In the latest development surrounding India&rsquo;s five-match away Test series against England starting shortly after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gautam-gambhir" rel="dofollow">Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir</a> will lead the first batch of players and staff leaving for the UK on June 6. While the BCCI is working on the departure schedule of the Test squad (unannounced yet), the reports suggest that non-IPL-playoffs-bound players shall leave early.
Former India Test captain Rohit Sharma, alongside his longtime teammate and batting veteran Virat Kohli, retired from red-ball cricket just before the squad announcement, sending shockwaves down the cricket fraternity. Their departure meant BCCI selectors would struggle to assemble the best team for the England Tests this time.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-no-clear-choice-for-indias-test-captaincy-yet-as-selectors-unsure-of-gill-dicey-over-bumrah-report-kl-rahul-9071145" rel="dofollow">ENG vs IND 2025: No clear choice for India's Test captaincy yet as selectors unsure of Gill, dicey over Bumrah - Report</a>
Although certain first-team players, including KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside a couple more, would get picked no matter what, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee could likely rope in several new faces or those making right noises in the domestic circuit; some including Karun Nair, who will likely travel with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bcci-prioritises-domestic-giants-over-ipl-stars-in-india-a-squad-for-england-tour-report-abhimanyu-easwaran-karun-nair-9058227" rel="dofollow">India-A squad</a>, alongside uncapped opener Abhimanyu Easawaran.
The BCCI is also said to handpick a few more uncapped players, including Baba Indrajith and Tanush Kotian, and those who will not be part of the IPL playoffs, including gloveman Dhruv Jurel, in the India-A squad.&nbsp;Akash Deep is another name tipped to travel with the India-A squad, while reports of seasoned all-rounder Shardul Thakur making the cut in the senior team are doing the rounds.
"The players who get free from the IPL during the league stage are likely to leave with coach Gambhir on June 6. The rest will leave after a short break post the IPL 2025 commitments," a senior BCCI official, as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).&nbsp;
<h2>IPL-playoffs-bound players to leave later</h2>
With no Rohit and Kohli around, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (should LSG reach IPL 2025 playoffs), and Jasprit Bumrah would travel in the next batch, whose departure date remains undisclosed.&nbsp;
Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings captain, is also tipped to make his return to the Test side, replacing Kohli at number, and would also be on that flight to the UK should the selectors pick him. Another name highly anticipated to get picked for the England Tests is Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan, second on the list of most runs scored thus far this season (509 runs in 11 contested matches).&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals), Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (SunRisers Hyderabad) could be part of the first batch to leave for the UK since their respective IPL teams are out of the IPL 2025 Playoffs race. &nbsp;

With no Rohit and Kohli around, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah would travel in the next batch, whose departure date remains undisclosed. Sports, Cricket

In the latest development surrounding India’s five-match away Test series against England starting shortly after IPL 2025, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir will lead the first batch of players and staff leaving for the UK on June 6. While the BCCI is working on the departure schedule of the Test squad (unannounced yet), the reports suggest that non-IPL-playoffs-bound players shall leave early. Former India Test captain Rohit Sharma, alongside his longtime teammate and batting veteran Virat Kohli, retired from red-ball cricket just before the squad announcement, sending shockwaves down the cricket fraternity. Their departure meant BCCI selectors would struggle to assemble the best team for the England Tests this time. Also read | ENG vs IND 2025: No clear choice for India's Test captaincy yet as selectors unsure of Gill, dicey over Bumrah - Report Although certain first-team players, including KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside a couple more, would get picked no matter what, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee could likely rope in several new faces or those making right noises in the domestic circuit; some including Karun Nair, who will likely travel with the India-A squad, alongside uncapped opener Abhimanyu Easawaran. The BCCI is also said to handpick a few more uncapped players, including Baba Indrajith and Tanush Kotian, and those who will not be part of the IPL playoffs, including gloveman Dhruv Jurel, in the India-A squad. Akash Deep is another name tipped to travel with the India-A squad, while reports of seasoned all-rounder Shardul Thakur making the cut in the senior team are doing the rounds. "The players who get free from the IPL during the league stage are likely to leave with coach Gambhir on June 6. The rest will leave after a short break post the IPL 2025 commitments," a senior BCCI official, as quoted by the Times of India (TOI). IPL-playoffs-bound players to leave later With no Rohit and Kohli around, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (should LSG reach IPL 2025 playoffs), and Jasprit Bumrah would travel in the next batch, whose departure date remains undisclosed. Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings captain, is also tipped to make his return to the Test side, replacing Kohli at number, and would also be on that flight to the UK should the selectors pick him. Another name highly anticipated to get picked for the England Tests is Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan, second on the list of most runs scored thus far this season (509 runs in 11 contested matches). Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals), Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (SunRisers Hyderabad) could be part of the first batch to leave for the UK since their respective IPL teams are out of the IPL 2025 Playoffs race.

ENG vs IND 2025: Gautam Gambhir to leave with first batch on June 6; IPL-playoffs-bound players to arrive later

Star Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis has ditched the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/psl-2025" rel="dofollow">Pakistan Super League (PSL)</a> for his maiden IPL stint, replacing Gujarat Titans&rsquo; Jos Buttler for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> Playoffs. England selectors named Buttler in the ODI squad for the home series against West Indies, which begins May 29 - the same day when the playoffs get underway, making him unavailable for the knockout games this season.
Last Friday (May 9), the BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan; likewise, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also suspended PSL 2025, later trying to stage it outside the country, but failed.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-romario-shepherd-and-liam-livingstone-rejoin-rcb-squad-no-clarity-on-foreign-pace-duo-josh-hazlewood-ecb-wtc-final-9070082" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone rejoin RCB squad; no clarity on foreign pace duo</a>
Mendis was playing in the competition for Quetta Gladiators until last week but decided against returning (when PSL 2025 resumes on May 17) due to perceived safety concerns. Instead, he opted to accept GT&rsquo;s offer to play as a replacement for one of their top scorers this season, Buttler, in the IPL 2025 Playoffs.&nbsp;
For the record, Mendis never featured in the cash-rich league before, making it his debut season should he get a game.&nbsp;
<h2>Time to unleash Mendis</h2>
Although Gujarat Titans have two wicketkeeping options in their squads, Anuj Rawat and Kumar Khushagra, Mendis&rsquo; form could force them to replace an overseas top-order batter with another. Meanwhile, Mendis scored 143 runs in five contested PSL matches this season, striking at 168.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-playoffs-cricket-south-africa-does-u-turn-on-their-players-availability-wtc-final-2025-prep-to-begin-in-june-9070906" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025 Playoffs: Cricket South Africa does U-Turn on their players&rsquo; availability; WTC Final prep to begin in June</a>
Meanwhile, GT sits in the top position on the points table with joint-most points alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points), but with a better NRR. In 11 contested matches thus far, Gujarat has won eight and lost three. For GT to seal their IPL 2025 Playoffs spot, they must win at least one of the three remaining games.&nbsp;
In the revised IPL 2025 schedule, Gujarat will face Delhi Capitals in an away clash on Sunday (May 18) before hosting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 22 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) three days later on May 25.&nbsp;
Buttler, alongside those picked in the ODI squad for the WI series, shall leave the tournament midway (on May 25). The T20 veteran is also among the top run-getters this season, hitting 500 runs in 11 outings, including five fifties.&nbsp;

Mendis was playing in the competition for Quetta Gladiators until last week but decided against returning due to perceived safety concerns. Sports, Cricket

Star Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis has ditched the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for his maiden IPL stint, replacing Gujarat Titans’ Jos Buttler for the IPL 2025 Playoffs. England selectors named Buttler in the ODI squad for the home series against West Indies, which begins May 29 - the same day when the playoffs get underway, making him unavailable for the knockout games this season. Last Friday (May 9), the BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan; likewise, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also suspended PSL 2025, later trying to stage it outside the country, but failed. Also read | IPL 2025: Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone rejoin RCB squad; no clarity on foreign pace duo Mendis was playing in the competition for Quetta Gladiators until last week but decided against returning (when PSL 2025 resumes on May 17) due to perceived safety concerns. Instead, he opted to accept GT’s offer to play as a replacement for one of their top scorers this season, Buttler, in the IPL 2025 Playoffs. For the record, Mendis never featured in the cash-rich league before, making it his debut season should he get a game. Time to unleash Mendis Although Gujarat Titans have two wicketkeeping options in their squads, Anuj Rawat and Kumar Khushagra, Mendis’ form could force them to replace an overseas top-order batter with another. Meanwhile, Mendis scored 143 runs in five contested PSL matches this season, striking at 168. Also read | IPL 2025 Playoffs: Cricket South Africa does U-Turn on their players’ availability; WTC Final prep to begin in June Meanwhile, GT sits in the top position on the points table with joint-most points alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points), but with a better NRR. In 11 contested matches thus far, Gujarat has won eight and lost three. For GT to seal their IPL 2025 Playoffs spot, they must win at least one of the three remaining games. In the revised IPL 2025 schedule, Gujarat will face Delhi Capitals in an away clash on Sunday (May 18) before hosting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 22 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) three days later on May 25. Buttler, alongside those picked in the ODI squad for the WI series, shall leave the tournament midway (on May 25). The T20 veteran is also among the top run-getters this season, hitting 500 runs in 11 outings, including five fifties.

Sri Lanka’s Mendis ditches PSL for maiden IPL stint; replaces Butter at GT for playoffs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have continued their miraculous recovery in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season as they now sit on the brink of Playoff qualification. Dead and buried at the mid-way point of the IPL 2024 season, the three-time runners-up are now standing one home win away from Playoff qualification while needing several set of results&nbsp;going their way. So here are all the scenarios explained for RCB to reach the Playoffs of the IPL 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>RCB playoff qualification scenario</h2>

After losing seven of their first eight IPL 2024 matches, RCB are now on a run of five consecutive wins&nbsp;which&nbsp;has unexpectedly seen them keep their hopes alive of Playoff qualification.&nbsp;Now&nbsp;with&nbsp;one match to go, RCB has a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;simple task on Saturday (May 18) to seal a Playoff berth. Virat and Co should win their match by 18 or more runs (if they bat first) or within 18.1 overs (if they bat second). Also, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) should not beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by more than 100 runs, which will see the fourth spot decided on Net Run Rate (NRR).&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>RCB beat CSK by 18 runs or within 18.1 overs</li>
	<li>LSG should not beat Mumbai Indians by 100 runs or more</li>
</ul>

In case RCB win their match by 18 runs or within 18.1 overs, both Delhi Capitals and CSK&nbsp;are eliminated&nbsp;while&nbsp;Sunrisers Hyderabad will qualify with a sole win in their remaining two&nbsp;matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/the-foundations-are-fairly-fragile-ange-postecoglou-slams-tottenham-fans-after-man-city-pick-decisive-win-721617">'The foundations are fairly fragile': Ange Postecoglou slams Tottenham fans after Man City pick decisive win</a>

<h2>Can RCB and CSK both qualify for the Playoffs?</h2>

Yes,&nbsp;if RCB beat CSK by 18 runs or within 18.1 overs, RCB will finish above CSK and reach the Playoffs.&nbsp;On the other side, if both LSG and SRH fail to win their matches, CSK will join RCB in the last four despite defeat&nbsp;depending&nbsp;on the NRR.&nbsp;

However, a defeat for RCB will see their Playoff hopes shattered and&nbsp;will&nbsp;have to return empty-handed despite a resolute show in the second half of the campaign.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have continued their miraculous recovery in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season as they now sit on the brink of Playoff qualification.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have continued their miraculous recovery in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season as they now sit on the brink of Playoff qualification. Dead and buried at the mid-way point of the IPL 2024 season, the three-time runners-up are now standing one home win away from Playoff qualification while needing several set of results going their way. So here are all the scenarios explained for RCB to reach the Playoffs of the IPL 2024. RCB playoff qualification scenario After losing seven of their first eight IPL 2024 matches, RCB are now on a run of five consecutive wins which has unexpectedly seen them keep their hopes alive of Playoff qualification. Now with one match to go, RCB has a fairly simple task on Saturday (May 18) to seal a Playoff berth. Virat and Co should win their match by 18 or more runs (if they bat first) or within 18.1 overs (if they bat second). Also, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) should not beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by more than 100 runs, which will see the fourth spot decided on Net Run Rate (NRR). RCB beat CSK by 18 runs or within 18.1 overs LSG should not beat Mumbai Indians by 100 runs or more In case RCB win their match by 18 runs or within 18.1 overs, both Delhi Capitals and CSK are eliminated while Sunrisers Hyderabad will qualify with a sole win in their remaining two matches. ALSO READ | 'The foundations are fairly fragile': Ange Postecoglou slams Tottenham fans after Man City pick decisive win Can RCB and CSK both qualify for the Playoffs? Yes, if RCB beat CSK by 18 runs or within 18.1 overs, RCB will finish above CSK and reach the Playoffs. On the other side, if both LSG and SRH fail to win their matches, CSK will join RCB in the last four despite defeat depending on the NRR. However, a defeat for RCB will see their Playoff hopes shattered and will have to return empty-handed despite a resolute show in the second half of the campaign.

RCB playoff qualification scenario: What Virat and Co need to do against CSK? All details explained

Western Conference top seeds St. Louis City suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at home to Midwest rivals Sporting Kansas City in the opening game of their best-of-three series in the MLS playoffs on Sunday. Expansion club St. Louis defied all expectations in their debut season but came crashing down to earth in game one of their first-round series.

Logan Ndenbe fired Kansas City ahead with a thundering left-foot drive in the 27th minute but the lead lasted just a minute as St. Louis defender Tim Parker levelled from close range after a corner. But Sporting, a wildcard qualifier, continued to attack with purpose and restored their advantage through French midfielder Remi Walker, who drilled home a low shot from the edge of the box.

Three minutes later it was 3-1 for the visitors with Ethiopian-born Israeli international Gadi Kinda scoring a wonderful solo strike, bursting towards the box before unleashing an unstoppable blast from 25 yards. Any hope St. Louis had of turning the game around ended in the 61st minute when Hungarian Daniel Salloi stole in at the back post to turn in the fourth.

The teams meet again in game two on November 5 in Kansas City. Argentine Alvaro Barreal scored twice as FC Cincinnati, the overall top seed, made a convincing start to their post-season push with a 3-0 win over New York Red Bulls in game one on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Barreal, one of a number of talented South Americans now plying their trade in MLS, opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the 23rd minute, running onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Junior Moreno and finding the bottom corner.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-nfl-dallas-cowboys-rally-late-for-41-35-impressive-win-over-seattle-seahawks-664979">NFL: Dallas Cowboys rally late for 41-35 impressive win over Seattle Seahawks</a>

Another Argentine, Luciano Acosta, doubled the lead for Cincinnati in the 35th minute when a poor back-header from Red Bulls defender Andres Reyes forced goalkeeper Carlos Coronel to rush out of the box to clear. But the ball fell to playmaker Acosta, who, spotting the 'keeper off his line, beat him with a lofted chip from over 30 yards out. New York pushed hard in search of a way back into the game but the match was put beyond them by Arreal in the 89th minute.

Acosta fed his compatriot with a chip into the box and Arreal's deft first touch set up his own volley, which flew past Coronel. The pair will face off again in New York on Saturday.

<h2>Dynamo edge RSL&nbsp;</h2>

Amine Bassi struck a 79th-minute winner as the Houston Dynamo beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 in their first match. French-born midfielder Bassi pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home after Griffin Dorsey's low effort had been pushed out by Zac MacMath.

Houston, the fourth seed in the Western Conference, dominated fifth-seeded RSL from the outset, pinning their opponent back in the opening stages. The Dynamo grabbed the lead in the 22nd minute through Mexico international Hector Herrera, who collected a cushioned header from Adelberto Carrasquilla and fired home from the edge of the box.

The goal forced RSL into a more positive approach and Costa Rican wing-back Bryan Oviedo went close with a shot that was cleared off the line by Houston's Brazilian defender Micael. Diego Luna curled a shot wide for the visitors just before the break and that was a sign of things to come from Salt Lake.

It was a superb counter-attack 10 minutes after the interval that brought RSL level, with Andres Gomez driving from deep in his own half before squaring to Luca, who fired home. But Houston, the US Open Cup winners, responded strongly and former Nancy midfielder Bassi's decisive strike gave the Dynamo the series advantage ahead of their November 6 meeting in Salt Lake.

"A playoff win –- it's hard to get 'em, believe me," Houston coach Ben Olsen said."You see why because you're going against opponents now that are cagey, experienced, you're going against a coach that has been in these situations many times and has had success. These are what playoff games look like."

The first round continues on Monday with Orlando City hosting Nashville in the East while in the West the Seattle Sounders face Dallas.

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Western Conference top seeds St. Louis City suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at home to Midwest rivals Sporting Kansas City in the opening game of their best-of-three series in the MLS playoffs on Sunday.

Western Conference top seeds St. Louis City suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at home to Midwest rivals Sporting Kansas City in the opening game of their best-of-three series in the MLS playoffs on Sunday. Expansion club St. Louis defied all expectations in their debut season but came crashing down to earth in game one of their first-round series. Logan Ndenbe fired Kansas City ahead with a thundering left-foot drive in the 27th minute but the lead lasted just a minute as St. Louis defender Tim Parker levelled from close range after a corner. But Sporting, a wildcard qualifier, continued to attack with purpose and restored their advantage through French midfielder Remi Walker, who drilled home a low shot from the edge of the box. Three minutes later it was 3-1 for the visitors with Ethiopian-born Israeli international Gadi Kinda scoring a wonderful solo strike, bursting towards the box before unleashing an unstoppable blast from 25 yards. Any hope St. Louis had of turning the game around ended in the 61st minute when Hungarian Daniel Salloi stole in at the back post to turn in the fourth. The teams meet again in game two on November 5 in Kansas City. Argentine Alvaro Barreal scored twice as FC Cincinnati, the overall top seed, made a convincing start to their post-season push with a 3-0 win over New York Red Bulls in game one on Sunday. The 23-year-old Barreal, one of a number of talented South Americans now plying their trade in MLS, opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the 23rd minute, running onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Junior Moreno and finding the bottom corner. Also Read: NFL: Dallas Cowboys rally late for 41-35 impressive win over Seattle Seahawks Another Argentine, Luciano Acosta, doubled the lead for Cincinnati in the 35th minute when a poor back-header from Red Bulls defender Andres Reyes forced goalkeeper Carlos Coronel to rush out of the box to clear. But the ball fell to playmaker Acosta, who, spotting the 'keeper off his line, beat him with a lofted chip from over 30 yards out. New York pushed hard in search of a way back into the game but the match was put beyond them by Arreal in the 89th minute. Acosta fed his compatriot with a chip into the box and Arreal's deft first touch set up his own volley, which flew past Coronel. The pair will face off again in New York on Saturday. Dynamo edge RSL Amine Bassi struck a 79th-minute winner as the Houston Dynamo beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 in their first match. French-born midfielder Bassi pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home after Griffin Dorsey's low effort had been pushed out by Zac MacMath. Houston, the fourth seed in the Western Conference, dominated fifth-seeded RSL from the outset, pinning their opponent back in the opening stages. The Dynamo grabbed the lead in the 22nd minute through Mexico international Hector Herrera, who collected a cushioned header from Adelberto Carrasquilla and fired home from the edge of the box. The goal forced RSL into a more positive approach and Costa Rican wing-back Bryan Oviedo went close with a shot that was cleared off the line by Houston's Brazilian defender Micael. Diego Luna curled a shot wide for the visitors just before the break and that was a sign of things to come from Salt Lake. It was a superb counter-attack 10 minutes after the interval that brought RSL level, with Andres Gomez driving from deep in his own half before squaring to Luca, who fired home. But Houston, the US Open Cup winners, responded strongly and former Nancy midfielder Bassi's decisive strike gave the Dynamo the series advantage ahead of their November 6 meeting in Salt Lake. "A playoff win –- it's hard to get 'em, believe me," Houston coach Ben Olsen said."You see why because you're going against opponents now that are cagey, experienced, you're going against a coach that has been in these situations many times and has had success. These are what playoff games look like." The first round continues on Monday with Orlando City hosting Nashville in the East while in the West the Seattle Sounders face Dallas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kansas City defeat St. Louis City at home in opening game of MLS playoffs

The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition has become a big hit. It has gained mileage as it proceeds towards the business end of the tournament. So far, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been on a roll, very much like their men's counterpart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and remain at the top of the points table with as many as five wins on the trot.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (March 14), MI defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 55 runs to confirm&nbsp;a spot in the playoffs. Thus, they became the first side to do so in WPL history. Apart from them, Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals (DC) have also performed well with four wins from five games. UP Warriorz Women (UPW) have two victories and an equal number of losses whereas GG have managed only a solitary triumph from five encounters. Nonetheless, the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remain at the bottom and are the only winless side.

After five games, Mandhana &amp; Co. have failed to get off the mark in the points table. To add to their woes, they have suffered&nbsp;big defeats in as many as four fixtures. Thus, their Net Run Rate (NRR) is also a dismal&nbsp;-2.109. Given their current form, they are very much likely to miss the playoffs race but are not out of contention just yet. RCB remain alive mathematically but need a quick turnaround to progress ahead.

WPL 2023 Updated Points Table after MI vs GG clash on March 14 -

<img alt="WPL 2023 Updates Points Table" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef82ed1b-e677-43a3-a233-656768b220b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WPL%20PT.jpg" />

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2023-points-table-check-updated-points-table-and-live-streaming-details-for-womens-premier-league-2023-571863">WPL 2023 Points Table: Check updated points table and live streaming details for Women's Premier League 2023</a>

EXPLAINED: How RCB can still end up in the top 3

To the surprise of many, RCB still has a slim chance. While they cannot finish in the top two, they still have a chance to enter the knockouts as the third-best side.&nbsp;

Mandhana &amp; Co. need to topple their opposition&nbsp;in their remaining&nbsp;three games. Not only this, but RCB also need some favour from other teams. The Bengaluru franchise needs to hope&nbsp;UPW lose all of its remaining games. In addition, they need to pray that GG does not&nbsp;emerge on top in more than one&nbsp;game solely&nbsp;due to RCB's poor NRR.

As of now, it looks highly likely that MI and DC will end at the top two with UPW holding onto the third spot. However, anything can still happen if RCB and GG come to the party. It is to be noted that the team who finishes at the top will directly enter the final. Meanwhile, an Eliminator will be held between the second-ranked and third-positioned sides.

RCB's last outing and the road ahead

RCB face UPW in their next outing, on Wednesday evening (March 15) at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The last time both sides faced each other saw the UP franchise demolish RCB by ten wickets. Mandhana &amp; Co. batted first and only managed 138 all-out, which was chased down by UP with ten wickets and seven overs in hand.

RCB go into this match after a last-over loss&nbsp;versus the DC unit, on Monday (March 13), where the latter won by&nbsp;six wickets while chasing 151.

A confident DC unit won the toss and opted to bowl first at the&nbsp;Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Mandhana fell early for RCB as her poor form continued. She has only managed scores of 35, 23, 18, 4, and 8 so far in the five-team competition. Ellyse Perry's 67 and Richa Ghosh's 16-ball 37 not out propelled the team to 150 for 4. However, it was just a par score.

Meanwhile, DC&nbsp;were&nbsp;made to work hard in their run-chase. Alice Capsey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen (15-ball 29 not out) stood tall to take their side home. Jonassen returned as the Player-of-the-Match for her rapid knock and whereas her teammate Shikha Pandey (3 for 239) also played a vital role in the victory.

At the post-match presentation, Smriti said, "Really good effort by our bowlers to take it till the 20th over. Definitely a lot of improvements but a lot of things to work on still. The partnership got us into the game, they both batted brilliantly. They used their experience to get us to a defendable total. Not the best of the starts, including my batting. The first 14 overs really hurt us, even 10-15 runs more would have helped. Towards the fag-end of the tournament, the wickets are going to get slower. Even in the last game, spinners got the ball to turn and pace-off and slower balls were working."

After the game versus UPW, RCB will face two more games to play; against GG and MI respectively.

Will Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and the likes fire on all cylinders with time running for RCB? Only time will tell...

Complete RCB squad for WPL 2023

Smriti Mandhana 
Sophie Devine&nbsp; 
Ellyse Perry 
Renuka Singh&nbsp; 
Richa Ghosh&nbsp; 
Erin Burns 
Asha Shobhana&nbsp; 
Heather Knight&nbsp; 
Heather Knight&nbsp; 
Dane van Niekerk 
Preeti Bose,&nbsp; 
Poonam Khemnar 
Komal Janjad 
Megan Schutt 
Sahana Pawar 
Disha Kasat&nbsp; 
Indrani Roy 
Shreyanka Patil&nbsp; 
Kanika Ahuja&nbsp;

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The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition has become a big hit. It has gained mileage as it proceeds towards the business end of the tournament. So far, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been on a roll, very much like their men's counterpart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and remain at the top of the points table with as many as five wins on the trot.

The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition has become a big hit. It has gained mileage as it proceeds towards the business end of the tournament. So far, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been on a roll, very much like their men's counterpart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and remain at the top of the points table with as many as five wins on the trot. On Tuesday (March 14), MI defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 55 runs to confirm a spot in the playoffs. Thus, they became the first side to do so in WPL history. Apart from them, Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals (DC) have also performed well with four wins from five games. UP Warriorz Women (UPW) have two victories and an equal number of losses whereas GG have managed only a solitary triumph from five encounters. Nonetheless, the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remain at the bottom and are the only winless side. After five games, Mandhana & Co. have failed to get off the mark in the points table. To add to their woes, they have suffered big defeats in as many as four fixtures. Thus, their Net Run Rate (NRR) is also a dismal -2.109. Given their current form, they are very much likely to miss the playoffs race but are not out of contention just yet. RCB remain alive mathematically but need a quick turnaround to progress ahead. WPL 2023 Updated Points Table after MI vs GG clash on March 14 - Also read: WPL 2023 Points Table: Check updated points table and live streaming details for Women's Premier League 2023 EXPLAINED: How RCB can still end up in the top 3 To the surprise of many, RCB still has a slim chance. While they cannot finish in the top two, they still have a chance to enter the knockouts as the third-best side. Mandhana & Co. need to topple their opposition in their remaining three games. Not only this, but RCB also need some favour from other teams. The Bengaluru franchise needs to hope UPW lose all of its remaining games. In addition, they need to pray that GG does not emerge on top in more than one game solely due to RCB's poor NRR. As of now, it looks highly likely that MI and DC will end at the top two with UPW holding onto the third spot. However, anything can still happen if RCB and GG come to the party. It is to be noted that the team who finishes at the top will directly enter the final. Meanwhile, an Eliminator will be held between the second-ranked and third-positioned sides. RCB's last outing and the road ahead RCB face UPW in their next outing, on Wednesday evening (March 15) at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The last time both sides faced each other saw the UP franchise demolish RCB by ten wickets. Mandhana & Co. batted first and only managed 138 all-out, which was chased down by UP with ten wickets and seven overs in hand. RCB go into this match after a last-over loss versus the DC unit, on Monday (March 13), where the latter won by six wickets while chasing 151. A confident DC unit won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Mandhana fell early for RCB as her poor form continued. She has only managed scores of 35, 23, 18, 4, and 8 so far in the five-team competition. Ellyse Perry's 67 and Richa Ghosh's 16-ball 37 not out propelled the team to 150 for 4. However, it was just a par score. Meanwhile, DC were made to work hard in their run-chase. Alice Capsey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen (15-ball 29 not out) stood tall to take their side home. Jonassen returned as the Player-of-the-Match for her rapid knock and whereas her teammate Shikha Pandey (3 for 239) also played a vital role in the victory. At the post-match presentation, Smriti said, "Really good effort by our bowlers to take it till the 20th over. Definitely a lot of improvements but a lot of things to work on still. The partnership got us into the game, they both batted brilliantly. They used their experience to get us to a defendable total. Not the best of the starts, including my batting. The first 14 overs really hurt us, even 10-15 runs more would have helped. Towards the fag-end of the tournament, the wickets are going to get slower. Even in the last game, spinners got the ball to turn and pace-off and slower balls were working." After the game versus UPW, RCB will face two more games to play; against GG and MI respectively. Will Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and the likes fire on all cylinders with time running for RCB? Only time will tell... Complete RCB squad for WPL 2023 Smriti Mandhana Sophie Devine Ellyse Perry Renuka Singh Richa Ghosh Erin Burns Asha Shobhana Heather Knight Heather Knight Dane van Niekerk Preeti Bose, Poonam Khemnar Komal Janjad Megan Schutt Sahana Pawar Disha Kasat Indrani Roy Shreyanka Patil Kanika Ahuja ×

WPL 2023: EXPLAINED! How Smriti Mandhana's RCB can still qualify for playoffs after five successive defeats

The race for the IPL 2022 playoffs is getting intense and a bit complicated with each passing day and match. With 56 matches done and dusted in the league stage, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and&nbsp;Gujarat Titans (GT) hold the top-two spots, respectively, and one of them are set to book a slot in the playoffs on Tuesday evening (May 10).

While Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) -- both tied on 14 points -- also&nbsp;look set to be the other two teams to enter the playoffs, one can expect some more twists and turns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all tied on 10 points. On the other hand, defending champions and four-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are also somehow alive in the competition with 8 points from 11 games. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are the only team confirmed to be out of the race.

As there is total chaos in the mid-table, here's how KKR and CSK -- who have lesser chances compared to the other teams stranded in the middle -- can qualify for the playoffs:

KKR's scenario:

With 5 wins in 12 matches, Shreyas Iyer &amp; Co.&nbsp;have 10 points. They are set to play two more matches in the league stage. The franchise can earn two more victories, at the maximum, to take their overall points tally to 14.&nbsp;

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KKR's NRR&nbsp;is presently at -0.057. Since 4 teams are already of 14 points, the two-time winners need a miracle. They&nbsp;would hope for the above teams&nbsp;to lose all of their matches handsomely.&nbsp;Seems unlikely!

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-ipl-2022-points-table-after-kolkata-knight-riders-beat-mumbai-indans-by-52-runs-477706">Updated IPL 2022 points table after Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by 52 runs</a>

CSK's scenario:

The Dhoni-led Yellow Army's case isn't much different. While CSK need to win all of their remaining three matches to remain alive, their NRR is better (+0.028) --&nbsp;following the big victory over DC --&nbsp;and gives them a better chance in comparison to KKR to progress ahead.
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The race for the IPL 2022 playoffs is getting intense and a bit complicated with each passing day and match. With 56 matches done and dusted in the league stage, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) hold the top-two spots, respectively, and one of them are set to book a slot in the playoffs on Tuesday evening (May 10).

The race for the IPL 2022 playoffs is getting intense and a bit complicated with each passing day and match. With 56 matches done and dusted in the league stage, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) hold the top-two spots, respectively, and one of them are set to book a slot in the playoffs on Tuesday evening (May 10). While Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) -- both tied on 14 points -- also look set to be the other two teams to enter the playoffs, one can expect some more twists and turns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all tied on 10 points. On the other hand, defending champions and four-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are also somehow alive in the competition with 8 points from 11 games. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are the only team confirmed to be out of the race. As there is total chaos in the mid-table, here's how KKR and CSK -- who have lesser chances compared to the other teams stranded in the middle -- can qualify for the playoffs: KKR's scenario: With 5 wins in 12 matches, Shreyas Iyer & Co. have 10 points. They are set to play two more matches in the league stage. The franchise can earn two more victories, at the maximum, to take their overall points tally to 14. KKR's NRR is presently at -0.057. Since 4 teams are already of 14 points, the two-time winners need a miracle. They would hope for the above teams to lose all of their matches handsomely. Seems unlikely! ALSO READ | Updated IPL 2022 points table after Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by 52 runs CSK's scenario: The Dhoni-led Yellow Army's case isn't much different. While CSK need to win all of their remaining three matches to remain alive, their NRR is better (+0.028) -- following the big victory over DC -- and gives them a better chance in comparison to KKR to progress ahead.

IPL 2022: EXPLAINED! How MS Dhoni's CSK and KKR can still qualify for the playoffs

BCCI has announced the schedule and venue details for the on-going Indian Premier League playoffs. According to the board, the playoffs (including IPL 2020 Finals) will be played from November 5 to November 10.&nbsp;

These matches will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The league final will be played on November 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;

The first qualifier (match between the top two teams in the points table) will be played on November 5 in Dubai. It will be followed by the Eliminator (played between teams sitting on third and fourth position in points table) on November 6 in Abu Dhabi. Second qualifier (winner of Eliminator and losing team of the first qualifier) will be played on November 8 in Abu Dhabi. &nbsp;

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BCCI has also confirmed the dates for the &nbsp;Women’s T20 Challenge 2020. These matches will be played from November 4 to November 9. All the matches will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;

BCCI has announced the schedule and venue details for the on-going Indian Premier League playoffs. According to the board, the playoffs (including IPL 2020 Finals) will be played from November 5 to November 10.

BCCI has announced the schedule and venue details for the on-going Indian Premier League playoffs. According to the board, the playoffs (including IPL 2020 Finals) will be played from November 5 to November 10. These matches will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The league final will be played on November 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The first qualifier (match between the top two teams in the points table) will be played on November 5 in Dubai. It will be followed by the Eliminator (played between teams sitting on third and fourth position in points table) on November 6 in Abu Dhabi. Second qualifier (winner of Eliminator and losing team of the first qualifier) will be played on November 8 in Abu Dhabi. BCCI has also confirmed the dates for the Women’s T20 Challenge 2020. These matches will be played from November 4 to November 9. All the matches will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

IPL 2020: BCCI announces schedule, timings, and venue for playoffs

Delhi's fortune changed in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the team managing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2012.&nbsp;

On April 28, the Shreyas Iyer-led team registered a comprehensive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-delhi-storm-into-playoffs-after-defeating-bangalore-by-16-runs-214176">16-run victory over Virat Kohli's Bangalore</a> at the Feroz Shah Kotla, to seal their place in the playoffs.&nbsp;

With nine victories from 14 games, Delhi sit at the second place on the points table and are the top contenders to lift the IPL trophy for the first time

However, the team's advisor and mentor Sourav Ganguly feels that the journey for Delhi is still very long and the team has to work really hard to reach the finals. 
&nbsp; 
When asked how confident he is of Delhi winning the tournament, Ganguly in an exclusive to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">wionews.com</a> said, "it's too early to say".&nbsp;

"It's too early to say anything. We have reached the knockout stage but still, the team has to work hard and play really well to reach the finals and win the tournament".

While some fanatic fans credit the change in name from Daredevils to Capitals the reason behind the team's brilliant performance, cricket experts feel it is the strategies of mentors Sourav Ganguly and head coach Ricky Ponting that did wonders for the team. &nbsp;

Talking about the tournament, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-delhi-register-5-wicket-victory-over-rajasthan-215951">Delhi chased down a target of 116 runs to defeat Rajasthan</a> by five wickets and tie on points with Chennai, who are sitting at the top of the table with 18 points.&nbsp;

With Kagiso Rabadda flying back home, it was left to the other Delhi Capitals bowlers to take charge. Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra bowled their hearts out to frustrate Rajasthan, who opted to bat first.

In batting, Rishabh Pant, who was not included in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-and-dinesh-karthik-in-rishabh-pant-out-as-indias-icc-world-cup-squad-announced-210575">India's 15-man squad for 2019 World Cup</a>, smashed a brilliant half-century to take his side to victory.

Pant remained unbeaten for 53 runs which came in 38 balls and included two boundaries and five huge sixes. &nbsp;

Delhi's fortune changed in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the team managing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2012. On April 28, the Shreyas Iyer-led team registered a comprehensive 16-run victory over Virat Kohli's Bangalore at the Feroz Shah Kotla, to seal their place in the playoffs.

Delhi's fortune changed in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the team managing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2012. On April 28, the Shreyas Iyer-led team registered a comprehensive 16-run victory over Virat Kohli's Bangalore at the Feroz Shah Kotla, to seal their place in the playoffs. With nine victories from 14 games, Delhi sit at the second place on the points table and are the top contenders to lift the IPL trophy for the first time However, the team's advisor and mentor Sourav Ganguly feels that the journey for Delhi is still very long and the team has to work really hard to reach the finals. When asked how confident he is of Delhi winning the tournament, Ganguly in an exclusive to wionews.com said, "it's too early to say". "It's too early to say anything. We have reached the knockout stage but still, the team has to work hard and play really well to reach the finals and win the tournament". While some fanatic fans credit the change in name from Daredevils to Capitals the reason behind the team's brilliant performance, cricket experts feel it is the strategies of mentors Sourav Ganguly and head coach Ricky Ponting that did wonders for the team. Talking about the tournament, Delhi chased down a target of 116 runs to defeat Rajasthan by five wickets and tie on points with Chennai, who are sitting at the top of the table with 18 points. With Kagiso Rabadda flying back home, it was left to the other Delhi Capitals bowlers to take charge. Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra bowled their hearts out to frustrate Rajasthan, who opted to bat first. In batting, Rishabh Pant, who was not included in India's 15-man squad for 2019 World Cup, smashed a brilliant half-century to take his side to victory. Pant remained unbeaten for 53 runs which came in 38 balls and included two boundaries and five huge sixes.

Exclusive: Sourav Ganguly on Delhi's chances of lifting IPL 2019 trophy

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