highest of himself.&rdquo; The pacer also highlighted the depth of local talent in the squad and how refreshing it is to see young Indian players stepping up when needed.
<h2>Learning from legends</h2>
Punjab Kings have no shortage of international pedigree in their coaching staff either. With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a> at the helm as head coach, Bartlett finds himself guided by one of cricket&rsquo;s all-time greats. &ldquo;Growing up, he was someone everyone looked up to. Now to work with him is just amazing,&rdquo; he said.
According to Bartlett, Ponting&rsquo;s ability to balance intensity with calmness is what makes him a standout leader. &ldquo;He brings that energy to training but also keeps a cool head during high-pressure situations. That rubs off on all of us.&rdquo;
And off the field? &ldquo;He&rsquo;s very relaxed&hellip; but maybe not when he&rsquo;s playing golf,&rdquo; Bartlett quipped with a grin.
<h2>The dream wicket</h2>
When asked about the one batter he&rsquo;s most looking forward to bowling to, Bartlett didn&rsquo;t hesitate: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s hard to go past Virat Kohli. He&rsquo;s King Kohli for a reason.&rdquo; Facing a legend like Kohli, especially in India, is the kind of challenge Bartlett relishes.
And as for Punjab Kings&rsquo; title ambitions? Bartlett is hopeful but grounded. &ldquo;Every year you come into the tournament wanting to win. The vibe around the group is really strong. If we keep playing our brand of cricket, we&rsquo;ll be hard to beat.&rdquo;
With his calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and humility off the field, Xavier Bartlett is quietly carving a name for himself in the IPL. Whether it&rsquo;s delivering under pressure, soaking up knowledge from legends, or just being the dependable guy in the squad, he&rsquo;s proving that he belongs.
Punjab Kings may be chasing their first IPL title, but with players like Bartlett in their ranks, they&rsquo;re not just building a team&mdash;they&rsquo;re building a legacy.

Cricket, Sports: His control, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different situations stood out early on, making him a highly anticipated pick for the IPL.

In the world of fast-paced T20 cricket, where chaos often rules, Xavier Bartlett brings a calm confidence that’s impossible to ignore. The young Australian pacer, known for his intelligent variations and quiet intensity, has made a solid impression in his maiden IPL stint with Punjab Kings. From lighting up Australia’s domestic circuit to now sharing the dressing room with global stars, Bartlett’s journey is one of steady growth, quiet ambition, and relentless hard work. Bartlett’s rise in Australian domestic cricket has been nothing short of impressive. A consistent performer for Queensland and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, he has earned a reputation as a clever fast bowler with a strong tactical mind. His control, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different situations stood out early on, making him a highly anticipated pick for the Indian Premier League. Now wearing the Punjab Kings jersey in the world’s most glamorous cricket league, Bartlett finds himself surrounded by world-class talent and in the spotlight like never before. Settling into IPL Speaking about his transition into the IPL, Bartlett shared, “It’s been an amazing experience so far… the atmosphere in the last couple of games has been electric.” The chance to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world and learn from them has been a key part of his development, and Bartlett is soaking in every bit of it. He’s already working on fine-tuning his skill set for Indian conditions, especially focusing on slower balls and smarter variations on smaller grounds. “There’s so much research and data available here, and everyone’s so good. You really have to stay one step ahead,” he added. One of the standout aspects of Bartlett’s IPL journey so far has been the team environment. “Everyone gets on so well—it’s like one big family here in Punjab,” he said, with genuine warmth. Whether it’s seasoned veterans like Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal or rising stars like Suryansh Shedge, Bartlett is learning from everyone around him. His praise for Arshdeep’s work ethic was telling: “He’s one of the hardest trainers I’ve ever seen… he expects the highest of himself.” The pacer also highlighted the depth of local talent in the squad and how refreshing it is to see young Indian players stepping up when needed. Learning from legends Punjab Kings have no shortage of international pedigree in their coaching staff either. With Ricky Ponting at the helm as head coach, Bartlett finds himself guided by one of cricket’s all-time greats. “Growing up, he was someone everyone looked up to. Now to work with him is just amazing,” he said. According to Bartlett, Ponting’s ability to balance intensity with calmness is what makes him a standout leader. “He brings that energy to training but also keeps a cool head during high-pressure situations. That rubs off on all of us.” And off the field? “He’s very relaxed… but maybe not when he’s playing golf,” Bartlett quipped with a grin. The dream wicket When asked about the one batter he’s most looking forward to bowling to, Bartlett didn’t hesitate: “It’s hard to go past Virat Kohli. He’s King Kohli for a reason.” Facing a legend like Kohli, especially in India, is the kind of challenge Bartlett relishes. And as for Punjab Kings’ title ambitions? Bartlett is hopeful but grounded. “Every year you come into the tournament wanting to win. The vibe around the group is really strong. If we keep playing our brand of cricket, we’ll be hard to beat.” With his calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and humility off the field, Xavier Bartlett is quietly carving a name for himself in the IPL. Whether it’s delivering under pressure, soaking up knowledge from legends, or just being the dependable guy in the squad, he’s proving that he belongs. Punjab Kings may be chasing their first IPL title, but with players like Bartlett in their ranks, they’re not just building a team—they’re building a legacy.

IPL 2025 | Exclusive | Australian ace, Indian stage: Punjab Kings' Xavier Bartlett blends pace with precision

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their decade-long drought at the Wankhede Stadium, holding their nerve to clinch a 12-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday. This marked RCB&rsquo;s first victory at the iconic venue in 10 years.
Batting first, RCB posted a formidable 221/5, thanks to brisk half-centuries from captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rajat-patidar">Rajat Patidar</a> (64 off 32) and the ever-reliable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> (67 off 42). Finishing the innings in style, Jitesh Sharma added a fiery 40 off 19 balls to push the total past the 220-mark.
Kohli, who has always enjoyed batting at the Wankhede, got off to a slightly scratchy start but soon found his rhythm. His innings featured eight boundaries and two sixes, and he was in complete control until a rare miscue saw him fall in the 15th over, caught at deep midwicket by Naman Dhir off Hardik Pandya.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-virat-kohli-loses-cool-throws-cap-in-anger-as-jitesh-sharma-yash-dayal-mix-up-gives-lifeline-to-sky-watch-8936861">IPL 2025: Virat Kohli loses cool, throws cap in anger as Jitesh Sharma-Yash Dayal mix-up gives Lifeline to SKY-WATCH</a>
Patidar took charge after Kohli&rsquo;s departure, hammering five fours and four sixes. He especially tore into Hardik in the 17th over, collecting 23 runs, before his entertaining knock ended with a stunning diving catch by Ryan Rickelton near the ropes.
The innings had a fiery foundation as well, with Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) adding 91 runs for the second wicket. The pair exploited the powerplay to the fullest, scoring 72/1 in the first six overs&mdash;RCB's highest ever powerplay score against MI. Padikkal was aggressive against anything off length and cleared the ropes thrice before falling in the ninth over.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a>, returning to action, had a quiet outing, finishing with 0/29 from his four overs, despite bowling with good control.
In response, MI were in early trouble, with Phil Salt falling in the first over to a swinging delivery from Trent Boult. However, Tilak Varma (56 off 29) and skipper Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) reignited hope with an explosive 89-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Pandya&rsquo;s blistering knock brought MI within touching distance of an unlikely win.
But RCB held their nerve in the death overs. Krunal Pandya, in an unexpected twist, was handed the ball for the final over and delivered in spectacular fashion. He picked up three wickets to finish with figures of 4/45, snuffing out MI&rsquo;s hopes and sealing a memorable win for RCB.
<h2 data-start="2441" data-end="2458">Brief scores:</h2>
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 221/5 in 20 overs&nbsp;(Rajat Patidar 64, Virat Kohli 67, Devdutt Padikkal 37, Jitesh Sharma 40*; Hardik Pandya 2/45) beat Mumbai Indians: 209/9 in 20 overs&nbsp;(Tilak Varma 56, Hardik Pandya 42; Krunal Pandya 4/45) by 12 runs.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Batting first, RCB posted 221/5, thanks to brisk half-centuries from captain Rajat Patidar (64 off 32) and the ever-reliable Virat Kohli (67 off 42)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their decade-long drought at the Wankhede Stadium, holding their nerve to clinch a 12-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday. This marked RCB’s first victory at the iconic venue in 10 years. Batting first, RCB posted a formidable 221/5, thanks to brisk half-centuries from captain Rajat Patidar (64 off 32) and the ever-reliable Virat Kohli (67 off 42). Finishing the innings in style, Jitesh Sharma added a fiery 40 off 19 balls to push the total past the 220-mark. Kohli, who has always enjoyed batting at the Wankhede, got off to a slightly scratchy start but soon found his rhythm. His innings featured eight boundaries and two sixes, and he was in complete control until a rare miscue saw him fall in the 15th over, caught at deep midwicket by Naman Dhir off Hardik Pandya. Also Read: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli loses cool, throws cap in anger as Jitesh Sharma-Yash Dayal mix-up gives Lifeline to SKY-WATCH Patidar took charge after Kohli’s departure, hammering five fours and four sixes. He especially tore into Hardik in the 17th over, collecting 23 runs, before his entertaining knock ended with a stunning diving catch by Ryan Rickelton near the ropes. The innings had a fiery foundation as well, with Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) adding 91 runs for the second wicket. The pair exploited the powerplay to the fullest, scoring 72/1 in the first six overs—RCB's highest ever powerplay score against MI. Padikkal was aggressive against anything off length and cleared the ropes thrice before falling in the ninth over. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to action, had a quiet outing, finishing with 0/29 from his four overs, despite bowling with good control. In response, MI were in early trouble, with Phil Salt falling in the first over to a swinging delivery from Trent Boult. However, Tilak Varma (56 off 29) and skipper Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) reignited hope with an explosive 89-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Pandya’s blistering knock brought MI within touching distance of an unlikely win. But RCB held their nerve in the death overs. Krunal Pandya, in an unexpected twist, was handed the ball for the final over and delivered in spectacular fashion. He picked up three wickets to finish with figures of 4/45, snuffing out MI’s hopes and sealing a memorable win for RCB. Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 221/5 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 64, Virat Kohli 67, Devdutt Padikkal 37, Jitesh Sharma 40*; Hardik Pandya 2/45) beat Mumbai Indians: 209/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 56, Hardik Pandya 42; Krunal Pandya 4/45) by 12 runs. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Vintage Virat Kohli comes to play as RCB beat MI by 12 runs

In a dramatic moment during a high-stakes ongoing IPL, former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a> captain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> couldn't hide his frustration after a costly fielding mix-up between Jitesh Sharma and Yash Dayal gifted an extra life to Mumbai Indians&rsquo; star batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suryakumar-yadav">Suryakumar Yadav</a>. The incident unfolded during a crucial phase of the game.
Suryakumar, known for his aggressive stroke play, mistimed a shot that soared high into the air, offering what seemed to be a straightforward catch. However, confusion between wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma and bowler Yash Dayal led to neither player going for the catch with full commitment. As the ball landed safely between them, Kohli, who was fielding at a distance, was visibly furious.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/exclusive-ipl-2025-never-write-off-csk-heres-what-former-csk-opening-batter-said-about-teams-chance-of-making-to-playoffs-8936802">Exclusive | IPL 2025: Never write off Yellow Army: Here's what former CSK opening batter said about team's chance of making to playoffs</a>
The RCB stalwart's reaction was immediate and intense. He threw his cap on the ground in frustration and gestured angrily, clearly dismayed by the lack of communication that allowed Suryakumar to stay at the crease. Kohli&rsquo;s reaction quickly went viral on social media, with fans and experts both sympathising with his passion and critiquing the fielders for their lapse in judgment.
<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Virat Kohli Angry on Catch drop 😳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvsRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvsRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/hp5APGp4Lq">pic.twitter.com/hp5APGp4Lq</a>
&mdash; Jeet (@JeetN25) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeetN25/status/1909298472043372972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

This dropped catch proved to be a turning point in the innings, as Suryakumar capitalized on the opportunity and continued to build momentum for his team. Such missed chances are often costly in T20 cricket, where matches can turn in a matter of a few deliveries.
As the match progressed, the cameras continued to cut back to Kohli, who seemed to still be stewing over the incident. While players are expected to keep their emotions in check, such reactions highlight the pressure and intensity of the IPL, where even the smallest error can tilt the balance.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Kohli's reaction was immediate and intense. He threw his cap on the ground in frustration, clearly dismayed by lack of communication between the players

In a dramatic moment during a high-stakes ongoing IPL, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Virat Kohli couldn't hide his frustration after a costly fielding mix-up between Jitesh Sharma and Yash Dayal gifted an extra life to Mumbai Indians’ star batter Suryakumar Yadav. The incident unfolded during a crucial phase of the game. Suryakumar, known for his aggressive stroke play, mistimed a shot that soared high into the air, offering what seemed to be a straightforward catch. However, confusion between wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma and bowler Yash Dayal led to neither player going for the catch with full commitment. As the ball landed safely between them, Kohli, who was fielding at a distance, was visibly furious. Also Read: Exclusive | IPL 2025: Never write off Yellow Army: Here's what former CSK opening batter said about team's chance of making to playoffs The RCB stalwart's reaction was immediate and intense. He threw his cap on the ground in frustration and gestured angrily, clearly dismayed by the lack of communication that allowed Suryakumar to stay at the crease. Kohli’s reaction quickly went viral on social media, with fans and experts both sympathising with his passion and critiquing the fielders for their lapse in judgment. Watch the video here: Virat Kohli Angry on Catch drop 😳#MIvRCB #MIvsRCB pic.twitter.com/hp5APGp4Lq — Jeet (@JeetN25) April 7, 2025 This dropped catch proved to be a turning point in the innings, as Suryakumar capitalized on the opportunity and continued to build momentum for his team. Such missed chances are often costly in T20 cricket, where matches can turn in a matter of a few deliveries. As the match progressed, the cameras continued to cut back to Kohli, who seemed to still be stewing over the incident. While players are expected to keep their emotions in check, such reactions highlight the pressure and intensity of the IPL, where even the smallest error can tilt the balance. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Virat Kohli loses cool, throws cap in anger as Jitesh Sharma-Yash Dayal mix-up gives Lifeline to SKY-WATCH

Mumbai Indians head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mahela-jayawardene">Mahela Jayawardene</a> described the decision to retire out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tilak-varma">Tilak Varma</a> during their clash against Lucknow Super Giants as a 'tactical' move, aimed at injecting fresh energy into the chase as the required run rate began to spiral out of reach.
Chasing a target of 204, MI's innings was a rollercoaster, featuring bursts of dominance before Lucknow&rsquo;s disciplined bowling brought the game to a nail-biting finish. With 29 runs needed off the final 12 balls, Tilak Varma was expected to deliver some late fireworks. However, after facing five dot balls in Shardul Thakur&rsquo;s penultimate over, the MI think tank decided to retire him out. Tilak walked back having scored 25 off 23 balls with just two boundaries, making way for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-santner">Mitchell Santner</a> in a bold move that drew mixed reactions from the cricketing world.
At the post-match press conference, Jayawardene explained the reasoning behind the unusual call. &ldquo;Tilak did well early on when we lost that third wicket and built a solid partnership with Surya. He was trying to accelerate but couldn&rsquo;t get going. Ideally, having spent time in the middle, he should have found that big hit. But with the asking rate climbing rapidly, I felt we needed someone fresh to take charge. It wasn&rsquo;t an easy call, but it was purely tactical,&rdquo; he said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-ms-dhoni-likely-to-captain-csk-as-ruturaj-gaikwad-remains-doubtful-for-delhi-capitals-clash-8927941">IPL 2025: MS Dhoni likely to captain CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad remains doubtful for Delhi Capitals clash-Reports</a>
In the tense final moments, skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hardik-pandya">Hardik Pandya</a> took it upon himself to drag MI closer to the target. He smashed a powerful six over deep extra cover, reducing the target to 14 runs from four balls. Refusing to take a single to rotate strike, Hardik stood his ground &mdash; but couldn&rsquo;t quite script the comeback as MI fell 12 runs short. Lucknow Super Giants celebrated a hard-fought victory, their bowlers having held their nerve in the death overs.
<h2>'Hardik used his experience brilliantly'</h2>
While Hardik couldn&rsquo;t deliver with the bat in the chase, he had already left a massive imprint on the game with the ball. He claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket and etched his name in IPL history as the first captain to achieve that feat. His 5/36 spell included the prized wickets of Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, and David Miller. He returned to bowl the final over of the LSG innings and cleaned up tailender Akash Deep to cap off a sensational performance.
Jayawardene praised Hardik&rsquo;s tactical acumen with the ball. &ldquo;He used his experience brilliantly. He realised the pitch demanded pace off and shorter lengths &mdash; something we probably should&rsquo;ve done earlier during the powerplay. But he adapted quickly, pulled things back, and gave us a solid shot at chasing the target.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: MI's innings was a rollercoaster, featuring bursts of dominance before Lucknow’s disciplined bowling brought the game to a nail-biting finish

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene described the decision to retire out Tilak Varma during their clash against Lucknow Super Giants as a 'tactical' move, aimed at injecting fresh energy into the chase as the required run rate began to spiral out of reach. Chasing a target of 204, MI's innings was a rollercoaster, featuring bursts of dominance before Lucknow’s disciplined bowling brought the game to a nail-biting finish. With 29 runs needed off the final 12 balls, Tilak Varma was expected to deliver some late fireworks. However, after facing five dot balls in Shardul Thakur’s penultimate over, the MI think tank decided to retire him out. Tilak walked back having scored 25 off 23 balls with just two boundaries, making way for Mitchell Santner in a bold move that drew mixed reactions from the cricketing world. At the post-match press conference, Jayawardene explained the reasoning behind the unusual call. “Tilak did well early on when we lost that third wicket and built a solid partnership with Surya. He was trying to accelerate but couldn’t get going. Ideally, having spent time in the middle, he should have found that big hit. But with the asking rate climbing rapidly, I felt we needed someone fresh to take charge. It wasn’t an easy call, but it was purely tactical,” he said. Also Read: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni likely to captain CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad remains doubtful for Delhi Capitals clash-Reports In the tense final moments, skipper Hardik Pandya took it upon himself to drag MI closer to the target. He smashed a powerful six over deep extra cover, reducing the target to 14 runs from four balls. Refusing to take a single to rotate strike, Hardik stood his ground — but couldn’t quite script the comeback as MI fell 12 runs short. Lucknow Super Giants celebrated a hard-fought victory, their bowlers having held their nerve in the death overs. 'Hardik used his experience brilliantly' While Hardik couldn’t deliver with the bat in the chase, he had already left a massive imprint on the game with the ball. He claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket and etched his name in IPL history as the first captain to achieve that feat. His 5/36 spell included the prized wickets of Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, and David Miller. He returned to bowl the final over of the LSG innings and cleaned up tailender Akash Deep to cap off a sensational performance. Jayawardene praised Hardik’s tactical acumen with the ball. “He used his experience brilliantly. He realised the pitch demanded pace off and shorter lengths — something we probably should’ve done earlier during the powerplay. But he adapted quickly, pulled things back, and gave us a solid shot at chasing the target.” (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025 | ‘Tactical call’: MI coach Mahela Jayawardene explains Tilak’s retire out move

LSG vs MI IPL 2025 Live Streaming:&nbsp;Mumbai Indians will look to build momentum in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) to win back-to-back matches when they travel to Lucknow Super Giants on Friday (April 4). Having started their home season on a losing note, Lucknow will look to bounce back from the disappointment at the Ekana Stadium. Ahead of the IPL 2025 clash between LSG and MI, here are all the key details, including match time and venue.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-updated-points-table-indian-premier-league-rankings-standings-net-run-rate-8888780" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details</a> 
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians Live Streaming Details</h2>
Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about the live-streaming details for the LSG vs MI IPL match:
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">When is the LSG vs MI IPL match? Date</h2>
The LSG vs MI IPL match will be played on Friday (April 4).
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Where is the LSG vs MI IPL match being played? &nbsp;</h2>
The match will be hosted at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">What time will the LSG vs MI IPL match start?&nbsp;</h2>
The LSG vs MI IPL match will commence at 7:30 PM IST with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Where can I watch the LSG vs MI IPL match in India on TV?</h2>
The live telecast of the LSG vs MI IPL match will be available on Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 HD).
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">How can I watch the LSG vs MI IPL match online? &nbsp;</h2>
The LSG vs MI IPL match will be available for live streaming on JioHotstar App and website in India.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing XI</h2>
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c &amp; wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi
Impact Sub: Sai Kishore
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Mumbai Indians Probable Playing XI</h2>
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur
Impact Sub: Rohit Sharma

LSG vs MI Live Streaming: Mumbai Indians will look to build momentum in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) to win back-to-back matches when they travel to LSG.

LSG vs MI IPL 2025 Live Streaming: Mumbai Indians will look to build momentum in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) to win back-to-back matches when they travel to Lucknow Super Giants on Friday (April 4). Having started their home season on a losing note, Lucknow will look to bounce back from the disappointment at the Ekana Stadium. Ahead of the IPL 2025 clash between LSG and MI, here are all the key details, including match time and venue. Also read: 'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians Live Streaming Details Here’s everything you need to know about the live-streaming details for the LSG vs MI IPL match: When is the LSG vs MI IPL match? Date The LSG vs MI IPL match will be played on Friday (April 4). Where is the LSG vs MI IPL match being played? The match will be hosted at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. What time will the LSG vs MI IPL match start? The LSG vs MI IPL match will commence at 7:30 PM IST with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST. Where can I watch the LSG vs MI IPL match in India on TV? The live telecast of the LSG vs MI IPL match will be available on Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 HD). How can I watch the LSG vs MI IPL match online? The LSG vs MI IPL match will be available for live streaming on JioHotstar App and website in India. Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing XI Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi Impact Sub: Sai Kishore Mumbai Indians Probable Playing XI Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur Impact Sub: Rohit Sharma

How to Watch LSG vs MI Live: Streaming on Smart TV & Mobile + Match Preview & Lineups

KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction:&nbsp;In a repeat of last season's Indian Premier League (IPL) final Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will square off on Thursday (April 3) as they met at the Eden Gardens. The defending champions come into the contest on the back of a poor performance against Mumbai Indians (MI) while SunRisers were also defeated convincingly by Delhi Capitals on Sunday.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">KKR vs SRH Match Preview</h2>
After facing an embarrassing defeat against Mumbai Indians on Monday (Mar 31), Kolkata Knight Riders KKR will look to get back to winning ways as they face SunRisers Hyderabad.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction MyPlaying 11</h2>
Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Travis Head, Aniket Verma
All-Rounder: Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Pat Cummins
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">KKR vs SRH Head-to-Head Records</h2>
Thursday's contest will be the 29th meeting between the sides as KKR hold the edge with 19 wins while SRH have won on nine other occasions.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices<o:p></o:p></h2>
1. Travis Head
Travis Head is an aggressive batter at the top of the order and had a great season last time scoring 567 runs in 15 matches. He scored a half century in the opening match.
2. Sunil Narine&nbsp;
Sunil Narine is the MVP in a fantasy side. He will open the batting and is a quality off-sppiner. Back him to get points from both departments.
3. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan scored a superb 100 against Rajasthan Royals in the opening match as provides a good deal for the Dream11.&nbsp;
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-updated-points-table-indian-premier-league-rankings-standings-net-run-rate-8888780" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">KKR vs SRH Fantasy Cricket Tips<o:p></o:p></h2>
Ishan Kishan has been in great form for SRH so far, and could be a valuable addition to the side. We recommend him to be picked into the Dream11 side.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kolkata Knight Riders vs SunRisers Hyderabad Team Analysis<o:p></o:p></h2>
KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders also have one win and two losses in three matches. They lost the previous match against Mumbai Indians as they were bowled out for 116 in the first innings. Both teams will be keen to put up a good performance and this promises to be a thrilling match.&nbsp;
SRH: Sunrisers Hyderabad have one win and two losses in three matches. They started the season with a win over Rajasthan but have suffered big defeats in the previous two matches, which has dented their NRR. They will be keen to bounce back.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Eden Gardens Stadium Pitch Report<o:p></o:p></h2>
The pitch at Eden Gardens is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, where a quick outfield and short boundaries create the perfect setting for high-scoring encounters.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Suggested playing 11 No. 2 for KKR vs SRH Dream11 Fantasy Cricket<o:p></o:p></h2>
Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock
Batters: Travis Head (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Aniket Verma
All-Rounders: Sunil Narine (vc), Abhishek Sharma, K Nitesh Reddy
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Pat Cummins
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Match Prediction: Who Will Win KKR vs SRH?</h2>
Considering poor form of both SRH and KKR, we just about give edge to the away side as they have run-hungry batters like Travis Head and Ishan Kishan.
Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are the author's personal opinions and WION does not promote or endorse any sort of betting activity. They do not reflect the views of WION. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. WION does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction: In a repeat of last season's Indian Premier League (IPL) final KKR and SRH will square off on Thursday (April 3) at the Eden Gardens.

KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction: In a repeat of last season's Indian Premier League (IPL) final Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will square off on Thursday (April 3) as they met at the Eden Gardens. The defending champions come into the contest on the back of a poor performance against Mumbai Indians (MI) while SunRisers were also defeated convincingly by Delhi Capitals on Sunday. KKR vs SRH Match Preview After facing an embarrassing defeat against Mumbai Indians on Monday (Mar 31), Kolkata Knight Riders KKR will look to get back to winning ways as they face SunRisers Hyderabad. KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction MyPlaying 11 Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Travis Head, Aniket Verma All-Rounder: Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Pat Cummins KKR vs SRH Head-to-Head Records Thursday's contest will be the 29th meeting between the sides as KKR hold the edge with 19 wins while SRH have won on nine other occasions. 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices 1. Travis Head Travis Head is an aggressive batter at the top of the order and had a great season last time scoring 567 runs in 15 matches. He scored a half century in the opening match. 2. Sunil Narine Sunil Narine is the MVP in a fantasy side. He will open the batting and is a quality off-sppiner. Back him to get points from both departments. 3. Ishan Kishan Ishan Kishan scored a superb 100 against Rajasthan Royals in the opening match as provides a good deal for the Dream11. ALSO READ | 'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details KKR vs SRH Fantasy Cricket Tips Ishan Kishan has been in great form for SRH so far, and could be a valuable addition to the side. We recommend him to be picked into the Dream11 side. Kolkata Knight Riders vs SunRisers Hyderabad Team Analysis KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders also have one win and two losses in three matches. They lost the previous match against Mumbai Indians as they were bowled out for 116 in the first innings. Both teams will be keen to put up a good performance and this promises to be a thrilling match. SRH: Sunrisers Hyderabad have one win and two losses in three matches. They started the season with a win over Rajasthan but have suffered big defeats in the previous two matches, which has dented their NRR. They will be keen to bounce back. Eden Gardens Stadium Pitch Report The pitch at Eden Gardens is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, where a quick outfield and short boundaries create the perfect setting for high-scoring encounters. Suggested playing 11 No. 2 for KKR vs SRH Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Quinton de Kock Batters: Travis Head (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Aniket Verma All-Rounders: Sunil Narine (vc), Abhishek Sharma, K Nitesh Reddy Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Pat Cummins Match Prediction: Who Will Win KKR vs SRH? Considering poor form of both SRH and KKR, we just about give edge to the away side as they have run-hungry batters like Travis Head and Ishan Kishan. Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are the author's personal opinions and WION does not promote or endorse any sort of betting activity. They do not reflect the views of WION. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. WION does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction: Check Team, captain and vice-captain picks for Kolkata Knight Riders vs SunRisers Hyderabad

LSG vs PBKS Match details: Lucknow Super Giants will be poised to win their second match in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) as they take on Punjab Kings on Tuesday (Apr 1). The contest in Lucknow will be LSG's first at home while PBKS will be in action after a week having last played on Mar 25.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">LSG vs PBKS Match Preview</h2>
Both teams have players with a point to prove, as Rishabh Pant and Ravi Bishnoi will look to make the most of their chances. Ahead of the clash between LSG and PBKS, here are all the key details of the IPL 2025 contest, including match time and venue.&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">LSG vs PBKS Head-to-Head Records</h2>
LSG and PBKS have faced each other in 4 matches in IPL. Out of these 4 games, Lucknow have won three whereas Punjab have come out victorious on one instance.&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction MyPlaying 11</h2>
Wicketkeepers: Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant
Batters: Mitchell Marsh, David Miller, Shashank Singh&nbsp;
All-Rounder: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis&nbsp;
Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Ravi Bishnoi&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices<o:p></o:p></h2>
1. Nicholas Pooran
The West Indies power hitter and LSG dashing batter has been making bold headlines with his blistering performance. The left-handed batter has racked up an incredible 145 runs in the last two matches. One can look to have him as a captaincy pick considering his red-hot form.
2. Shreyas Iyer&nbsp;
Punjab Kings skipper made unbeaten 97 runs in the opening clash vs GT. The stylish right-handed batter is relishing playing at number three and aims to continue in the same vein. One must have him as a captaincy pick considering his red-hot form.
3. Shardul Thakur
Team India right-arm seamer has picked up six wickets in the last two matches. He will be expected to dominate in this clash.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-updated-points-table-indian-premier-league-rankings-standings-net-run-rate-8888780" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">LSG vs PBKS Fantasy Cricket Tips<o:p></o:p></h2>
As Rishabh Pant struggles for form, we would suggest to drop him while Shardul Thakur remains a good value for money pick.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings Team Analysis<o:p></o:p></h2>
LSG: Now in third place in the standings, the Lucknow Super Giants have played two matches in which they have won one. But their bowling has been crucial with the breakthroughs, and their batting lineup has shown great effectiveness as well.
PBKS: Punjab Kings, currently at number five, have played only one game so far, winning it. The bowling attack has come good when needed, and their top-order batting lineup has shown strength.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report<o:p></o:p></h2>
The pitch at Ekana Stadium generally supports fast bowlers. In the IPL, teams usually prefer chasing, and this trend is expected to persist. A total above 180 runs is considered competitive on this surface, and the dew is not anticipated to have much impact on the game.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Suggested playing 11 No. 2 for LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Fantasy Cricket<o:p></o:p></h2>
Wicketkeeper: Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant
Batters: David Miller, Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Shreyas Iyer
All-Rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Match Prediction: Who Will Win LSG vs PBKS?</h2>
We expect a tight contest in the IPL 2025 on Tuesday, however, counting on home advantage we predict Lucknow Super Giants to beat Punjab Kings.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are the author's personal opinions and WION does not promote or endorse any sort of betting activity. They do not reflect the views of WION. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. WION does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

LSG vs PBKS Dream11 prediction: LSG-PBKS have faced each other in 4 matches in IPL. Out of these games, Lucknow have won 3 whereas Punjab have come out victorious once.

LSG vs PBKS Match details: Lucknow Super Giants will be poised to win their second match in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) as they take on Punjab Kings on Tuesday (Apr 1). The contest in Lucknow will be LSG's first at home while PBKS will be in action after a week having last played on Mar 25. LSG vs PBKS Match Preview Both teams have players with a point to prove, as Rishabh Pant and Ravi Bishnoi will look to make the most of their chances. Ahead of the clash between LSG and PBKS, here are all the key details of the IPL 2025 contest, including match time and venue. LSG vs PBKS Head-to-Head Records LSG and PBKS have faced each other in 4 matches in IPL. Out of these 4 games, Lucknow have won three whereas Punjab have come out victorious on one instance. LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction MyPlaying 11 Wicketkeepers: Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant Batters: Mitchell Marsh, David Miller, Shashank Singh All-Rounder: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Ravi Bishnoi 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices 1. Nicholas Pooran The West Indies power hitter and LSG dashing batter has been making bold headlines with his blistering performance. The left-handed batter has racked up an incredible 145 runs in the last two matches. One can look to have him as a captaincy pick considering his red-hot form. 2. Shreyas Iyer Punjab Kings skipper made unbeaten 97 runs in the opening clash vs GT. The stylish right-handed batter is relishing playing at number three and aims to continue in the same vein. One must have him as a captaincy pick considering his red-hot form. 3. Shardul Thakur Team India right-arm seamer has picked up six wickets in the last two matches. He will be expected to dominate in this clash. ALSO READ | 'Updated IPL 2025 Points Table': Check points table, match results, NRR with wins, loss and other key details LSG vs PBKS Fantasy Cricket Tips As Rishabh Pant struggles for form, we would suggest to drop him while Shardul Thakur remains a good value for money pick. Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings Team Analysis LSG: Now in third place in the standings, the Lucknow Super Giants have played two matches in which they have won one. But their bowling has been crucial with the breakthroughs, and their batting lineup has shown great effectiveness as well. PBKS: Punjab Kings, currently at number five, have played only one game so far, winning it. The bowling attack has come good when needed, and their top-order batting lineup has shown strength. Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report The pitch at Ekana Stadium generally supports fast bowlers. In the IPL, teams usually prefer chasing, and this trend is expected to persist. A total above 180 runs is considered competitive on this surface, and the dew is not anticipated to have much impact on the game. Suggested playing 11 No. 2 for LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Wicketkeeper: Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant Batters: David Miller, Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Shreyas Iyer All-Rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur Match Prediction: Who Will Win LSG vs PBKS? We expect a tight contest in the IPL 2025 on Tuesday, however, counting on home advantage we predict Lucknow Super Giants to beat Punjab Kings. Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are the author's personal opinions and WION does not promote or endorse any sort of betting activity. They do not reflect the views of WION. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. WION does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction: Check Team, captain and vice-captain picks for Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings

DC vs LSG IPL 2025 Live Streaming: Delhi Capitals (DC) will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025 on March 24. This match is set to be an exciting encounter as both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win in the tournament. DC will be keen to make the most of their home advantage, while LSG will look to continue their strong form with their dynamic squad.&nbsp;
In their last encounter in IPL 2024, DC managed to pull off a competitive performance, but they will need to perform better if they aim to defeat LSG. The battle of the two talented teams will be one to watch, with key players from both sides playing crucial roles.
Also read:&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-battle-of-kings-vs-titans-iyers-punjab-takes-on-gills-gujarat-8884618" aria-label="IPL 2025 | Battle of Kings vs Titans: Iyer&rsquo;s Punjab takes on Gill&rsquo;s Gujarat">IPL 2025 | Battle of Kings vs Titans: Iyer&rsquo;s Punjab takes on Gill&rsquo;s Gujarat</a>
<h2>DC vs LSG IPL 2025: Live Streaming Details</h2>
Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about the live-streaming details for the DC vs LSG IPL match:
<h2>When is the DC vs LSG IPL match? Date</h2>
The DC vs LSG IPL match will be played on March 24, 2025.
<h2>Where is the DC vs LSG IPL match being played? &nbsp;</h2>
The match will be hosted at ACA&ndash;VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
<h2>What time will the DC vs LSG IPL match start?&nbsp;</h2>
The DC vs LSG IPL match will commence at 07:30 PM IST.
<h2>Where can I watch the DC vs LSG IPL match in India on TV?</h2>
The live telecast of the DC vs LSG IPL match will be available on Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 HD).
<h2>How can I watch the DC vs LSG IPL match online? &nbsp;</h2>
The DC vs LSG IPL match will be available for live streaming on Jio Hotstar in India.
<h2>Delhi Capitals Probable Playing XI</h2>
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c/wk), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan
(Impact Sub: Karun Nair/Mohit Sharma)
<h2>Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing XI</h2>
Arshin Kulkarni, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph&nbsp;
(Impact Sub: Akash Singh/Shahbaz Ahmed/Manimaran Siddarth)

DC vs LSG Live Streaming: Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24, 2025, in a thrilling IPL clash, with both teams aiming for a crucial win

DC vs LSG IPL 2025 Live Streaming: Delhi Capitals (DC) will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025 on March 24. This match is set to be an exciting encounter as both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win in the tournament. DC will be keen to make the most of their home advantage, while LSG will look to continue their strong form with their dynamic squad. In their last encounter in IPL 2024, DC managed to pull off a competitive performance, but they will need to perform better if they aim to defeat LSG. The battle of the two talented teams will be one to watch, with key players from both sides playing crucial roles. Also read: IPL 2025 | Battle of Kings vs Titans: Iyer’s Punjab takes on Gill’s Gujarat DC vs LSG IPL 2025: Live Streaming Details Here’s everything you need to know about the live-streaming details for the DC vs LSG IPL match: When is the DC vs LSG IPL match? Date The DC vs LSG IPL match will be played on March 24, 2025. Where is the DC vs LSG IPL match being played? The match will be hosted at ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. What time will the DC vs LSG IPL match start? The DC vs LSG IPL match will commence at 07:30 PM IST. Where can I watch the DC vs LSG IPL match in India on TV? The live telecast of the DC vs LSG IPL match will be available on Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 HD). How can I watch the DC vs LSG IPL match online? The DC vs LSG IPL match will be available for live streaming on Jio Hotstar in India. Delhi Capitals Probable Playing XI Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c/wk), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan (Impact Sub: Karun Nair/Mohit Sharma) Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing XI Arshin Kulkarni, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph (Impact Sub: Akash Singh/Shahbaz Ahmed/Manimaran Siddarth)

DC vs LSG Live Streaming Online, Smart TV, Mobile App Check Match Details, and Probable Playing XIs

Former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings">Chennai Super Kings</a> (CSK) captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/msd">MS Dhoni</a> has acknowledged the rapidly changing nature of T20 cricket, emphasising the importance of continuous adaptation to remain competitive. The wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his calm demeanor and strategic mindset, reflected on how the format has evolved over the years, requiring players to constantly refine their skills and approach.
Speaking about the impact of changing trends, Dhoni pointed out that modern T20 cricket demands not just power-hitting but also tactical awareness, fitness, and innovation. He noted that young players are bringing fresh energy and unconventional techniques to the game, making it essential for experienced cricketers to keep evolving.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dc-vs-lsg-live-streaming-online-smart-tv-mobile-app-check-match-details-and-probable-playing-xis-of-delhi-capitals-vs-lucknow-super-giants-ipl-match-8884797">DC vs LSG IPL 2025 Live Streaming: Check Match Details, and Probable Playing XIs</a>
&ldquo;T20 cricket is always evolving, and as a player, I have to adapt and stay relevant. The game today is different from what it was a decade ago, with new strategies, aggressive batting styles, and a strong emphasis on fitness. To succeed, you have to keep learning and adjusting,&rdquo; Dhoni said.
Having led CSK to multiple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl">IPL</a> titles, Dhoni remains one of the most influential figures in the league. While speculation continues about his future in the IPL, he remains focused on making valuable contributions to his team, whether as a mentor, leader, or player.
<h2>'Bhojpuri commentary reminds me of old-school radio commentary'</h2>
Expressing his views on regional language commentary for IPL, MS Dhoni said, "I haven't listened to regional language commentary much because when we watch live matches, replays are limited, and most of the commentary I hear is in English or Hindi. That helps us analyse the game better."
"I haven't heard a lot of regional commentary, but I know that Bihari (Bhojpuri) commentary is highly energetic. It reminds me of old-school radio commentary, where the commentators were very involved. I find that very interesting. Many people prefer to listen in their regional language&mdash;it&rsquo;s their mother tongue, and they want to experience the game in that way. I would love to hear Haryanvi commentary because it&rsquo;s quite unique," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Former CSK captain Dhoni pointed out that modern T20 cricket demands not just power-hitting but also tactical awareness, fitness, and innovation

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has acknowledged the rapidly changing nature of T20 cricket, emphasising the importance of continuous adaptation to remain competitive. The wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his calm demeanor and strategic mindset, reflected on how the format has evolved over the years, requiring players to constantly refine their skills and approach. Speaking about the impact of changing trends, Dhoni pointed out that modern T20 cricket demands not just power-hitting but also tactical awareness, fitness, and innovation. He noted that young players are bringing fresh energy and unconventional techniques to the game, making it essential for experienced cricketers to keep evolving. Also Read: DC vs LSG IPL 2025 Live Streaming: Check Match Details, and Probable Playing XIs “T20 cricket is always evolving, and as a player, I have to adapt and stay relevant. The game today is different from what it was a decade ago, with new strategies, aggressive batting styles, and a strong emphasis on fitness. To succeed, you have to keep learning and adjusting,” Dhoni said. Having led CSK to multiple IPL titles, Dhoni remains one of the most influential figures in the league. While speculation continues about his future in the IPL, he remains focused on making valuable contributions to his team, whether as a mentor, leader, or player. 'Bhojpuri commentary reminds me of old-school radio commentary' Expressing his views on regional language commentary for IPL, MS Dhoni said, "I haven't listened to regional language commentary much because when we watch live matches, replays are limited, and most of the commentary I hear is in English or Hindi. That helps us analyse the game better." "I haven't heard a lot of regional commentary, but I know that Bihari (Bhojpuri) commentary is highly energetic. It reminds me of old-school radio commentary, where the commentators were very involved. I find that very interesting. Many people prefer to listen in their regional language—it’s their mother tongue, and they want to experience the game in that way. I would love to hear Haryanvi commentary because it’s quite unique," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025 | 'I have to adapt and stay relevant', says Dhoni

Cricket has long been a sport where talent meets opportunity, and Vignesh Puthur is the latest embodiment of that. The 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Malappuram, Kerala, made an immediate impact in his debut for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians">Mumbai Indians</a> in Indian Premier League 2025, leaving fans and cricketing experts in awe. With a spell of 3/32 against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings">Chennai Super Kings</a>, he not only justified the faith MI put in him but also demonstrated that raw talent, when nurtured correctly, can create magic on the biggest stage.
<h2>Humble beginnings</h2>
Vignesh Puthur's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Coming from a modest background, his father, Sunil Kumar, is an autorickshaw driver, and his mother, K.P. Bindu, is a homemaker. Growing up in Malappuram, cricket was more of a dream than a reality for Puthur. Financial constraints often posed challenges, but his passion and determination never wavered.
Despite the hardships, he moved from Malappuram to Thrissur in pursuit of his cricketing dreams. Initially a medium pacer until his college years, Puthur made a pivotal shift to spin bowling, and it turned out to be a game-changing decision. His ability to give the ball flight and deceive batters with his variations soon caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity.
While studying for a Master of Arts in Literature at St. Thomas College in Thrissur, Puthur honed his skills further, making a name for himself in Kerala&rsquo;s domestic circuits. His performances for the Alleppey Ripples in the inaugural Kerala Cricket League turned heads, and his stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League further solidified his reputation as a promising spinner.
Mumbai Indians, known for their exceptional talent scouting system, took notice of Puthur during the Kerala Premier League. Recognising his potential, MI acquired him in the IPL 2025 auction for $35,000&mdash;a moment that changed his life forever. To ensure his growth as a bowler, the franchise even sent him to South Africa for the SA20 league, where he served as a net bowler for MI Cape Town. There, he trained alongside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rashid-khan">Rashid Khan</a>, one of the finest wrist-spinners in the world, further refining his skills.
<h2>IPL debut: A dream come true</h2>
Vignesh Puthur made his IPL debut as an impact substitute, replacing none other than India&rsquo;s cricketing icon, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a>. Stepping onto the field for the first time in front of millions of fans, Puthur showed no signs of nerves. He delivered a spell that left even the most seasoned CSK batters struggling. His three crucial wickets included the prized scalps of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda.
For now, the spotlight is on Vignesh Puthur&mdash;the boy from Kerala who spun his way into IPL history.

Cricket, Sports: With a spell of 3/32 vs CSK, Vignesh not only justified the faith MI put in him but also showed that talent, when nurtured correctly, can create magic

Cricket has long been a sport where talent meets opportunity, and Vignesh Puthur is the latest embodiment of that. The 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Malappuram, Kerala, made an immediate impact in his debut for Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League 2025, leaving fans and cricketing experts in awe. With a spell of 3/32 against Chennai Super Kings, he not only justified the faith MI put in him but also demonstrated that raw talent, when nurtured correctly, can create magic on the biggest stage. Humble beginnings Vignesh Puthur's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Coming from a modest background, his father, Sunil Kumar, is an autorickshaw driver, and his mother, K.P. Bindu, is a homemaker. Growing up in Malappuram, cricket was more of a dream than a reality for Puthur. Financial constraints often posed challenges, but his passion and determination never wavered. Despite the hardships, he moved from Malappuram to Thrissur in pursuit of his cricketing dreams. Initially a medium pacer until his college years, Puthur made a pivotal shift to spin bowling, and it turned out to be a game-changing decision. His ability to give the ball flight and deceive batters with his variations soon caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity. While studying for a Master of Arts in Literature at St. Thomas College in Thrissur, Puthur honed his skills further, making a name for himself in Kerala’s domestic circuits. His performances for the Alleppey Ripples in the inaugural Kerala Cricket League turned heads, and his stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League further solidified his reputation as a promising spinner. Mumbai Indians, known for their exceptional talent scouting system, took notice of Puthur during the Kerala Premier League. Recognising his potential, MI acquired him in the IPL 2025 auction for $35,000—a moment that changed his life forever. To ensure his growth as a bowler, the franchise even sent him to South Africa for the SA20 league, where he served as a net bowler for MI Cape Town. There, he trained alongside Rashid Khan, one of the finest wrist-spinners in the world, further refining his skills. IPL debut: A dream come true Vignesh Puthur made his IPL debut as an impact substitute, replacing none other than India’s cricketing icon, Rohit Sharma. Stepping onto the field for the first time in front of millions of fans, Puthur showed no signs of nerves. He delivered a spell that left even the most seasoned CSK batters struggling. His three crucial wickets included the prized scalps of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. For now, the spotlight is on Vignesh Puthur—the boy from Kerala who spun his way into IPL history.

New spin wizard in town! Meet 24-year-old Vignesh Puthur, Mumbai Indians spinner from Kerala who impressed on IPL debut

MS Dhoni's lightning-fast stumping left Noor Ahmad in awe during Chennai Super Kings' high-octane Indian Premier League 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians. The electrifying moment at Chepauk sent the crowd into a frenzy as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mahendra-singh-dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a>'s brilliance behind the stumps turned the tide in CSK's favour.
The magic unfolded in the 11th over of MI's innings when stand-in skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suryakumar-yadav">Suryakumar Yadav</a> stepped out to play an inside-out drive but misjudged Noor's delivery. Before he could react, Dhoni had already whipped off the bails with incredible speed, sending Surya back for 29 from 26 balls.
"The focus was on landing the ball in the right area, and Surya's wicket was special. MSD's stumping was out of this world. Having Mahi bhai behind the stumps is a huge support for me," Noor said at the post-match presentation.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-not-rachin-ravindra-mi-captain-suryakumar-yadav-says-this-player-who-took-game-away-from-them-8883668">IPL 2025: Not Rachin Ravindra, MI captain Suryakumar Yadav says THIS player who took game away from them</a>
Justifying his $116 million price tag, Noor spun a web around MI's batters, returning with stunning figures of 4/18 and earning the Player of the Match award. His spell choked MI&rsquo;s scoring, dismissing key batters one after another. Robin Minz found himself caught at long off, Tilak Varma fell victim to a deceptive googly, and Naman Dhir misjudged a sweep, losing his stumps.
Noor's heroics restricted MI to 155/9, a target CSK chased down comfortably. Rachin Ravindra (65 not out) and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (53) led the charge, sealing a commanding four-wicket victory for the five-time champions.
"It feels special to play in the IPL. I'm happy for the team and my contribution," Noor reflected after his match-winning performance.
<h2 data-start="0" data-end="84">'Noor Ahmad is an X-factor'</h2>
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ruturaj-gaikwad" rel="dofollow">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> praised spinner Noor Ahmad as the team's 'X factor' after their hard-fought four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. However, he admitted they could have been more clinical with the bat.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gaikwad expressed his satisfaction with the win while acknowledging areas for improvement. "Happy to be on the winning side. We would have liked to be more clinical, but that&rsquo;s how the game goes. Batting at No. 3 is a team requirement, and I am happy to adjust for the team&rsquo;s balance," he said.
Gaikwad also highlighted the impact of CSK's spin attack. "Right after the auction, we were excited about having all three spinners bowling in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel Ahmed brings experience, Noor is an X factor, and having Ravichandran Ashwin is a huge plus for us."
He also provided an update on MS Dhoni, saying, "He is fitter than ever this year and still looks young."
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: The magic unfolded in the 11th over of MI's innings when Suryakumar Yadav stepped out to play an inside-out drive but misjudged Noor's delivery

MS Dhoni's lightning-fast stumping left Noor Ahmad in awe during Chennai Super Kings' high-octane Indian Premier League 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians. The electrifying moment at Chepauk sent the crowd into a frenzy as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's brilliance behind the stumps turned the tide in CSK's favour. The magic unfolded in the 11th over of MI's innings when stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav stepped out to play an inside-out drive but misjudged Noor's delivery. Before he could react, Dhoni had already whipped off the bails with incredible speed, sending Surya back for 29 from 26 balls. "The focus was on landing the ball in the right area, and Surya's wicket was special. MSD's stumping was out of this world. Having Mahi bhai behind the stumps is a huge support for me," Noor said at the post-match presentation. Also Read: IPL 2025: Not Rachin Ravindra, MI captain Suryakumar Yadav says THIS player who took game away from them Justifying his $116 million price tag, Noor spun a web around MI's batters, returning with stunning figures of 4/18 and earning the Player of the Match award. His spell choked MI’s scoring, dismissing key batters one after another. Robin Minz found himself caught at long off, Tilak Varma fell victim to a deceptive googly, and Naman Dhir misjudged a sweep, losing his stumps. Noor's heroics restricted MI to 155/9, a target CSK chased down comfortably. Rachin Ravindra (65 not out) and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (53) led the charge, sealing a commanding four-wicket victory for the five-time champions. "It feels special to play in the IPL. I'm happy for the team and my contribution," Noor reflected after his match-winning performance. 'Noor Ahmad is an X-factor' Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad praised spinner Noor Ahmad as the team's 'X factor' after their hard-fought four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. However, he admitted they could have been more clinical with the bat. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gaikwad expressed his satisfaction with the win while acknowledging areas for improvement. "Happy to be on the winning side. We would have liked to be more clinical, but that’s how the game goes. Batting at No. 3 is a team requirement, and I am happy to adjust for the team’s balance," he said. Gaikwad also highlighted the impact of CSK's spin attack. "Right after the auction, we were excited about having all three spinners bowling in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel Ahmed brings experience, Noor is an X factor, and having Ravichandran Ashwin is a huge plus for us." He also provided an update on MS Dhoni, saying, "He is fitter than ever this year and still looks young." (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Noor Ahmad in awe of MS Dhoni's 'out of world' stumping of Suryakumar Yadav

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league" rel="dofollow">Indian Premier League</a> 2025 opener at Eden Gardens witnessed a dramatic moment when an ardent fan breached security and rushed onto the field to touch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>&rsquo;s feet. The incident occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru&rsquo;s (RCB) match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leaving players and security personnel stunned.
As Kohli was standing on the pitch after completing his fifty, an enthusiastic spectator dashed onto the field, bypassing multiple layers of security. The pitch invader immediately fell to his knees and grabbed Kohli&rsquo;s feet, refusing to let go for several moments. The emotional moment, captured on live television, quickly went viral on social media.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-why-not-use-it-krunal-pandya-on-his-surprise-bouncer-to-venkatesh-iyer-8881365">IPL 2025: 'Why not use it?'&ndash; Krunal Pandya on his surprise bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer</a>
Despite the sudden intrusion, Kohli remained composed and gently gestured for the fan to move away. Security personnel soon intervened, escorting the individual off the field. The entire episode disrupted play briefly but highlighted the immense admiration that Kohli commands among cricket fans worldwide.
<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
MrBeast wasn&rsquo;t wrong when he said Indians worship Virat Kohli.🥹❤️ <a href="https://t.co/XHVwYd5tQY">pic.twitter.com/XHVwYd5tQY</a>
&mdash; Nikhil (@TheCric8Boy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCric8Boy/status/1903499236890853857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
This isn&rsquo;t the first time a fan has shown such devotion to Kohli, but it certainly stands out due to the sheer determination displayed by the intruder. The video of the incident has been widely shared across various platforms, with many praising Kohli&rsquo;s calm demeanor and others questioning the stadium&rsquo;s security measures.
The breach raised concerns about safety protocols at high-profile cricket matches, especially in packed venues like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/eden-gardens">Eden Gardens</a>. The IPL authorities and stadium officials are expected to review security arrangements to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, on the cricketing front, Kohli&rsquo;s innings played a crucial role in RCB&rsquo;s performance in the high-voltage clash against KKR. His return to Eden Gardens was marked by another masterclass with the bat, further solidifying his stature as one of the league&rsquo;s biggest icons.

Sports, Cricket: During the match, a fan breached security and went inside he ground to meet him. He touched Kohli's feet and refused to let go of the star

The Indian Premier League 2025 opener at Eden Gardens witnessed a dramatic moment when an ardent fan breached security and rushed onto the field to touch Virat Kohli’s feet. The incident occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leaving players and security personnel stunned. As Kohli was standing on the pitch after completing his fifty, an enthusiastic spectator dashed onto the field, bypassing multiple layers of security. The pitch invader immediately fell to his knees and grabbed Kohli’s feet, refusing to let go for several moments. The emotional moment, captured on live television, quickly went viral on social media. Also Read: IPL 2025: 'Why not use it?'– Krunal Pandya on his surprise bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer Despite the sudden intrusion, Kohli remained composed and gently gestured for the fan to move away. Security personnel soon intervened, escorting the individual off the field. The entire episode disrupted play briefly but highlighted the immense admiration that Kohli commands among cricket fans worldwide. Watch the video here: MrBeast wasn’t wrong when he said Indians worship Virat Kohli.🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/XHVwYd5tQY — Nikhil (@TheCric8Boy) March 22, 2025 This isn’t the first time a fan has shown such devotion to Kohli, but it certainly stands out due to the sheer determination displayed by the intruder. The video of the incident has been widely shared across various platforms, with many praising Kohli’s calm demeanor and others questioning the stadium’s security measures. The breach raised concerns about safety protocols at high-profile cricket matches, especially in packed venues like Eden Gardens. The IPL authorities and stadium officials are expected to review security arrangements to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, on the cricketing front, Kohli’s innings played a crucial role in RCB’s performance in the high-voltage clash against KKR. His return to Eden Gardens was marked by another masterclass with the bat, further solidifying his stature as one of the league’s biggest icons.

IPL 2025: Fan breaches security at Eden Gardens to touch Virat Kohli's feet during KKR-RCB opener-WATCH

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/krunal-pandya">Krunal Pandya</a> shared his thought process behind delivering an unexpected bouncer to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer during the opening match of Indian Premier League 2025.
In the 12th over of KKR&rsquo;s innings, Venkatesh walked to the crease without wearing a helmet. Sensing an opportunity, Krunal bowled a sharp bouncer. However, Venkatesh read it early and avoided any trouble. The very next ball, now with his helmet on, the southpaw attempted a wristy shot but ended up dragging the ball onto his stumps.
Speaking about his strategy in the post-match presentation, Krunal said, "Whether it's a wide yorker or a bouncer, if you have something in your arsenal, why not use it?"
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-learning-from-the-best-rcb-captain-applauds-virat-kohlis-unbeaten-fifty-in-curtain-raiser-8881337">IPL 2025: 'Learning from the best', RCB captain applauds Virat Kohli&rsquo;s unbeaten fifty in curtain-raiser</a>
Krunal&rsquo;s brilliance wasn&rsquo;t limited to that one dismissal. Earlier, he claimed the crucial wicket of KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who was in destructive form, striking boundaries with ease. Rahane, on 56 off 31 balls, miscued a shot straight into the hands of Rasikh Salam, courtesy of Krunal&rsquo;s well-crafted plan.
The left-arm spinner wrapped up his spell with another key scalp, clean bowling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rinku-singh">Rinku Singh</a> with a quicker delivery that skidded past the batter&rsquo;s attempted pull shot. Finishing with figures of 3/29, Krunal was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
<h2>'My focus is on bowling quicker'</h2>
Reflecting on his approach, he emphasised the importance of adaptability in modern cricket.&nbsp;"When you play in front of such a big crowd, you have to narrow your focus. If I get hit, it should be off a good ball. Batters today have the skill to hit sixes consistently, so as a bowler, you need to evolve. That&rsquo;s why I focus on bowling quicker and using variations. Change of pace isn&rsquo;t just for pacers; I try it too," he explained.
Krunal, who was acquired by RCB from Lucknow Super Giants for $66 million in the mega auction, also spoke about his short but thrilling stint with the franchise so far:&nbsp;"It&rsquo;s been amazing. The energy around RCB is unreal. Even in domestic cricket, you hear fans chanting &lsquo;RCB.&rsquo; It&rsquo;s been just 10 days since I joined, and I&rsquo;m loving it."
Thanks to Krunal&rsquo;s stellar bowling, KKR managed only 174/8. In response, RCB&rsquo;s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Philip Salt set the stage for an easy chase, stitching together a commanding 95-run partnership.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: In the 12th over of KKR’s innings, Venkatesh walked to the crease without wearing a helmet. Sensing an opportunity, Krunal bowled a sharp bouncer

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya shared his thought process behind delivering an unexpected bouncer to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Venkatesh Iyer during the opening match of Indian Premier League 2025. In the 12th over of KKR’s innings, Venkatesh walked to the crease without wearing a helmet. Sensing an opportunity, Krunal bowled a sharp bouncer. However, Venkatesh read it early and avoided any trouble. The very next ball, now with his helmet on, the southpaw attempted a wristy shot but ended up dragging the ball onto his stumps. Speaking about his strategy in the post-match presentation, Krunal said, "Whether it's a wide yorker or a bouncer, if you have something in your arsenal, why not use it?" Also Read: IPL 2025: 'Learning from the best', RCB captain applauds Virat Kohli’s unbeaten fifty in curtain-raiser Krunal’s brilliance wasn’t limited to that one dismissal. Earlier, he claimed the crucial wicket of KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who was in destructive form, striking boundaries with ease. Rahane, on 56 off 31 balls, miscued a shot straight into the hands of Rasikh Salam, courtesy of Krunal’s well-crafted plan. The left-arm spinner wrapped up his spell with another key scalp, clean bowling Rinku Singh with a quicker delivery that skidded past the batter’s attempted pull shot. Finishing with figures of 3/29, Krunal was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance. 'My focus is on bowling quicker' Reflecting on his approach, he emphasised the importance of adaptability in modern cricket. "When you play in front of such a big crowd, you have to narrow your focus. If I get hit, it should be off a good ball. Batters today have the skill to hit sixes consistently, so as a bowler, you need to evolve. That’s why I focus on bowling quicker and using variations. Change of pace isn’t just for pacers; I try it too," he explained. Krunal, who was acquired by RCB from Lucknow Super Giants for $66 million in the mega auction, also spoke about his short but thrilling stint with the franchise so far: "It’s been amazing. The energy around RCB is unreal. Even in domestic cricket, you hear fans chanting ‘RCB.’ It’s been just 10 days since I joined, and I’m loving it." Thanks to Krunal’s stellar bowling, KKR managed only 174/8. In response, RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Philip Salt set the stage for an easy chase, stitching together a commanding 95-run partnership. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: 'Why not use it?'– Krunal Pandya on his surprise bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony, Highlights:&nbsp;SRK has set the tone while star names like Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani also stole the show in opening ceremony. The fans should be ready for the season opening clash which will take the center stage at Eden Gardens.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Thanks for joining WION for all the live coverage of the Opening ceremony of the IPL 2025. Hope you have enjoyed the coverage as the focus now turns to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash. The two teams will be poised to make an impact and start on a positive note.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
KKR will be on hunt for their fourth IPL title while RCB search for their maiden title having thrice finished runners-up. KKR have won the title in 2012, 2014 and 2024, while RCB have finished runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Under new captaincy both teams will be hoping to make a positive impact with Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar incharge of KKR and RCB repsectively.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
This is also the same fixture that kickstarted the IPL 2008 which was the inaugural edition, so there will be a sourght of revenge on the cards.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Follow WION for All IPL 2025 opening ceremony Highlights</h2>

So the fans are treated to an SRK show as Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18 kicks off in presence of dignitaries and star names.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: SRK hosts grand ceremony as captains lead the charge

Virat Kohli is felicitated by BCCI President Roger Binny as he enters his 18th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Virat felicitated by BCCI President

Some scenes at the Eden Gardens as Shahrukh Khan and Virat Kohli dance at one tone to set the stage on fire.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Virat-SRK grooves at Eden Gardens

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝙂𝙊𝙊𝙎𝙀𝘽𝙐𝙈𝙋𝙎! 🇮🇳🥹<a href="https://twitter.com/shreyaghoshal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shreyaghoshal</a> at her very best in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> 2025 mega celebration! ✨ Watch LIVE action: <a href="https://t.co/iB1oqMusYv">https://t.co/iB1oqMusYv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioStar</a> 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvRCB</a>, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network &amp; JioHotstar! <a href="https://t.co/dpnpPdlPSr">pic.twitter.com/dpnpPdlPSr</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1903433162035966229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Some glimpses from the evening

It had to be King Khan who has opened the IPL 2025 and he is joined by Virat Kohli on the stage. What an opening we have for Season 18!

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Shahrukh Khan officially opens Season 18 at Eden Gardens

From Shreya to Disha and now we have Karan Aujla who is mesmerising the crowd at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Karan Aujla mesmerises Kolkata crowd

Glorious evening lightshow and now beats of Vande Matram have taken the spotlight.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Vande Matram beats at Eden Garden

Well we have more 100 singers on offer in Shreya's chorus as they have taken Eden Gardens by storm.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Shreyas's chorus is on fire!

Shreya Ghoshal has kick started the IPL opening ceremony as the B-Town singer does what she does best. Fans are ecstatic and we are off to a great start.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Shreya Ghoshal takes centre stage at Eden Gardens 

We are expecting fireworks at Eden Gardens as big names like Shahrukh Khan and Disha Patani are set to peform.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Stars get ready

Well, the weather looks clear at the moment as the fans are starting to flood at the gates with Shahrukh Khan in action for the opening ceremony.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Weather looks clear

Well, it is not a great sight if you are a Bollywood and cricket fan as rain could play a part during the opening ceremony. Rain gods will need to be kind if we want big names like Disha Patani and Shreyas Ghoshal to perform.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: What is the weather like?

Last year big names like A.R. Rahman and Akshay Kumar performed at the IPL opening ceremony in Chennai, so we can expect a similar blast this time around. Shahrukh Khan is also expected to lighten the occasion.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: What can we expect?

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, right before the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: What is the venue?

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Where to watch on OTT?

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be telecasted on Star Sports and Sports 18 Network in India.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Where to watch?

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM IST with host of star names performing.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: When will it begin?

KKR and RCB raise the curtains for IPL 2025 as star names will peform during the opening ceremony including Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Who is performing?

Head coach Andy Flower confident, but can RCB&rsquo;s spinners silence the critics? <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a>&nbsp;(RCB) kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on the road, starting in Kolkata before heading to Chennai&mdash;two venues known for their spin-friendly conditions. For RCB to have a successful season, their spinners will need to step up. But do they have the firepower to make an impact?
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-head-coach-andy-flower-confident-but-can-rcbs-spinners-silence-the-critics-8879007" rel="dofollow">Click here for the entire story</a>
&nbsp;

IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB LIVE Updates: Head coach Andy Flower confident, but can RCB’s spinners silence the critics?

IPL 2025 | Virat Kohli&rsquo;s 400th T20: New beginnings, old challenges, and hunt for glory
As Virat Kohli steps onto the field for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league" rel="dofollow">Indian PremierLeague</a> (IPL) 2025 opener against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> (KKR) at Eden Gardens, he will mark a historic milestone&mdash;his 400th T20 match. This feat makes him only the third Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> (448 matches) and Dinesh Karthik (412 matches).
Since making his T20 debut in 2008, Kohli has made 12,886 runs in 382 innings at an average of 41.43, with nine centuries and 97 fifties. He is not only India&rsquo;s highest run-scorer in T20s but also the sixth-highest globally.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-virat-kohlis-400th-t20-new-beginnings-old-challenges-and-hunt-for-glory-8878710" rel="dofollow">Read full story here</a>

IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli's 400th T20

A steady drizzle in the evening brought premature end to evening practice sessions of Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the eve of their IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens here on Saturday (March 22).
Practice began as scheduled at 5pm, but rain set in around 6pm, bringing the ground staff into action while the players had to pack up.&nbsp;Fortunately, Eden Gardens is one of the few venues with full ground covers, ensuring the playing surface remained protected.

IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB LIVE Updates: Drizzle disrupts KKR, RCB practice ahead of IPL opener; rain threat looms over match

KKR squad: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Venkatesh Iyer (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rovman Powell (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Luvnith Sisodia (wk), Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Umran Malik, Varun Chakravarthy.
RCB squad: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB LIVE Updates: Squads for KKR and RCB ahead of the opening match

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony, Highlights: SRK has set the tone while star names like Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani also stole the show in opening ceremony.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony, Highlights: SRK has set the tone while star names like Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani also stole the show in opening ceremony. The fans should be ready for the season opening clash which will take the center stage at Eden Gardens. Thanks for joining WION for all the live coverage of the Opening ceremony of the IPL 2025. Hope you have enjoyed the coverage as the focus now turns to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash. The two teams will be poised to make an impact and start on a positive note. KKR will be on hunt for their fourth IPL title while RCB search for their maiden title having thrice finished runners-up. KKR have won the title in 2012, 2014 and 2024, while RCB have finished runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016. Under new captaincy both teams will be hoping to make a positive impact with Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar incharge of KKR and RCB repsectively. This is also the same fixture that kickstarted the IPL 2008 which was the inaugural edition, so there will be a sourght of revenge on the cards. Follow WION for All IPL 2025 opening ceremony Highlights

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony, Highlights: SRK hosts grand ceremony as Season 18 kicks off in Kolkata

What happens when your landlord is more obsessed with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">IPL</a> than rent payments? Welcome to DC PG by Gulati, where veteran actor Rajesh Sharma plays Gulati, a die-hard Delhi Capitals fan who only allows fellow DC supporters to stay in his PG. But when non-DC fans sneak in, the real IPL drama begins&mdash;off the field!&nbsp;
In an exclusive conversation with WION, Rajesh Sharma shared his excitement about the role, revealing that despite his character's cricket obsession, he was actually a football captain in school and never played cricket. "The excitement was that I had to play cricket for the role," he said. "Cricket in India is like a religion, and if I can connect with people through the right emotion, it takes this religion to a different level."&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-king-khans-pep-talk-to-kkr-god-bless-you-be-healthy-and-play-well-8879692">IPL 2025 | King Khan&rsquo;s Pep Talk to KKR: God Bless You, be healthy and play well</a>
Though he doesn&rsquo;t follow IPL closely, Sharma enjoys discussing the matches with friends. "I like 2-3 teams&mdash;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings">Chennai Super Kings</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a>, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings," he admitted.&nbsp;
On his experience filming the series, Sharma praised the fresh and hardworking team. "The script, written by Panky, was full of natural humor, so I didn&rsquo;t have to improvise much. Everyone on the crew was so involved. That's what made the work fun and easy going."&nbsp;
A self-proclaimed foodie, Sharma couldn&rsquo;t stop raving about Delhi&rsquo;s street food. "There&rsquo;s a guy at CP who sells gajar ka halwa. I would take a 10-minute break from the shoot just to eat it!"&nbsp;
When asked which IPL team he would allow into his character's PG, Sharma was clear: "I would allow everyone. Cricket is about inclusivity."&nbsp;
He also spoke about the challenges of comedy in acting. "Comedy is hard because the person making others laugh is often serious inside. It&rsquo;s about balancing heart and mind, like Bertolt Brecht's theory&mdash;don&rsquo;t just flow with emotions, but work with awareness."
As Delhi Capitals engage their fans with their new mini-web series, they will be keen to start their campaign on a positive note when they face Lucknow Super Giants in the opening match of IPL 2025 on Monday (March 24).&nbsp;
<h2>Rapid fire with Rajesh Sharma:&nbsp;</h2>
Chennai Super Kings or Delhi Capitals-Delhi&nbsp;
All-time favorite cricketer-Mohammad Azharuddin&nbsp;
If you could swap places with a cricketer for a day-Kapil Dev&nbsp;
Cricketer biopic you'd like to star in-Virat Kohli&nbsp;
Who would you spend more time with, Dhoni or Kohli-Dhoni&nbsp;
Your IPL 2025 winner prediction- Kolkata Knight Riders

Sports, Entertainment: Rajesh Sharma shared his excitement about the role, revealing that despite his character's cricket obsession, he never played cricket

What happens when your landlord is more obsessed with IPL than rent payments? Welcome to DC PG by Gulati, where veteran actor Rajesh Sharma plays Gulati, a die-hard Delhi Capitals fan who only allows fellow DC supporters to stay in his PG. But when non-DC fans sneak in, the real IPL drama begins—off the field! In an exclusive conversation with WION, Rajesh Sharma shared his excitement about the role, revealing that despite his character's cricket obsession, he was actually a football captain in school and never played cricket. "The excitement was that I had to play cricket for the role," he said. "Cricket in India is like a religion, and if I can connect with people through the right emotion, it takes this religion to a different level." Also Read: IPL 2025 | King Khan’s Pep Talk to KKR: God Bless You, be healthy and play well Though he doesn’t follow IPL closely, Sharma enjoys discussing the matches with friends. "I like 2-3 teams—Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings," he admitted. On his experience filming the series, Sharma praised the fresh and hardworking team. "The script, written by Panky, was full of natural humor, so I didn’t have to improvise much. Everyone on the crew was so involved. That's what made the work fun and easy going." A self-proclaimed foodie, Sharma couldn’t stop raving about Delhi’s street food. "There’s a guy at CP who sells gajar ka halwa. I would take a 10-minute break from the shoot just to eat it!" When asked which IPL team he would allow into his character's PG, Sharma was clear: "I would allow everyone. Cricket is about inclusivity." He also spoke about the challenges of comedy in acting. "Comedy is hard because the person making others laugh is often serious inside. It’s about balancing heart and mind, like Bertolt Brecht's theory—don’t just flow with emotions, but work with awareness." As Delhi Capitals engage their fans with their new mini-web series, they will be keen to start their campaign on a positive note when they face Lucknow Super Giants in the opening match of IPL 2025 on Monday (March 24). Rapid fire with Rajesh Sharma: Chennai Super Kings or Delhi Capitals-Delhi All-time favorite cricketer-Mohammad Azharuddin If you could swap places with a cricketer for a day-Kapil Dev Cricketer biopic you'd like to star in-Virat Kohli Who would you spend more time with, Dhoni or Kohli-Dhoni Your IPL 2025 winner prediction- Kolkata Knight Riders

Exclusive | IPL 2025: IPL kickstarts and so does the fun with Rajesh Sharma's new show

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow-super-giants">​Lucknow Super Giants</a> (LSG) have faced significant backlash just days before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season due to a controversial social media post featuring South African cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/david-miller">David Miller</a>. In the video, Miller is asked to rank his most heartbreaking cricket defeats, including losses in IPL finals and the T20 World Cup 2024 final. This content has been widely criticised by fans as insensitive and exploitative.​
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-head-coach-andy-flower-confident-but-can-rcbs-spinners-silence-the-critics-8879007">IPL 2025 | Head coach Andy Flower confident, but can RCB&rsquo;s spinners silence the critics?</a>
One user expressed, "This franchise has crossed the line by using a player's emotional struggles for clicks. This is exploitation, not entertainment." Another commented, "This is pathetic, to say the least. These are sacred emotions of grief and loss, which Miller has felt in the past." Some have even labeled LSG as "the worst IPL franchise, hands down." ​
<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Manifesting zero heartbreaks for Miller bhai this season 🤞 <a href="https://t.co/4zd5FbtblW">pic.twitter.com/4zd5FbtblW</a>
&mdash; Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucknowIPL/status/1902702838397947977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
Despite the widespread criticism, the video remained online nearly a day after its release. David Miller, known for his explosive batting, was acquired by LSG for ₹7.5 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise also made headlines by signing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rishabh-pant">Rishabh Pant</a> for a record $313 million, making him the team's captain for the upcoming season. ​
<ul>
<li>How netizens reacted:&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LSG content hitting new low. Funny thing is their cricket is gonna hit even further lows this season. Losing whatever fan base they built in their first couple of seasons <a href="https://t.co/Z9y8GpHX5z">https://t.co/Z9y8GpHX5z</a>
&mdash; Drax (@Draxulalala) <a href="https://twitter.com/Draxulalala/status/1902749029907509638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
How come its always this franchise who comes up with such garbage things.... Like why would you depress your star players asking such things instead of cheering them up with some fun contents <a href="https://t.co/HlYxgIUzSl">https://t.co/HlYxgIUzSl</a>
&mdash; arfan (@Im__Arfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Im__Arfan/status/1902720032284758341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

The franchise has yet to address the controversy.

Sports, Cricket: South Africa's David Miller, known for his explosive batting, was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for $87 million during the IPL 2025 mega auction

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have faced significant backlash just days before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season due to a controversial social media post featuring South African cricketer David Miller. In the video, Miller is asked to rank his most heartbreaking cricket defeats, including losses in IPL finals and the T20 World Cup 2024 final. This content has been widely criticised by fans as insensitive and exploitative. Also Read: IPL 2025 | Head coach Andy Flower confident, but can RCB’s spinners silence the critics? One user expressed, "This franchise has crossed the line by using a player's emotional struggles for clicks. This is exploitation, not entertainment." Another commented, "This is pathetic, to say the least. These are sacred emotions of grief and loss, which Miller has felt in the past." Some have even labeled LSG as "the worst IPL franchise, hands down." Watch the video here: Manifesting zero heartbreaks for Miller bhai this season 🤞 pic.twitter.com/4zd5FbtblW — Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 20, 2025 Despite the widespread criticism, the video remained online nearly a day after its release. David Miller, known for his explosive batting, was acquired by LSG for ₹7.5 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise also made headlines by signing Rishabh Pant for a record $313 million, making him the team's captain for the upcoming season. How netizens reacted: LSG content hitting new low. Funny thing is their cricket is gonna hit even further lows this season. Losing whatever fan base they built in their first couple of seasons https://t.co/Z9y8GpHX5z — Drax (@Draxulalala) March 20, 2025 How come its always this franchise who comes up with such garbage things.... Like why would you depress your star players asking such things instead of cheering them up with some fun contents https://t.co/HlYxgIUzSl — arfan (@Im__Arfan) March 20, 2025 The franchise has yet to address the controversy.

IPL 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants trolled as 'worst IPL franchise' over viral social media clip

As Virat Kohli steps onto the field for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league" rel="dofollow">Indian PremierLeague</a> (IPL) 2025 opener against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> (KKR) at Eden Gardens, he will mark a historic milestone&mdash;his 400th T20 match. This feat makes him only the third Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> (448 matches) and Dinesh Karthik (412 matches).
Since making his T20 debut in 2008, Kohli has made 12,886 runs in 382 innings at an average of 41.43, with nine centuries and 97 fifties. He is not only India&rsquo;s highest run-scorer in T20s but also the sixth-highest globally.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/yuvraj-singhs-wife-hazel-keech-backs-bccis-family-time-rule-says-it-benefits-players-8878473">Yuvraj Singh's wife Hazel Keech backs BCCI&rsquo;s family time rule, says it benefits players</a>
However, this IPL season presents a new challenge. Having retired from T20Is last year after leading India to a World Cup victory with a match-winning knock in the final, Kohli now faces fresh scrutiny. His strike rate, adaptability against spin, and shot selection will be analysed as the T20 format continues evolving with more aggressive playstyles.
<h2>A fresh approach in 2025?</h2>
Kohli&rsquo;s hunt for an IPL title remains one of cricket&rsquo;s most compelling narratives. With 8,004 runs in 252 matches, including eight centuries and a record 973-run season in 2016, individual brilliance has yet to translate into championship success. This season, Kohli might look to re-invent his approach, taking more risks and adding a touch of unpredictability to his game.
His opening partner will also be different this time. Over the years, Kohli has shared the crease with Chris Gayle, Devdutt Padikkal, and Faf du Plessis. In 2025, he will pair up with England&rsquo;s explosive batter Phil Salt, a key figure in KKR&rsquo;s title-winning run last year. The two have already struck a good rapport, as seen in a recent RCB video where Salt described Kohli as a "chilled" and competitive character.
<h2>The spin test: Kohli vs Chakravarthy &amp; Narine</h2>
One of the most talked-about aspects of Kohli&rsquo;s T20 game has been his approach against spinners. Facing Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, two of KKR&rsquo;s most lethal weapons, will be a key test in the opening match.
Against Varun: Kohli has scored 40 runs off 39 balls (SR: 102.56), with just one dismissal.&nbsp;Against Narine: He has managed 162 runs in 157 balls (SR: 103.18), with four dismissals.
However, there were signs of evolution in IPL 2024. Kohli struck at 137.08 against spin, a significant improvement from his 113.38 in 2023 and 108 in 2022. His 15 sixes against spinners last season were the highest he had ever hit in an IPL campaign.
As the 2025 IPL unfolds, will we see a more adventurous Kohli against spin? Will he finally break the IPL title curse? As always, with Kohli, the season promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises.

Sports, Cricket: Since making his T20 debut in 2008, Virat Kohli has made 12,886 runs in 382 innings at an average of 41.43, with nine centuries and 97 fifties

As Virat Kohli steps onto the field for the Indian PremierLeague (IPL) 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, he will mark a historic milestone—his 400th T20 match. This feat makes him only the third Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone, after Rohit Sharma (448 matches) and Dinesh Karthik (412 matches). Since making his T20 debut in 2008, Kohli has made 12,886 runs in 382 innings at an average of 41.43, with nine centuries and 97 fifties. He is not only India’s highest run-scorer in T20s but also the sixth-highest globally. Also Read: Yuvraj Singh's wife Hazel Keech backs BCCI’s family time rule, says it benefits players However, this IPL season presents a new challenge. Having retired from T20Is last year after leading India to a World Cup victory with a match-winning knock in the final, Kohli now faces fresh scrutiny. His strike rate, adaptability against spin, and shot selection will be analysed as the T20 format continues evolving with more aggressive playstyles. A fresh approach in 2025? Kohli’s hunt for an IPL title remains one of cricket’s most compelling narratives. With 8,004 runs in 252 matches, including eight centuries and a record 973-run season in 2016, individual brilliance has yet to translate into championship success. This season, Kohli might look to re-invent his approach, taking more risks and adding a touch of unpredictability to his game. His opening partner will also be different this time. Over the years, Kohli has shared the crease with Chris Gayle, Devdutt Padikkal, and Faf du Plessis. In 2025, he will pair up with England’s explosive batter Phil Salt, a key figure in KKR’s title-winning run last year. The two have already struck a good rapport, as seen in a recent RCB video where Salt described Kohli as a "chilled" and competitive character. The spin test: Kohli vs Chakravarthy & Narine One of the most talked-about aspects of Kohli’s T20 game has been his approach against spinners. Facing Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, two of KKR’s most lethal weapons, will be a key test in the opening match. Against Varun: Kohli has scored 40 runs off 39 balls (SR: 102.56), with just one dismissal. Against Narine: He has managed 162 runs in 157 balls (SR: 103.18), with four dismissals. However, there were signs of evolution in IPL 2024. Kohli struck at 137.08 against spin, a significant improvement from his 113.38 in 2023 and 108 in 2022. His 15 sixes against spinners last season were the highest he had ever hit in an IPL campaign. As the 2025 IPL unfolds, will we see a more adventurous Kohli against spin? Will he finally break the IPL title curse? As always, with Kohli, the season promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises.

IPL 2025 | Virat Kohli’s 400th T20: New beginnings, old challenges, and hunt for glory

7 Highest Totals in IPL Season Opener

7. RCB – 172/10, IPL 2017

6. RCB – 173/6, IPL 2024

5. CSK – 176/4, IPL 2024

4. CSK – 178/7, IPL 2023

3. GT – 182/5, IPL 2023

2. SRH – 207/4, IPL 2017

Intelligence and Speed

Sports, Cricket, IPL: 7 Highest Totals in IPL Season Opener ft KKR vs RCB ahead of Indian Premier League 2025 which kicks off on Saturday (Mar 22).

IPL 2025 opening ceremony, Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is all set for kick off as 10 teams battle out on the biggest stage starting Saturday (Mar 22). While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) raise the curtains for the IPL 2025, a host of star names will peform during the opening ceremony including Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. So here are all the details of the opening ceremoy of IPL 2025 including date, time, performers, venue and live streaming.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Get ready for the ultimate vibe check! 😎 Global Superstar Karan Aujla, is all set to light up the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> 18 Opening Ceremony, bringing the fire and setting new trends like never before! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/GeetanDiMachine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeetanDiMachine</a> <a href="https://t.co/zRyGCRl8be">pic.twitter.com/zRyGCRl8be</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1902334236822319137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Where to watch the IPL 2025 opening ceremony on TV?</h2>
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be telecasted on Star Sports and Sports 18 Network in India.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Where to watch the IPL 2025 opening ceremony Live Streaming online on OTT?</h2>
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Which stadium will host the IPL 2025 opening ceremony?</h2>
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, right before the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What time will the IPL 2025 opening ceremony start?</h2>
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM IST with host of star names performing.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Who will perform in the IPL 2025 opening ceremony?</h2>
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will have host of big Bollywood names performing including Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. Few other names are also in rumoured to peform during the grand opening ceremony.&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">When will the IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB contest start?</h2>
The IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB contest will start at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday (Mar 22) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST.&nbsp;
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/speaking-exclusively-to-wions-aditya-pimpale-was-avni-aneja-co-founder-of-six5six-who-are-the-official-kits-manufacturers-of-kkr-in-ipl-2025-8870944" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025 Exclusive: Story behind Kolkata Knight Riders' new kit and how Shah Rukh Khan played a key role</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB Squad</h2>
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Luvnith Sisodia, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Andre Russell, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Varun Chakaravarthy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:&nbsp;Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee

Sports, Cricket, IPL: A host of star names will peform during the opening ceremony of the IPL 2025 including Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani.

IPL 2025 opening ceremony, Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is all set for kick off as 10 teams battle out on the biggest stage starting Saturday (Mar 22). While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) raise the curtains for the IPL 2025, a host of star names will peform during the opening ceremony including Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. So here are all the details of the opening ceremoy of IPL 2025 including date, time, performers, venue and live streaming. Get ready for the ultimate vibe check! 😎 Global Superstar Karan Aujla, is all set to light up the #TATAIPL 18 Opening Ceremony, bringing the fire and setting new trends like never before! 🔥@GeetanDiMachine pic.twitter.com/zRyGCRl8be — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 19, 2025 Where to watch the IPL 2025 opening ceremony on TV? The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be telecasted on Star Sports and Sports 18 Network in India. Where to watch the IPL 2025 opening ceremony Live Streaming online on OTT? The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Which stadium will host the IPL 2025 opening ceremony? The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, right before the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match. What time will the IPL 2025 opening ceremony start? The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM IST with host of star names performing. Who will perform in the IPL 2025 opening ceremony? The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will have host of big Bollywood names performing including Karan Aujla, Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. Few other names are also in rumoured to peform during the grand opening ceremony. When will the IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB contest start? The IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB contest will start at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday (Mar 22) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST. ALSO READ | IPL 2025 Exclusive: Story behind Kolkata Knight Riders' new kit and how Shah Rukh Khan played a key role IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB Squad Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Luvnith Sisodia, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Andre Russell, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Varun Chakaravarthy Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Check Date, Time, Performers, Venue, How to Watch Live Streaming

Sports careers can take fascinating turns, and Tanmay Srivastava&rsquo;s journey is a testament to that. While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, who led India to victory in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup, went on to become one of the finest batters in cricket history, many of his teammates from that squad did not find the same level of success in their playing careers. As Kohli gears up for the 2025 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) season with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a> (RCB), his former U19 teammate Tanmay Srivastava is set to begin a new chapter&mdash;as an umpire in the very same league.
According to a report in the Times of India, Tanmay, now 35, has secured an umpiring role in the IPL. Interestingly, he was India's highest run-scorer in the final of the 2008 U19 World Cup. His early promise earned him a contract with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/punjab-kings">Punjab Kings</a>, but his playing career did not take off as expected.
"I realised that was the best player I could be," Tanmay was quoted saying to TOI. "I was nowhere close to playing in the IPL. I had to decide whether to prolong my playing career or start a longer, more successful second innings."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/exclusive-ipl-2025-hopefully-i-can-be-half-the-player-he-was-delhi-capitals-tristan-stubbs-on-praise-from-ab-de-villiers-8869899">Exclusive | IPL 2025: 'Hopefully, I can be half the player he was&rsquo; &ndash; Delhi Capitals' Tristan Stubbs on praise from AB de Villiers</a>
At 30, while still captaining the Uttarakhand team after previously representing Uttar Pradesh, Tanmay made the tough decision to step away from playing. Wanting to stay involved in cricket, he explored alternative roles. Although he has yet to be assigned an on-field umpiring position in the IPL, he remains hopeful.
See the post here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A true player never leaves the field&mdash;just changes the game. Wishing Tanmay Srivastava the best as he dons a new hat with the same passion!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrideOfUP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrideOfUP</a> <a href="https://t.co/wrRoW31OG2">pic.twitter.com/wrRoW31OG2</a>
&mdash; UPCA (@UPCACricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/UPCACricket/status/1901614578997629222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

He still keeps in touch with Kohli and may cross paths with him during the tournament.&nbsp;"I&rsquo;m still in touch with Virat, but I had to make a practical decision for my future," he said.
Seeking guidance, Tanmay approached Rajiv Shukla with his plans. "He was surprised because I was only 30 at the time. We discussed possible options. I completed my Level 2 coaching course at the NCA but realised the best I could become was a fielding coach. That&rsquo;s when I decided to pursue umpiring," he revealed.
<h2 data-start="1680" data-end="1995">'Studying for umpiring is tough'</h2>
Determined to succeed in his new path, Tanmay studied rigorously for the umpiring exams while balancing other cricket-related roles, such as talent scouting for RCB and coaching at the National Cricket Academy.&nbsp;"Studying for umpiring is tough. I would stay up late at night, going through the laws and their applications," he explained.
He also highlighted the growing emphasis on bringing younger former players into umpiring, rather than relying solely on older officials with only theoretical knowledge.&nbsp;"The board is encouraging young players to take up umpiring rather than depending too much on older people with bookish knowledge," he added.
Now, as the IPL 2025 season unfolds, Tanmay Srivastava is ready to embrace his new role, proving that the love for the game can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling paths.

Sports, Cricket: Interestingly, he was India's highest run-scorer in the final of the 2008 U19 World Cup. His early promise earned him a contract with Punjab Kings

Sports careers can take fascinating turns, and Tanmay Srivastava’s journey is a testament to that. While Virat Kohli, who led India to victory in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup, went on to become one of the finest batters in cricket history, many of his teammates from that squad did not find the same level of success in their playing careers. As Kohli gears up for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his former U19 teammate Tanmay Srivastava is set to begin a new chapter—as an umpire in the very same league. According to a report in the Times of India, Tanmay, now 35, has secured an umpiring role in the IPL. Interestingly, he was India's highest run-scorer in the final of the 2008 U19 World Cup. His early promise earned him a contract with Punjab Kings, but his playing career did not take off as expected. "I realised that was the best player I could be," Tanmay was quoted saying to TOI. "I was nowhere close to playing in the IPL. I had to decide whether to prolong my playing career or start a longer, more successful second innings." Also Read: Exclusive | IPL 2025: 'Hopefully, I can be half the player he was’ – Delhi Capitals' Tristan Stubbs on praise from AB de Villiers At 30, while still captaining the Uttarakhand team after previously representing Uttar Pradesh, Tanmay made the tough decision to step away from playing. Wanting to stay involved in cricket, he explored alternative roles. Although he has yet to be assigned an on-field umpiring position in the IPL, he remains hopeful. See the post here: A true player never leaves the field—just changes the game. Wishing Tanmay Srivastava the best as he dons a new hat with the same passion!#UPCA #IPL #UP #PrideOfUP pic.twitter.com/wrRoW31OG2 — UPCA (@UPCACricket) March 17, 2025 He still keeps in touch with Kohli and may cross paths with him during the tournament. "I’m still in touch with Virat, but I had to make a practical decision for my future," he said. Seeking guidance, Tanmay approached Rajiv Shukla with his plans. "He was surprised because I was only 30 at the time. We discussed possible options. I completed my Level 2 coaching course at the NCA but realised the best I could become was a fielding coach. That’s when I decided to pursue umpiring," he revealed. 'Studying for umpiring is tough' Determined to succeed in his new path, Tanmay studied rigorously for the umpiring exams while balancing other cricket-related roles, such as talent scouting for RCB and coaching at the National Cricket Academy. "Studying for umpiring is tough. I would stay up late at night, going through the laws and their applications," he explained. He also highlighted the growing emphasis on bringing younger former players into umpiring, rather than relying solely on older officials with only theoretical knowledge. "The board is encouraging young players to take up umpiring rather than depending too much on older people with bookish knowledge," he added. Now, as the IPL 2025 season unfolds, Tanmay Srivastava is ready to embrace his new role, proving that the love for the game can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling paths.

IPL 2025 | Once a teammate of Virat Kohli in U19 World Cup, Tanmay Srivastava now joins IPL as umpire

The countdown for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season has already started with the season to kick off on Saturday (Mar 22) as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens. However, the eyes of the fans will be on the big game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as they face off in the battle of the heavyweights. So here&rsquo;s a detailed insight into how you can buy tickets for the CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When will ticket sales open for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Tickets for CSK vs MI can be booked online from March 19 (Wednesday) from 10:15 am IST.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">How to book tickets for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Tickets for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 can be booked online on District (district.in).
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What are the ticket prices for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025?<o:p></o:p></h2>
The ticket prices range from Rs 1,700 ($19.65) to Rs 7,500 ($86.69) depending on the stand selected.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When is CSK vs MI in IPL 2025?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 will take place on March 23 (Sunday) at 7:30 pm IST.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Where will CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 be played?<o:p></o:p></h2>
CSK vs MI will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When will the toss take place in CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 be played?<o:p></o:p></h2>
The toss will take place at 7:00 PM IST with the CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 match starting at 7:30 PM IST.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-vs-lsg-on-april-6-likely-to-be-rescheduled-due-to-security-concerns-8867263" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG on April 6 likely to be rescheduled due to security concerns</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Squads<o:p></o:p></h2>
Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, C Andre Siddarth, Vansh Bedi, Shaik Rasheed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Kamlesh Nagarkoti.
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Robin Minz, Naman Dhir, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Bawa, S Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Corbin Bosch, Vignesh Puthur.

Sports, Cricket, IPL: The eyes of the fans will be on the big game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as they face off on Sunday (Mar 23).

The countdown for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season has already started with the season to kick off on Saturday (Mar 22) as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens. However, the eyes of the fans will be on the big game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as they face off in the battle of the heavyweights. So here’s a detailed insight into how you can buy tickets for the CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. When will ticket sales open for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025? Tickets for CSK vs MI can be booked online from March 19 (Wednesday) from 10:15 am IST. How to book tickets for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025? Tickets for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 can be booked online on District (district.in). What are the ticket prices for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025? The ticket prices range from Rs 1,700 ($19.65) to Rs 7,500 ($86.69) depending on the stand selected. When is CSK vs MI in IPL 2025? Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 will take place on March 23 (Sunday) at 7:30 pm IST. Where will CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 be played? CSK vs MI will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. When will the toss take place in CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 be played? The toss will take place at 7:00 PM IST with the CSK vs MI in IPL 2025 match starting at 7:30 PM IST. ALSO READ | IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG on April 6 likely to be rescheduled due to security concerns Squads Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, C Andre Siddarth, Vansh Bedi, Shaik Rasheed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Kamlesh Nagarkoti. Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Robin Minz, Naman Dhir, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Bawa, S Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Corbin Bosch, Vignesh Puthur.

How to buy CSK vs MI IPL tickets: Sale date, prices, and where to buy from Check Steps and other Key Details

Ahead of the 2025 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rishabh-pant">Rishabh Pant</a> emphasised the importance of being proactive in leadership. He shared that over the past two years, he has been learning how to enhance his captaincy skills and foster strong communication within the team.
Pant, who made history as the most expensive player in IPL auctions when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow-super-giants">LSG</a> acquired him for $312 million, is determined to guide the franchise to its maiden title. Speaking in a video shared by Star on X, Pant highlighted the challenges of managing a team filled with experienced and international players.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-18-years-number-18-kohli-and-rcbs-championship-dreams-will-it-all-align-8865364">IPL 2025 | 18 years, number 18 (Kohli), and RCB&rsquo;s championship dreams &ndash; Will it all align?</a>
"I want to be proactive, and that&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;ve been working on over the last two years. The more you communicate with management and players, the stronger the bond becomes. It&rsquo;s crucial to establish a clear channel of communication so that everyone aligns with the same thought process," Pant said.
<h2>'Communication is key'</h2>
He acknowledged that captaincy in the IPL comes with its own complexities, especially when leading a squad with senior and international players. "One of the biggest challenges is how to effectively communicate with them so that everyone moves in the same direction," he added.
Pant also stressed upon the importance of allowing players the freedom to express themselves, aiming to create a positive team environment. "I want to build a space where players feel free to express themselves. It sounds simple, but making it a reality requires effort from everyone," he shared.
LSG will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals">Delhi Capitals</a>, Pant&rsquo;s former team, on Monday (March 24) at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The franchise previously reached the playoffs in IPL 2022 and 2023 but was eliminated in the eliminator on both occasions. However, IPL 2024 saw them slip to a seventh-place finish in the table.
With Pant at the helm, Lucknow Super Giants will be looking to turn their fortunes around and contend for their first-ever IPL title.

Sports, Cricket: Pant, who made history as the most expensive player in IPL auctions when LSG acquired him for $312 million, is determined to guide LS franchise to its first title

Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant emphasised the importance of being proactive in leadership. He shared that over the past two years, he has been learning how to enhance his captaincy skills and foster strong communication within the team. Pant, who made history as the most expensive player in IPL auctions when LSG acquired him for $312 million, is determined to guide the franchise to its maiden title. Speaking in a video shared by Star on X, Pant highlighted the challenges of managing a team filled with experienced and international players. Also Read: IPL 2025 | 18 years, number 18 (Kohli), and RCB’s championship dreams – Will it all align? "I want to be proactive, and that’s something I’ve been working on over the last two years. The more you communicate with management and players, the stronger the bond becomes. It’s crucial to establish a clear channel of communication so that everyone aligns with the same thought process," Pant said. 'Communication is key' He acknowledged that captaincy in the IPL comes with its own complexities, especially when leading a squad with senior and international players. "One of the biggest challenges is how to effectively communicate with them so that everyone moves in the same direction," he added. Pant also stressed upon the importance of allowing players the freedom to express themselves, aiming to create a positive team environment. "I want to build a space where players feel free to express themselves. It sounds simple, but making it a reality requires effort from everyone," he shared. LSG will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals, Pant’s former team, on Monday (March 24) at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The franchise previously reached the playoffs in IPL 2022 and 2023 but was eliminated in the eliminator on both occasions. However, IPL 2024 saw them slip to a seventh-place finish in the table. With Pant at the helm, Lucknow Super Giants will be looking to turn their fortunes around and contend for their first-ever IPL title.

IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant aims to 'lead proactively' as Lucknow Super Giants gear up for season

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