Suryakumar Yadav's doughty 73 not out proved to be the difference as Mumbai Indians sealed the fourth and final play-off berth with a 59-run trouncing of Delhi Capitals.
Axar Patel brought India D back into the game with a counter-attacking 86 following a disastrous start before picking up two timely wickets against India C for a standout effort on Day 1
Mahendra Singh Dhoni hoped that Axar Patel would eventually come good with the bat and fulfill his potential to be a good No 7 batsman.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji check out who could be the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2025 before the final.
'This is my ground, my home, (I) know this (ground) better than anyone else. Something I have always done with my preparation is that I always try to adapt to different wickets.'
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2025 after Game 68.
I learned a lot from Sunil Narine when I was with KKR: Kuldeep Yadav
Starc dismantled SRH's top order with sheer pace, while Kuldeep's control in the middle overs ensured there was no way back for the batting side.
Star spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Axar Patel are likely to be promoted from Grade B to Grade A in the BCCI central contract list as the parent body is expected to announce the contracts for the 2025-26 season by the end of this week,
Rohit immediately knew the gravity of his mistake. He banged the ground in frustration, visibly furious with himself.
IMAGES from the Champions Trophy Group A match played between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai on Sunday
Mitchell Starc delivered a death-bowling masterclass, helping Delhi Capitals snatch a thrilling win from Rajasthan Royals in a Super Over.
With the pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) expected to offer some grip to the spinners, the Indian batters did not want to leave anything to the chance.
The batters who will be salivating at the prospect of breaching the 300-mark when IPL 2025 gets under way on Saturday.
This is Kevin Pietersen's first coaching assignment in the IPL, where he featured as a player from 2009 to 2016.
Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive' could've been the soundtrack of the night - because Sunil Narine made sure Kolkata Knight Riders were doing just that.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has picked India as the favourites in Sunday's Champions Trophy summit clash against New Zealand, but hastened to add that the advantage will be miniscule, given that the Black Caps are a formidable side.
Krunal Pandya recorded his first fifty in IPL since 2016, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru pull off a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals.
Virat Kohli opened up on his batting methodology, saying his focus remains on analysing the conditions and rotating the strike.
With recent matches indicating that chasing teams have fared slightly better, the toss-winning captain may opt to bowl first.
Their pre-tournament decision to fill the squad with five spinners drew a lot of flak from all corners, but it is now proving to be a masterstroke on the slow pitches in Dubai.
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
"May take him for dinner tomorrow," the Mumbai batter quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
A seemingly invincible India will be eager to sharpen their game against spin and give a run to second-line players ahead of the semi-final when they take on New Zealand in their last group match of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday.
Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant believes his bowlers could have done the basics better at the back end as the target of 210 was defendable.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI against New Zealand in Sunday's final?
'When you are in the leadership group you have to make some harsh decisions. These are the discussions we have.'
Delhi Capitals annihilated Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets in an IPL match in Lucknow on Tuesday.
There are some speculations over some rejigging in the A+ category following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 Internationals.
Rishabh Pant's absence from India's ODI playing XI has sparked debate, with many questioning the team's strategy of promoting Axar Patel ahead of the explosive wicketkeeper-batter. While Axar's contributions in the first two ODIs against England have been lauded, critics argue that Pant's potential impact in crucial phases of the game cannot be overlooked. The team's reliance on a left-right batting combination has also been questioned, with some questioning the effectiveness of placing KL Rahul at No. 6, a position perceived as unsuitable for his style of play. Former players and experts have weighed in on the matter, highlighting the complex situation and raising concerns about the long-term implications of these tactical decisions.
Except in the IPL, the Australians have not had a good look at Varun Chakravarthy's bowling and that could spell trouble for Steve Smith and Co.
Last year's runner-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) suffered a heartbreaking exit from the IPL 2025 play-off race after rain washed out their must-win game against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Hyderabad on Monday.
Rohit cited India's last Group A match against New Zealand here on Sunday to emphasize his point.
Indian captain Virat Kohli arrived two hours early for practice ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, focusing on his struggles against spin bowling.
M S Dhoni may bat at No.7 or No. 8, which will allow him to showcase his big-hitting prowess at the back end of the innings, says former international Robin Uthappa.
Mystery spinner bowls in nets as India prep for three-match ODI series vs England.
RCB will look to Virat Kohli not just for runs but also for inspiration as they chase that elusive IPL title -- a drought that has persisted for the last 17 years since the IPL's inception in 2008.
'That is something I really wanted, to have six bowling options and then batting till No. 8 as well.'
With the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh just around the corner, India's star batsman KL Rahul focused on power-hitting during a training session in Dubai.
Varun Chakravarthy, a key player for both the Indian team and the Kolkata Knight Riders, emphasizes the importance of consistency and reveals he is working on new variations to his spin bowling.
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