Shivam Dube proved his utility in India's crowded batting line-up with a belligerent half-century to secure their six-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the opening T20 International in Mohali on Thursday.
It took the Indian team many intense sessions on the ground and off it to transform into a world class fielding unit. But, at the MPCA stadium here on Friday, its much-admired fielding coach T Dilip's focus was not on intensity but on "rhythm and flow".
Former champions Rajasthan Royals (RR), who suffered a heart-wrenching 11-run defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday, are virtually eliminated from the playoff contention in IPL 2025.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji check out who could be the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2025 before the final.
All-rounder Krunal Pandya starred with a four-wicket haul, including three in the last over, to help RCB beat Mumbai Indians by 12 runs.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 following their narrow two-run win in the opener in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Morne Morkel was all praise for young Mayank Yadav, saying he generated some serious and disconcerting pace, which was a pleasing sight for the side as it aims to go the distance in the Indian Premier League.
If one looks at selection pattern, Jurel was the second keeper behind Sanju Samson for this series and Jitesh was a late entrant because of the unavailability of the World Cup squad members.
Shivam Dube, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma and Prabhsimran Singh are the others who have been picked at the back of a stellar IPL.
India batter Rinku Singh credited his calm approach during pressure situations in the ongoing T20I series against Australia to playing in the Indian Premier League, while adding that doing a lot of weight training helps him play the big shots with ease.
Sanju Samson, a strong contender for the US and Caribbean tour, faces competition due to his usual batting position at No. 3 for Rajasthan Royals.
Punjab have never won the IPL since the league's inception in 2008 and the four co-owners will be hoping Australia's World Cup-winning captain takes them all the way.
PBKS spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi said Dhawan is on a recovery course and the left-hander could possibly make a return in their next game in Chennai.
Both SRH and PBKS have two wins and two losses from their four matches to be tied with two other teams in the middle with four points
Karnataka won their fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title, defeating Vidarbha by 36 runs in a high-scoring final. Smaran Ravichandran's stylish century (101 off 92) and Abhinav Manohar's blistering 79 off 42 propelled Karnataka to a commanding total of 348 for 6. Dhruv Shorey's third consecutive century (110) went in vain for Vidarbha, who were all out for 312 in 48.2 overs despite Harsh Dubey's explosive 63 off 30 balls.
Punjab Kings batters to face different challenge against Gujarat Titans
A look at the best bowling performances from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings match in Bengaluru.
The T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan has been revealed, with key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli included.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli washed away 18 years of hurt and disappointment, conquering Punjab Kings by six runs to lift their maiden Indian Premier League title.
Punjab Kings defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by five wickets in a rain-affected IPL match reduced to 14 overs per side at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, Bengaluru, on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji present Rediff.com's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2025 after Game 29.
Even in SRH's last match against CSK, Nitish struck a well-structured knock of 14*. Samad revealed the difference in Nitish's style of play in the past two seasons.
Images from the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur on Sunday.
'I prefer to have Sanju in the middle-order because he has a lot of shots.'
Mayank Yadav (3/27) stole the limelight with his searing pace as Lucknow Super Giants humbled Punjab Kings by 21 runs.
IMAGES from the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals played in Mullanpur on Saturday
LSG, Punjab Super Kings will be aiming to bounce back after losing their previous match.
Led by Josh Hazlewood, RCB produced a dominant bowling performance to crush Chennai Super Kings by 50 runs.
IPL: Comeback-man Pant the highlight as Delhi Capitals take on Punjab Kings
The young team, led by Jasprit Bumrah, wasted no time in kickstarting their preparations as they assembled for the nets a few hours after landing.
Sanju Samson will look to continue his domination of the bowlers but India need more stability in the top order
In the current scenario, form in the IPL will carry a lot of weight for selection in the Indian team bound for USA and Caribbean.
IMAGES from the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru played in Dharamsala on Thursday
Washington Sundar was recognised for his exceptional fielding performance during India's recent T20I series sweep against Bangladesh.
A disappointed Rajasthan Royals will have to focus on better execution of their strategies for a swift turnaround when they face a highly inconsistent yet capable Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League match in Mullanpur on Saturday.
New rules, new captains, but same excitement as two months of cricket extravaganza kicks off in Kolkata.
Jos Buttler powered Gujarat Titans to a dominant victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a brilliant half-century.
The BCCI secretary is the convenor of the senior selection committee (men) and with Shah busy with his political commitments, it is understood that the meeting will be held in Ahmedabad.
Rohit, who will also captain the side, will be expected to carry on with his ultra aggressive approach in the powerplay like he showed in the ODI World Cup.
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