<p>Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League's inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shane Warne, not as a player but as a mentor.</p>

<p>On his return, he said, "I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey."</p>

<p>In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life.</p>

<p>Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram.</p>

<p>If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions but after the recent ball-tampering controversy, Steve Smith has been ruled out from the upcoming edition of IPL.</p>

<p>The incident happened in the third Test match of a four-match series between Australia and South Africa.</p>

<p>With Smith's ouster, the backbone of the batting order has been shattered.</p>

<p><strong>The one-year ban is given to Steve Smith, watch the video here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sFIY-4SBt54" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<p>Royals had used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane.</p>

<p>During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players.</p>

<p>They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England's all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr.</p>

<p>Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour.</p>

<p>Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D'Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

<p>Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan and there is a depth of batting in the line up in the form of&nbsp;Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler.</p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and might&nbsp;provide a winning essence to the team.</p>

<p>Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent.</p>

<p><strong>Meet&nbsp;Jofra Archer </strong><strong>the secret</strong><strong> weapon of Rajasthan Royals:</strong></p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/khEm6SJHjs8" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<p>All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is balanced in terms of variety but the batting order has been smashed to smithereens if top order misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Ben Stokes (12.5 cr), Ajinkya Rahane (4 cr), Stuart Binny (50 L), Sanju Samson (8 cr), Jos Buttler (4.4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (3.4 cr), D'Arcy Short (4 cr), Jofra Archer (7.2 cr), K Gowtham (6.2 cr), Dhawal Kulkarni (75 L), Jaydev Unadkat (11.5 cr), Ankit Sharma (20 L), Anureet Singh (30 L), Zahir Khan Pakteen (60 L), Shreyas Gopal (20 L), MS Midhun (20 L), Prashant Chopra (20 L), Ben Laughlin (50 L), Mahipal Lomror (20 L), Aryaman Birla (30 L), Jatin Saxena (20 L), Dushmantha Chameera (50 L)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Steve Smith's exit from the IPL 2018 is a big blow to the Rajasthan Royals, if top batting order misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced

Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League's inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shane Warne, not as a player but as a mentor. On his return, he said, "I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey." In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life. Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram. If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions but after the recent ball-tampering controversy, Steve Smith has been ruled out from the upcoming edition of IPL. The incident happened in the third Test match of a four-match series between Australia and South Africa. With Smith's ouster, the backbone of the batting order has been shattered. The one-year ban is given to Steve Smith, watch the video here: × Royals had used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane. During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England's all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr. Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan. They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour. Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D'Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat. Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan and there is a depth of batting in the line up in the form of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler. Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and might provide a winning essence to the team. Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent. Meet Jofra Archer the secret weapon of Rajasthan Royals: × All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is balanced in terms of variety but the batting order has been smashed to smithereens if top order misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced. Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals: Purchased: Ben Stokes (12.5 cr), Ajinkya Rahane (4 cr), Stuart Binny (50 L), Sanju Samson (8 cr), Jos Buttler (4.4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (3.4 cr), D'Arcy Short (4 cr), Jofra Archer (7.2 cr), K Gowtham (6.2 cr), Dhawal Kulkarni (75 L), Jaydev Unadkat (11.5 cr), Ankit Sharma (20 L), Anureet Singh (30 L), Zahir Khan Pakteen (60 L), Shreyas Gopal (20 L), MS Midhun (20 L), Prashant Chopra (20 L), Ben Laughlin (50 L), Mahipal Lomror (20 L), Aryaman Birla (30 L), Jatin Saxena (20 L), Dushmantha Chameera (50 L)

IPL squad analysis: Rajasthan Royals lack batting strength after Steve Smith's ouster

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India has removed Steve Smith and David Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League and said that the franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements.</p>

<p>In the recent media interaction, IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla, said, "The franchises will get replacements for the players as they (David Warner and Steve Smith) will not be allowed to play this year." In an official statement, BCCI said it had decided to ban Smith and Warner with immediate effect from participation in IPL 2018.</p>

<p>"The BCCI hopes that the cricketers participating in the IPL hold the highest regard for the spirit of Cricket and code of conduct for players and match officials," the statement said.</p>

<p>"The concerned IPL franchises will be allowed replacement players," it said. Earlier, both the players David Warner and Steve Smith had stepped down from the captainship of their respective IPL teams, as both were retained by their franchises and were supposed to lead the team.</p>

<p>Also, One-year bans have been handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.</p>

<p>Cameron Bancroft, the reports added, will be handed a nine-month ban.</p>

<p>On Tuesday Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised for the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.</p>


The franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements: Rajiv Shukla

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has removed Steve Smith and David Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League and said that the franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements. In the recent media interaction, IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla, said, "The franchises will get replacements for the players as they (David Warner and Steve Smith) will not be allowed to play this year." In an official statement, BCCI said it had decided to ban Smith and Warner with immediate effect from participation in IPL 2018. "The BCCI hopes that the cricketers participating in the IPL hold the highest regard for the spirit of Cricket and code of conduct for players and match officials," the statement said. "The concerned IPL franchises will be allowed replacement players," it said. Earlier, both the players David Warner and Steve Smith had stepped down from the captainship of their respective IPL teams, as both were retained by their franchises and were supposed to lead the team. Also, One-year bans have been handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Cameron Bancroft, the reports added, will be handed a nine-month ban. On Tuesday Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised for the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.

Now, BCCI snubs Smith, Warner over ball-tampering

<p>David Warner has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after the ball-tampering row which happened in the third test match of ongoing series between South Africa and Australia.</p>

<p>Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. Under Warner's captaincy, The Orange army has claimed the IPL trophy in 2016.</p>

<p>According to the statement released by the franchise, David Warner voluntarily quit the captaincy.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly.” – K.Shanmugam, CEO, SunRisers Hyderabad</p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/978878109876391936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>

<p>The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, K.Shanmugam said, "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly." The franchise is yet to name a replacement captain but the possible prospects for the captainship are Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson.</p>

<p>A few days back, Steve Smith also had stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2018 IPL season after his confession of altering the ball in order to change the condition.</p>

<p>"We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines," he further added.</p>

<p>"We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry, Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision.</p>

<p>Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry."</p>


Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League

David Warner has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after the ball-tampering row which happened in the third test match of ongoing series between South Africa and Australia. Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. Under Warner's captaincy, The Orange army has claimed the IPL trophy in 2016. According to the statement released by the franchise, David Warner voluntarily quit the captaincy. “In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly.” – K.Shanmugam, CEO, SunRisers Hyderabad — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 28, 2018 The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, K.Shanmugam said, "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly." The franchise is yet to name a replacement captain but the possible prospects for the captainship are Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson. A few days back, Steve Smith also had stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2018 IPL season after his confession of altering the ball in order to change the condition. "We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines," he further added. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry, Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry."

IPL 2018: David Warner steps down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after ball-tampering scandal

<p>Monu Kumar Singh, another cricket sensation from Mahi's hometown Ranchi, Jharkhand is ready to rock in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League as he was bought by the CSK in the 2018 IPL auction at his base price 20 lakh.</p>

<p>Monu made his T20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 3 January 2016 and before this he was part of India's squad for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.</p>

<p>In the 2017-18 National Twenty20 Championship, he finished among the top-10 wicket-takers.</p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban as they faced suspension for alleged spot-fixing.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Super Kings day out at the Chepauk! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a>?? <a href="https://t.co/IR0vwQOQS3">pic.twitter.com/IR0vwQOQS3</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977603811387691008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>CSK have definitely invested well to emerge as a righteousness contender to claim the trophy of IPL 2018.</p>

<p>On his debut in IPL, he said, "I’m excited to be picked up by CSK on my Indian Premier League debut, more so because Mahi bhaiya (MS Dhoni) is leading the side and he knows how to extract the best out of me... he knows my bowling."</p>

<p>"I got to learn a lot under Dhoni during that Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign," he further added.</p>

<p>"He advised me a lot on how to think as a bowler and where to bowl," he admired MS Dhoni's guidance.</p>

<p>"I work on planning a batsman out. I stick to the basics, I live on line and length," he concluded.&nbsp</p>

<p>The 11th edition of the IPL kicks off on April 7 with CSK taking on defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p><em>With inputs from&nbspwww.chennaisuperkings.com</em></p>


Monu made his T20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 3 January 2016 and before this he was part of India's squad for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup

Monu Kumar Singh, another cricket sensation from Mahi's hometown Ranchi, Jharkhand is ready to rock in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League as he was bought by the CSK in the 2018 IPL auction at his base price 20 lakh. Monu made his T20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 3 January 2016 and before this he was part of India's squad for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In the 2017-18 National Twenty20 Championship, he finished among the top-10 wicket-takers. Chennai Super Kings have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban as they faced suspension for alleged spot-fixing. Super Kings day out at the Chepauk! #Thala #WhistlePodu?? pic.twitter.com/IR0vwQOQS3 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 24, 2018 × CSK have definitely invested well to emerge as a righteousness contender to claim the trophy of IPL 2018. On his debut in IPL, he said, "I’m excited to be picked up by CSK on my Indian Premier League debut, more so because Mahi bhaiya (MS Dhoni) is leading the side and he knows how to extract the best out of me... he knows my bowling." "I got to learn a lot under Dhoni during that Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign," he further added. "He advised me a lot on how to think as a bowler and where to bowl," he admired MS Dhoni's guidance. "I work on planning a batsman out. I stick to the basics, I live on line and length," he concluded. The 11th edition of the IPL kicks off on April 7 with CSK taking on defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. With inputs from&nbspwww.chennaisuperkings.com

IPL 2018: Meet Jharkhand's Monu Kumar Singh set to play for Dhoni's CSK

<p>Former Australian skipper Steve Smith's participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be decided after Cricket Australia's report on the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's third Test against South Africa. Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Ajinkya Rahane has been announced his replacement for the XIth edition. "We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. Shukla added the board will not hesitate to take strict action against Smith. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines." Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry," Smith has been banned for one Test and fined 100 per cent match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after admitting that he orchestrated a plan to ball tamper. Following the scandal, Smith and David Warner both stepped down as Australia captain and vice-captain respectively. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, who are captained by Smith's compatriot Warner.</p>


Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith's participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be decided after Cricket Australia's report on the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's third Test against South Africa. Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Ajinkya Rahane has been announced his replacement for the XIth edition. "We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. Shukla added the board will not hesitate to take strict action against Smith. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines." Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry," Smith has been banned for one Test and fined 100 per cent match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after admitting that he orchestrated a plan to ball tamper. Following the scandal, Smith and David Warner both stepped down as Australia captain and vice-captain respectively. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, who are captained by Smith's compatriot Warner.

Smith's IPL future to be decided after Cricket Australia's report: Chairman Rajeev Shukla

<p>Days before the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts, Steve Smith stepped down as the captain for the upcoming league due to&nbspthe ball-tampering admission.&nbsp&nbsp</p>
<p>It is still&nbspnot clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not.&nbsp&nbsp</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rajasthan Royals appoint <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> as the captain for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a><br><br>“The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u">https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u</a> <a href="https://t.co/iy3sMVWlc1">pic.twitter.com/iy3sMVWlc1</a></p>&mdash Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/978207335674818560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26 March 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Meanwhile, in-form Ajinkya Rahane has been handed over the responsibility to lead the side, Royals informed.</p>
<p>Rajasthan, who are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension, took the decision after consulting their team mentor Shane Warne, who blasted Smith on Saturday when the ball-tampering row erupted.</p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r238nXackJw" width="560" class="includeVideo" style="height: 383.778px"></iframe></div>
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<p>"Very disappointed with the pictures I saw on our coverage here in Cape Town. If proven the alleged ball tampering is what we all think it is — then I hope Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann do the press conference to clean this mess up!" Warne had tweeted.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.</p>
<p>On Sunday, during a press conference, Smith admitted to ball tampering during the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.</p>
<p>Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.&nbsp<br>
&nbsp</p>

Rajasthan Royals are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension

Days before the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts, Steve Smith stepped down as the captain for the upcoming league due to&nbspthe ball-tampering admission. It is still&nbspnot clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not. Rajasthan Royals appoint @ajinkyarahane88 as the captain for #IPL2018 “The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Read more: https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u pic.twitter.com/iy3sMVWlc1 &mdash Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 26 March 2018 Meanwhile, in-form Ajinkya Rahane has been handed over the responsibility to lead the side, Royals informed. Rajasthan, who are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension, took the decision after consulting their team mentor Shane Warne, who blasted Smith on Saturday when the ball-tampering row erupted. × "Very disappointed with the pictures I saw on our coverage here in Cape Town. If proven the alleged ball tampering is what we all think it is — then I hope Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann do the press conference to clean this mess up!" Warne had tweeted. Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. On Sunday, during a press conference, Smith admitted to ball tampering during the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.

IPL 2018: Ajinkya Rahane to lead Rajasthan after Smith steps down as captain over ball-tampering admission

<p>The last ten years of Indian Premier League (IPL) has given us some amazing rags-to-riches stories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First played in 2008, the cash-rich tournament was never a welcome idea by many prominent cricketing personalities, but with every edition, the love for the league has only seen an upward scale.</p>

<p>As the XIth edition of the tournament is set to commence from April 7, here&#39;s another story of a passionate cricketer, who despite all odds managed to prove his skill and merit.</p>

<p>His name is Rinku Singh - son of an LPG cylinder delivery man.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-kkr-karthiks-knight-riders-36421" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR &mdash; &#39;Karthik&#39;s Knight Riders&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>The 20-year-old from Aligarh was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 80 lakh - four times his base price of Rs 20 lakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time Rinku has been picked by a franchise as he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs 10 lakh in 2017.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>The left-hander lives with his family of nine inside an LPG Company compound.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While one of his five brothers drives an auto-rickshaw, another works at a tuition centre. His 16-year-old brother Jeetu also plays cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about his cricketing career, Rinku has represented Uttar Pradesh in all three formats of the game since making his T20 debut during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has scored a total of 375 runs in 27 T20s at a strike rate of 133.45 and average of 19.73.</p>

<p>He shot to fame when he smashed 154 runs in a match at Agra, drawing early attention to his talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He reinforced his abilities in 2014 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he hit 206 and 154 runs in two matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He finally made it to the UP Ranji Trophy team in 2016 and recently played in Delhi.</p>

<p>The young player idols Suresh Raina and wants to emulate his inside-out shot.</p>

<p>Rinku next received a pair of gloves and bat gifted by Raina during their first interaction on the sidelines of his domestic debut.</p>

<p>Definitely, Rinku&#39;s journey to SRK&rsquo;s team is an achievement which will inspire many aspiring cricketers of his age.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The left-hander lives with his family of nine inside an LPG Company compound

The last ten years of Indian Premier League (IPL) has given us some amazing rags-to-riches stories. First played in 2008, the cash-rich tournament was never a welcome idea by many prominent cricketing personalities, but with every edition, the love for the league has only seen an upward scale. As the XIth edition of the tournament is set to commence from April 7, here's another story of a passionate cricketer, who despite all odds managed to prove his skill and merit. His name is Rinku Singh - son of an LPG cylinder delivery man. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders' The 20-year-old from Aligarh was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 80 lakh - four times his base price of Rs 20 lakh. This is not the first time Rinku has been picked by a franchise as he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs 10 lakh in 2017. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches The left-hander lives with his family of nine inside an LPG Company compound. While one of his five brothers drives an auto-rickshaw, another works at a tuition centre. His 16-year-old brother Jeetu also plays cricket. Talking about his cricketing career, Rinku has represented Uttar Pradesh in all three formats of the game since making his T20 debut during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament in 2014. He has scored a total of 375 runs in 27 T20s at a strike rate of 133.45 and average of 19.73. He shot to fame when he smashed 154 runs in a match at Agra, drawing early attention to his talent. He reinforced his abilities in 2014 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he hit 206 and 154 runs in two matches. He finally made it to the UP Ranji Trophy team in 2016 and recently played in Delhi. The young player idols Suresh Raina and wants to emulate his inside-out shot. Rinku next received a pair of gloves and bat gifted by Raina during their first interaction on the sidelines of his domestic debut. Definitely, Rinku's journey to SRK’s team is an achievement which will inspire many aspiring cricketers of his age.

IPL 2018: Meet Rinku Singh - A delivery man's son who is now KKR's 'Trump card'

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) and his Chennai Super Kings teammates are set to return to cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) after a gap of two years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the team worked hard to got back into the groove in training, the &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39; is also busy having loads of fun off the field.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-sweats-it-out-in-nets-ahead-of-ipl-2018-36831" target="_blank">Watch: MS Dhoni sweats it out in nets ahead of IPL 2018</a></strong></p>

<p>In a series of videos uploaded by CSK on their Instagram and Twitter account, the Dhoni-led team can be seen shooting for a promotional video of their team for the cash-rich league, which commences on April 7.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>The video, which stars MS Dhoni and other CSK players, shows the captain dancing and celebrating with his teammates.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai Super Happy Kings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrustTheLeader?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrustTheLeader</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMuthootGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@themuthootgroup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/OUZ7bM36VV">pic.twitter.com/OUZ7bM36VV</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977114327923773440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another clip has been uploaded in form of a boomerang video showing Harbhajan Singh performing bhangra while sitting in an auto.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgpwLSkl50h/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">So much #Yellove! ????????</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chennaiipl/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Chennai Super Kings</a> (@chennaiipl) on <time datetime="2018-03-23T04:31:27+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 22, 2018 at 9:31pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>The CSK club also posted several photos of the players preparing for the commercial shoot. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Start moojik! <a href="https://t.co/PjDfPqMDce">pic.twitter.com/PjDfPqMDce</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977094428077805568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That&#39;s how you do last minute revisions...total focus amidst chaos! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/sg4JY35AlS">pic.twitter.com/sg4JY35AlS</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977070719631634432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YelloAgain! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HomeSweetDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HomeSweetDen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/By77JGC8sH">pic.twitter.com/By77JGC8sH</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977044926839115776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoot day and what better than the Filter Kaapi to start it with! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/sT82vwVm4g">pic.twitter.com/sT82vwVm4g</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977036416495439872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The IPL 2018 opening match will see defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) take on two-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK).</p>

<p>Dhoni has been the skipper of CSK for all eight seasons and the team saw its stars turn up for training including Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and former Mumbai Indian Harbhajan Singh.</p>

<p>However, they will miss the services of another regular R Ashwin, who was not retained by the franchise.</p>

<p>Ashwin was brought by Kings XI Punjab at the IPL auctions in January and was also assigned the responsibility to lead the team in the upcoming edition.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The videos show the captain dancing and celebrating with his teammates

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) and his Chennai Super Kings teammates are set to return to cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) after a gap of two years. While the team worked hard to got back into the groove in training, the 'Yellow Brigade' is also busy having loads of fun off the field. Also read: Watch: MS Dhoni sweats it out in nets ahead of IPL 2018 In a series of videos uploaded by CSK on their Instagram and Twitter account, the Dhoni-led team can be seen shooting for a promotional video of their team for the cash-rich league, which commences on April 7. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches The video, which stars MS Dhoni and other CSK players, shows the captain dancing and celebrating with his teammates. Chennai Super Happy Kings #TrustTheLeader! @themuthootgroup #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/OUZ7bM36VV — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × Another clip has been uploaded in form of a boomerang video showing Harbhajan Singh performing bhangra while sitting in an auto. So much #Yellove! ???????? A post shared by Chennai Super Kings (@chennaiipl) on Mar 22, 2018 at 9:31pm PDT × The CSK club also posted several photos of the players preparing for the commercial shoot. Start moojik! pic.twitter.com/PjDfPqMDce — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × That's how you do last minute revisions...total focus amidst chaos! #Thala @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/sg4JY35AlS — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × YelloAgain! #HomeSweetDen #WhistlePodu ???????? pic.twitter.com/By77JGC8sH — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × Shoot day and what better than the Filter Kaapi to start it with! #WhistlePodu ???? pic.twitter.com/sT82vwVm4g — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × The IPL 2018 opening match will see defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) take on two-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni has been the skipper of CSK for all eight seasons and the team saw its stars turn up for training including Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and former Mumbai Indian Harbhajan Singh. However, they will miss the services of another regular R Ashwin, who was not retained by the franchise. Ashwin was brought by Kings XI Punjab at the IPL auctions in January and was also assigned the responsibility to lead the team in the upcoming edition.

Watch: MS Dhoni, his Yellow Brigade shake a leg 'off the field' ahead of IPL 2018

<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma seemed a bit upset with his Indian Premier League (IPL) club after it asked their fans on Twitter to be prepared to welcome new faces in the team for the upcoming edition.</p>

<p>The right-handed batsman, who is an active Twitter user, quickly responded, asking the club why they didn&rsquo;t inform him about this update.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>To avoid any further miscommunication, Mumbai Indians club pleaded their skipper to shift the conversation to private messages.</p>

<p>The club managed to take back their skipper into confidence as &nbsp;Rohit replied to the previous conversation saying, he is fine with these new faces and it&rsquo;s really cool.</p>

<p>Afterwards, Rohit initiated a friendly Twitter banter with MI club, wherein all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also trolled for his new hairstyle.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paltan, an exciting update is heading your way.<br />
<br />
Prepare yourself to welcome new faces in our team. Stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976752845994250240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What do you mean by new faces? Why don&rsquo;t you guys inform me?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976760435943858176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Skipper, let us discuss this on DM.</p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976764196028235777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&rsquo;ve checked my DMs. I am fine with these new faces and it&rsquo;s really cool. But where are my bullets? <a href="https://t.co/Dv783h8lzK">pic.twitter.com/Dv783h8lzK</a></p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976768797532151808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We got you covered skipper. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/scoGecT0Xg">pic.twitter.com/scoGecT0Xg</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976769382293454848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And what&rsquo;s wrong with <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a>&rsquo;S hair? Why is he on fire?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976772222181396481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/aKQNZgjSI0">pic.twitter.com/aKQNZgjSI0</a></p>
&mdash; hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/976773764410216449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a>, what about <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaspritBumrah93</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KieronPollard55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieronPollard55</a> and the rest of the boys?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976776072518864896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We just got an update that <a href="https://twitter.com/KieronPollard55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieronPollard55</a> is taking off for Mumbai. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YzQXePfVi">pic.twitter.com/0YzQXePfVi</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976779414972149760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later, it was revealed that Mumbai Indians released the cartoon images of all the players in the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit is seen standing with guns shooting bullets with both his hands, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya&rsquo;s hair has been set on fire. Pollard has been portrayed as a superman.</p>

<p>Rohit trolled Pandya after the new faces were revealed. He asked on Twitter, &ldquo;And what&rsquo;s wrong with @hardikpandya7&rsquo;S hair? Why is he on fire?&rdquo;</p>

<p>Pandya who is known for his colourful hairstyle, had a fitting reply to Rohit&rsquo;s tweets, &ldquo;I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan&rdquo;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The skipper took to Twitter to question the decision

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma seemed a bit upset with his Indian Premier League (IPL) club after it asked their fans on Twitter to be prepared to welcome new faces in the team for the upcoming edition. The right-handed batsman, who is an active Twitter user, quickly responded, asking the club why they didn’t inform him about this update. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches To avoid any further miscommunication, Mumbai Indians club pleaded their skipper to shift the conversation to private messages. The club managed to take back their skipper into confidence as Rohit replied to the previous conversation saying, he is fine with these new faces and it’s really cool. Afterwards, Rohit initiated a friendly Twitter banter with MI club, wherein all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also trolled for his new hairstyle. Paltan, an exciting update is heading your way. Prepare yourself to welcome new faces in our team. Stay tuned! #CricketMeriJaan — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × What do you mean by new faces? Why don’t you guys inform me? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × Skipper, let us discuss this on DM. — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × I’ve checked my DMs. I am fine with these new faces and it’s really cool. But where are my bullets? pic.twitter.com/Dv783h8lzK — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × We got you covered skipper. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/scoGecT0Xg — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × And what’s wrong with @hardikpandya7’S hair? Why is he on fire? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/aKQNZgjSI0 — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 22, 2018 × @mipaltan, what about @JaspritBumrah93, @KieronPollard55 and the rest of the boys? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × We just got an update that @KieronPollard55 is taking off for Mumbai. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/0YzQXePfVi — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × Later, it was revealed that Mumbai Indians released the cartoon images of all the players in the squad. Rohit is seen standing with guns shooting bullets with both his hands, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s hair has been set on fire. Pollard has been portrayed as a superman. Rohit trolled Pandya after the new faces were revealed. He asked on Twitter, “And what’s wrong with @hardikpandya7’S hair? Why is he on fire?” Pandya who is known for his colourful hairstyle, had a fitting reply to Rohit’s tweets, “I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan”

IPL 2018: Rohit Sharma annoyed as Mumbai Indians announce new faces

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn&#39;t want to leave any stone unturned to help his franchise win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the third time.</p>

<p>Chennai&#39;s favourite son, who will again be leading the side, on Thursday was seen sweating it out in the nets, days before the XIth edition of the cash rich-tournament kicks off on April 7.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>Dhoni was rested from India squad for the recently-concluded Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Get that ball back from the car parking please! - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HomeSweetDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HomeSweetDen</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/D7mCwp7Poe">pic.twitter.com/D7mCwp7Poe</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/976825462126194688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The former captain&#39;s performance was, however, under scanner during South Africa tour, where India clinched the T20 and ODI series.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How&#39;s that for a cool off drive?! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HomeSweetDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HomeSweetDen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/z85jVDHQwk">pic.twitter.com/z85jVDHQwk</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/976820578857508865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni has led CSK in all the eight seasons the club participated in. The team returns to the league after a gap of two years and the players as well as the fans are equally excited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joining Dhoni in their side&rsquo;s third title conquest are Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and Harbhajan Singh among others.</p>

<p>The 11th edition of begins with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p><strong>Team:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
MS Dhoni (15 cr)<br />
Suresh Raina (11 cr)<br />
Ravindra Jadeja (7 cr)<br />
<br />
<strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Faf du Plessis (1.5 cr), Harbhajan Singh (2 cr), Dwayne Bravo (6.4 cr), Shane Watson (4 cr), Kedar Jadhav (7.8 cr), Ambati Rayudu (2.2 cr), Imran Tahir (1 cr), Karn Sharma (5 cr), Shardul Thakur (2.6 Cr), Jagadeesan Narayan (20L), Mitchell Santner (50L), Deepak Chahar (80L), KM Asif (40L), Lungi Ngidi (50 L), Kanishk Seth (20L), Dhruv Shorey (20L), M Vijay (2 cr), Sam Billings (1 cr), Mark Wood (1.5 cr), Kshitiz Sharma (20 L), Monu Singh (20L), Chaitanya Bishnoi (20L)<br />
(WION Web Team)</p>


Dhoni was rested from India squad for the recently-concluded Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn't want to leave any stone unturned to help his franchise win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the third time. Chennai's favourite son, who will again be leading the side, on Thursday was seen sweating it out in the nets, days before the XIth edition of the cash rich-tournament kicks off on April 7. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches Dhoni was rested from India squad for the recently-concluded Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka. Get that ball back from the car parking please! - #Thala #HomeSweetDen ???????? pic.twitter.com/D7mCwp7Poe — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2018 × The former captain's performance was, however, under scanner during South Africa tour, where India clinched the T20 and ODI series. How's that for a cool off drive?! #Thala #HomeSweetDen #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/z85jVDHQwk — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2018 × Dhoni has led CSK in all the eight seasons the club participated in. The team returns to the league after a gap of two years and the players as well as the fans are equally excited. Joining Dhoni in their side’s third title conquest are Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and Harbhajan Singh among others. The 11th edition of begins with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium. Team: Retained: MS Dhoni (15 cr) Suresh Raina (11 cr) Ravindra Jadeja (7 cr) Purchased: Faf du Plessis (1.5 cr), Harbhajan Singh (2 cr), Dwayne Bravo (6.4 cr), Shane Watson (4 cr), Kedar Jadhav (7.8 cr), Ambati Rayudu (2.2 cr), Imran Tahir (1 cr), Karn Sharma (5 cr), Shardul Thakur (2.6 Cr), Jagadeesan Narayan (20L), Mitchell Santner (50L), Deepak Chahar (80L), KM Asif (40L), Lungi Ngidi (50 L), Kanishk Seth (20L), Dhruv Shorey (20L), M Vijay (2 cr), Sam Billings (1 cr), Mark Wood (1.5 cr), Kshitiz Sharma (20 L), Monu Singh (20L), Chaitanya Bishnoi (20L) (WION Web Team)

Watch: MS Dhoni sweats it out in nets ahead of IPL 2018

<p>Rajiv Shukla, the chairman of Indian Premier League has confirmed that,&nbsp;for the first time, Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in the upcoming edition of IPL.</p>

<p>&quot;Yes, this idea has been going around for many years,&quot; said Rajiv Shukla in Press Trust of India.</p>

<p>The eleventh edition of IPL will get underway from April 7 and the decision makes the IPL, the second T20 league in the world, after Pakistan Super League, to incorporate technology to reduce umpiring howlers.</p>

<p>In the upcoming IPL,&nbsp;each team will get one review per innings.</p>

<div style="background:#eee;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:5px 10px;"><strong>What is Decision Review System (DRS)?</strong><br />
The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS or DRS) is a technology-based system used in cricket to assist the match officials with their decision-making.</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In the upcoming IPL, each team will get one review per innings

Rajiv Shukla, the chairman of Indian Premier League has confirmed that, for the first time, Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in the upcoming edition of IPL. "Yes, this idea has been going around for many years," said Rajiv Shukla in Press Trust of India. The eleventh edition of IPL will get underway from April 7 and the decision makes the IPL, the second T20 league in the world, after Pakistan Super League, to incorporate technology to reduce umpiring howlers. In the upcoming IPL, each team will get one review per innings. What is Decision Review System (DRS)? The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS or DRS) is a technology-based system used in cricket to assist the match officials with their decision-making.

IPL to use Decision Review System, finally

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as CSK has marked its return after a two-year ban after facing suspension for alleged spot-fixing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the world&rsquo;s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already is around the corner, lets us relive some amazing moments that IPL has given the fans in the last 10 years.</p>

<p>When we talk about the &#39;amazing moments&#39; then the acrobatic and stunning catches cannot be snubbed.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-as-ipl-begins-heres-a-throwback-to-all-pulsating-themes-of-previous-seasons-36446">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s a look back at the league&#39;s previous themes</a></strong></p>

<p>IPL celebrates&nbsp;fielding talent by giving away the award of &#39;Perfect Catch of the Match&#39; award is given to the best catch, selected by the television commentators at the end of every match that includes Rs 1 lakh prize money, a trophy and a VIVO phone.</p>

<p>Also, a cheque of Rs 10 lakhs is awarded to the player who takes the best catch of the season.</p>

<p>In the previous season of IPL, there were many spectacular catches but Suresh Raina&nbsp;was awarded as the winner of IPL best catch of the season.</p>

<p><em>Watch here some spectacular catches in the history of IPL:&nbsp;</em></p>

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In the previous season of IPL, there were many spectacular catches but Suresh Raina was awarded as the winner of IPL best catch of the season

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as CSK has marked its return after a two-year ban after facing suspension for alleged spot-fixing. As the world’s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already is around the corner, lets us relive some amazing moments that IPL has given the fans in the last 10 years. When we talk about the 'amazing moments' then the acrobatic and stunning catches cannot be snubbed. IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes IPL celebrates fielding talent by giving away the award of 'Perfect Catch of the Match' award is given to the best catch, selected by the television commentators at the end of every match that includes Rs 1 lakh prize money, a trophy and a VIVO phone. Also, a cheque of Rs 10 lakhs is awarded to the player who takes the best catch of the season. In the previous season of IPL, there were many spectacular catches but Suresh Raina was awarded as the winner of IPL best catch of the season. Watch here some spectacular catches in the history of IPL: × ×

IPL 2018: Throwback to some acrobatic catches in history of IPL

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad, popularly known as &quot;The Orange Army,&quot; came into the existence in 2012 when they replaced former Hyderabad-based franchise Deccan Chargers after they were controversially terminated in the Indian Premier League.</p>

<p>The franchise is owned by Kalanithi Maran of&nbsp; Sun TV channel Network and has Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, as its home ground.</p>

<p>They have a glorious record when they made it to the playoffs in the first season and claimed the IPL trophy in 2016.</p>

<p>Hyderabad always believed in having a power-pack bowling but it has been compromising with its batting side.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>If we talk about this year&#39;s squad of Sunrisers Hyderabad, then again Hyderabad has decked-up talented bowlers as their &quot;trump cards&quot;, who will be guided by Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan as their bowling coach.</p>

<p>Hyderabad had retained Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for Rs 8.5 crore. The Indian pacer displayed his brilliance in India&#39;s recent tour to South Africa.</p>

<p>The spin department is quite strong as they the Orange Army has invested in Afghanistan&#39;s spin-star Rashid Khan who has a terrific record of 135 wickets in 91 T20s, averaging 15.14 at under 6 runs an over.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-kkr-karthiks-knight-riders-36421">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR &mdash; &#39;Karthik&#39;s Knight Riders&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>The in-form Ranji bowler Thangarasu Natarajan who played for Karnataka can also be a valuable wicket-taker. England bowler Chris Jordan might give a boost to the squad with his pace and swing.</p>

<p>Mehdi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh will provide variation in bowling, which is necessary for IPL that deals with injuries on regular basis due to a hectic schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to batting, the top order is very aggressive as they have power hitter Shikhar Dhawan and Captain David Warner.</p>

<p>Apart from that, they have New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who will provide stability at the crucial No-3 position.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-as-ipl-begins-heres-a-throwback-to-all-pulsating-themes-of-previous-seasons-36446">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s a look back at the league&#39;s previous themes</a></strong></p>

<p>The middle order is quite settled with Manish Pandey, Carlos Brathwaite, Wriddhiman Saha and the experienced Shakib-Al-Hasan.</p>

<p>Yusuf Pathan (IPL career batting strike rate of 145.49) will add value to the team with his destructive batting.</p>

<p>They have released some known players like Yuvraj Singh, Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben Laughlin, Moises Henriques.</p>

<p>The squad is well balanced and the bench is very strong but Hyderabad have invested quite a lot in Manish Pandey, in that place they could have opted for some another batsman.</p>

<p>Under the guidance of coach Tom Moody, VVS Laxman and leadership of David Warner, the Orange Army is a strong contender in IPL-XI.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the squad list of Sunrisers Hyderabad:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong></p>

<p>David Warner (12.5 cr)</p>

<p>Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong></p>

<p>Shikhar Dhawan (5.2 cr), Shakib Al Hasan (2 cr), Kane Williamson (3 cr), Manish Pandey (11 cr), Carlos Brathwaite (2 cr), Yusuf Pathan (1.9 cr), Wriddhiman Saha (5 cr), Rashid Khan (9 cr), Ricky Bhui (20 L), Deepak Hooda (3.6 cr), Siddarth Kaul (3.8 cr), T Natarajan (40 L), Basil Thampi (95 L), Khaleel Ahmed (3 cr), Mohammad Nabi (1 cr), Sandeep Sharma (3 cr), Sachin Baby (20 L), Chris Jordan (1 cr), Billy Stanlake (50 L), Tanmay Agarwal (20 L), Shreevats Goswami (1 cr), Bipul Sharma (20 L), Mehdi Hasan (20 L)</p>

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<p>Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining forms of T20 format. Since its inception, many records have been set by players. Here&#39;s the list of seven players with the highest strike rates in IPL so far (WION)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The squad is well balanced and the bench is very strong but Hyderabad have invested quite a lot in Manish Pandey, in that place they could have opted for some another batsman

Sunrisers Hyderabad, popularly known as "The Orange Army," came into the existence in 2012 when they replaced former Hyderabad-based franchise Deccan Chargers after they were controversially terminated in the Indian Premier League. The franchise is owned by Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV channel Network and has Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, as its home ground. They have a glorious record when they made it to the playoffs in the first season and claimed the IPL trophy in 2016. Hyderabad always believed in having a power-pack bowling but it has been compromising with its batting side. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list If we talk about this year's squad of Sunrisers Hyderabad, then again Hyderabad has decked-up talented bowlers as their "trump cards", who will be guided by Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan as their bowling coach. Hyderabad had retained Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for Rs 8.5 crore. The Indian pacer displayed his brilliance in India's recent tour to South Africa. The spin department is quite strong as they the Orange Army has invested in Afghanistan's spin-star Rashid Khan who has a terrific record of 135 wickets in 91 T20s, averaging 15.14 at under 6 runs an over. IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders' The in-form Ranji bowler Thangarasu Natarajan who played for Karnataka can also be a valuable wicket-taker. England bowler Chris Jordan might give a boost to the squad with his pace and swing. Mehdi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh will provide variation in bowling, which is necessary for IPL that deals with injuries on regular basis due to a hectic schedule. When it comes to batting, the top order is very aggressive as they have power hitter Shikhar Dhawan and Captain David Warner. Apart from that, they have New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who will provide stability at the crucial No-3 position. IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes The middle order is quite settled with Manish Pandey, Carlos Brathwaite, Wriddhiman Saha and the experienced Shakib-Al-Hasan. Yusuf Pathan (IPL career batting strike rate of 145.49) will add value to the team with his destructive batting. They have released some known players like Yuvraj Singh, Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben Laughlin, Moises Henriques. The squad is well balanced and the bench is very strong but Hyderabad have invested quite a lot in Manish Pandey, in that place they could have opted for some another batsman. Under the guidance of coach Tom Moody, VVS Laxman and leadership of David Warner, the Orange Army is a strong contender in IPL-XI. Here is the squad list of Sunrisers Hyderabad: Retained: David Warner (12.5 cr) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8.5 cr) Purchased: Shikhar Dhawan (5.2 cr), Shakib Al Hasan (2 cr), Kane Williamson (3 cr), Manish Pandey (11 cr), Carlos Brathwaite (2 cr), Yusuf Pathan (1.9 cr), Wriddhiman Saha (5 cr), Rashid Khan (9 cr), Ricky Bhui (20 L), Deepak Hooda (3.6 cr), Siddarth Kaul (3.8 cr), T Natarajan (40 L), Basil Thampi (95 L), Khaleel Ahmed (3 cr), Mohammad Nabi (1 cr), Sandeep Sharma (3 cr), Sachin Baby (20 L), Chris Jordan (1 cr), Billy Stanlake (50 L), Tanmay Agarwal (20 L), Shreevats Goswami (1 cr), Bipul Sharma (20 L), Mehdi Hasan (20 L) Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining forms of T20 format. Since its inception, many records have been set by players. Here's the list of seven players with the highest strike rates in IPL so far (WION) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Afghan bowler Rashid Khan is the trump card

<p>Leaving his swanky business class flight seats and chauffeured cars, this cricket player preferred to take a train back to the small town he plays his game from.</p>

<p>At one end he has a multi-billion-dollar business empire but he chose to have a sun-bake cricket field, term it his love or passion for the sport.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
He is Aryaman Vikram Birla, the son of the chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla.</p>

<p>Barely eighteen years old, Aryaman has already made it to the First Class level by being snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Royal player was bought for Rs 30 lakh. The amount may be peanuts for his father but keeps a lot of value as it&#39;s his first big pay cheque as a professional cricketer.</p>

<p>The Birla scion is an all-rounder. He is a left-handed batsman and a left-arm spinner. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The budding player caught people&#39;s attention after he scored a blistering 153 runs in a match for Madhya Pradesh during the Under-23 Col CK Nayadu Trophy, last year.</p>

<p>He was also once India&#39;s highest run-scorer in the Polly Umrigar Trophy.</p>

<p>The boy from uptown Mumbai chose to pick up his kit bag and prove at the nets</p>

<p>In the recently held IPL auctions, Aryaman went unsold in the first round but was finally picked up by the Rajasthan in the second and final round.</p>

<p>The newly found talent will get a chance to play under Australian captain and arguably the world&#39;s best batsman Steve Smith.</p>

<p>The dressing room which will also include England all-rounder Ben Stokes and India batsman Ajinkya Rahane.</p>

<p>Purchased:<br />
Ben Stokes (12.5 cr), Ajinkya Rahane (4 cr), Stuart Binny (50 L), Sanju Samson (8 cr), Jos Buttler (4.4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (3.4 cr), D&#39;Arcy Short (4 cr), Jofra Archer (7.2 cr), K Gowtham (6.2 cr), Dhawal Kulkarni (75 L), Jaydev Unadkat (11.5 cr), Ankit Sharma (20 L), Anureet Singh (30 L), Zahir Khan Pakteen (60 L), Shreyas Gopal (20 L), MS Midhun (20 L), Prashant Chopra (20 L), Ben Laughlin (50 L), Mahipal Lomror (20 L), Aryaman Birla (30 L), Jatin Saxena (20 L), Dushmantha Chameera (50 L)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


He was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 30 lakh

Leaving his swanky business class flight seats and chauffeured cars, this cricket player preferred to take a train back to the small town he plays his game from. At one end he has a multi-billion-dollar business empire but he chose to have a sun-bake cricket field, term it his love or passion for the sport. He is Aryaman Vikram Birla, the son of the chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla. Barely eighteen years old, Aryaman has already made it to the First Class level by being snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The Royal player was bought for Rs 30 lakh. The amount may be peanuts for his father but keeps a lot of value as it's his first big pay cheque as a professional cricketer. The Birla scion is an all-rounder. He is a left-handed batsman and a left-arm spinner. The budding player caught people's attention after he scored a blistering 153 runs in a match for Madhya Pradesh during the Under-23 Col CK Nayadu Trophy, last year. He was also once India's highest run-scorer in the Polly Umrigar Trophy. The boy from uptown Mumbai chose to pick up his kit bag and prove at the nets In the recently held IPL auctions, Aryaman went unsold in the first round but was finally picked up by the Rajasthan in the second and final round. The newly found talent will get a chance to play under Australian captain and arguably the world's best batsman Steve Smith. The dressing room which will also include England all-rounder Ben Stokes and India batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Purchased: Ben Stokes (12.5 cr), Ajinkya Rahane (4 cr), Stuart Binny (50 L), Sanju Samson (8 cr), Jos Buttler (4.4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (3.4 cr), D'Arcy Short (4 cr), Jofra Archer (7.2 cr), K Gowtham (6.2 cr), Dhawal Kulkarni (75 L), Jaydev Unadkat (11.5 cr), Ankit Sharma (20 L), Anureet Singh (30 L), Zahir Khan Pakteen (60 L), Shreyas Gopal (20 L), MS Midhun (20 L), Prashant Chopra (20 L), Ben Laughlin (50 L), Mahipal Lomror (20 L), Aryaman Birla (30 L), Jatin Saxena (20 L), Dushmantha Chameera (50 L)

IPL 2018: Meet Aryaman Birla, the boy who chose cricket over Aditya Birla empire

<p>Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win.</p>

<p>But in IPL, it will be Karthik&#39;s consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-rajasthan-royals-the-prodigal-son-returns-36117" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns</a></strong></p>

<p>Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660" target="_blank"> IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik&rsquo;s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir&rsquo;s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench.</p>

<p>But overall, the side is strong on spin</p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
Sunil Narine (12.5 cr)<br />
Andre Russell (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L)</p>

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<p>Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter)</p>
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His splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy ended all the speculations

Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability. His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win. But in IPL, it will be Karthik's consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on. The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik's leadership. During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team. Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively. Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup. The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department. The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on. After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal. Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side. Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik’s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament. Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir’s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages. Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain. Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them. Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench. But overall, the side is strong on spin Retained: Sunil Narine (12.5 cr) Andre Russell (8.5 cr) Purchased: Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L) Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders'

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban.</p>

<p>The world&rsquo;s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already becoming popular due to its latest anthem song, &#39;Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&#39;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;theme of IPL 2018 is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur.</p>

<p><em>Here is the video:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Iss IPL ka yaaron kya kehna! ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> with - <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiDaredevils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiDaredevils</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lionsdenkxip</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> <a href="https://t.co/FeOmCMd1v0">pic.twitter.com/FeOmCMd1v0</a></p>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/973224897659813888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning &quot;#bestvsbest&quot;</p>

<p>But do you remember the first theme of IPL?</p>

<p>If not then let&#39;s relive through all the ten very popular and nostalgic themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories.</p>

<p><strong>IPL 2008: &quot;Cricket ka Karamrayudh&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2009: &quot;Ek Desh Ek Junun&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2010: &quot;Manoranjan ka Baap&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2011: &quot;Bharath Band&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2012: &quot;Yeh IPL hai boss&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2013: &quot;Koi Nahi Bachega!!!&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2014: &quot;Come On Bulaava Aaya Hai&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2015: &quot;India Ka Tyohaar&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2016: &quot;PISTAH&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2017: &quot;Va Re Va Cricket&quot;</strong></p>

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If not then let's relive through all the ten themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban. The world’s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already becoming popular due to its latest anthem song, 'Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...' The theme of IPL 2018 is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur. Here is the video: Iss IPL ka yaaron kya kehna! ❤️#VIVOIPL with - @ChennaiIPL @DelhiDaredevils @lionsdenkxip @KKRiders @mipaltan @rajasthanroyals @RCBTweets @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/FeOmCMd1v0 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 12, 2018 × The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning "#bestvsbest" But do you remember the first theme of IPL? If not then let's relive through all the ten very popular and nostalgic themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories. IPL 2008: "Cricket ka Karamrayudh" × IPL 2009: "Ek Desh Ek Junun" × IPL 2010: "Manoranjan ka Baap" × IPL 2011: "Bharath Band" × IPL 2012: "Yeh IPL hai boss" × IPL 2013: "Koi Nahi Bachega!!!" × IPL 2014: "Come On Bulaava Aaya Hai" × IPL 2015: "India Ka Tyohaar" × IPL 2016: "PISTAH" × IPL 2017: "Va Re Va Cricket" ×

IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes

<p>With just over two weeks left for the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to start, the opener will be played between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and two-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK).&nbsp;</p>

<p>CSK, which is making a comeback after facing suspension for two years-2016, 2017, will once again be playing under his most-popular player and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD).</p>

<p>The IPL matches will be played at nine venues, across 51 days from April 7 to May 27, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653" target="_blank">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>Mumbai&#39;s Wankhede Stadium will be hosting the final this time around between the winner of Qualifier 1 and the winner of Qualifier 2, on May 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here&#39;s the complete list of VIVO IPL 2018 matches&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>7 April (Saturday), Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm</p>

<p>8 April (Sunday): Delhi Daredevils v Kings XI Punjab, 4 pm<br />
8 April (Sunday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm</p>

<p>9 April (Monday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm</p>

<p>10 April (Tuesday): Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm</p>

<p>11 April (Wednesday): Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm</p>

<p>12 April (Thursday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm</p>

<p>13 April (Friday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-kkr-karthiks-knight-riders-36421" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR &mdash; &#39;Karthik&#39;s Knight Riders&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>14 April (Saturday): Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils, 4 pm<br />
14 April (Saturday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm</p>

<p>15 April (Sunday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Rajasthan Royals, 4 pm<br />
15 April (Sunday): Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm</p>

<p>16 April (Monday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm</p>

<p>17 April (Tuesday): Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm</p>

<p>18 April (Wednesday): Rajasthan Royals v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm</p>

<p>19 April (Thursday): Kings XI Punjab v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm</p>

<p>20 April (Friday): Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm</p>

<p>21 April (Saturday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab, 4 pm<br />
21 April (Saturday): Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm</p>

<p>22 April (Sunday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Chennai Super Kings, 4 pm<br />
22 April (Sunday): Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm</p>

<p>23 April (Monday): Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm</p>

<p>24 April (Tuesday): Mumbai Indians v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm</p>

<p>25 April (Wednesday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm</p>

<p>26 April (Thursday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm</p>

<p>27 April (Friday): Delhi Daredevils v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm</p>

<p>28 April (Saturday): Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm</p>

<p>29 April (Sunday): Rajasthan Royals v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 4 pm<br />
29 April (Sunday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-rajasthan-royals-the-prodigal-son-returns-36117" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns</a></strong></p>

<p>30 April (Monday): Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm</p>

<p>1 May (Tuesday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm</p>

<p>2 May (Wednesday): Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm</p>

<p>3 May (Thursday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm</p>

<p>4 May (Friday): Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm</p>

<p>5 May (Saturday): Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 4 pm<br />
5 May (Saturday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm</p>

<p>6 May (Sunday): Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders, 4 pm<br />
6 May (Sunday): Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm</p>

<p>7 May (Monday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm</p>

<p>8 May (Tuesday): Rajasthan Royals v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm</p>

<p>9 May (Wednesday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm</p>

<p>10 May (Thursday): Delhi Daredevils v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm</p>

<p>11 May (Friday): Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm</p>

<p>12 May (Saturday): Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders, 4 pm<br />
12 May (Saturday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm</p>

<p>13 May (Sunday): Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 4 pm<br />
13 May (Sunday): Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm</p>

<p>14 May (Monday): Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm</p>

<p>15 May (Tuesday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm</p>

<p>16 May (Wednesday): Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm</p>

<p>17 May (Thursday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm</p>

<p>18 May (Friday): Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm</p>

<p>19 May (Saturday): Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 4 pm<br />
19 May (Saturday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm</p>

<p>20 May (Sunday): Delhi Daredevils v Mumbai Indians, 4 pm<br />
20 May (Sunday): Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm</p>

<p><strong>IPL 2018 &ndash; Playoffs</strong></p>

<p>22 May (Tuesday): Qualifier 1, 8 pm, Mumbai</p>

<p>23 May (Wednesday): Eliminator, 8 pm, TBC</p>

<p>25 May (Friday): Qualifier 2, 8 pm, TBC</p>

<p>27 May (Sunday): Final, 8 pm, Mumbai</p>

<p>The upcoming edition of the cash-rich league will feature 12 matches that will be played at 4:00 PM IST and 48 matches will start at 8:00 PM IST.</p>


The IPL matches will be played at nine venues, across 51 days

With just over two weeks left for the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to start, the opener will be played between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and two-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK, which is making a comeback after facing suspension for two years-2016, 2017, will once again be playing under his most-popular player and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD). The IPL matches will be played at nine venues, across 51 days from April 7 to May 27, 2018. Also read: IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will be hosting the final this time around between the winner of Qualifier 1 and the winner of Qualifier 2, on May 27. Here's the complete list of VIVO IPL 2018 matches 7 April (Saturday), Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm 8 April (Sunday): Delhi Daredevils v Kings XI Punjab, 4 pm 8 April (Sunday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm 9 April (Monday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm 10 April (Tuesday): Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm 11 April (Wednesday): Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm 12 April (Thursday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm 13 April (Friday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders' 14 April (Saturday): Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils, 4 pm 14 April (Saturday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm 15 April (Sunday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Rajasthan Royals, 4 pm 15 April (Sunday): Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm 16 April (Monday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm 17 April (Tuesday): Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm 18 April (Wednesday): Rajasthan Royals v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm 19 April (Thursday): Kings XI Punjab v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm 20 April (Friday): Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm 21 April (Saturday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab, 4 pm 21 April (Saturday): Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm 22 April (Sunday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Chennai Super Kings, 4 pm 22 April (Sunday): Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm 23 April (Monday): Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm 24 April (Tuesday): Mumbai Indians v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm 25 April (Wednesday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm 26 April (Thursday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm 27 April (Friday): Delhi Daredevils v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm 28 April (Saturday): Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm 29 April (Sunday): Rajasthan Royals v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 4 pm 29 April (Sunday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns 30 April (Monday): Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm 1 May (Tuesday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm 2 May (Wednesday): Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm 3 May (Thursday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm 4 May (Friday): Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm 5 May (Saturday): Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 4 pm 5 May (Saturday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm 6 May (Sunday): Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders, 4 pm 6 May (Sunday): Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm 7 May (Monday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm 8 May (Tuesday): Rajasthan Royals v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm 9 May (Wednesday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians, 8 pm 10 May (Thursday): Delhi Daredevils v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm 11 May (Friday): Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm 12 May (Saturday): Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders, 4 pm 12 May (Saturday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Delhi Daredevils, 8 pm 13 May (Sunday): Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 4 pm 13 May (Sunday): Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm 14 May (Monday): Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 8 pm 15 May (Tuesday): Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals, 8 pm 16 May (Wednesday): Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm 17 May (Thursday): Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 8 pm 18 May (Friday): Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings, 8 pm 19 May (Saturday): Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 4 pm 19 May (Saturday): Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders, 8 pm 20 May (Sunday): Delhi Daredevils v Mumbai Indians, 4 pm 20 May (Sunday): Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab, 8 pm IPL 2018 – Playoffs 22 May (Tuesday): Qualifier 1, 8 pm, Mumbai 23 May (Wednesday): Eliminator, 8 pm, TBC 25 May (Friday): Qualifier 2, 8 pm, TBC 27 May (Sunday): Final, 8 pm, Mumbai The upcoming edition of the cash-rich league will feature 12 matches that will be played at 4:00 PM IST and 48 matches will start at 8:00 PM IST.

IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches

<p>Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League&#39;s inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shayne Warne, not as a player but as a mentor.</p>

<p>On his return, he said, &quot;I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey.</p>

<p>In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life.</p>

<p>Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions and used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane.</p>

<p>During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England&#39;s all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr.</p>

<p>Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune&#39;s talent have landed in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour.</p>

<p>Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D&#39;Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

<p>Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan&nbsp;and there is&nbsp;a depth of batting in&nbsp;line up in the form of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and can provide a winning essence to the team.</p>

<p>Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent.</p>

<p>All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is massive in terms of variety but if any player misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced.</p>

<p><b>Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals:</b>&nbsp;Steve Smith,&nbsp;Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, D&#39;Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Anureet Singh, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Shreyas Gopal, MS Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Ben Laughlin, Mahipal Lomror, Aryaman Birla, Jatin Saxena, Dushmantha Chameera</p>

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<p>From Dhoni to Kohli, here&#39;s a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network)</p>
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Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League's inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shayne Warne, not as a player but as a mentor. On his return, he said, "I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey. In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life. Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram. IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions and used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane. During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England's all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr. Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan. They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour. Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D'Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat. Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan and there is a depth of batting in line up in the form of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and can provide a winning essence to the team. Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent. All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is massive in terms of variety but if any player misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced. Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals: Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, D'Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Anureet Singh, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Shreyas Gopal, MS Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Ben Laughlin, Mahipal Lomror, Aryaman Birla, Jatin Saxena, Dushmantha Chameera From Dhoni to Kohli, here's a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7, 2018, with a glitzy opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which&nbsp;marked their return after a two-year ban.</p>

<p>On Monday, IPL has launched their anthem song which is based on the tune of an iconic song, &quot;Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The wait is finally over! The much anticipated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> 2018 anthem is here, heralding the face-off of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BestvsBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BestvsBest</a>! Is khel ka yaaron kya kehna! <a href="https://t.co/MgpvoJVjYC">pic.twitter.com/MgpvoJVjYC</a></p>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/973204655256756226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The lyrics of the anthem is, &quot;Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&quot; is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning &quot;#bestvsbest&quot;</p>

<p>The original song is from the movie &#39;Naya Daur&#39; which was released in 1957. The song was sung by a singing stalwart, Mohammad Rafi and was pictured on veteran actor Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.</p>

<p>The beats of this song are very energetic and do have dance-inducing lyrics.</p>

<p>Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans.</p>

<p><em>Watch the original song:</em></p>

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Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7, 2018, with a glitzy opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban. On Monday, IPL has launched their anthem song which is based on the tune of an iconic song, "Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Albelo Ka Mastano Ka..." Watch the video here: The wait is finally over! The much anticipated #VIVOIPL 2018 anthem is here, heralding the face-off of the #BestvsBest! Is khel ka yaaron kya kehna! pic.twitter.com/MgpvoJVjYC — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 12, 2018 × The lyrics of the anthem is, "Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka..." is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning "#bestvsbest" The original song is from the movie 'Naya Daur' which was released in 1957. The song was sung by a singing stalwart, Mohammad Rafi and was pictured on veteran actor Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. The beats of this song are very energetic and do have dance-inducing lyrics. Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans. Watch the original song: ×

2018 IPL anthem: 'Ye khel hai sher jawano ka albelo ka mastano ka...'

<p>The first edition of IPL was very mysterious as we did not have a single clue that how mammoth this tournament will become in the next ten years. The popularity it received from the first match was massive.</p>

<p>The concept of a tournament in which 8 teams were there and each team was comprised of both national and international players. The teams were supposed to play a home and an away match against every other team. Almost all the teams got popular due to its association with celebrity figures.</p>

<p>Though the concept was established in the year 2007 but the mega event was kicked off 18 April 2008 and the auctions for the same were conducted on 20 February 2008 in which Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the most expensive player of the season by winning the highest bid of US $ 1.5 million.</p>

<p>The first match was between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings and the KKR fans&nbsp;went gaga when they watched a New Zealand star player hitting runs in the directions for their favourite team.</p>

<p>Yes, it was Brendon McCullum who scored 158 off 73 balls and registered&nbsp;the first century in&nbsp;IPL history.&nbsp;That particular knock is one of the most remembered innings played in IPL till now.</p>

<p><em>Watch&nbsp;the video here:&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p>Kolkata had an amazing start in 2008 IPL but they failed to continue the momentum and the tournament concluded with Rajasthan Royals as the champions. Yusuf Pathan named the player of the match and Shane Watson declared as the player of the tournament for inspiring his team to victory.</p>

<p><em>Also</em><em> watch Top 10 scorers in IPL history:</em></p>

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<p>From Dhoni to Kohli, here&#39;s a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network)</p>
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Brendon McCullum scored 158 off 73 balls in the inaugural match and registered the first century in IPL history

The first edition of IPL was very mysterious as we did not have a single clue that how mammoth this tournament will become in the next ten years. The popularity it received from the first match was massive. The concept of a tournament in which 8 teams were there and each team was comprised of both national and international players. The teams were supposed to play a home and an away match against every other team. Almost all the teams got popular due to its association with celebrity figures. Though the concept was established in the year 2007 but the mega event was kicked off 18 April 2008 and the auctions for the same were conducted on 20 February 2008 in which Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the most expensive player of the season by winning the highest bid of US $ 1.5 million. The first match was between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings and the KKR fans went gaga when they watched a New Zealand star player hitting runs in the directions for their favourite team. Yes, it was Brendon McCullum who scored 158 off 73 balls and registered the first century in IPL history. That particular knock is one of the most remembered innings played in IPL till now. Watch the video here: × Kolkata had an amazing start in 2008 IPL but they failed to continue the momentum and the tournament concluded with Rajasthan Royals as the champions. Yusuf Pathan named the player of the match and Shane Watson declared as the player of the tournament for inspiring his team to victory. Also watch Top 10 scorers in IPL history: From Dhoni to Kohli, here's a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network) ×

Throwback to first and most remembered century in IPL history

<p>Shane Warne returned to his former IPL team, not as a bowler, obviously but as a mentor. He was probably the reason when Rajasthan won the IPL trophy in 2008.</p>

<p>Recently, he had revealed that he will return to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653">upcoming edition of IPL</a>.</p>

<p>The last time he played for Rajasthan Royals was 2011. Now, he set to return as the team&#39;s mentor.</p>

<p>Rajasthan Royals, who will be playing the IPL this season after serving a two-year ban, announced the &#39;homecoming&#39; of the 48-year-old.</p>

<p>In a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-auction-2018-funny-tweets-and-memes-flood-internet-30956">recent tweet</a>, he said, &quot;Very excited to be joining the @rajasthanroyals in this years #IPL as team mentor!&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very excited to be joining the <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> in this years <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> as team mentor ! <a href="https://t.co/WdrzDAIDZl">https://t.co/WdrzDAIDZl</a></p>
&mdash; Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/963309279921848320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A message from our First Royal, <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> for all the Royal fans out there!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaBol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaBol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbBajegaDanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbBajegaDanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheReturnOfTheFirstRoyal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheReturnOfTheFirstRoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/rrrgeXmFbF">pic.twitter.com/rrrgeXmFbF</a></p>
&mdash; Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/963326773248192513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey.</p>

<p>I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the franchise and the fans,&quot; said Warne.</p>

<p>&quot;We have a strong, young and energetic bunch of boys and I am looking forward to work with them,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Warne will be joined by another Royals old hand in former Mumbai batsman Zubin Bharucha as Head of Cricket.</p>

<p>Royals co-owner Manoj Badale was thrilled at Warne&#39;s return.</p>

<p>&quot;He is a legend of the game and what he has achieved in Rajasthan Royals is unmatchable,&quot; said Badale.</p>

<p>&quot;Bringing back Shane Warne is also a way of giving back to our fans who have stood by us in trying times. As we are looking to build a strong team that can be in contention for the title, we believe Warne is the right person to mentor the Rajasthan Royals,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Rajasthan Royals welcomed him and shared a video of his beautiful journey.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This one&#39;s for you Warnie!!!<br />
The First Royal ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> returns home. Let&rsquo;s get the season started... ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaBol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaBol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbBajegaDanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbBajegaDanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheReturnOfTheFirstRoyal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheReturnOfTheFirstRoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/RuVN4cwb5O">pic.twitter.com/RuVN4cwb5O</a></p>
&mdash; Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/963319178936557568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Royals spent big in the recent IPL auction, buying troubled England all-rounder Ben Stokes for a whopping Rs 12.5 crore and India pacer Jaydev Unadkat for Rs 11.5 crore.</p>

<p>Australian captain Steve Smith and India batsman Ajinkya Rahane are the other big names in the team.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Rajasthan Royals will be playing the upcoming edition of IPL after serving a two-year ban

Shane Warne returned to his former IPL team, not as a bowler, obviously but as a mentor. He was probably the reason when Rajasthan won the IPL trophy in 2008. Recently, he had revealed that he will return to the upcoming edition of IPL. The last time he played for Rajasthan Royals was 2011. Now, he set to return as the team's mentor. Rajasthan Royals, who will be playing the IPL this season after serving a two-year ban, announced the 'homecoming' of the 48-year-old. In a recent tweet, he said, "Very excited to be joining the @rajasthanroyals in this years #IPL as team mentor!" Very excited to be joining the @rajasthanroyals in this years #IPL as team mentor ! https://t.co/WdrzDAIDZl — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 13, 2018 × A message from our First Royal, @ShaneWarne for all the Royal fans out there!#HallaBol #AbBajegaDanka #TheReturnOfTheFirstRoyal #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/rrrgeXmFbF — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 13, 2018 × "I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey. I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the franchise and the fans," said Warne. "We have a strong, young and energetic bunch of boys and I am looking forward to work with them," he added. Warne will be joined by another Royals old hand in former Mumbai batsman Zubin Bharucha as Head of Cricket. Royals co-owner Manoj Badale was thrilled at Warne's return. "He is a legend of the game and what he has achieved in Rajasthan Royals is unmatchable," said Badale. "Bringing back Shane Warne is also a way of giving back to our fans who have stood by us in trying times. As we are looking to build a strong team that can be in contention for the title, we believe Warne is the right person to mentor the Rajasthan Royals," he added. Rajasthan Royals welcomed him and shared a video of his beautiful journey. This one's for you Warnie!!! The First Royal ???? @ShaneWarne returns home. Let’s get the season started... ???????? #HallaBol #AbBajegaDanka #TheReturnOfTheFirstRoyal #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/RuVN4cwb5O — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 13, 2018 × Royals spent big in the recent IPL auction, buying troubled England all-rounder Ben Stokes for a whopping Rs 12.5 crore and India pacer Jaydev Unadkat for Rs 11.5 crore. Australian captain Steve Smith and India batsman Ajinkya Rahane are the other big names in the team.

IPL: Shane Warne marks royal return as Rajasthan's mentor

<p>Providing a long-pending solution to the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to retain their big players, the governing council on Wednesday announced that the franchises can retain a maximum of five players by virtue of a combination of pre-auction retention and Right To Match (RTM) cards for the upcoming 2018 edition.</p>

<p>The five players secured can include any combination of retention and right-to-match cards with not more than three through either category.</p>

<p>The breakup of the five players retained will adhere to the maximum numbers of three-capped Indian players, maximum of two uncapped Indian players and two overseas players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Divulging details on the new set norms, IPL Commissioner Rajeev Shukla said that out of 5, 3 can be retained and 2 can be taken under Right to Match or vice-versa, adding the salary cap of players and the base price of uncapped players has also been increased.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IPL governing council decided all teams can avail facility of retaining 5 players &amp; Right to Match. Out of 5, 3 can be retained &amp; 2 can be taken under Right to Match or vice-versa. Increased salary cap of players &amp; base price of uncapped players: Rajeev Shukla, IPL Commissioner <a href="https://t.co/Wc0ohIpMKR">pic.twitter.com/Wc0ohIpMKR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938357613174992897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The salary budget of all the IPL teams was hiked from Rs 66 crore to Rs 80 crore for the next year&#39;s auction, with the figure to rise to Rs 82 crore in 2019 and Rs 85 crore in 2020.</p>

<p>The governing council specified the retention criteria for the two suspended IPL franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, saying the player pool for retention or RTM will be the players&#39; who played for them respectively in IPL 2015 and the ones who were part of Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and Gujarat Lions (GL) squads in IPL 2017.</p>

<p>On being asked whether former Indian Cricket Team captain &nbsp;Mahendra Singh Dhoni will go to CSK again, Shukla said that,&quot;We can&#39;t say who will go where, it depends on the franchise and player.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We can&#39;t say who will go where, it depends on the franchise and player.: Rajeev Shukla, IPL Commissioner on MS Dhoni going to Chennai Super Kings <a href="https://t.co/mHhW8iimhD">pic.twitter.com/mHhW8iimhD</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938358245579620352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchises will be allowed to have a maximum of 25 players, from earlier 27, with a maximum of 8 overseas players in the squad.</p>


The five players secured can include any combination of retention and right-to-match cards with not more than three through either category

Providing a long-pending solution to the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to retain their big players, the governing council on Wednesday announced that the franchises can retain a maximum of five players by virtue of a combination of pre-auction retention and Right To Match (RTM) cards for the upcoming 2018 edition. The five players secured can include any combination of retention and right-to-match cards with not more than three through either category. The breakup of the five players retained will adhere to the maximum numbers of three-capped Indian players, maximum of two uncapped Indian players and two overseas players. Divulging details on the new set norms, IPL Commissioner Rajeev Shukla said that out of 5, 3 can be retained and 2 can be taken under Right to Match or vice-versa, adding the salary cap of players and the base price of uncapped players has also been increased. IPL governing council decided all teams can avail facility of retaining 5 players & Right to Match. Out of 5, 3 can be retained & 2 can be taken under Right to Match or vice-versa. Increased salary cap of players & base price of uncapped players: Rajeev Shukla, IPL Commissioner pic.twitter.com/Wc0ohIpMKR — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2017 × The salary budget of all the IPL teams was hiked from Rs 66 crore to Rs 80 crore for the next year's auction, with the figure to rise to Rs 82 crore in 2019 and Rs 85 crore in 2020. The governing council specified the retention criteria for the two suspended IPL franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, saying the player pool for retention or RTM will be the players' who played for them respectively in IPL 2015 and the ones who were part of Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and Gujarat Lions (GL) squads in IPL 2017. On being asked whether former Indian Cricket Team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will go to CSK again, Shukla said that,"We can't say who will go where, it depends on the franchise and player." We can't say who will go where, it depends on the franchise and player.: Rajeev Shukla, IPL Commissioner on MS Dhoni going to Chennai Super Kings pic.twitter.com/mHhW8iimhD — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2017 × The franchises will be allowed to have a maximum of 25 players, from earlier 27, with a maximum of 8 overseas players in the squad.

IPL franchises allowed to retain 5 players: Rajeev Shukla