Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been boosted by the return of Tim David as the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season is set for a restart. David, who, along with other international stars, left the IPL midway, was spotted in the RCB camp on Thursday (May 15). David will now join the likes of Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt as RCB search for their maiden IPL title.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Morphers activated. Our 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 are back. 🙌 Right on time and ready to strike! ⚡👊 <a href="https://t.co/ExyTQBYshD">pic.twitter.com/ExyTQBYshD</a>
&mdash; Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1922927156880883768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Tim David returns to the RCB camp<o:p></o:p></h2>
With the IPL 2025 on hold due to the Indo-Pak war, international stars were forced to return back home. This included Tim and other members of the RCB squad while they were in Lucknow for their fixture against Lucknow Super Giants last Friday. David has played an important role in the middle-order as he aids with both bat and ball. <o:p></o:p>
So far in 11 matches of the IPL 2025, David has scored 186 runs with a best of an unbeaten 50. He has an average of 93 while striking at 194. Interestingly, the next time steps on the field for RCB will be his 50th match in the IPL. <o:p></o:p>
On the other hand, RCB were also boosted by the return of Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone. However, the franchise is still sweating on the return of speedster Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. Hazlewood is nursing a shoulder injury, while Ngidi&rsquo;s availability in the Playoffs is still doubtful due to him being named in the South African squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-batter-kusal-mendis-ditches-psl-for-maiden-ipl-stint-replaces-jos-butter-at-gujarat-titans-for-ipl-2025-playoffs-9071381" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Mendis ditches PSL for maiden IPL stint; replaces Butter at GT for playoffs</a> 
Hazlewood has been the frontline option for RCB and has scalped 18 wickets so far in the IPL 2025. His miss could dent RCB&rsquo;s chances of winning their maiden IPL title, while the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal have been decent. <o:p></o:p>
RCB will restart their IPL 2025 season with a home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with a win guaranteeing them a place in the Playoffs. On the other hand, a defeat for KKR will end their pursuit of a place in the Playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been boosted by the return of Tim David as the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season is set for a restart. India News | Sports | Cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been boosted by the return of Tim David as the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season is set for a restart. David, who, along with other international stars, left the IPL midway, was spotted in the RCB camp on Thursday (May 15). David will now join the likes of Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt as RCB search for their maiden IPL title. Morphers activated. Our 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 are back. 🙌 Right on time and ready to strike! ⚡👊 pic.twitter.com/ExyTQBYshD — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2025 Tim David returns to the RCB camp With the IPL 2025 on hold due to the Indo-Pak war, international stars were forced to return back home. This included Tim and other members of the RCB squad while they were in Lucknow for their fixture against Lucknow Super Giants last Friday. David has played an important role in the middle-order as he aids with both bat and ball. So far in 11 matches of the IPL 2025, David has scored 186 runs with a best of an unbeaten 50. He has an average of 93 while striking at 194. Interestingly, the next time steps on the field for RCB will be his 50th match in the IPL. On the other hand, RCB were also boosted by the return of Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone. However, the franchise is still sweating on the return of speedster Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. Hazlewood is nursing a shoulder injury, while Ngidi’s availability in the Playoffs is still doubtful due to him being named in the South African squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka’s Mendis ditches PSL for maiden IPL stint; replaces Butter at GT for playoffs Hazlewood has been the frontline option for RCB and has scalped 18 wickets so far in the IPL 2025. His miss could dent RCB’s chances of winning their maiden IPL title, while the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal have been decent. RCB will restart their IPL 2025 season with a home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with a win guaranteeing them a place in the Playoffs. On the other hand, a defeat for KKR will end their pursuit of a place in the Playoffs.

IPL 2025: Playoff-bound RCB get huge boost, Tim David joins squad ahead of restart

In a massive boost to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore-rcb" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a>, the overseas duo of Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone has rejoined the franchise ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> resumption on Saturday (May 17). With the tournament restarting following a nine-day suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the RCB receives this morale-pushing news amid foreign players' logistical concerns surrounding the international calendar.
Shepherd is among a handful of West Indies players who returned to India alongside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders" rel="dofollow">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> duo of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and their mentor, Dwayne Bravo. While Shepherd is part of West Indies&rsquo; white-ball squad for the away England series starting May 29 - the day IPL 2025 gets underway, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to clarify if all those picked for the international series leave the IPL 2025 midway.
On the other hand, Livingstone has also rejoined the franchise, which sits in second place on the points table with 16 points from 11 contested matches. Liam&rsquo;s England teammate Jacob Bethell has already rejoined the team; though the rookie all-rounder is part of the England squad for the home series against WI, the ECB dropped Liam from both ODI and T20I squads.&nbsp;
Bethell will remain available for RCB&rsquo;s next two matches - against KKR and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) &ndash; but fly home before the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tie. Per the latest reports, the ECB and several other boards decided against extending NOCs to their players beyond the decided date earlier (May 25) to honour international commitments.
<h2>No words on the overseas pace duo</h2>
On the other hand, the RCB awaits confirmation on its overseas pace duo of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/josh-hazlewood" rel="dofollow">Josh Hazlewood</a> and Lungi Ngidi.&nbsp;
Hazlewood is nursing a shoulder niggle he suffered earlier this month and would have missed the tournament anyway had it not been interrupted. Ngidi, who made his RCB debut against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and is also part of South Africa&rsquo;s WTC Final squad against Australia, might remain available for just two matches before linking with the South Africa squad.
The WTC-bound South African players will leave the IPL by May 25.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Phil Salt, who missed the last two games for the franchise due to illness, will remain available for the remainder of the tournament. He is part of the T20I squad against the West Indies, which begins June 6, three days after the IPL 2025 final.&nbsp;

The ECB and several other boards decided against extending NOCs to their players beyond the decided date earlier (May 25) to honour international commitments. Sports, Cricket

In a massive boost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the overseas duo of Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone has rejoined the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption on Saturday (May 17). With the tournament restarting following a nine-day suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the RCB receives this morale-pushing news amid foreign players' logistical concerns surrounding the international calendar. Shepherd is among a handful of West Indies players who returned to India alongside the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) duo of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and their mentor, Dwayne Bravo. While Shepherd is part of West Indies’ white-ball squad for the away England series starting May 29 - the day IPL 2025 gets underway, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to clarify if all those picked for the international series leave the IPL 2025 midway. On the other hand, Livingstone has also rejoined the franchise, which sits in second place on the points table with 16 points from 11 contested matches. Liam’s England teammate Jacob Bethell has already rejoined the team; though the rookie all-rounder is part of the England squad for the home series against WI, the ECB dropped Liam from both ODI and T20I squads. Bethell will remain available for RCB’s next two matches - against KKR and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) – but fly home before the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tie. Per the latest reports, the ECB and several other boards decided against extending NOCs to their players beyond the decided date earlier (May 25) to honour international commitments. No words on the overseas pace duo On the other hand, the RCB awaits confirmation on its overseas pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. Hazlewood is nursing a shoulder niggle he suffered earlier this month and would have missed the tournament anyway had it not been interrupted. Ngidi, who made his RCB debut against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and is also part of South Africa’s WTC Final squad against Australia, might remain available for just two matches before linking with the South Africa squad. The WTC-bound South African players will leave the IPL by May 25. Meanwhile, Phil Salt, who missed the last two games for the franchise due to illness, will remain available for the remainder of the tournament. He is part of the T20I squad against the West Indies, which begins June 6, three days after the IPL 2025 final.

IPL 2025: Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone rejoin RCB squad; no clarity on foreign pace duo

Despite talks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a> resuming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> following suspending it for security concerns, the reports of several overseas players and coaching staff, mainly Australians and South Africans - the two teams involved in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, are contemplating returning for the remainder of the tournament.
Though most foreign players returned home shortly after the Indian Cricket Board halted proceedings, barring Punjab Kings&rsquo; players, all are unlikely to return despite the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-ceasefire-bcci-likely-to-resume-ipl-2025-from-next-week-report-cricket-operation-sindoor-overseas-players-9055897" rel="dofollow">BCCI planning to resume it from next week onwards</a>.
BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week on Friday (May 9) due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, ordering everyone, including the foreign contingent, to disperse before the situation turns ugly. However, to everyone&rsquo;s delight, both countries agreed to an understanding to stop military operations the next day (May 10), giving hope for its resumption.&nbsp;
Although most overseas players returned home or were already on their way back before the ceasefire statement came out, the BCCI made it tougher for all teams by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-asks-teams-to-assemble-all-players-by-tuesday-more-double-headers-in-revised-schedule-report-9057633" rel="dofollow">asking them to arrange for their return before next Tuesday (May 13)</a> so they could resume IPL 2025 by Friday (May 16).
With several changes on the cards, including staging more doubleheaders to compensate for the days lost and pushing back the final&rsquo;s date (from May 25 to May 30), the WTC Final-bound Aussies and South African players are caught in the logistical challenge, given both teams will fight out for the coveted trophy starting June 11 at Lord&rsquo;s.
<h2>Hazlewood doubtful for RCB</h2>
Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood is the third-highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps from ten contested games in IPL 2025 but remains doubtful for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder niggle.&nbsp;
The right-arm quick missed RCB&rsquo;s last home game against CSK on May 3 and was a doubtful starter for their next away tie against LSG on May 9 before the tournament was suspended; he, however, was to miss the remainder of IPL 2025 had it continued.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Australia (CA) remains unbothered by Hazlewood&rsquo;s latest injury, as they would pick him in the Test squad for the WTC Final 2025.
Besides him, the three WTC Final-bound players, SRH captain Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head and Delhi Capitals&rsquo; seamer Mitchell Starc, also have decisions to make, considering the tight window between the IPL 2025 final and the start of the WTC Final.&nbsp;
On the other hand, the participation of the South African players for the remainder of IPL 2025 shall be decided at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) board meeting on Sunday. As of now, the board has already issued NOCs to the players till May 25, with the board stating that the safety and security of players is non-negotiable.&nbsp;

Though most foreign players returned home shortly after the BCCI halted proceedings, all are unlikely to return despite the BCCI planning to resume it from next week onwards. Sports, Cricket

Despite talks of BCCI resuming IPL 2025 following suspending it for security concerns, the reports of several overseas players and coaching staff, mainly Australians and South Africans - the two teams involved in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, are contemplating returning for the remainder of the tournament. Though most foreign players returned home shortly after the Indian Cricket Board halted proceedings, barring Punjab Kings’ players, all are unlikely to return despite the BCCI planning to resume it from next week onwards. BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week on Friday (May 9) due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, ordering everyone, including the foreign contingent, to disperse before the situation turns ugly. However, to everyone’s delight, both countries agreed to an understanding to stop military operations the next day (May 10), giving hope for its resumption. Although most overseas players returned home or were already on their way back before the ceasefire statement came out, the BCCI made it tougher for all teams by asking them to arrange for their return before next Tuesday (May 13) so they could resume IPL 2025 by Friday (May 16). With several changes on the cards, including staging more doubleheaders to compensate for the days lost and pushing back the final’s date (from May 25 to May 30), the WTC Final-bound Aussies and South African players are caught in the logistical challenge, given both teams will fight out for the coveted trophy starting June 11 at Lord’s. Hazlewood doubtful for RCB Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood is the third-highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps from ten contested games in IPL 2025 but remains doubtful for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder niggle. The right-arm quick missed RCB’s last home game against CSK on May 3 and was a doubtful starter for their next away tie against LSG on May 9 before the tournament was suspended; he, however, was to miss the remainder of IPL 2025 had it continued. As per ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Australia (CA) remains unbothered by Hazlewood’s latest injury, as they would pick him in the Test squad for the WTC Final 2025. Besides him, the three WTC Final-bound players, SRH captain Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head and Delhi Capitals’ seamer Mitchell Starc, also have decisions to make, considering the tight window between the IPL 2025 final and the start of the WTC Final. On the other hand, the participation of the South African players for the remainder of IPL 2025 shall be decided at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) board meeting on Sunday. As of now, the board has already issued NOCs to the players till May 25, with the board stating that the safety and security of players is non-negotiable.

Overseas players could miss remainder of IPL 2025 amid tournament resumption talks – Report

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) contest between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is all set to go ahead despite border escalations between India and Pakistan. The contest set to take place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow was subject to postponement after Thursday&rsquo;s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned. <o:p></o:p>
While the reason for abandoning the match was mentioned as &ldquo;technical failure,&rdquo; it is well known that the Indian government did not want to take any chances and ordered a blackout in Dharamsala. The location is close to the India-Pakistan border, as the two nations are currently engaged in a near-war situation. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">LSG vs RCB to go ahead<o:p></o:p></h2>
"It is on as of now. We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," Dhumal told PTI on Thursday night after the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) IPL 2025 game in Dharamsala was called off after 10.1 overs owing to what an IPL statement called "a significant technical failure."
On Thursday, fans were asked to vacate the stadium in Dharamsala after a blackout was ordered in the city. Floodlights were turned off and fans, along with players, were asked to leave the location at the earliest. Soon after abandoning the match, a special train was arranged for players to carry them from Pathankot to Delhi, as airports have been shut due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-latest-news-we-are-proud-neeraj-chopra-reacts-on-indian-defence-forcesswift-reply-to-pakistani-attack-9049871" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak War | 'We are proud,' Neeraj Chopra reacts on Indian defence forces' swift reply to Pakistani attack</a>
The players are expected to arrive in Delhi on Friday before they are moved to a safe environment. <o:p></o:p>
On the other hand, the IPL season&rsquo;s future was in limbo after Thursday&rsquo;s development. However, for now, the IPL will go ahead with a few changes expected. It has already been announced that Sunday&rsquo;s fixture between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings has been shifted to Ahmedabad, having previously been scheduled for Dharamsala.

The IPL 2025  contest between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is all set to go ahead despite border escalations between India and Pakistan. India News | Cricket | Sports

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) contest between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is all set to go ahead despite border escalations between India and Pakistan. The contest set to take place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow was subject to postponement after Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned. While the reason for abandoning the match was mentioned as “technical failure,” it is well known that the Indian government did not want to take any chances and ordered a blackout in Dharamsala. The location is close to the India-Pakistan border, as the two nations are currently engaged in a near-war situation. LSG vs RCB to go ahead "It is on as of now. We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," Dhumal told PTI on Thursday night after the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) IPL 2025 game in Dharamsala was called off after 10.1 overs owing to what an IPL statement called "a significant technical failure." On Thursday, fans were asked to vacate the stadium in Dharamsala after a blackout was ordered in the city. Floodlights were turned off and fans, along with players, were asked to leave the location at the earliest. Soon after abandoning the match, a special train was arranged for players to carry them from Pathankot to Delhi, as airports have been shut due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. ALSO READ | Indo-Pak War | 'We are proud,' Neeraj Chopra reacts on Indian defence forces' swift reply to Pakistani attack The players are expected to arrive in Delhi on Friday before they are moved to a safe environment. On the other hand, the IPL season’s future was in limbo after Thursday’s development. However, for now, the IPL will go ahead with a few changes expected. It has already been announced that Sunday’s fixture between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings has been shifted to Ahmedabad, having previously been scheduled for Dharamsala.

'On as of now': IPL chairman Arun Dhumal gives go ahead for LSG vs RCB match in Lucknow

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has made a shocking revelation in the latest podcast, leaving the cricketing fraternity baffled. Now in his 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the South Indian franchise, Virat opened up on the thought of leaving the RCB. He also opened up on the workload he had as the captain of the franchise, while he also led the Indian Cricket Team from 2015 to 2021. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Virat makes a shocking revelation<o:p></o:p></h2>
"I wouldn't say I was tempted, but I did think about it. I asked myself, 'What is more valuable to me?' I&rsquo;ve won a lot of things for India, I&rsquo;ve earned a lot of accolades,&rdquo; the former RCB captain said while speaking to Mayanti Langer in the latest RCB podcast. <o:p></o:p>
"So I had to make a decision: do I want to go into a new setup and figure things out again? That&rsquo;s when I realised that the relationship I&rsquo;ve built here is more valuable &mdash; and so is the mutual respect that&rsquo;s developed over so many years. Now, I&rsquo;m just going to see it through. Whether we win or not, it&rsquo;s fine. This is my home,&rdquo; Kohli added.<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sports-ipl-2025-playoffs-scenario-rcb-pbks-in-pole-position-as-mi-gt-and-others-fight-for-last-four-spots-9038778" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025 Playoffs scenario: RCB, PBKS in pole position as MI, GT and others fight for top four spots</a>
Now in his 18th season, Kohli remains a one-club man, having featured for RCB in all seasons, despite the franchise&rsquo;s failure to win the IPL title. He has scored more than 8000 runs while also holding the record for most hundreds in the competition&rsquo;s history. <o:p></o:p>
Despite a lack of trophies, he has remained loyal to the South India side and could be rewarded for it. At the time of writing, Kohli&rsquo;s RCB has 16 points and have one foot in the Playoffs of IPL 2025. If they are successful in winning the IPL, it will be the veteran&rsquo;s first, having been runner-up on three previous occasions. He also famously lost the now-abolished Champions League final on two occasions.<o:p></o:p>

Now in his 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the South Indian franchise, Virat Kohli opened up on the thought of leaving the RCB. India News | Cricket | Sports

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has made a shocking revelation in the latest podcast, leaving the cricketing fraternity baffled. Now in his 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the South Indian franchise, Virat opened up on the thought of leaving the RCB. He also opened up on the workload he had as the captain of the franchise, while he also led the Indian Cricket Team from 2015 to 2021. Virat makes a shocking revelation "I wouldn't say I was tempted, but I did think about it. I asked myself, 'What is more valuable to me?' I’ve won a lot of things for India, I’ve earned a lot of accolades,” the former RCB captain said while speaking to Mayanti Langer in the latest RCB podcast. "So I had to make a decision: do I want to go into a new setup and figure things out again? That’s when I realised that the relationship I’ve built here is more valuable — and so is the mutual respect that’s developed over so many years. Now, I’m just going to see it through. Whether we win or not, it’s fine. This is my home,” Kohli added. ALSO READ | IPL 2025 Playoffs scenario: RCB, PBKS in pole position as MI, GT and others fight for top four spots Now in his 18th season, Kohli remains a one-club man, having featured for RCB in all seasons, despite the franchise’s failure to win the IPL title. He has scored more than 8000 runs while also holding the record for most hundreds in the competition’s history. Despite a lack of trophies, he has remained loyal to the South India side and could be rewarded for it. At the time of writing, Kohli’s RCB has 16 points and have one foot in the Playoffs of IPL 2025. If they are successful in winning the IPL, it will be the veteran’s first, having been runner-up on three previous occasions. He also famously lost the now-abolished Champions League final on two occasions.

'I did think about leaving RCB': Virat Kohli makes shocking revelation

Ayush Mhatre is just 17, not the youngest in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, but among the most talented blokes. His 94 against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> on Saturday night (May 3) was filled with beautiful strokeplay, his ability to find gaps and the power game needed to become the &lsquo;modern-day T20 batter&rsquo;. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming spoke highly of the Mumbai opener, detailing how his composure and temperament (during the trials) caught everyone&rsquo;s attention.
Chasing 214 in Bengaluru, CSK lost two wickets inside the first six overs but stormed into the driver&rsquo;s seat after Mhatre and Ravindra Jadeja began stitching an almost match-winning partnership for the third wicket. Though 77 off 45 balls was Jadeja&rsquo;s best shot at glory playing at his new position (number four), Mhatre&rsquo;s impressive strokeplay had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-he-is-a-stari-am-gutted-i-cant-work-with-him-dc-mentor-pietersen-on-harry-brook-pulling-out-9031956" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;He is a star&hellip;I am gutted I can&rsquo;t work with him,&rsquo; DC mentor Pietersen on Harry Brook pulling out of IPL 2025</a>
The right-handed batter looked in his element, smashing sixes and fours for fun right from the beginning. Unfazed by pace, variations or even the crowd pressure, Mhatre kept finding gaps at will, keeping CSK afloat in the chase. Despite closing in on his maiden IPL hundred, he didn&rsquo;t change his approach, going ballistic against all bowlers. That, however, saw him miscue one straight to the deep mid-wicket, resulting in his dismissal on a brilliant 94 off just 48 balls, hitting five sixes and nine fours.
"He's got talent. He's got hand-eye coordination. He's got a beautiful, silky swing. He's aggressive. Everything that we like about a modern-day T20 player," Fleming said about Mhatre at the presser after CSK lost to RCB on Saturday night by just two runs.&nbsp;
"But, to me, it's the temperament and being able to execute in a trial and then on the big stage. That's what I'm most impressed with.
"It's one thing to have a lot of shots, but to be able to execute that game plan on a big stage in front of some of the biggest players in the world is what I admire,&rdquo; he continued.
<h2>&lsquo;One for the future&rsquo;</h2>
Even though CSK was out of the playoff race in the lead-up to this game, Fleming feels they have found a batter for the future, someone they are highly impressed by.
"It's sometimes hard to explain, but there's just a quality around what he was doing," Fleming said about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ipl-2025-ayush-mhatre-all-of-17-replaces-ruturaj-gaikwad-at-csk-know-more-about-mumbai-opener-8959912" rel="dofollow">Mhatre's selection as Gaikwad's replacement</a>.&nbsp;
"It's early days, but we have been very impressed with his skills right from when he trialled and was with us at the early part of the season.
"We have enjoyed a lot of the shot play from young players in this tournament, and we're delighted that we've got one ourselves. So, yes, excited about the future for him,&rdquo; he added.
Meanwhile, CSK is languishing at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from 11 contested matches.&nbsp;

Unfazed by pace, variations or even the crowd pressure, Ayush Mhatre kept finding gaps at will against RCB, keeping CSK afloat in the chase. Sports, Cricket

Ayush Mhatre is just 17, not the youngest in IPL 2025, but among the most talented blokes. His 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday night (May 3) was filled with beautiful strokeplay, his ability to find gaps and the power game needed to become the ‘modern-day T20 batter’. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming spoke highly of the Mumbai opener, detailing how his composure and temperament (during the trials) caught everyone’s attention. Chasing 214 in Bengaluru, CSK lost two wickets inside the first six overs but stormed into the driver’s seat after Mhatre and Ravindra Jadeja began stitching an almost match-winning partnership for the third wicket. Though 77 off 45 balls was Jadeja’s best shot at glory playing at his new position (number four), Mhatre’s impressive strokeplay had everyone on the edge of their seats. Also read | ‘He is a star…I am gutted I can’t work with him,’ DC mentor Pietersen on Harry Brook pulling out of IPL 2025 The right-handed batter looked in his element, smashing sixes and fours for fun right from the beginning. Unfazed by pace, variations or even the crowd pressure, Mhatre kept finding gaps at will, keeping CSK afloat in the chase. Despite closing in on his maiden IPL hundred, he didn’t change his approach, going ballistic against all bowlers. That, however, saw him miscue one straight to the deep mid-wicket, resulting in his dismissal on a brilliant 94 off just 48 balls, hitting five sixes and nine fours. "He's got talent. He's got hand-eye coordination. He's got a beautiful, silky swing. He's aggressive. Everything that we like about a modern-day T20 player," Fleming said about Mhatre at the presser after CSK lost to RCB on Saturday night by just two runs. "But, to me, it's the temperament and being able to execute in a trial and then on the big stage. That's what I'm most impressed with. "It's one thing to have a lot of shots, but to be able to execute that game plan on a big stage in front of some of the biggest players in the world is what I admire,” he continued. ‘One for the future’ Even though CSK was out of the playoff race in the lead-up to this game, Fleming feels they have found a batter for the future, someone they are highly impressed by. "It's sometimes hard to explain, but there's just a quality around what he was doing," Fleming said about Mhatre's selection as Gaikwad's replacement. "It's early days, but we have been very impressed with his skills right from when he trialled and was with us at the early part of the season. "We have enjoyed a lot of the shot play from young players in this tournament, and we're delighted that we've got one ourselves. So, yes, excited about the future for him,” he added. Meanwhile, CSK is languishing at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from 11 contested matches.

IPL 2025: How CSK found ‘modern-day T20 batter’ Ayush Mhatre in dire times, head coach Fleming explains

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings-csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> are out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> playoff race, but still have plenty riding on them. Facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> in a marquee away clash on Saturday (May 3) in Bengaluru, they would aim to make it Even Stevens this time, having already lost to them at home earlier. CSK batting coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/michael-hussey" rel="dofollow">Michael Hussey</a> said the team will not lower its guard despite a dismal run this season.
Chennai is languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four points in ten contested matches, while the RCB is sitting in the top half, having won seven games and closing in on the top-four berth. RCB has all to play for in its quest for a maiden IPL title, but if CSK can work on &lsquo;specifics&rsquo;, which Hussey didn&rsquo;t shed too much light on, they can cause an upset, keeping the race for the playoffs alive.
"We're certainly not going to panic and throw everything out just because it hasn't gone well this year," Hussey said ahead of the RCB clash. "But we definitely need to tidy up on a few areas. There's been lots of conversations...it's given us a really clear view on what we need to look at for next season."
Meanwhile, Chennai&rsquo;s IPL success has always had everything to do with their win record at Chepauk, something that was the difference this time. Considering they lost just seven matches at home in the past four seasons (2015, 2019, 2023 and 2024), where they played all their home matches at Chepauk, losing five alone this time rings alarm bells.&nbsp;
"It's surprising, isn't it, to lose so many games at home," he said. "Other teams are getting better at playing at Chepauk as well... the dew's played a bit of a factor too, making it easier to bat second. But I think it comes down to the way we've played in general, too many mistakes with bat, ball, and in the field.
"It's something that's hurt us because we love playing in front of our home fans, and they turn up in great numbers and support us every time, and we love to have big wins in front of them. So it has been disappointing certainly to lose games at home,&rdquo; he continued.
<h2>Motivation remains</h2>
Given it&rsquo;s never easy to keep the squad motivated if the team has nothing to look forward to, Hussey revealed Yellow Army is still motivated to end the season well and perhaps cause a few upsets.
"There's a lot of motivation in the squad. Plus, they're a very proud group. We're very proud to play for CSK. Massive fan base, and so you want to put in good performances to please the fans as well. I think the players really understand their responsibility and give 100% effort for every single match.
"It's a great opportunity for some guys to get a chance to play in the IPL. Hopefully, they can grab their chances and shore up their spot in the squad for the next few years. That's probably it. A few wins and a few players who have taken their opportunities that would be fantastic by the end of the season," he said.

Chennai is languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four points in ten contested matches, while the RCB is sitting in the top half. Sports, Cricket

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are out of the IPL 2025 playoff race, but still have plenty riding on them. Facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a marquee away clash on Saturday (May 3) in Bengaluru, they would aim to make it Even Stevens this time, having already lost to them at home earlier. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said the team will not lower its guard despite a dismal run this season. Chennai is languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four points in ten contested matches, while the RCB is sitting in the top half, having won seven games and closing in on the top-four berth. RCB has all to play for in its quest for a maiden IPL title, but if CSK can work on ‘specifics’, which Hussey didn’t shed too much light on, they can cause an upset, keeping the race for the playoffs alive. "We're certainly not going to panic and throw everything out just because it hasn't gone well this year," Hussey said ahead of the RCB clash. "But we definitely need to tidy up on a few areas. There's been lots of conversations...it's given us a really clear view on what we need to look at for next season." Meanwhile, Chennai’s IPL success has always had everything to do with their win record at Chepauk, something that was the difference this time. Considering they lost just seven matches at home in the past four seasons (2015, 2019, 2023 and 2024), where they played all their home matches at Chepauk, losing five alone this time rings alarm bells. "It's surprising, isn't it, to lose so many games at home," he said. "Other teams are getting better at playing at Chepauk as well... the dew's played a bit of a factor too, making it easier to bat second. But I think it comes down to the way we've played in general, too many mistakes with bat, ball, and in the field. "It's something that's hurt us because we love playing in front of our home fans, and they turn up in great numbers and support us every time, and we love to have big wins in front of them. So it has been disappointing certainly to lose games at home,” he continued. Motivation remains Given it’s never easy to keep the squad motivated if the team has nothing to look forward to, Hussey revealed Yellow Army is still motivated to end the season well and perhaps cause a few upsets. "There's a lot of motivation in the squad. Plus, they're a very proud group. We're very proud to play for CSK. Massive fan base, and so you want to put in good performances to please the fans as well. I think the players really understand their responsibility and give 100% effort for every single match. "It's a great opportunity for some guys to get a chance to play in the IPL. Hopefully, they can grab their chances and shore up their spot in the squad for the next few years. That's probably it. A few wins and a few players who have taken their opportunities that would be fantastic by the end of the season," he said.

IPL 2025: Hussey reveals CSK not ready to drop guard against RCB despite dismal run

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> is a run-scoring machine who loves run chases, doing this over and over again for close to two decades now. The RCB superstar was the cornerstone of his side&rsquo;s massive yet crucial six-wicket win over the hosts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals</a> on Sunday evening, propelling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the points table in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>.
Kohli completed his sixth fifty (51) this season, and alongside all-rounder Krunal Pandya, the star of the night for picking one wicket and scoring an unbeaten 73, helped RCB complete IPL&rsquo;s first in Delhi. They became the first-ever team in IPL history to win six away matches on the trot in a season.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-from-bad-to-worse-ipl-slap-hefty-fine-on-lsg-captain-rishabh-pant-for-slow-over-rate-against-mi-9008556" rel="dofollow">From bad to worse! IPL slap hefty fine on LSG captain Rishabh Pant for slow over-rate against MI</a>&nbsp;
RCB won the toss and elected to field first against Delhi. The DC openers, Abishek Porel and Faf du Plessis, added 33 for the first wicket before losing two quick wickets inside the Powerplay. Seasoned campaigners KL Rahul and Faf tried stitching a useful stand but failed, with Pandya accounting for the Protean on 22 to dent DC&rsquo;s run.
Before KL Rahul could accelerate, his India teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed him on 41 off 39 balls; he later got rid of dangerous Ashutosh Sharma on just two. With Delhi&rsquo;s back against the wall, Tristan Stubbs bailed the team out with a late blitz, hitting 34 off 18 balls, including six and five fours. His wicket was the last nail in the coffin, as RCB restricted DC to 162 for eight in 20 overs.
<h2>Kohli, Krunal show in Delhi</h2>
Opening with a new partner in Jacob Bethell, Kohli saw three wickets falling early inside the first six overs, with RCB&rsquo;s scorecard reeling at 26 for three at one stage.&nbsp;
Kohli and Krunal then began the recovery work. The pair first completed a fifty-plus stand and then marched towards crossing the landmark of a 100-run partnership, putting RCB&rsquo;s nose in front. While Kohli got out shortly after completing his fifty, with the visitors still in the chase, Krunal stood his ground and engineered the chase with Tim David as RCB won the game with six wickets and nine balls remaining.&nbsp;

After a win over DC, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first-ever team in IPL history to win six away matches on the trot in a season. Sports, Cricket

Virat Kohli is a run-scoring machine who loves run chases, doing this over and over again for close to two decades now. The RCB superstar was the cornerstone of his side’s massive yet crucial six-wicket win over the hosts Delhi Capitals on Sunday evening, propelling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the points table in IPL 2025. Kohli completed his sixth fifty (51) this season, and alongside all-rounder Krunal Pandya, the star of the night for picking one wicket and scoring an unbeaten 73, helped RCB complete IPL’s first in Delhi. They became the first-ever team in IPL history to win six away matches on the trot in a season. Also read | From bad to worse! IPL slap hefty fine on LSG captain Rishabh Pant for slow over-rate against MI RCB won the toss and elected to field first against Delhi. The DC openers, Abishek Porel and Faf du Plessis, added 33 for the first wicket before losing two quick wickets inside the Powerplay. Seasoned campaigners KL Rahul and Faf tried stitching a useful stand but failed, with Pandya accounting for the Protean on 22 to dent DC’s run. Before KL Rahul could accelerate, his India teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed him on 41 off 39 balls; he later got rid of dangerous Ashutosh Sharma on just two. With Delhi’s back against the wall, Tristan Stubbs bailed the team out with a late blitz, hitting 34 off 18 balls, including six and five fours. His wicket was the last nail in the coffin, as RCB restricted DC to 162 for eight in 20 overs. Kohli, Krunal show in Delhi Opening with a new partner in Jacob Bethell, Kohli saw three wickets falling early inside the first six overs, with RCB’s scorecard reeling at 26 for three at one stage. Kohli and Krunal then began the recovery work. The pair first completed a fifty-plus stand and then marched towards crossing the landmark of a 100-run partnership, putting RCB’s nose in front. While Kohli got out shortly after completing his fifty, with the visitors still in the chase, Krunal stood his ground and engineered the chase with Tim David as RCB won the game with six wickets and nine balls remaining.

Kohli, Krunal power RCB to IPL’s first in crucial away win in Delhi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> hit an unbeaten 73 as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> avenged their last game&rsquo;s loss against Punjab Kings with a comfortable seven-wicket win over the hosts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> on Sunday. Playing at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, RCB won their fifth away game this season, climbing to the third spot on the points table with ten points from eight contested matches.
The RCB won the toss and elected to field first. Following a crisp start from the PBKS openers, all-rounder Krunal Pandya broke the stand in his first over, removing the dangerous Priyansh Arya out on 22. Two overs later, he removed gloveman Prabhsimran on 33 before Romario Shepherd dismissed Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer cheaply on six.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-pakistani-fan-filmed-watching-ipl-game-while-attending-live-psl-match-video-goes-viral-8982813" rel="dofollow">Pakistani fan filmed watching IPL game while attending live PSL match &ndash; Video goes viral</a>
Batter Nehal Wadhera was the next to depart, run out on just five, with PBKS reeling at 73 for four at one stage.&nbsp;
Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh stitched a 36-run stand for the fifth wicket before Punjab lost two quick wickets. With Shashank and Marco Jansen at the crease, Punjab expected to go big with the score; however, a tight display of death bowling from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood restricted PBKS to 157 for six in 20 overs.
For the RCB, spinners Krunal and Suyash Sharma returned with two wickets each.
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I.C.Y.M.I On Target 🎯 Suyash Sharma's twin strikes that put <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> in front ✌ Scorecard ▶ <a href="https://t.co/6htVhCbTiX">https://t.co/6htVhCbTiX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/AaENClNFCk">pic.twitter.com/AaENClNFCk</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1913923325111488707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Virat, the star for RCB</h2>
Virat Kohli is back among the runs. After getting out early against Punjab Kings in the previous game, Kohli starred for his team in the away clash, hitting his 67th IPL fifty - the most ever and guiding his team home with seven wickets remaining.&nbsp;
Arshdeep Singh dismissed Phil Salt early on one, bringing Devdutt Padikkal to the crease, with the pair adding 103 runs for the second wicket. Padikkal&rsquo;s dismissal on 61 gave the hosts little hope, but captain Rajat Patidar&rsquo;s brief knock squashed that. The skipper also got out on 12, but Kohli had done the damage by then, hitting seven fours and a six in his 54-ball 73.
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Jitesh Sharma dials 6⃣ to seal it in style 🙌 Virat Kohli remains unbeaten on 73*(54) in yet another chase 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> secure round 2⃣ of the battle of reds ❤ Scorecard ▶ <a href="https://t.co/6htVhCbltp">https://t.co/6htVhCbltp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/6dqDTEPoEA">pic.twitter.com/6dqDTEPoEA</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1913948999310078388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
His unbeaten knock helped him enter the top three batters with the most runs thus far this season.&nbsp;

Playing at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, RCB won their fifth game this season, climbing to the third spot on the points table. Sports, Cricket

Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 73 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) avenged their last game’s loss against Punjab Kings with a comfortable seven-wicket win over the hosts in IPL 2025 on Sunday. Playing at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, RCB won their fifth away game this season, climbing to the third spot on the points table with ten points from eight contested matches. The RCB won the toss and elected to field first. Following a crisp start from the PBKS openers, all-rounder Krunal Pandya broke the stand in his first over, removing the dangerous Priyansh Arya out on 22. Two overs later, he removed gloveman Prabhsimran on 33 before Romario Shepherd dismissed Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer cheaply on six. Also read | Pakistani fan filmed watching IPL game while attending live PSL match – Video goes viral Batter Nehal Wadhera was the next to depart, run out on just five, with PBKS reeling at 73 for four at one stage. Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh stitched a 36-run stand for the fifth wicket before Punjab lost two quick wickets. With Shashank and Marco Jansen at the crease, Punjab expected to go big with the score; however, a tight display of death bowling from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood restricted PBKS to 157 for six in 20 overs. For the RCB, spinners Krunal and Suyash Sharma returned with two wickets each. I.C.Y.M.I On Target 🎯 Suyash Sharma's twin strikes that put #RCB in front ✌ Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/6htVhCbTiX#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/AaENClNFCk — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2025 Virat, the star for RCB Virat Kohli is back among the runs. After getting out early against Punjab Kings in the previous game, Kohli starred for his team in the away clash, hitting his 67th IPL fifty - the most ever and guiding his team home with seven wickets remaining. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Phil Salt early on one, bringing Devdutt Padikkal to the crease, with the pair adding 103 runs for the second wicket. Padikkal’s dismissal on 61 gave the hosts little hope, but captain Rajat Patidar’s brief knock squashed that. The skipper also got out on 12, but Kohli had done the damage by then, hitting seven fours and a six in his 54-ball 73. Jitesh Sharma dials 6⃣ to seal it in style 🙌 Virat Kohli remains unbeaten on 73*(54) in yet another chase 👏@RCBTweets secure round 2⃣ of the battle of reds ❤ Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/6htVhCbltp#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/6dqDTEPoEA — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2025 His unbeaten knock helped him enter the top three batters with the most runs thus far this season.

IPL 2025: Kohli, Krunal power RCB to beat Punjab Kings in return leg, enter top three

Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered yet another home defeat, this time at the hands of Punjab Kings in a rain-hit match. RCB managed just 95/9 before Tim David’s fighting fifty gave them hope. However, Punjab chased it down comfortably, thanks to Nehal Wadhera’s steady knock and Josh Hazlewood’s tight spell of 3/14 proving not enough.

IPL: RCB lose third straight home game as Punjab Kings dominate in rain clash

Tim David remained unbeaten on 50, but other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rcb" rel="dofollow">RCB</a> batters failed to hit gold against Punjab Kings (PBKS) as the hosts managed a paltry 95 for nine in 14 overs in the rain-hit first innings on Friday in IPL 2025. Only two RCB batters could enter the double-digit mark, with the remaining eight getting out on single scores. Meanwhile, only Xavier Bartlett returned with one wicket, as the remaining four PBKS bowlers picked up two wickets each.
Punjab won the toss and elected to bowl first in a rain-hit game, a decision they should be proud of until the end of the first innings. RCB lost Phil Salt inside the first over, with his partner and batting great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> departing a couple of overs later on just one.&nbsp;
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2️⃣ sharp catches 🫡 2️⃣ early strikes ✌ Arshdeep Singh and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKS</a> with a solid start ⚡ Updates ▶ <a href="https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ">https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvPBKS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/jCt2NiuYEH">pic.twitter.com/jCt2NiuYEH</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1913271942024671738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
Captain Rajat Patidar tried taking the counterattacking route, scoring 23 off 18 balls, but failed to put his team in a commanding position. With the wickets tumbling at the other end, the pressure mounted on Patidar and eventually had the better of him, resulting in his wicket, with RCB reeling at 42 for seven at one stage.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sanju-samson-doubtful-for-rr-home-ipl-2025-game-against-lucknow-super-giants-rahul-dravid-8976908" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Sanju Samson doubtful for RR's home game against Lucknow Super Giants: Dravid</a>
<h2>David&rsquo;s show afterwards</h2>
With the RCB looking like falling shy of their previous lowest team total, Tim David walked in and saved their day.&nbsp;
The hard-hitting Aussie all-rounder began finding gaps at will, eventually middling everything. With fewer overs remaining, he took the strike on most occasions and hit every run possible.
He kept smashing boundaries unless the time came to widen his strides and go big in the final over.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-responds-to-mca-wankhedes-stand-gesture-i-will-forever-be-grateful-for-this-honour-8977320" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma responds to MCA Wankhede&rsquo;s Stand gesture: &lsquo;I will forever be grateful for this honour&rsquo;</a>
Facing the left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar in the last over, David hit him for three massive sixes, only to realise he had the extra ball to hit runs (due to a free hit off the last delivery), which he did, running two, completing his maiden IPL fifty.
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Maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> fifty for Tim David 👊 Relive his three consecutive sixes 🚀 Scorecard ▶ <a href="https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ">https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvPBKS</a> <a href="https://t.co/iGtby4FPTy">pic.twitter.com/iGtby4FPTy</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1913286425539441053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
His inning, however, helped RCB put up a fighting total (95/9) in 14 overs.&nbsp;

David hit five fours and three sixes during his 50* against PBKS in IPL 2025, including three consecutive sixes off Harpreet Brar in the final over. Sports, Cricket

Tim David remained unbeaten on 50, but other RCB batters failed to hit gold against Punjab Kings (PBKS) as the hosts managed a paltry 95 for nine in 14 overs in the rain-hit first innings on Friday in IPL 2025. Only two RCB batters could enter the double-digit mark, with the remaining eight getting out on single scores. Meanwhile, only Xavier Bartlett returned with one wicket, as the remaining four PBKS bowlers picked up two wickets each. Punjab won the toss and elected to bowl first in a rain-hit game, a decision they should be proud of until the end of the first innings. RCB lost Phil Salt inside the first over, with his partner and batting great Virat Kohli departing a couple of overs later on just one. 2️⃣ sharp catches 🫡 2️⃣ early strikes ✌ Arshdeep Singh and #PBKS with a solid start ⚡ Updates ▶ https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/jCt2NiuYEH — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2025 Captain Rajat Patidar tried taking the counterattacking route, scoring 23 off 18 balls, but failed to put his team in a commanding position. With the wickets tumbling at the other end, the pressure mounted on Patidar and eventually had the better of him, resulting in his wicket, with RCB reeling at 42 for seven at one stage. Also read | IPL 2025: Sanju Samson doubtful for RR's home game against Lucknow Super Giants: Dravid David’s show afterwards With the RCB looking like falling shy of their previous lowest team total, Tim David walked in and saved their day. The hard-hitting Aussie all-rounder began finding gaps at will, eventually middling everything. With fewer overs remaining, he took the strike on most occasions and hit every run possible. He kept smashing boundaries unless the time came to widen his strides and go big in the final over. Also read | Rohit Sharma responds to MCA Wankhede’s Stand gesture: ‘I will forever be grateful for this honour’ Facing the left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar in the last over, David hit him for three massive sixes, only to realise he had the extra ball to hit runs (due to a free hit off the last delivery), which he did, running two, completing his maiden IPL fifty. Maiden #TATAIPL fifty for Tim David 👊 Relive his three consecutive sixes 🚀 Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/iGtby4FPTy — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2025 His inning, however, helped RCB put up a fighting total (95/9) in 14 overs.

IPL 2025: Tim David goes big against PBKS but RCB manage mere 95/9 in 14 overs

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

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

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

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

The drama unfolded late during the RCB-DC tie at the M Chinnaswamy on Thursday when home team great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> indulged in an animated chat with coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/dinesh-karthik" rel="dofollow">Dinesh Karthik</a>. Kohli appeared to be mad at the team captain, Rajat Patidar, over some captaincy howlers that saw Delhi make the most of their momentum and complete their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rcb-vs-dc-kl-rahuls-unbeaten-93-powers-delhi-to-maintain-winning-run-in-ipl-2025-8949039" rel="dofollow">fourth successful win in IPL 2025</a>.
Chasing a moderate 164, Delhi lost three wickets inside the Powerplay, including their openers and gloveman Abishek Porel, all on single digits; the team captain Axar Patel departed soon after, leaving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kl-rahul" rel="dofollow">KL Rahul</a> and overseas batter Tristan Stubbs to take care of the chase. The pair did well, adding over 100 runs for the fifth wicket and eventually leading the side home, maintaining their winning streak.&nbsp;
After the halfway point during the second innings, when Rahul began accelerating, Kohli, standing in the deep as he often does, wasn't looking too happy with some of the captaincy changes; he later approached coach Karthik and ranted about it.&nbsp;
<h3>Watch -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9cnxjtr-n70iee36-l4o87mxw">
True. He had a long discussion with DK...then he spoke with Bhuvi .. he didn't even join the group while the last strategic time out. He was not happy with something for sure. Video credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/JioHotstar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JioHotstar</a> <a href="https://t.co/0pAXuDWP0w">pic.twitter.com/0pAXuDWP0w</a>
&mdash; KC (@chakriMsrk) <a href="https://twitter.com/chakriMsrk/status/1910421509912289373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
Looking at it, the TV commentators Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag said if he's having any problem with anyone or anything, Kohli must communicate it to the skipper as he's not the captain anymore.&nbsp;
<h2>Patidar blames batters for RCB loss</h2>
Bengaluru lost their second match thus far this season, and team captain Patidar blamed the batters' failure to read the pitch and the conditions better than their opposition. Batting first, the RCB openers hit 61 runs inside four overs, but the remaining batters could add only 102 more in the remaining 16.1&nbsp;overs.
"I think the way we saw the wicket, it was quite different. We thought it was a nice batting wicket, but we didn't bat well. I don't think so (if the batters were overconfident), every batter was in a good frame of mind, showing proper intent.&nbsp;
"But it wasn't acceptable to go from 80 for 1 to 90 for 4, we have a good batting line-up, but we need to assess the situation. That has been positive, the way Tim David accelerated was amazing, the bowling in the powerplay was special. We aren't thinking about our away record, but we just need to play good cricket and keep it simple," Patidar said after the game," he said after the game.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, RCB sits in third place on the points table with three wins from five contested matches and Delhi, with four wins in as many games, is second only behind Gujarat Titans.
(With inputs from agencies)

Looking at Kohli's animated reaction, the TV commentators said if he's having any problem with anyone, he must communicate it to Patidar. India News, Cricket, Sports

The drama unfolded late during the RCB-DC tie at the M Chinnaswamy on Thursday when home team great Virat Kohli indulged in an animated chat with coach Dinesh Karthik. Kohli appeared to be mad at the team captain, Rajat Patidar, over some captaincy howlers that saw Delhi make the most of their momentum and complete their fourth successful win in IPL 2025. Chasing a moderate 164, Delhi lost three wickets inside the Powerplay, including their openers and gloveman Abishek Porel, all on single digits; the team captain Axar Patel departed soon after, leaving KL Rahul and overseas batter Tristan Stubbs to take care of the chase. The pair did well, adding over 100 runs for the fifth wicket and eventually leading the side home, maintaining their winning streak. After the halfway point during the second innings, when Rahul began accelerating, Kohli, standing in the deep as he often does, wasn't looking too happy with some of the captaincy changes; he later approached coach Karthik and ranted about it. Watch - True. He had a long discussion with DK...then he spoke with Bhuvi .. he didn't even join the group while the last strategic time out. He was not happy with something for sure. Video credit: @JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/0pAXuDWP0w — KC (@chakriMsrk) April 10, 2025 Looking at it, the TV commentators Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag said if he's having any problem with anyone or anything, Kohli must communicate it to the skipper as he's not the captain anymore. Patidar blames batters for RCB loss Bengaluru lost their second match thus far this season, and team captain Patidar blamed the batters' failure to read the pitch and the conditions better than their opposition. Batting first, the RCB openers hit 61 runs inside four overs, but the remaining batters could add only 102 more in the remaining 16.1 overs. "I think the way we saw the wicket, it was quite different. We thought it was a nice batting wicket, but we didn't bat well. I don't think so (if the batters were overconfident), every batter was in a good frame of mind, showing proper intent. "But it wasn't acceptable to go from 80 for 1 to 90 for 4, we have a good batting line-up, but we need to assess the situation. That has been positive, the way Tim David accelerated was amazing, the bowling in the powerplay was special. We aren't thinking about our away record, but we just need to play good cricket and keep it simple," Patidar said after the game," he said after the game. Meanwhile, RCB sits in third place on the points table with three wins from five contested matches and Delhi, with four wins in as many games, is second only behind Gujarat Titans. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Drama unfolds during RCB-DC tie as Kohli indulges in animated chat with coach DK - WATCH

Delhi Capitals (DC) batter KL Rahul was at his absolute best in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match against Royal Challengers. Chasing a modest 164, Rahul led the charge with unbeaten 93 off 53 balls laced with seven fours and six sixes - his second consecutive fifty this season. DC eventually won the match by six wickets - their fourth win in four games in IPL 2025.
Rahul, who changed his team in IPL 2025 mega auction from LSG to DC, spoke about his innings after the match and said: "If I wanted to hit a big six, I knew what pockets to target, and keeping gave me a feeler for where other batters were dismissed and where they hit the sixes. Got lucky with the dropped catch. This is my ground, my home, know this (ground) better than anyone else."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/dhoni-csk-captain-for-rest-of-season-ipl-2025-a-young-wicketkeeper-leading-the-team-gaikwad-makes-cheeky-remark-dhoni-news-8950080">IPL 2025 | 'A young wicketkeeper leading the team...,' Gaikwad makes CHEEKY remark on Dhoni leading CSK for rest of season</a>
As for RCB, this was their second loss of the season in five games and both of them have ironically come at their home ground.'
RCB started well being put to bat first as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli added 61 runs in 3.4 over before a mix-up led to Salt being run out. Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli perished soon after as RCB were brought down to 91/4 inside 10 overs. They could never recover from that position. Had it not been for Tim David's unbeaten 37 off 20 balls - RCB's 163/7 would have not been possible.&nbsp;
During the chase, RCB once again showed some teeth and took three wickets inside powerplay for just 30 runs. After being reduced to 58/4 in 9th over, Rahul took charge of the innings with Tristan Stubbs who also scored 38 not out of 23 balls.
The duo added 111 unbeaten runs for the fifth wicket - the highest for DC in IPL history - going past JP Duminy and Ross Taylor's 110 as the match was over with 13 balls remaining.&nbsp;

Rahul and Stubbs added 111 unbeaten runs for the fifth wicket - the highest for DC in IPL history - as the match was over with 13 balls remaining.  Cricket Sports

Delhi Capitals (DC) batter KL Rahul was at his absolute best in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match against Royal Challengers. Chasing a modest 164, Rahul led the charge with unbeaten 93 off 53 balls laced with seven fours and six sixes - his second consecutive fifty this season. DC eventually won the match by six wickets - their fourth win in four games in IPL 2025. Rahul, who changed his team in IPL 2025 mega auction from LSG to DC, spoke about his innings after the match and said: "If I wanted to hit a big six, I knew what pockets to target, and keeping gave me a feeler for where other batters were dismissed and where they hit the sixes. Got lucky with the dropped catch. This is my ground, my home, know this (ground) better than anyone else." Also Read: IPL 2025 | 'A young wicketkeeper leading the team...,' Gaikwad makes CHEEKY remark on Dhoni leading CSK for rest of season As for RCB, this was their second loss of the season in five games and both of them have ironically come at their home ground.' RCB started well being put to bat first as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli added 61 runs in 3.4 over before a mix-up led to Salt being run out. Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli perished soon after as RCB were brought down to 91/4 inside 10 overs. They could never recover from that position. Had it not been for Tim David's unbeaten 37 off 20 balls - RCB's 163/7 would have not been possible. During the chase, RCB once again showed some teeth and took three wickets inside powerplay for just 30 runs. After being reduced to 58/4 in 9th over, Rahul took charge of the innings with Tristan Stubbs who also scored 38 not out of 23 balls. The duo added 111 unbeaten runs for the fifth wicket - the highest for DC in IPL history - going past JP Duminy and Ross Taylor's 110 as the match was over with 13 balls remaining.

IPL 2025 | 'This is my ground, my home,' asserts local boy KL Rahul after helping DC beat home team RCB in Bengaluru

KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten 93 as Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets to maintain their winning streak in IPL 2025 on Thursday. Rahul, 32, hit six sixes and seven fours in his scintillating 53-ball knock to help Delhi overhaul Bengaluru's 163-7 with 13 balls to spare at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.<o:p></o:p>
Tristan Stubbs chipped in with 38 not out and shared 111 runs with Rahul off just 56 balls to steer Delhi to their fourth consecutive win.<o:p></o:p>
Delhi now sits second in the table while Bengaluru are third in the 10-team competition.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-unlocks-another-ipl-feat-but-it-was-australia-all-rounder-that-saves-rcbs-day-against-dc-8948711" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli goes big with another IPL record but Aussie all-rounder saves RCB's day against DC</a>
Bengaluru bowlers picked some early wickets but ran into the in-form Rahul, who batted with composure and ease.<o:p></o:p>
Delhi had a wobbly start, losing openers Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply with just 10 runs on the board.<o:p></o:p>
Captain Axar Patel tried to steady the innings but holed out to Tim David off impact sub Suyash Sharma for 15.<o:p></o:p>
Stubbs said the win was "really satisfying".<o:p></o:p>
"I came in a tricky situation, but the run-rate never got out of hand," he said. &nbsp;"I did not need to do much -- KL played the way he did."&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
Earlier, Bengaluru were off to a flyer, with openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt taking the attack to the opposition.<o:p></o:p>
The duo smashed 30 runs in the third over off Mitchell Starc before guiding Bengaluru to the fastest team 50 of the season.<o:p></o:p>
The batting assault ended when Salt (37) was run out after a mix-up and Kohli (22) lobbed a catch to Starc, who dived forward to take a fine catch at long-off.<o:p></o:p>
Salt hit three sixes and four fours in his 17-ball knock.<o:p></o:p>
Bengaluru lost regular wickets after the twin setbacks, with Delhi left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav picking two, including the scalp of captain Rajat Patidar for 25.<o:p></o:p>
David provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 20-ball 37, studded with four sixes and two fours.<o:p></o:p>
Patidar conceded his team did not bat well despite showing "nice intent". <o:p></o:p>
"We were lacking in assessing the conditions and the situation. (But) The way David accelerated at the end it was really amazing," he said.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Cricket, Sports: Rahul, 32, hit six sixes and seven fours in his scintillating 53-ball knock to help Delhi overhaul Bengaluru's 163-7 with 13 balls to spare in Bengaluru.

KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten 93 as Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets to maintain their winning streak in IPL 2025 on Thursday. Rahul, 32, hit six sixes and seven fours in his scintillating 53-ball knock to help Delhi overhaul Bengaluru's 163-7 with 13 balls to spare at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Tristan Stubbs chipped in with 38 not out and shared 111 runs with Rahul off just 56 balls to steer Delhi to their fourth consecutive win. Delhi now sits second in the table while Bengaluru are third in the 10-team competition. Also read | Virat Kohli goes big with another IPL record but Aussie all-rounder saves RCB's day against DC Bengaluru bowlers picked some early wickets but ran into the in-form Rahul, who batted with composure and ease. Delhi had a wobbly start, losing openers Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply with just 10 runs on the board. Captain Axar Patel tried to steady the innings but holed out to Tim David off impact sub Suyash Sharma for 15. Stubbs said the win was "really satisfying". "I came in a tricky situation, but the run-rate never got out of hand," he said. "I did not need to do much -- KL played the way he did." Earlier, Bengaluru were off to a flyer, with openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt taking the attack to the opposition. The duo smashed 30 runs in the third over off Mitchell Starc before guiding Bengaluru to the fastest team 50 of the season. The batting assault ended when Salt (37) was run out after a mix-up and Kohli (22) lobbed a catch to Starc, who dived forward to take a fine catch at long-off. Salt hit three sixes and four fours in his 17-ball knock. Bengaluru lost regular wickets after the twin setbacks, with Delhi left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav picking two, including the scalp of captain Rajat Patidar for 25. David provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 20-ball 37, studded with four sixes and two fours. Patidar conceded his team did not bat well despite showing "nice intent". "We were lacking in assessing the conditions and the situation. (But) The way David accelerated at the end it was really amazing," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

RCB vs DC: KL Rahul’s unbeaten 93 powers Delhi to maintain winning run in IPL 2025

India and RCB batting great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> unlocked another feat in the cash-rich league during the home against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> on Thursday; however, Tim David saved his team&rsquo;s grace in the first innings. A prolific run-scorer across formats, Kohli completed over 1000 boundaries (721 fours and 280 sixes and counting) in the Indian Premier League, becoming the first player ever. Against DC, he surpassed the 1000-digit mark but failed to make the most of his current form.
Kohli breached the four-digit mark with a crisp six early in the innings, with a packed house at M Chinnaswamy buzzing and cheering for their cricket God. While Kohli has amassed 1001 boundaries and counting, his former India teammate Shikhar Dhawan is second on the list with 920 boundaries. Ex-Australia opener David Warner is third on the list with 899 boundaries besides his name, and current India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma sits in fourth place with 885 and counting. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-to-captain-csk-in-ipl-2025-after-regular-captain-ruled-out-with-injury-report-8947982" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni returns as CSK captain for remainder of IPL 2025</a>
Meanwhile, looking at Virat&rsquo;s IPL numbers, the batting maestro has hit over 8000 runs (8190* in 257 matches), cementing his position as the undisputed modern-day great.&nbsp;
<h2>Kohli failed, but David hit gold</h2>
Kohli opened alongside Phil Salt, with the pair making a mockery of the new ball bowlers as they have done thus far this season. The pair went bonkers earlier, completing the team's fifty inside three overs; however, a mix-up led to Salt&rsquo;s dismissal on 37 off 17 balls soon after.&nbsp;
Devdutt Padikkal departed a couple of overs later, with DC&rsquo;s ex-factor Vipraj Nigam removing the dangerous Kohli, caught at the deep long-on on 22 off 14 balls, including two sixes and a four.
After RCB lost wickets in a cluster in the middle overs, overseas all-rounder Tim David saved their day, scoring an unbeaten 37 off just 20 balls at the death, including four sixes and two fours. His knock helped the RCB post a fighting 163 for seven in 20 overs.&nbsp;
For Delhi, spinners Vipraj and Kuldeep Yadav picked two wickets each, while seamer Mitchell Starc remained wicketless in a rare outing.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9bjwzxa-w8yqguv4-psx02k4e">
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙚 🪄 🎥 Kuldeep Yadav's identical wickets that put <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DC</a> on 🔝 against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> 💙 Updates ▶ <a href="https://t.co/h5Vb7sp2Z6">https://t.co/h5Vb7sp2Z6</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvDC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/imkuldeep18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imkuldeep18</a> <a href="https://t.co/U4Dy73dXt7">pic.twitter.com/U4Dy73dXt7</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1910355561213817321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Looking at Virat’s IPL numbers, the batting maestro has hit 8190 runs in 257 matches, cementing his position as the undisputed modern-day great.

India and RCB batting great Virat Kohli unlocked another feat in the cash-rich league during the home against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 on Thursday; however, Tim David saved his team’s grace in the first innings. A prolific run-scorer across formats, Kohli completed over 1000 boundaries (721 fours and 280 sixes and counting) in the Indian Premier League, becoming the first player ever. Against DC, he surpassed the 1000-digit mark but failed to make the most of his current form. Kohli breached the four-digit mark with a crisp six early in the innings, with a packed house at M Chinnaswamy buzzing and cheering for their cricket God. While Kohli has amassed 1001 boundaries and counting, his former India teammate Shikhar Dhawan is second on the list with 920 boundaries. Ex-Australia opener David Warner is third on the list with 899 boundaries besides his name, and current India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma sits in fourth place with 885 and counting. Also read | MS Dhoni returns as CSK captain for remainder of IPL 2025 Meanwhile, looking at Virat’s IPL numbers, the batting maestro has hit over 8000 runs (8190* in 257 matches), cementing his position as the undisputed modern-day great. Kohli failed, but David hit gold Kohli opened alongside Phil Salt, with the pair making a mockery of the new ball bowlers as they have done thus far this season. The pair went bonkers earlier, completing the team's fifty inside three overs; however, a mix-up led to Salt’s dismissal on 37 off 17 balls soon after. Devdutt Padikkal departed a couple of overs later, with DC’s ex-factor Vipraj Nigam removing the dangerous Kohli, caught at the deep long-on on 22 off 14 balls, including two sixes and a four. After RCB lost wickets in a cluster in the middle overs, overseas all-rounder Tim David saved their day, scoring an unbeaten 37 off just 20 balls at the death, including four sixes and two fours. His knock helped the RCB post a fighting 163 for seven in 20 overs. For Delhi, spinners Vipraj and Kuldeep Yadav picked two wickets each, while seamer Mitchell Starc remained wicketless in a rare outing. 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙚 🪄 🎥 Kuldeep Yadav's identical wickets that put #DC on 🔝 against #RCB 💙 Updates ▶ https://t.co/h5Vb7sp2Z6#TATAIPL | #RCBvDC | @DelhiCapitals | @imkuldeep18 pic.twitter.com/U4Dy73dXt7 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 10, 2025 (With inputs from agencies)

Virat Kohli goes big with another IPL record but Aussie all-rounder saves RCB's day against DC

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma says that mentor Dinesh Karthik is helping him become a 360-degree player. The comments came ahead RCB's home game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Thursday (Apr 10).&nbsp;
In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Jitesh has played only 46 balls and managed 85 runs but has hit those runs at a strike rate of 185 and an average of 42. Jitesh got into the limelight while playing for Punjab Kings from 2022 to 2024. He played 40 games with PBKS and scored 730 runs at a strike rate of 151.
Also Read - <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/cricket/la28-olympics-cricket-to-played-for-first-time-since-1900-paris-olympics-to-be-a-six-team-even-across-mens-and-womens-categories-8946977" aria-label="LA28 Olympics: Cricket, to be played for first time since 1900, will be six-team event across men's and women's categories">LA28 Olympics: Cricket, to be played for first time since 1900, will be six-team event across men's and women's categories</a>
"It's been a great journey till now because in the off-season, I really worked hard with him [Karthik]," Jitesh said. "I think whichever shot which I am playing right now is the replica of what he used to play. He is trying to create a new player in me, because he believes that I can play 360 degrees. I am really enjoying myself in this new role."
"While I am playing those shots, I am very happy [with the execution] because I have never tried those shots. And I am going to execute thanks to all the backing they give me. It's been a wonderful journey which I am still excited about," he added.
Both DC and RCB are at six points each with DC having played one game less. DC have won all the three games they have played while RCB have lost only one which they played at home.
For the match on Thursday, RCB would be hoping to win their first home game while DC would look to continue their unbeaten streak under new skipper Axar Patel.
RCB Playing XI (Predicted): Salt, Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Livingstone, Jitesh, David, Krunal, Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
DC Playing XI (Predicted): Fraser-McGurk, Rahul, Porel, Axar, Sameer Rizvi, Stubbs, Ashutosh, Vipraj, Starc, Kuldeep, Mohit&nbsp;

Jitesh has played only 46 balls in IPL 2025 for RCB and managed 85 runs but has hit those runs at a strike rate of 185 and an average of 42. Cricket Sports

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma says that mentor Dinesh Karthik is helping him become a 360-degree player. The comments came ahead RCB's home game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Thursday (Apr 10). In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Jitesh has played only 46 balls and managed 85 runs but has hit those runs at a strike rate of 185 and an average of 42. Jitesh got into the limelight while playing for Punjab Kings from 2022 to 2024. He played 40 games with PBKS and scored 730 runs at a strike rate of 151. Also Read - LA28 Olympics: Cricket, to be played for first time since 1900, will be six-team event across men's and women's categories "It's been a great journey till now because in the off-season, I really worked hard with him [Karthik]," Jitesh said. "I think whichever shot which I am playing right now is the replica of what he used to play. He is trying to create a new player in me, because he believes that I can play 360 degrees. I am really enjoying myself in this new role." "While I am playing those shots, I am very happy [with the execution] because I have never tried those shots. And I am going to execute thanks to all the backing they give me. It's been a wonderful journey which I am still excited about," he added. Both DC and RCB are at six points each with DC having played one game less. DC have won all the three games they have played while RCB have lost only one which they played at home. For the match on Thursday, RCB would be hoping to win their first home game while DC would look to continue their unbeaten streak under new skipper Axar Patel. RCB Playing XI (Predicted): Salt, Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Livingstone, Jitesh, David, Krunal, Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood, Yash Dayal DC Playing XI (Predicted): Fraser-McGurk, Rahul, Porel, Axar, Sameer Rizvi, Stubbs, Ashutosh, Vipraj, Starc, Kuldeep, Mohit

IPL 2025 | RCB's Jitesh Sharma says mentor Karthik believes he 'can play 360 degrees'

Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been fined INR 12 lakh ($15,000) for maintaining a slow over-rate during their thrilling win against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. This is RCB&rsquo;s first over-rate offence of IPL 2025.
The fine may have grabbed attention, but Patidar&rsquo;s smart captaincy was the real talk of the town. In his first season as captain, he&rsquo;s not only added aggression to RCB&rsquo;s batting scoring 161 runs in four innings, just behind Virat Kohli&rsquo;s 164, but also shown great decision-making under pressure.
After the win, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu praised Patidar&rsquo;s bowling strategy, especially the timely use of Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the death overs during MI&rsquo;s chase.
Also Read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-really-hurt-us-in-that-coach-jayawardene-reveals-mis-concern-after-fourth-loss-in-five-games-8938653" aria-label="IPL 2025 | 'Really hurt us in that...,' Coach Jayawardene reveals MI's concern after fourth loss in five games">IPL 2025 | 'Really hurt us in that...,' Coach Jayawardene reveals MI's concern after fourth loss in five games</a>
&ldquo;It was a brilliant move,&rdquo; Rayudu said while talking on ESPNCricinfo's TIMEOUT.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar also appreciated how Patidar managed his bowling resources. &nbsp;
&ldquo;He was pretty smart with that. To hold back Krunal for the 20th over made absolute sense, because you don't want him to be bowling the 19th over with Josh Hazlewood only having ten or 12 to defend,&rdquo; Bangar explained.
Rayudu also pointed out how calm Patidar looked in pressure moments, saying: &ldquo;He was at ease in the pressure situations&rdquo; and highlighted how Virat Kohli wasn&rsquo;t as involved in offering suggestions, showing trust in Patidar&rsquo;s leadership.
RCB currently have three wins from four matches and will next face Delhi Capitals at home on Thursday (Apr 10).
Before this game, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant have also been fined for slow over-rates this season.
Patidar&rsquo;s confidence as a young captain is growing. His bold choices are not just helping RCB win game, they&rsquo;re also earning him respect.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar has been fined INR 12 lakh ($15,000) for maintaining a slow over-rate during their thrilling win against Mumbai Indians. Cricket Sports

Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been fined INR 12 lakh ($15,000) for maintaining a slow over-rate during their thrilling win against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. This is RCB’s first over-rate offence of IPL 2025. The fine may have grabbed attention, but Patidar’s smart captaincy was the real talk of the town. In his first season as captain, he’s not only added aggression to RCB’s batting scoring 161 runs in four innings, just behind Virat Kohli’s 164, but also shown great decision-making under pressure. After the win, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu praised Patidar’s bowling strategy, especially the timely use of Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the death overs during MI’s chase. Also Read: IPL 2025 | 'Really hurt us in that...,' Coach Jayawardene reveals MI's concern after fourth loss in five games “It was a brilliant move,” Rayudu said while talking on ESPNCricinfo's TIMEOUT. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar also appreciated how Patidar managed his bowling resources. “He was pretty smart with that. To hold back Krunal for the 20th over made absolute sense, because you don't want him to be bowling the 19th over with Josh Hazlewood only having ten or 12 to defend,” Bangar explained. Rayudu also pointed out how calm Patidar looked in pressure moments, saying: “He was at ease in the pressure situations” and highlighted how Virat Kohli wasn’t as involved in offering suggestions, showing trust in Patidar’s leadership. RCB currently have three wins from four matches and will next face Delhi Capitals at home on Thursday (Apr 10). Before this game, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant have also been fined for slow over-rates this season. Patidar’s confidence as a young captain is growing. His bold choices are not just helping RCB win game, they’re also earning him respect.

IPL 2025 | RCB skipper Rajat Patidar latest to be fined for slow over rate

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are on a roll this season with three wins in four games played in IPL 2025. The third win came on Monday (Apr 7) against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. With the victory, RCB became only the second team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history to beat KKR, MI and CSK in same season and that too at their own home.
Before RCB, only Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings now) had done so in 2012 - beating KKR at Eden Garden, CSK at Chepauk and MI at Wankhede in same season.
RCB played their season opener against KKR at Eden Gardens and won the match by seven wickets. In the next match, they beat CSK in Chennai by 50 runs.
Also Read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/aussie-will-pucovski-retired-at-27-due-to-concussions-what-actually-is-a-concussion-and-how-does-it-affect-the-brain-8938516" aria-label="Aussie Will Pucovski retired at 27 due to concussions. What actually is a concussion and how does it affect the brain">Aussie Will Pucovski retired at 27 due to concussions. What actually is a concussion and how does it affect the brain</a>
RCB's only loss have come against Gujarat Titans that too ironically in Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy stadium before beating Mumbai in Mumbai on Monday.
Batting first against MI, RCB lost Phil Salt early before Virat Kohli (67 off 42) and Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) added 91 runs for the first wicket. Skipper Rajat Patidar also scored a whirlwind 32-ball 64 while Jitesh Sharma hit unbeaten 40 off 19 balls as RCB posted 221/5 in 20 overs.
Chasing a mammoth 222, MI once again had a poor start and lost two wickets for 38 runs inside the first four overs against Bengaluru.
By the 10-over mark, MI were at about 80 runs with seven wickets in hand which became 99/4 in 12 overs. Tilak and skipper Pandya then added 88 runs in 34 balls before Verma was dismissed in the 18th over. Pandya followed the suit in the penultimate over but MI managed to score nine runs - leaving 19 for the last six balls off Krunal Pandya.
The other Pandya, however, had the last laugh as he took three wickets and gave away just six runs to take his team home.

Before RCB, only Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings now) had done so in 2012 - beating KKR at Eden Garden, CSK at Chepauk and MI at Wankhede in same season. Cricket Sports

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are on a roll this season with three wins in four games played in IPL 2025. The third win came on Monday (Apr 7) against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. With the victory, RCB became only the second team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history to beat KKR, MI and CSK in same season and that too at their own home. Before RCB, only Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings now) had done so in 2012 - beating KKR at Eden Garden, CSK at Chepauk and MI at Wankhede in same season. RCB played their season opener against KKR at Eden Gardens and won the match by seven wickets. In the next match, they beat CSK in Chennai by 50 runs. Also Read: Aussie Will Pucovski retired at 27 due to concussions. What actually is a concussion and how does it affect the brain RCB's only loss have come against Gujarat Titans that too ironically in Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy stadium before beating Mumbai in Mumbai on Monday. Batting first against MI, RCB lost Phil Salt early before Virat Kohli (67 off 42) and Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) added 91 runs for the first wicket. Skipper Rajat Patidar also scored a whirlwind 32-ball 64 while Jitesh Sharma hit unbeaten 40 off 19 balls as RCB posted 221/5 in 20 overs. Chasing a mammoth 222, MI once again had a poor start and lost two wickets for 38 runs inside the first four overs against Bengaluru. By the 10-over mark, MI were at about 80 runs with seven wickets in hand which became 99/4 in 12 overs. Tilak and skipper Pandya then added 88 runs in 34 balls before Verma was dismissed in the 18th over. Pandya followed the suit in the penultimate over but MI managed to score nine runs - leaving 19 for the last six balls off Krunal Pandya. The other Pandya, however, had the last laugh as he took three wickets and gave away just six runs to take his team home.

RCB becomes only second team in IPL history to achieve THIS feat after win vs MI

Ace quick <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah" rel="dofollow">Jasprit Bumrah</a> has relinked with the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> marquee home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah recovered in time from the back injury he sustained during the final BGT Test Down Under (in Sydney), which kept him out of competitive cricket for over three months.
Bumrah&rsquo;s return will boost MI&rsquo;s dressing morale, which took some beating against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their previous game. With two wins and as many losses in four contested matches thus far, Mumbai sits in the eighth position on the points table.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/we-know-when-he-comes-out-to-bat-what-he-plans-to-do-pbks-yuzvendra-chahal-on-facing-ms-dhoni-in-ipl-2025-8934542" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;We know when he comes out to bat, what he plans to do,&rsquo; PBKS&rsquo; Chahal on facing MS Dhoni in IPL 2025</a>
However, with Bumrah returning to the side ahead of the RCB game, their chances of rising the ladder also increase.
The Yorker King Bumrah will come up against RCB&rsquo;s most prolific run-scorer and former captain Virat Kohli in the much-awaited clash in Mumbai, with the fans worldwide waiting to catch a glimpse of the clash of the titans.&nbsp;
Watch a video of how the MI squad hugged and greeted Bumrah upon his return to the Indian Premier League.
<h3>Video &ndash;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m96uqa8v-xu609jk3-po90oxre">
Boom is back. Home game vs RCB tonight. Monday ho toh aisa! 🤩 Watch today's full episode of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIDaily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIDaily</a> 👉 <a href="https://t.co/lwapAHrJYu">https://t.co/lwapAHrJYu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayLikeMumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayLikeMumbai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLhWjqgbBD">pic.twitter.com/BLhWjqgbBD</a>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1909089158447956371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Lacing up in the nets</h2>
Bumrah relinked with the team over the weekend, and following formal and customary greetings and welcome, he went straight to the nets, throwing rockets and preparing for the RCB game this season.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m96uqjft-2zdi17xr-dxa7gb3i">
Goodnight Paltan! 😊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayLikeMumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayLikeMumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/UYghtBvYMN">pic.twitter.com/UYghtBvYMN</a>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1908930652944072968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
Bumrah will also rejoin his former teammate and New Zealand great Trent Boult at the camp for this season, with Deepak Chahar also complementing this new-ball pair.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-no-discussion-of-csk-matches-on-ashwins-youtube-channel-after-social-media-backlash-8934350" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: No discussion of CSK matches on Ashwin&rsquo;s YouTube channel after social media backlash</a>
Knowing their captain, Hardik Pandya, also enjoys bowling with the new ball, it remains to be seen who two are the new ball bowlers for the home team against RCB.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Bumrah recovered in time from the back injury he sustained during the final BGT Test Down Under, which kept him out of cricket for over three months.

Ace quick Jasprit Bumrah has relinked with the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad ahead of their IPL 2025 marquee home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah recovered in time from the back injury he sustained during the final BGT Test Down Under (in Sydney), which kept him out of competitive cricket for over three months. Bumrah’s return will boost MI’s dressing morale, which took some beating against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their previous game. With two wins and as many losses in four contested matches thus far, Mumbai sits in the eighth position on the points table. Also read | ‘We know when he comes out to bat, what he plans to do,’ PBKS’ Chahal on facing MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 However, with Bumrah returning to the side ahead of the RCB game, their chances of rising the ladder also increase. The Yorker King Bumrah will come up against RCB’s most prolific run-scorer and former captain Virat Kohli in the much-awaited clash in Mumbai, with the fans worldwide waiting to catch a glimpse of the clash of the titans. Watch a video of how the MI squad hugged and greeted Bumrah upon his return to the Indian Premier League. Video – Boom is back. Home game vs RCB tonight. Monday ho toh aisa! 🤩 Watch today's full episode of #MIDaily 👉 https://t.co/lwapAHrJYu#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/BLhWjqgbBD — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 7, 2025 Lacing up in the nets Bumrah relinked with the team over the weekend, and following formal and customary greetings and welcome, he went straight to the nets, throwing rockets and preparing for the RCB game this season. Goodnight Paltan! 😊#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/UYghtBvYMN — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 6, 2025 Bumrah will also rejoin his former teammate and New Zealand great Trent Boult at the camp for this season, with Deepak Chahar also complementing this new-ball pair. Also read | IPL 2025: No discussion of CSK matches on Ashwin’s YouTube channel after social media backlash Knowing their captain, Hardik Pandya, also enjoys bowling with the new ball, it remains to be seen who two are the new ball bowlers for the home team against RCB. (With inputs from agencies)

MI vs RCB: Fit-again Bumrah gears up for Virat Kohli challenge in IPL 2025 classic – Watch

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-siraj" rel="dofollow">Mohammed Siraj</a> was effective with the new ball, impressed with his line and length and produced a match-winning spell for his new IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans (GT), on his emotional return to Bengaluru this season. The right-arm seamer picked three wickets for 19 runs against his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for whom he played for seven seasons before. His spell was instrumental in helping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-buttler-serves-it-hot-as-gujarat-hand-royal-challengers-bengaluru-eight-wicket-loss-8918831" rel="dofollow">GT beat RCB by eight wickets on Wednesday night</a>.
The BCCI selectors dropped Siraj from Team India&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> squad, citing his lack of effectiveness with the new ball. Instead of putting himself under any pressure, Siraj worked on his game in the meantime. Upon joining former India seamer Ashish Nehra and experienced seamer Ishant Sharma (at GT), he improved it, and the results are there for everyone to see.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-rr-skipper-sanju-samson-back-at-helm-again-gets-nca-clearance-for-wicket-keeping-duties-8918163" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: RR skipper Sanju Samson back at helm again, gets NCA clearance for wicket-keeping duties</a>
&ldquo;I had been playing consistently, but during the break, I corrected my mistakes and worked on my fitness,&rdquo; Siraj explained after his Player of the Match performance. &ldquo;Once I was picked up by Gujarat Titans, I spoke to Ashish Bhai. He (Nehra) tells me to go enjoy your bowling, and Ishu (Ishant) Bhai tells me what line and length to bowl. My mindset is to have a belief, and then the pitch does not matter.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, Siraj bowled tight lines up front against the upbeat RCB openers. Although Phil Salt smacked him for a monstrous 105m six, Siraj dismissed him next ball (clean bowled) on 14. However, before that, he dismissed left-hander Devdutt Padikkal bowled and later accounted for RCB&rsquo;s highest scorer Liam Livingstone (54), caught behind on 54. The Indian quick also did his famous Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s &lsquo;sui&rsquo; celebration, explaining his love affair behind it.
"I was a bit emotional. I was here for seven years; changed jersey from red to blue. There was some nervousness and some emotion, but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full-on," Siraj said.&nbsp;
When asked about his celebration style, Siraj replied, "I am Ronaldo's fan and, hence, the celebration."
<h2>Buttler saves the day for Gujarat</h2>
England great Jos Buttler top-scored for Gujarat, helping them complete the chase and win their second game in IPL 2025. Following Shubman Gill&rsquo;s dismissal inside the Powerplay, Buttler joined opener Sai Sudharsan in the middle, with the pair making light work of the RCB bowlers.&nbsp;
While Sai got out shy of yet another fifty-plus score in this tournament, Buttler remained unbeaten on 73 off 39 balls, hitting six sixes and five fours, continuing his incredible form with the bat.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Siraj picked three wickets for 19 runs against his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for whom he played for seven seasons before.

Mohammed Siraj was effective with the new ball, impressed with his line and length and produced a match-winning spell for his new IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans (GT), on his emotional return to Bengaluru this season. The right-arm seamer picked three wickets for 19 runs against his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for whom he played for seven seasons before. His spell was instrumental in helping GT beat RCB by eight wickets on Wednesday night. The BCCI selectors dropped Siraj from Team India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, citing his lack of effectiveness with the new ball. Instead of putting himself under any pressure, Siraj worked on his game in the meantime. Upon joining former India seamer Ashish Nehra and experienced seamer Ishant Sharma (at GT), he improved it, and the results are there for everyone to see. Also read | IPL 2025: RR skipper Sanju Samson back at helm again, gets NCA clearance for wicket-keeping duties “I had been playing consistently, but during the break, I corrected my mistakes and worked on my fitness,” Siraj explained after his Player of the Match performance. “Once I was picked up by Gujarat Titans, I spoke to Ashish Bhai. He (Nehra) tells me to go enjoy your bowling, and Ishu (Ishant) Bhai tells me what line and length to bowl. My mindset is to have a belief, and then the pitch does not matter.” Meanwhile, Siraj bowled tight lines up front against the upbeat RCB openers. Although Phil Salt smacked him for a monstrous 105m six, Siraj dismissed him next ball (clean bowled) on 14. However, before that, he dismissed left-hander Devdutt Padikkal bowled and later accounted for RCB’s highest scorer Liam Livingstone (54), caught behind on 54. The Indian quick also did his famous Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘sui’ celebration, explaining his love affair behind it. "I was a bit emotional. I was here for seven years; changed jersey from red to blue. There was some nervousness and some emotion, but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full-on," Siraj said. When asked about his celebration style, Siraj replied, "I am Ronaldo's fan and, hence, the celebration." Buttler saves the day for Gujarat England great Jos Buttler top-scored for Gujarat, helping them complete the chase and win their second game in IPL 2025. Following Shubman Gill’s dismissal inside the Powerplay, Buttler joined opener Sai Sudharsan in the middle, with the pair making light work of the RCB bowlers. While Sai got out shy of yet another fifty-plus score in this tournament, Buttler remained unbeaten on 73 off 39 balls, hitting six sixes and five fours, continuing his incredible form with the bat. (With inputs from agencies)

Siraj credits GT coach Nehra for finding form on emotional return to Bengaluru in IPL 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season really well with two wins in two games. They did so even before playing a single game at home - the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru which is known for high-scoring fests.
As RCB gear up to face Gujarat Titans (GT) on Wednesday (Apr 2) in their first home game, they'd bank on home advantage where they won three back-to-back games last season to make a run to playoffs last season.
<h2>IPL RCB vs GT Today Match Prediction</h2>
RCB has been an all-round team so far in two games played with good opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli followed by Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Rajat Patidar - all of them have contributed so far in two games. After that the batting is a bit thin with Liam Livingstone going boom or bust but then Tim David at the lower order has been good so far with Krunal Pandya still to come.
In bowling, Hazlewood has been great so far and so is spinner Suyash Sharma. Pandya and Livingstone performing have also made life easier for RCB with Bhuvi Kumar &nbsp;and Yash Dayal doing the job as well. All in all, RCB look pretty covered for any situation.
GT, on the other hand, have lost one and won one in two games. They have good batters in top order but no David Miller and misfiring Rahul Tewatia as well as Shahrukh Khan has left them in a soup. The pacer, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishan have enough experience of playing in Chinnaswamy and Rashid Khan is excellent every place he plays.
<h2>IPL RCB vs GT Today Match - Pitch Report</h2>
The teams have not experienced dew in last two days but still the team which wins the toss has preferred to bat second and chase down the total at one of the smaller grounds in the country. The outfield, shorter boundaries and pitch with no real demons should make it a good contest with average runs nearing to 190-195 mark while batting first.
<h2>IPL RCB vs GT Today Match - Toss Prediction</h2>
RCB has won the toss 42 times and batted first only five of those time since 2008. The visiting teams too have preferred to chase - since 2008, 58 times visiting team has won the toss and batted second 50 of those times.
<h2>IPL RCB vs GT Today Match - Playing XI</h2>
RCB: Salt, Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma (impact)
GT: Gill, Sudharsan, Buttler, Shahrukh, Rutherford, Tewatia, Rashid, Rabada, Sai Kishore, Siraj, Prasidh, Ishant Sharma (impact)

As RCB gear up to face GT on Wednesday (Apr 2) in their first home game, they'd bank on home advantage where they won three back-to-back games last season to make a run to playoff. Cricket Sports

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season really well with two wins in two games. They did so even before playing a single game at home - the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru which is known for high-scoring fests. As RCB gear up to face Gujarat Titans (GT) on Wednesday (Apr 2) in their first home game, they'd bank on home advantage where they won three back-to-back games last season to make a run to playoffs last season. IPL RCB vs GT Today Match Prediction RCB has been an all-round team so far in two games played with good opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli followed by Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Rajat Patidar - all of them have contributed so far in two games. After that the batting is a bit thin with Liam Livingstone going boom or bust but then Tim David at the lower order has been good so far with Krunal Pandya still to come. In bowling, Hazlewood has been great so far and so is spinner Suyash Sharma. Pandya and Livingstone performing have also made life easier for RCB with Bhuvi Kumar and Yash Dayal doing the job as well. All in all, RCB look pretty covered for any situation. GT, on the other hand, have lost one and won one in two games. They have good batters in top order but no David Miller and misfiring Rahul Tewatia as well as Shahrukh Khan has left them in a soup. The pacer, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishan have enough experience of playing in Chinnaswamy and Rashid Khan is excellent every place he plays. IPL RCB vs GT Today Match - Pitch Report The teams have not experienced dew in last two days but still the team which wins the toss has preferred to bat second and chase down the total at one of the smaller grounds in the country. The outfield, shorter boundaries and pitch with no real demons should make it a good contest with average runs nearing to 190-195 mark while batting first. IPL RCB vs GT Today Match - Toss Prediction RCB has won the toss 42 times and batted first only five of those time since 2008. The visiting teams too have preferred to chase - since 2008, 58 times visiting team has won the toss and batted second 50 of those times. IPL RCB vs GT Today Match - Playing XI RCB: Salt, Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma (impact) GT: Gill, Sudharsan, Buttler, Shahrukh, Rutherford, Tewatia, Rashid, Rabada, Sai Kishore, Siraj, Prasidh, Ishant Sharma (impact)

IPL 2025: RCB vs GT Today: Match Prediction, Toss, Pitch Report, Playing XI

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings-csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> lost the home game by 50 runs to rivals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> on Friday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, with CSK head coach Stephen Fleming commenting how the home team did not get any advantage playing at Chepauk, leaving India Test great Cheteshwar Pujara &lsquo;quite surprised&rsquo;. Usually, as it often plays out, the Chepauk pitch offered more assistance to spinners in the second innings, while the ball skidded onto the bat during the first when RCB hit 196 for seven after being sent into bat.
Pujara said teams like CSK and even Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders get what they want, and if they aren&rsquo;t getting it, then it means they don&rsquo;t have a say, which is surprising for him. The India Test great commented that if any other team had complained about it, he would have understood, but not with IPL giants like CSK, whose strength grows when they play in home conditions.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-vs-lsg-rescheduled-to-april-8-owing-to-ram-navami-festivities-8902963" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG rescheduled to April 8 owing to Ram Navami festivities</a>
"It is [surprising] because at CSK, you can't complain, it's one franchise where they've been preparing pitches according to their strengths," Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut.&nbsp;
"You should [use home advantage]; if he's saying that [there is no home advantage] they don't have a say, then I'm quite surprised.
"If you speak about MI, CSK, and KKR - I don't think that's the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home,&rdquo; he continued.
<h2>CSK's batting order baffles Pujara</h2>
Chasing 197, CSK needed their right players playing in the right positions with everyone clicking, and much to the home fans&rsquo; disappointment, nothing happened as they endured their heaviest loss at home by 50 runs.&nbsp;
What baffled everyone was CSK&rsquo;s batting order, with Sam Curran batting ahead of Shivam Dube and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin coming to bat ahead of veteran MS Dhoni.
Outside of opener Rachin Ravindra, none came close to scoring huge runs, with Dhoni&rsquo;s and Ravindra Jadeja&rsquo;s contributions coming when CSK had already lost the match. Surprised over the change in the batting order for such a crucial game, Pujara said,&nbsp;
"There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point. They will have to start scoring runs quickly. They rely heavily on their middle order.
"Yes, their top order is their strength, but when they don't perform well that's the time the middle order has to step up, it doesn't look like they're completely ready for it. It looks like they'll need better surfaces to get back into form, and when they start playing at home again, they'll be able to perform well,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Chasing 197, CSK needed their players playing in the right positions with everyone clicking, and much to the home fans’ disappointment, nothing happened.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost the home game by 50 runs to rivals Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday in IPL 2025, with CSK head coach Stephen Fleming commenting how the home team did not get any advantage playing at Chepauk, leaving India Test great Cheteshwar Pujara ‘quite surprised’. Usually, as it often plays out, the Chepauk pitch offered more assistance to spinners in the second innings, while the ball skidded onto the bat during the first when RCB hit 196 for seven after being sent into bat. Pujara said teams like CSK and even Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders get what they want, and if they aren’t getting it, then it means they don’t have a say, which is surprising for him. The India Test great commented that if any other team had complained about it, he would have understood, but not with IPL giants like CSK, whose strength grows when they play in home conditions. Also read | IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG rescheduled to April 8 owing to Ram Navami festivities "It is [surprising] because at CSK, you can't complain, it's one franchise where they've been preparing pitches according to their strengths," Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut. "You should [use home advantage]; if he's saying that [there is no home advantage] they don't have a say, then I'm quite surprised. "If you speak about MI, CSK, and KKR - I don't think that's the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home,” he continued. CSK's batting order baffles Pujara Chasing 197, CSK needed their right players playing in the right positions with everyone clicking, and much to the home fans’ disappointment, nothing happened as they endured their heaviest loss at home by 50 runs. What baffled everyone was CSK’s batting order, with Sam Curran batting ahead of Shivam Dube and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin coming to bat ahead of veteran MS Dhoni. Outside of opener Rachin Ravindra, none came close to scoring huge runs, with Dhoni’s and Ravindra Jadeja’s contributions coming when CSK had already lost the match. Surprised over the change in the batting order for such a crucial game, Pujara said, "There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point. They will have to start scoring runs quickly. They rely heavily on their middle order. "Yes, their top order is their strength, but when they don't perform well that's the time the middle order has to step up, it doesn't look like they're completely ready for it. It looks like they'll need better surfaces to get back into form, and when they start playing at home again, they'll be able to perform well,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: India Test great ‘quite surprised’ by CSK head coach’s ‘no home advantage at Chepauk' remarks

MS Dhoni isn't getting old - at least his stumping skills don't show that and a proof of same was once again given during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday (Mar 28).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-csk-vs-rcb-first-one-on-head-then-a-six-watch-kohli-shows-why-is-he-still-relevant-despite-calls-of-his-retirement-8901720">'First one on head then a six,' Kohli shows why is he still relevant despite calls of his retirement - WATCH</a>
The 43-year-old, who will soon be touching 44, is as good behind the wickets as any wicketkeeper can ever hope to be. In the first match against Mumbai Indians, he had dismissed Suryakumar Yadav in rolling-back-the-years way.
During the match against RCB, Dhoni went a step ahead, if it was available ever, to dismiss dangerous looking Phil Salt in just 0.16 seconds. Have a look at the stumping below to decide for yourself:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Ladies &amp; gentlemen, presenting the GEN GOLD who never gets OLD! ⚡🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> pulls off yet another lightning-fast stumping and this time, it's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PhilSalt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PhilSalt</a> who&rsquo;s left stunned! 😮&zwj;💨💪🏻 Watch LIVE action ➡ <a href="https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB">https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioStar</a> 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvRCB</a> | LIVE NOW on Star Sports&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/kK3B5jxhXT">pic.twitter.com/kK3B5jxhXT</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1905633909305737563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

As for the rest of the match, it was a game of cat and mouse in which RCB pulled ahead in the end despite CSK taking wickets at regular interval.
After Salt's dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal played a cameo of 14-ball 27 but was dismissed thanks to a superb low catch by CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
RCB stalwart Kohli had a struggling night as he laboured his way to a 30-ball 31 with two sixes and a four. He was also not given strike much so much so that Kohli had only faced 22 balls in the first 10 overs of RCB's innings.
Kohli's partners although, kept the innings going well despite losing wickets at regular interval. Skipper Rajat Patidar played an important innings of 51 off 32 balls - the highest for his team.
Towards the end, Tim David scored unbeaten 22 off just eight balls including three back-to-back sixes in the last over which took RCB to 196/7 in 20 overs.
For CSK, Noor was again pick of the bowlers with 3/36 in four overs while Pathirana picked two wickets for same number of runs.

IPL 2025, CSK vs RCB: During the match against RCB, Dhoni went a step ahead, if it was available ever, to dismiss dangerous looking Phil Salt in just 0.16 seconds. Cricket Sports

MS Dhoni isn't getting old - at least his stumping skills don't show that and a proof of same was once again given during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday (Mar 28). Also Read: 'First one on head then a six,' Kohli shows why is he still relevant despite calls of his retirement - WATCH The 43-year-old, who will soon be touching 44, is as good behind the wickets as any wicketkeeper can ever hope to be. In the first match against Mumbai Indians, he had dismissed Suryakumar Yadav in rolling-back-the-years way. During the match against RCB, Dhoni went a step ahead, if it was available ever, to dismiss dangerous looking Phil Salt in just 0.16 seconds. Have a look at the stumping below to decide for yourself: Ladies & gentlemen, presenting the GEN GOLD who never gets OLD! ⚡🔥#MSDhoni pulls off yet another lightning-fast stumping and this time, it's #PhilSalt who’s left stunned! 😮‍💨💪🏻 Watch LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/kK3B5jxhXT — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2025 As for the rest of the match, it was a game of cat and mouse in which RCB pulled ahead in the end despite CSK taking wickets at regular interval. After Salt's dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal played a cameo of 14-ball 27 but was dismissed thanks to a superb low catch by CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. RCB stalwart Kohli had a struggling night as he laboured his way to a 30-ball 31 with two sixes and a four. He was also not given strike much so much so that Kohli had only faced 22 balls in the first 10 overs of RCB's innings. Kohli's partners although, kept the innings going well despite losing wickets at regular interval. Skipper Rajat Patidar played an important innings of 51 off 32 balls - the highest for his team. Towards the end, Tim David scored unbeaten 22 off just eight balls including three back-to-back sixes in the last over which took RCB to 196/7 in 20 overs. For CSK, Noor was again pick of the bowlers with 3/36 in four overs while Pathirana picked two wickets for same number of runs.

IPL 2025 - '0.16 second': This is how much time Dhoni needed to stump Salt in CSK vs RCB

It&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni</a>&rsquo;s world, and we are living in it.
India and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings-csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> giant is perhaps the most enormous cricketing personality since the great Sachin Tendulkar, and the roar the home crowd (in IPL) makes upon his arrival at the crease is a testament to it. Dhoni is CSK, and CSK is Dhoni, and his former teammate Ambati Rayudu doesn&rsquo;t think otherwise.
Ahead of Chennai&rsquo;s marquee home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 on Friday night, Rayudu talks about the energetic CSK crowd known for producing the loudest noise ever heard on a cricket field. It&rsquo;s intimidating for someone coming over to the venue (Chepauk in Chennai) for the first time, but it&rsquo;s phenomenal (to feel), Rayudu reckons.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/star-culture-returns-with-csk-rcb-southern-derby-why-is-it-ipl-2025-biggest-draw-8896859" rel="dofollow">Star culture returns with CSK-RCB Southern Derby: Why is it IPL's biggest draw?</a>
Rayudu, who played for several seasons under MS Dhoni, winning three IPL titles with them (2018, 2021 and 2023), feels Dhoni is rightly being called &lsquo;Thala&rsquo; (leader) for what he did at CSK and what he brings to the table. Rayudu admits the fans are madly in love with the former Indian and CSK captain and come in abundance to cheer for him first and then the team.
"It is quite daunting if you're a newcomer," Rayudu said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;
"It's quite loud. The support is phenomenal. But, as you go on and play, then you realise they are MS Dhoni fans before they are CSK fans. It is quite evident, and rightly so, because that's the way the team has been set up and built over the years. He's rightly named Thala [leader], and he has been calling the shots in CSK, and it's come to a stage where people are madly in awe and in love of what he's done for CSK,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>The other side of it</h2>
There&rsquo;s always another side to everything, and CSK fans cheering the stadium out for MS Dhoni comes with its set of cons.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-pitch-curator-does-u-turn-in-ajinkya-rahane-episode-says-those-who-are-accusing-me-sujan-mukherjee-8898729" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: KKR pitch curator does U-Turn in Rahane episode, says &lsquo;those who are accusing me&hellip;&rsquo;</a>
Who doesn&rsquo;t want to watch MS Dhoni bat? Perhaps everyone; however, since he comes late down the order, his time only comes when most of the batting order is back in the hut, with the strangest part being the fans cheer after a CSK wicket falls only to see MS Dhoni walk out and bat and hit sixes.
Rayudu feels it doesn&rsquo;t set a nice example for the game, and considering everyone in the side gives their 100%, the home fans must not cheer for a CSK batter&rsquo;s wicket to watch MS Dhoni play in the middle.&nbsp;
"It's been happening for quite a few years now, and quite a few players have felt it over the years, you know, if not come out openly and said something about it, but internally, a lot of people used to feel that the crowd&hellip; even though we also love MS Dhoni, and they also love MS Dhoni and we want to see him bat, but sometimes when you, as an individual, are going out to bat they are shouting from the crowd to&hellip; literally asking you to get out. Or they are anticipating or expecting you to get out.
"So it is quite strange, and I don't think it actually serves the game well to be very honest. All the [other] players are giving their best for the team as well. They are also preparing and doing really well for the franchise, and they have put in a lot of sacrifices to be where they are. When things like that happen from their own crowd, it is, I feel, maybe it can be avoided,&rdquo; Rayudu added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Rayudu feels the home fans (in IPL) cheering for a CSK wicket to watch MS Dhoni play in the middle doesn’t set a nice example for the game.

It’s MS Dhoni’s world, and we are living in it. India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) giant is perhaps the most enormous cricketing personality since the great Sachin Tendulkar, and the roar the home crowd (in IPL) makes upon his arrival at the crease is a testament to it. Dhoni is CSK, and CSK is Dhoni, and his former teammate Ambati Rayudu doesn’t think otherwise. Ahead of Chennai’s marquee home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 on Friday night, Rayudu talks about the energetic CSK crowd known for producing the loudest noise ever heard on a cricket field. It’s intimidating for someone coming over to the venue (Chepauk in Chennai) for the first time, but it’s phenomenal (to feel), Rayudu reckons. Also read | Star culture returns with CSK-RCB Southern Derby: Why is it IPL's biggest draw? Rayudu, who played for several seasons under MS Dhoni, winning three IPL titles with them (2018, 2021 and 2023), feels Dhoni is rightly being called ‘Thala’ (leader) for what he did at CSK and what he brings to the table. Rayudu admits the fans are madly in love with the former Indian and CSK captain and come in abundance to cheer for him first and then the team. "It is quite daunting if you're a newcomer," Rayudu said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo. "It's quite loud. The support is phenomenal. But, as you go on and play, then you realise they are MS Dhoni fans before they are CSK fans. It is quite evident, and rightly so, because that's the way the team has been set up and built over the years. He's rightly named Thala [leader], and he has been calling the shots in CSK, and it's come to a stage where people are madly in awe and in love of what he's done for CSK,” he added. The other side of it There’s always another side to everything, and CSK fans cheering the stadium out for MS Dhoni comes with its set of cons. Also read | IPL 2025: KKR pitch curator does U-Turn in Rahane episode, says ‘those who are accusing me…’ Who doesn’t want to watch MS Dhoni bat? Perhaps everyone; however, since he comes late down the order, his time only comes when most of the batting order is back in the hut, with the strangest part being the fans cheer after a CSK wicket falls only to see MS Dhoni walk out and bat and hit sixes. Rayudu feels it doesn’t set a nice example for the game, and considering everyone in the side gives their 100%, the home fans must not cheer for a CSK batter’s wicket to watch MS Dhoni play in the middle. "It's been happening for quite a few years now, and quite a few players have felt it over the years, you know, if not come out openly and said something about it, but internally, a lot of people used to feel that the crowd… even though we also love MS Dhoni, and they also love MS Dhoni and we want to see him bat, but sometimes when you, as an individual, are going out to bat they are shouting from the crowd to… literally asking you to get out. Or they are anticipating or expecting you to get out. "So it is quite strange, and I don't think it actually serves the game well to be very honest. All the [other] players are giving their best for the team as well. They are also preparing and doing really well for the franchise, and they have put in a lot of sacrifices to be where they are. When things like that happen from their own crowd, it is, I feel, maybe it can be avoided,” Rayudu added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Everyone gives their 100% at CSK but fans cheer for MS Dhoni,’ Rayudu’s honest admission of Chennai’s IPL crowd

Some rivalries and battles stretch beyond all boundaries, and IPL&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings-csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> vs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> is one the cricketing world longs for. There&rsquo;s more to it than just a contest between bat and ball, two giants of franchise cricket and MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli. Since the tournament&rsquo;s inception in 2008, both have held the highest honour in this league, with their fan bases running the show outside.
<h2>IPL&rsquo;s greatest draw</h2>
Watching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> share the stage in opposite camps 18 years since doing it for the first time in 2008 still gives chills to everyone, let alone those in attendance.&nbsp;
Cricket peaks, the advertisement prices boom and the fans stick to their TV sets when MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli &ndash; the two grandest sporting heroes in the country come face to face.&nbsp;
Contrary to the notion of how a heroic sporting culture in India led to the team and fans facing disappointment on the global stage several times, with the team&rsquo;s superstars failing to perform on the big day and India losing eventually, all take the back seat when these two stalwarts enter the arena.
With CSK and RCB ready to write another chapter in their glorious IPL history, let&rsquo;s look at what is in store for the fans ahead of the Southern Derby on Friday at Chepauk.
<h3>The Big Preview</h3>
Chennai opened their IPL 2025 campaign with a five-wicket win over rivals Mumbai Indians at home, while Bengaluru clinched a crucial yet statement win over the defending champions Kolkata in the tournament opener at Eden Gardens.&nbsp;
Oozing with confidence, both teams will aim to carry the momentum in their second clash &ndash; their first against each other this season in Chennai.
Talking of the home team, CSK has all the right weapons to unleash on a batting-heavy RCB in their home conditions. With the veteran duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja holding the fort, alongside the addition of Afghanistan&rsquo;s Noor Ahmed strengthening their spin attack, CSK is ready to maintain their winning streak.&nbsp;
However, the touring RCB side is not short of deadly arsenals in their attack. Besides the powerhouse of attackers at the top, including England&rsquo;s Phil Salt and Kohli, their dominating middle order makes up for a lack of fine spin bowling options, although Krunal Pandya&rsquo;s first-game heroics keep their noses ahead.
Following the first marquee clash on the past Sunday between CSK and MI, Chennai will return with another blockbuster tie against the touring RCB.&nbsp;
However, for the nth time in the past couple of years, this could also be the last time Kohli and Dhoni go against each other for the one last time.
So, till they are around, it&rsquo;s time we cherish it.&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: Cricket peaks, the advertisement prices boom and the fans stick to their TV sets when MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli come face to face.

Some rivalries and battles stretch beyond all boundaries, and IPL’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one the cricketing world longs for. There’s more to it than just a contest between bat and ball, two giants of franchise cricket and MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli. Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, both have held the highest honour in this league, with their fan bases running the show outside. IPL’s greatest draw Watching MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli share the stage in opposite camps 18 years since doing it for the first time in 2008 still gives chills to everyone, let alone those in attendance. Cricket peaks, the advertisement prices boom and the fans stick to their TV sets when MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli – the two grandest sporting heroes in the country come face to face. Contrary to the notion of how a heroic sporting culture in India led to the team and fans facing disappointment on the global stage several times, with the team’s superstars failing to perform on the big day and India losing eventually, all take the back seat when these two stalwarts enter the arena. With CSK and RCB ready to write another chapter in their glorious IPL history, let’s look at what is in store for the fans ahead of the Southern Derby on Friday at Chepauk. The Big Preview Chennai opened their IPL 2025 campaign with a five-wicket win over rivals Mumbai Indians at home, while Bengaluru clinched a crucial yet statement win over the defending champions Kolkata in the tournament opener at Eden Gardens. Oozing with confidence, both teams will aim to carry the momentum in their second clash – their first against each other this season in Chennai. Talking of the home team, CSK has all the right weapons to unleash on a batting-heavy RCB in their home conditions. With the veteran duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja holding the fort, alongside the addition of Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed strengthening their spin attack, CSK is ready to maintain their winning streak. However, the touring RCB side is not short of deadly arsenals in their attack. Besides the powerhouse of attackers at the top, including England’s Phil Salt and Kohli, their dominating middle order makes up for a lack of fine spin bowling options, although Krunal Pandya’s first-game heroics keep their noses ahead. Following the first marquee clash on the past Sunday between CSK and MI, Chennai will return with another blockbuster tie against the touring RCB. However, for the nth time in the past couple of years, this could also be the last time Kohli and Dhoni go against each other for the one last time. So, till they are around, it’s time we cherish it.

Star culture returns with CSK-RCB Southern Derby: Why is it IPL's biggest draw?

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faces a major hurdle as rain threatens to disrupt the match. Fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite stars in action, but will the weather play spoilsport? Stay tuned for the latest updates!

Rain threat looms Kolkata vs Bengaluru season opener

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match. The captains' meeting has confirmed key rule changes for IPL 2025, adding new excitement to the tournament. Watch this report to know what's new in this IPL season!

Kolkata face Bengaluru in opening match of Indian Premier League

India and former RCB seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-siraj" rel="dofollow">Mohammed Siraj</a> recalled an emotional bond he shared with his previous IPL franchise and veteran batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli.</a> Siraj claims Virat backed and retained him during his tough times. After spending several seasons at RCB, the IPL team decided against retaining Siraj ahead of the impending season, with the Indian quick claiming to be heartbroken over separation. Ahead of the 18th edition starting on Saturday, Siraj shared insights of his new spell with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-titans" rel="dofollow">Gujarat Titans</a>.
Siraj joined RCB seven years ago in 2018, later making his India debut across longer formats, all under Virat Kohli&rsquo;s captaincy. Recalling how, despite his lean patch during that one period, Kohli retained him, Siraj said his career path only went upward after that, generously thanking the veteran cricketer for his unwavering support.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kl-rahul-to-miss-first-two-games-for-delhi-capitals-for-personal-reasons-report-athiya-shetty-first-child-8876874" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: KL Rahul to miss Delhi Capitals' first two games for personal reasons - Report</a>
&ldquo;To be honest, Virat Kohli has a huge hand in my career. He has backed me in my bad times&mdash;2018 and 2019&mdash;he supported me, he even retained me, and after that, my performance and graph went up. He has been very supportive. It has been very emotional for me to leave RCB. Let's see what happens when I come against RCB. The match is on April 2,&rdquo; Siraj said in a chat with ANI.
Siraj left RCB as their third-highest wicket-taker, picking 83 wickets from 87 matches, with his best of 4/21. His performance peaked in 2023, where he picked 19 wickets in 14 games, averaging 19.74 and an economy of 7.50. However, despite such performances, Siraj failed to put his hands on the IPL trophy.&nbsp;
<h2>Siraj at GT</h2>
At the mega IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah late last year, former champions Gujarat Titans (GT) won the bid for Siraj, bagging his services for $1.4 million (INR 12.25 crore).
Speaking of his new spell at GT, Siraj said, &ldquo;My training is going very well with all the pacers in my team, and our bowling unit knows how to plan and execute. I am feeling very pleasant training with them all, teammates, and especially being here in Gujarat Titans.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8isev2f-vvhc5glz-6106efmy">
15 seconds of pure 𝑀𝑖𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐🔥 <a href="https://t.co/2jfdpa8XX6">pic.twitter.com/2jfdpa8XX6</a>
&mdash; Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) <a href="https://twitter.com/gujarat_titans/status/1902563867089367366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, at GT, Siraj has an elite pace attack to rub shoulders with, with the South African pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee alongside the India pace trio of Ishant Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, and Kulwant Khejroliya, among a few.&nbsp;
Gujarat will host the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in their tournament opener on Tuesday (Mar 25).&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Mohammed Siraj joined RCB seven years ago in 2018, later making his India debut across longer formats, all under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

India and former RCB seamer Mohammed Siraj recalled an emotional bond he shared with his previous IPL franchise and veteran batter Virat Kohli. Siraj claims Virat backed and retained him during his tough times. After spending several seasons at RCB, the IPL team decided against retaining Siraj ahead of the impending season, with the Indian quick claiming to be heartbroken over separation. Ahead of the 18th edition starting on Saturday, Siraj shared insights of his new spell with Gujarat Titans. Siraj joined RCB seven years ago in 2018, later making his India debut across longer formats, all under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. Recalling how, despite his lean patch during that one period, Kohli retained him, Siraj said his career path only went upward after that, generously thanking the veteran cricketer for his unwavering support. Also read | IPL 2025: KL Rahul to miss Delhi Capitals' first two games for personal reasons - Report “To be honest, Virat Kohli has a huge hand in my career. He has backed me in my bad times—2018 and 2019—he supported me, he even retained me, and after that, my performance and graph went up. He has been very supportive. It has been very emotional for me to leave RCB. Let's see what happens when I come against RCB. The match is on April 2,” Siraj said in a chat with ANI. Siraj left RCB as their third-highest wicket-taker, picking 83 wickets from 87 matches, with his best of 4/21. His performance peaked in 2023, where he picked 19 wickets in 14 games, averaging 19.74 and an economy of 7.50. However, despite such performances, Siraj failed to put his hands on the IPL trophy. Siraj at GT At the mega IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah late last year, former champions Gujarat Titans (GT) won the bid for Siraj, bagging his services for $1.4 million (INR 12.25 crore). Speaking of his new spell at GT, Siraj said, “My training is going very well with all the pacers in my team, and our bowling unit knows how to plan and execute. I am feeling very pleasant training with them all, teammates, and especially being here in Gujarat Titans.” 15 seconds of pure 𝑀𝑖𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐🔥 pic.twitter.com/2jfdpa8XX6 — Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) March 20, 2025 Meanwhile, at GT, Siraj has an elite pace attack to rub shoulders with, with the South African pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee alongside the India pace trio of Ishant Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, and Kulwant Khejroliya, among a few. Gujarat will host the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in their tournament opener on Tuesday (Mar 25). (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Siraj recalls emotional bond with Virat Kohli, admits feeling emotional over RCB separation

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rcb" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against the defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the first day of the tournament (March 22) at the Eden Gardens. RCB appointed batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bengaluru-name-rajat-patidar-as-new-skipper-ahead-of-ipl-2025-8716503" rel="dofollow">Rajat Patidar as the side&rsquo;s new captain</a>, replacing departed veteran opener Faf du Plessis, who will now feature for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, RCB&rsquo;s final group game is against the KKR (May 17) in Bengaluru.
RCB&rsquo;s marquee clash against their rivals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-check-out-chennai-super-kings-csk-full-schedule-csk-vs-mi-csk-vs-rcb-ms-dhoni-8726773" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> is scheduled for March 28, while the return fixture will get underway on May 3 in Bengaluru.&nbsp;
Though they will play three of their first eight games at home (and five away), the M Chinnaswamy will stage four of their last six matches.&nbsp;
The new-look RCB side has enough firepower in their ranks to chase the ultimate glory, which is to win an IPL title. Having come close several times in the past years, including making it to the playoffs after beating CSK in the Southern Derby the last season, RCB believe they can strike a balance and do whatever it takes to realise their dream of being crowned the champions.&nbsp;
The inclusion of several match-winners across all departments, including the English batting trio of Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, will boost their daunting-looking batting lineup while picking up homegrown talents like Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam and Jitesh Sharma in the last auction, further improve their chances of turning the tables around.
With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-full-schedule-eden-gardens-to-host-season-opener-final-csk-mi-face-off-on-march-23-8726632" rel="dofollow">IPL announcing the final schedule of the 18th edition</a>, it&rsquo;s time we look at RCB&rsquo;s full schedule.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m77qv6tn-6kp6dovb-x22z0apz">
🚨 IPL 2025 Full Schedule Released! 🚨 🗓️ Here&rsquo;s when, where, and who we&rsquo;ll face in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TataIPL2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TataIPL2025</a>. 🔥 We&rsquo;re locking horns with CSK, RR, PBKS, KKR and DC twice. We play MI, GT, LSG and SRH once. 💪 Save the dates, 12th Man Army. We are ready to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a>! 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B2%A8%E0%B2%AE%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%AERCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ನಮ್ಮRCB</a>&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/92NpYAw8e3">pic.twitter.com/92NpYAw8e3</a>
&mdash; Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1891101634673156231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Here is RCB&rsquo;s IPL 2025 full schedule -</h2>
<ul>
<li>KKR vs RCB - 7:30 pm - March 22 - Kolkata</li>
<li>CSK vs RCB - 7:30 pm - March 28 - Chennai</li>
<li>RCB vs GT - 7:30 pm - April 2 - Bengaluru</li>
<li>MI vs RCB - 7:30 pm - April 7 - Mumbai</li>
<li>RCB vs DC - 7:30 pm - April 10 - Bengaluru</li>
<li>RR vs RCB - 3:30 pm - April 13 - Jaipur</li>
<li>RCB vs PBKS - 7:30 pm - April 18 - Bengaluru</li>
<li>PBKS vs RCB - 3:30 pm - April 20 - Mullanpur</li>
<li>RCB vs RR - 7:30 pm - April 24 - Bengaluru</li>
<li>DC vs RCB - 7:30 pm - April 27 - Delhi</li>
<li>RCB vs CSK - 7:30 pm - May 3 - Bengaluru</li>
<li>LSG vs RCB - 7:30 pm - May 9 - Lucknow</li>
<li>RCB vs SRH - 7:30 pm - May 13 - Bengaluru</li>
<li>RCB vs KKR - 7:30 pm - May 17 - Bengaluru</li>
</ul>
<h3>RCB&rsquo;s IPL 2025 squad &ndash;</h3>
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh and Mohit Rathee

Sports, Cricket: RCB’s marquee clash against their rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is scheduled for March 28, while the return fixture will get underway on May 3 in Bengaluru.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against the defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the first day of the tournament (March 22) at the Eden Gardens. RCB appointed batter Rajat Patidar as the side’s new captain, replacing departed veteran opener Faf du Plessis, who will now feature for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, RCB’s final group game is against the KKR (May 17) in Bengaluru. RCB’s marquee clash against their rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is scheduled for March 28, while the return fixture will get underway on May 3 in Bengaluru. Though they will play three of their first eight games at home (and five away), the M Chinnaswamy will stage four of their last six matches. The new-look RCB side has enough firepower in their ranks to chase the ultimate glory, which is to win an IPL title. Having come close several times in the past years, including making it to the playoffs after beating CSK in the Southern Derby the last season, RCB believe they can strike a balance and do whatever it takes to realise their dream of being crowned the champions. The inclusion of several match-winners across all departments, including the English batting trio of Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, will boost their daunting-looking batting lineup while picking up homegrown talents like Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam and Jitesh Sharma in the last auction, further improve their chances of turning the tables around. With the IPL announcing the final schedule of the 18th edition, it’s time we look at RCB’s full schedule. 🚨 IPL 2025 Full Schedule Released! 🚨 🗓️ Here’s when, where, and who we’ll face in the #TataIPL2025. 🔥 We’re locking horns with CSK, RR, PBKS, KKR and DC twice. We play MI, GT, LSG and SRH once. 💪 Save the dates, 12th Man Army. We are ready to #PlayBold! 🙌 #ನಮ್ಮRCB… pic.twitter.com/92NpYAw8e3 — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 16, 2025 Here is RCB’s IPL 2025 full schedule - KKR vs RCB - 7:30 pm - March 22 - Kolkata CSK vs RCB - 7:30 pm - March 28 - Chennai RCB vs GT - 7:30 pm - April 2 - Bengaluru MI vs RCB - 7:30 pm - April 7 - Mumbai RCB vs DC - 7:30 pm - April 10 - Bengaluru RR vs RCB - 3:30 pm - April 13 - Jaipur RCB vs PBKS - 7:30 pm - April 18 - Bengaluru PBKS vs RCB - 3:30 pm - April 20 - Mullanpur RCB vs RR - 7:30 pm - April 24 - Bengaluru DC vs RCB - 7:30 pm - April 27 - Delhi RCB vs CSK - 7:30 pm - May 3 - Bengaluru LSG vs RCB - 7:30 pm - May 9 - Lucknow RCB vs SRH - 7:30 pm - May 13 - Bengaluru RCB vs KKR - 7:30 pm - May 17 - Bengaluru RCB’s IPL 2025 squad – Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh and Mohit Rathee

IPL 2025: Check out Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Full Schedule

In a thrilling Women's Premier League (WPL) match, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</a> (RCB) secured a remarkable victory over Delhi Capitals, with skipper Smriti Mandhana lauding the exceptional performances of Kanika Ahuja and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/richa-ghosh">Richa Ghosh</a>. The duo's resilient partnership was instrumental in chasing down a massive target of 202 runs, leading RCB to a six-wicket triumph.
Mandhana expressed immense pride in her team's fighting spirit, especially highlighting the composure displayed by Ahuja and Ghosh under pressure. She noted that watching the match from the sidelines was more nerve-wracking than playing, but the duo's brilliant batting provided much-needed relief and confidence.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2025-rcb-make-winning-start-as-defending-champions-beat-gujarat-giants-8722296">WPL 2025: RCB make winning start as defending champions beat Gujarat Giants</a>
"It was brilliant to watch", Mandhana was quoted saying to ESPNcricinfo. "They [Ahuja and Ghosh] have been doing that in the nets in the last seven to eight days to all our bowlers. So, really happy that things clicked on. But yeah, I think after the first innings we knew with the dew coming, it was going to be tough to bowl. So we always thought that we were in the game."
"The way Richa batted and Pez (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ellyse-perry">Perry</a>) batted was amazing to watch," she added.
<h2>RCB without key players</h2>
RCB had lost key players like Sophie Devine (unavailable), Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana and Sophie Molineux (all injured) ahead of the season, so they had to look for some alternative options.
This resulted in three debutants: Prema Rawat, VJ Joshitha and Raghvi Bist. The inexperience in the bowling unit showed, and sloppiness in the field did not help. Mandhana backed her young players but said there remained 'a lot of things to work on' if they are to defend their title this season.
"I think we lost pretty much the top-three wicket-takers of last year," Mandhana was quoted saying to ESPNcricinfo.
"And we had to start, but luckily we had good options. And whoever came in for the injured people, I think they were all brilliant replacements," she added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Mandhana expressed immense pride in her team's fighting spirit, especially highlighting the composure displayed by Ahuja and Ghosh under pressure

In a thrilling Women's Premier League (WPL) match, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a remarkable victory over Delhi Capitals, with skipper Smriti Mandhana lauding the exceptional performances of Kanika Ahuja and Richa Ghosh. The duo's resilient partnership was instrumental in chasing down a massive target of 202 runs, leading RCB to a six-wicket triumph. Mandhana expressed immense pride in her team's fighting spirit, especially highlighting the composure displayed by Ahuja and Ghosh under pressure. She noted that watching the match from the sidelines was more nerve-wracking than playing, but the duo's brilliant batting provided much-needed relief and confidence. Also Read: WPL 2025: RCB make winning start as defending champions beat Gujarat Giants "It was brilliant to watch", Mandhana was quoted saying to ESPNcricinfo. "They [Ahuja and Ghosh] have been doing that in the nets in the last seven to eight days to all our bowlers. So, really happy that things clicked on. But yeah, I think after the first innings we knew with the dew coming, it was going to be tough to bowl. So we always thought that we were in the game." "The way Richa batted and Pez (Perry) batted was amazing to watch," she added. RCB without key players RCB had lost key players like Sophie Devine (unavailable), Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana and Sophie Molineux (all injured) ahead of the season, so they had to look for some alternative options. This resulted in three debutants: Prema Rawat, VJ Joshitha and Raghvi Bist. The inexperience in the bowling unit showed, and sloppiness in the field did not help. Mandhana backed her young players but said there remained 'a lot of things to work on' if they are to defend their title this season. "I think we lost pretty much the top-three wicket-takers of last year," Mandhana was quoted saying to ESPNcricinfo. "And we had to start, but luckily we had good options. And whoever came in for the injured people, I think they were all brilliant replacements," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

WPL 2025: 'Brilliant to watch': Skipper Mandhana praises Kanika, Richa for RCB's thrilling win

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