#while hardik singh

[itsicn]

Most Thrilling IND vs ENG Games at Manchester

Old Trafford in Manchester is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world. With its rich history, unpredictable weather, and lively pitch, it has been the stage for many memorable matches. When India and England clash at this venue, it’s rarely short of drama. Over the years, Manchester has witnessed nail-biting finishes, heroic performances, and turning points in the India vs England rivalry.

Let’s take a look at some of the most thrilling IND vs ENG games played at Manchester that had fans on the edge of their seats.

1. 1990 Test Match – Tendulkar’s Maiden Century

While the match ended in a draw, the 1990 Test at Old Trafford remains etched in the memories of cricket fans because of one young man — Sachin Tendulkar. At just 17 years old, Tendulkar produced a mature and match-saving innings against a fired-up English attack.

Chasing a daunting fourth-innings total, India looked in serious trouble. But Tendulkar, playing with the calmness of a veteran, scored an unbeaten 119. His strokeplay was elegant, his temperament unshakable. It wasn’t a win for India, but it felt like a victory for the future of Indian cricket. That innings laid the foundation for one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen and brought excitement to a match that looked lost.

2. 2002 NatWest Series Match – Close Finish in a Rain-Interrupted Thriller

In the group stages of the 2002 NatWest Series, India and England met at Old Trafford for what turned out to be a low-scoring thriller. The match was interrupted by rain and shortened to 39 overs per side. England batted first and posted a competitive total. In response, India got off to a poor start, losing quick wickets.

It was then that Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh stitched together a gritty partnership. The match swung like a pendulum, with England’s bowlers striking just when India seemed in control. In the final over, with only a few runs needed and one wicket in hand, India fell short by just 3 runs. It was a heartbreaking loss but one of the most gripping one-day encounters between the two sides at Manchester.

3. 2019 World Cup Semi-Final – Dominance in a High-Stakes Game

While not a traditional thriller in terms of being close, the 2019 World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand (played at Old Trafford) holds significance in the context of India-England battles, since India had earlier played a thrilling group match against England here.

That particular group match was a high-pressure encounter. England, needing a win to stay alive in the tournament, put up 337/7 thanks to a Jonny Bairstow century. India, in reply, started slowly and left too much for the end. Despite valiant efforts from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, followed by a late flourish from MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya, India couldn’t chase it down, falling short by 31 runs.

The atmosphere was electric. The stakes were high. And the outcome reignited debates about intent, team combinations, and tactics. The clash had everything — big runs, crucial wickets, pressure, and moments of brilliance.

Check Out:- Rohit Sharma Profile: Career, Stats, And Everything You Wanna Know

4. 2022 T20I – India’s Firepower Stuns England

In one of the more recent limited-overs encounters at Manchester, India showcased their T20 dominance. The pitch was flat, and the boundaries short, making it ideal for fireworks — and India delivered.

Led by aggressive starts from Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, India posted a formidable total. But England, as always, fought back. Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone threatened to take the game away, hitting sixes with ease. The game swung dramatically with every over. In the end, India’s death bowling — especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s clever variations — sealed the match.

What made the game thrilling wasn’t just the tight finish, but the high-quality cricket from both sides. It was a perfect display of modern T20 intensity.

Final Thoughts

Manchester has consistently delivered when it comes to high-octane India vs England clashes. Whether it’s a teenage prodigy saving a Test, a World Cup showdown, or a rain-hit ODI nail-biter, the ground has hosted moments that fans remember for years. With the rivalry showing no signs of slowing down, Old Trafford will surely witness many more classics in the years to come.

Check Out:- Manish Pandey

[entertainmentyomovies]

Aachari Baa Movie Review

Aachari Baa Movie Review: Neena Gupta Shines in a Predictable Family Drama

Aachari Baa (2025) is a Hindi-language family drama directed by Hardik Gajjar, featuring a heartfelt performance by Neena Gupta. Released on March 14, 2025, on JioHotstar, the film explores themes of loneliness, familial neglect, and self-discovery through the journey of a 65-year-old widow navigating the complexities of urban life.

Cast and Crew of Aachari Baa

Director: Hardik Gajjar Writer: Shreyes Anil Lowlekar Producers: Jyoti Deshpande, Parth Gajjar, Poonam Shroff Cinematography: Hrishikesh Gandhi Editing: Kanu Prajapati Music: Prasad S Production Companies: Jio Studios, Hardik Gajjar Films, Backbencher Pictures Distributor: JioHotstar Runtime: 98 minutes Language: Hindi Country: India

Main Cast:

Neena Gupta as Jaishnavi (Aachari Baa)

Kabir Bedi as Brijesh Malhotra

Vatsal Sheth as Ketan

Vandana Pathak as Sharda

Manasi Rachh as Manorama

Apoorva Arora as Dhanashree

Shah Bhavya as Harsh

Sudipta Deb as Anchor

Vaishnavi Ganatra as Bilva

Maulik Nayak

Pyarali Nayani as Food Contest Judge

Atharva Sharma as Kaushal

Gopal Singh as Mukesh Mishra

Aachari Baa Movie Review: Plot Overview

The narrative centers around Jaishnavi, affectionately known as Aachari Baa, a 65-year-old widow from a small town in Gujarat who makes a living by preparing homemade pickles. After years of estrangement, her son Ketan invites her to his home in Mumbai. Upon arrival, she discovers that her son and his family are leaving for a vacation, leaving her to care for their pet dog, Jenny.

Initially overwhelmed by the responsibility and the unfamiliar urban environment, Jaishnavi gradually forms a bond with Jenny and the residents of the apartment complex. An incident involving Jenny’s health leads to interactions with Brijesh Malhotra, the society secretary, and helps Jaishnavi forge new relationships within the community. Her culinary skills become a bridge to connect with others, allowing her to rediscover her confidence and sense of purpose.

Performances and Direction

Neena Gupta delivers a sincere and natural performance, embodying the character of Jaishnavi with grace and authenticity. Her portrayal captures the nuances of an elderly woman seeking connection and purpose. Kabir Bedi, as Brijesh Malhotra, adds warmth to the narrative, though his character’s involvement remains somewhat peripheral. Vatsal Sheth’s role as Ketan is limited, offering minimal depth to the mother-son dynamic.

Director Hardik Gajjar attempts to weave a narrative that balances emotional depth with social commentary. However, the screenplay tends to rely on familiar tropes and lacks the complexity needed to fully explore the themes presented. The film’s pacing and character development could have benefited from a more nuanced approach.

Technical Aspects and Music

Hrishikesh Gandhi’s cinematography effectively captures the contrast between the serene landscapes of rural Gujarat and the bustling urban life of Mumbai. The visual storytelling enhances the film’s thematic elements. Kanu Prajapati’s editing ensures a coherent narrative flow, though certain segments could have been more tightly woven.

Prasad S’s musical compositions, blending folk and melodic tunes, complement the film’s emotional tone. The soundtrack adds depth to key moments, enriching the viewing experience.

Aachari Baa Movie Review: Final Verdict

Aachari Baa presents a heartfelt narrative that touches on themes of loneliness, familial bonds, and self-discovery. Neena Gupta’s compelling performance anchors the film, offering moments of genuine emotion. However, the predictable storyline and lack of narrative depth may leave audiences seeking more. While the film has its charms, it falls short of delivering a truly impactful experience.

Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

Watch Aachari Baa on YoMovies

Experience the emotional journey of Jaishnavi in Aachari Baa. Stream it now on YoMovies, your destination for the latest Hindi family dramas and more.

Source URL:- Aachari Baa Movie Review

[greattime07]

Who Looks More Likely to Make the Final — Punjab or Mumbai?

The TATA IPL 2025 season is heading into its most exciting phase, and fans are already speculating which teams will make it to the final showdown. Two of the most talked-about franchises this year are Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians — each boasting a mix of experience, talent, and ambition. As fans and analysts engage in intense TATA IPL 2025 match predictions, the question remains: who looks more likely to make the final — Punjab or Mumbai?

With both teams showing glimpses of brilliance and inconsistency, Winexch and Inplay Sports Prediction analysts dive deep into the data, form, and strategies to help fans make sense of the playoff picture. Read on for an in-depth breakdown and stay tuned with Winexch for more information on the Tata IPL 2025 match prediction, TATA IPL 2025 match predictions, and cricket updates.

Punjab Kings — The Rising Underdogs

Strengths:

Punjab Kings have historically been an unpredictable team, often falling just short of expectations. However, the 2025 edition sees them fielding a much more balanced side.

Top-order firepower: With the explosive opening combination of Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow (or his 2025 replacement), Punjab has consistently given itself a solid start.

Young Indian talent: Players like Prabhsimran Singh and Arshdeep Singh are stepping up and showing leadership.

Spin and pace balance: Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar complement the fast bowling attack spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran.

Weaknesses:

Middle-order inconsistencies: While their top order shines, Punjab’s middle-order has often struggled to capitalize on strong starts.

Death-over execution: Bowling in the final overs has let them down in key matches.

Road to the Final:

Punjab has managed crucial wins against top-tier teams like Chennai and Bangalore this season. If they continue their upward trajectory and fix their death bowling issues, a final berth could very well be within reach.

Winexch analysts point to their recent close games as signs of mental toughness developing within the squad. If nurtured, this trait could help them survive the pressure of the playoffs.

Mumbai Indians — The Perennial Contenders

Strengths:

Mumbai Indians are five-time IPL champions and perennial playoff contenders. The TATA IPL 2025 edition has seen them combine experience and youth with remarkable synergy.

Captaincy and leadership: Under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, Mumbai’s tactical adaptability has improved.

World-class middle-order: With Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, and Tilak Varma, Mumbai has one of the strongest middle-orders in the competition.

Jasprit Bumrah’s form: Bumrah’s fitness and wicket-taking form have returned at just the right time.

Weaknesses:

Top-order dependency: Mumbai often relies on Rohit Sharma to get going early. If he fails, the team sometimes starts sluggishly.

Lack of consistent spin options: While their pace battery is fearsome, their spinners haven’t consistently performed under pressure.

Road to the Final:

Mumbai has had a rollercoaster season but peaked during the second half of the tournament. Their experience in handling knockout pressure gives them an edge. With key players hitting form at the right moment, they remain strong contenders for the final.

Inplay Sports Prediction insights emphasize Mumbai’s experience during crunch games. They’ve navigated pressure better than most, and their knack for finishing well gives them a psychological advantage.

In-Depth Team Comparison

Based on overall form, adaptability, and past performance under pressure, Winexch gives Mumbai a slight edge in TATA IPL 2025 Match Predictions, though Punjab’s momentum cannot be ignored.

Key Matchups to Watch

Rohit Sharma vs Arshdeep Singh: A battle of experience vs youth.

Suryakumar Yadav vs Rahul Chahar: Can Punjab’s spinner contain Mumbai’s 360-degree hitter?

Curran vs Bumrah: Both all-rounders could turn the game in the death overs.

Conclusion

Both teams are serious contenders for the TATA IPL 2025 final, but their paths diverge in terms of depth, experience, and psychological readiness. Mumbai Indians, with their seasoned core and calm under pressure, might seem the safer bet to make the final. However, Punjab Kings have the passion and evolving consistency that could spark a fairytale run.

As Inplay Sports Prediction data continues to be updated with each game, the race remains open. Stay tuned with Winexch for more information on the Tata IPL 2025 match prediction, TATA IPL 2025 match predictions, and cricket updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key factors in TATA IPL 2025 match predictions?

Key factors include team form, player performance, injury reports, head-to-head statistics, and match conditions. Tools like Inplay Sports Prediction use real-time data and analysis to refine forecasts.

2. Which team is favored to reach the final — Punjab or Mumbai?

According to TATA IPL 2025 match prediction insights from Winexch, Mumbai Indians currently have a slight edge due to their experience and consistency. However, Punjab’s performance trajectory suggests they are strong dark horses.

3. What makes Inplay Sports Prediction reliable?

Inplay Sports Prediction integrates live match data, historical trends, and performance analytics to generate dynamic forecasts during games. This allows fans to stay informed with up-to-the-minute insights.

4. Can Punjab Kings win the TATA IPL 2025?

Yes, if their young core continues to perform and they address their late-innings issues. Their recent wins suggest they are improving with each game.

5. Where can I find more TATA IPL 2025 match predictions and cricket updates?

Stay tuned with Winexch for more information on the TATA IPL 2025 match prediction, team strategies, and live cricket updates throughout the season.

[cricnewz]

Men in Blue: Predicted Squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain) Though in the twilight of his career, Rohit Sharma remains a vital cog at the top. His experience in ICC events and calm leadership continue to be invaluable. Barring fitness issues, it’s hard to imagine India heading into a major tournament without him at the helm.

2. Shubman Gill India’s next batting mainstay, Gill has matured rapidly. His performances across formats have established him as the rightful successor to open with Rohit. His temperament and timing make him a natural fit in the 50-over format.

Read More: IPL 2025 Schedule and Fixtures

3. Virat Kohli Despite age creeping up, Kohli's hunger and fitness still set him apart. He’s been in fine form and brings unmatched experience. A big ICC tournament is almost incomplete without Kohli's presence in India’s batting engine room.

4. Shreyas Iyer One of India's more dependable middle-order batters in recent times, Iyer provides solidity at No. 4. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed gives India flexibility in the middle overs.

5. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper) Rahul’s versatility as a middle-order batter and keeper makes him a vital asset. He’s dependable against both pace and spin and brings balance to the XI. His composure under pressure is also a major plus.

6. Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain) When fully fit, Hardik is a game-changer. With his explosive batting and useful seamers, he brings genuine all-round value. As a leader and finisher, Pandya plays a critical dual role in the side.

7. Ravindra Jadeja Jadeja’s experience, fielding brilliance, and economical bowling keep him relevant in every white-ball setup. Add his ability to rescue or finish innings with the bat, and he becomes a near-certainty in the squad.

8. Kuldeep Yadav India's premier wrist-spinner in recent times, Kuldeep has rediscovered his rhythm. His knack for picking wickets in the middle overs can turn games on their head. In helpful conditions, he could be lethal.

9. Jasprit Bumrah Arguably India’s most valuable asset with the ball, Bumrah’s control at the death and sharp new-ball spells make him irreplaceable. Fresh from dominating performances, he’ll lead the pace attack with authority.

10. Mohammed Siraj Siraj has blossomed into a reliable fast bowler across formats. His aggression, discipline, and ability to swing the ball upfront make him a perfect foil to Bumrah.

11. Mohammed Shami If fit, Shami brings world-class experience and control. His seam movement and knack for picking up big wickets, especially with the old ball, could prove vital in crunch situations.

Bench/Reserves:

12. Rinku Singh Rinku has emerged as one of the most fearless finishers in white-ball cricket. His consistency in closing games down the order puts him in strong contention for a finisher’s role, or at least a bench spot.

13. Yashasvi Jaiswal An exciting top-order option, Jaiswal can be a like-for-like backup for Gill or Rohit. His fearless approach and recent ODI form suggest he could be part of India's white-ball core in the coming years.

14. Axar Patel A like-for-like backup for Jadeja, Axar offers similar skills with bat and ball. His left-arm spin and tidy batting make him a solid squad option, especially if India opts for spin-heavy conditions.

15. Arshdeep Singh A promising left-arm pacer, Arshdeep brings variety to the attack. His ability to swing the ball and bowl at the death makes him a viable backup option for the pace attack.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Champions Trophy could be a defining moment for Indian cricket. While senior names will look to sign off on a high, a crop of younger players is pushing hard to make their mark. India’s strength lies in this blend of experience and youth. If selected wisely, this squad has the depth, balance, and firepower to mount a serious title challenge and bring the trophy back home.

Check Out: IPL KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

[naman63]

All-Rounders, Anchors & X-Factors: Creating Winning IPL Fantasy Team Tactics with the Right Mix

If you’ve been playing fantasy cricket for a while, you already know that picking just famous names doesn’t guarantee a win—especially in big leagues like the IPL. What really matters is having the right mix of player types who deliver in different match situations.

Today, we’ll break down how to select an IPL fantasy team with a smart blend of all-rounders, anchors, and X-factor players to boost your chances of winning. Plus, we’ll touch on fantasy points, player roles, and the core of winning IPL fantasy team tactics.

👉 Also, don’t forget to check out the official Vision11 Fantasy Points System to understand how each player's action impacts your score.

🧩 Why the Right Mix Matters

In fantasy cricket, balance is everything. Just like a real team needs power hitters, dependable batters, and game-changing bowlers—you need the same in your fantasy lineup.

Let’s understand the three essential roles:

All-Rounders – These are your point machines. They bat, bowl, and field.

Anchors – The glue of the innings. These players build innings and often stay longer at the crease.

X-Factors – Explosive performers who can single-handedly change the game in a few overs.

Let’s look at how each of these contributes to winning IPL fantasy team tactics.

💥 All-Rounders: The Backbone of Your Fantasy Team

All-rounders give you points from both bat and ball—and sometimes in the field too. Even if they fail in one department, they might shine in the other.

Some top examples:

Hardik Pandya

Ravindra Jadeja

Mitchell Marsh

Axar Patel

Why are they fantasy gold?

Because the Vision11 fantasy points system rewards every wicket, boundary, economy rate, and even catches.

So even 30 runs + 1 wicket can turn into 50+ points. In Grand Leagues, these are the kind of players that make or break your team.

🔍 Tip: Pick at least 2–3 quality all-rounders in every match for guaranteed returns.

🛡️ Anchors: The Silent Point Earners

People often ignore anchor players because they’re not flashy—but they’re super consistent. Think of players like:

Virat Kohli

Shubman Gill

Kane Williamson

Ruturaj Gaikwad

They may not score 70 in 30 balls, but they will often give you 40–60 points steadily. In fantasy leagues, this stability helps you avoid big crashes in rank.

📊 Also, anchors usually open or bat at No. 3—so they face more balls and have more chances to earn runs.

🔍 Tip: Use anchors for safe VC picks in risky matches or when the pitch favors bowlers.

🔥 X-Factors: The Game-Changers

These are the wildcard picks—players who might go big or bust. They’re risky but super rewarding in Grand Leagues.

Examples:

Rinku Singh

Rahul Tewatia

Nicholas Pooran

Liam Livingstone

X-Factors often:

Bat at No. 5–7 and finish innings

Bowl an unexpected over

Hit 25 runs in 10 balls

They’re not consistent, but when they fire, they outscore big-name players.

🔍 Tip: Pick 1–2 X-Factors in every team. They are your trump cards in big leagues.

🧠 Strategy to Mix All Three in One Fantasy XI

Here’s a winning IPL fantasy team tactic:

Role

Player Type

Count

Safe Picks

Anchors

3

Multi-role

All-Rounders

2–3

Risk Picks

X-Factors

2

Balanced Core

Bowlers & W/Ks

3–4

This balance gives you:

✅ Stability (anchors) ✅ Bonus points (all-rounders) ✅ Match-winners (X-Factors)

And yes, don’t forget to optimize based on match pitch reports, toss results, and batting order changes.

🧮 Study the Fantasy Points System

To make smarter choices, you must understand how players earn points.

1 run = 1 point

Wicket = 25 points

Catch = 8 points

Economy bonus, strike rate bonus, and more

Read the full breakdown on Vision11 here: 👉 Vision11 Fantasy Points System

This will help you figure out which players are underrated point machines.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Win Smart, Not Just Big

Building a fantasy team isn’t just about picking stars. It’s about strategy, balance, and being ahead of others with the right mix of players.

✅ All-Rounders give you coverage in both innings. ✅ Anchors keep your team stable. ✅ X-Factors give you a shot at leaderboard glory.

With the right approach and deep knowledge of player roles, you’ll not only enjoy the game more—you’ll start winning more too.

So, the next time you build a team for IPL fantasy, think balance. Think tactics. Think smart.

And don’t forget to keep the Vision11 point system bookmarked to guide your decisions: 🔗 Read here

Good luck, and may your fantasy team top the charts! 🏏🔥

[naveenjangid1]

How to Select an IPL Fantasy Team That Blends Experience with Emerging Talent

Creating a winning IPL fantasy team is more than just adding star players. The real magic happens when you build a team that blends experienced match-winners with emerging young talent. It’s like mixing proven strength with fresh energy — and that combination can give you a serious edge in fantasy leagues.

In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to select an IPL fantasy team that finds the right balance — and how doing that can help maximize your winnings on platforms like Vision11.

🎯 Why Mix Experience with Emerging Talent?

Let’s be honest — it’s tempting to fill your fantasy team with big names like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Rohit Sharma. But relying only on star players isn't always a winning strategy. Many young and uncapped players are cheaper in fantasy budgets and often turn out to be the surprise point-earners.

Here’s why a mix works:

Experienced players bring consistency and leadership.

Young players bring unpredictability, high energy, and value for low credit points.

The right combination helps you stay within budget and still create a high-performing team.

🧠 How to Select an IPL Fantasy Team That Blends Both Worlds

Let’s break this down into a simple process.

✅ 1. Pick Experience for Stability

Your team needs an anchor. Players with a strong IPL history are more likely to perform consistently. Pick a few of these players to build the foundation of your team.

Look for:

Top-order batters like KL Rahul, David Warner, or Faf du Plessis

Bowlers like Rashid Khan or Bhuvneshwar Kumar who regularly take wickets

All-rounders like Hardik Pandya who contribute with both bat and ball

Why they work: Their track records give you reliable points across matches.

✅ 2. Add Emerging Talent for Value

Now, fill in your team with upcoming or uncapped players who’ve shown recent form in domestic matches or the previous IPL season. These players are usually:

Affordable in terms of fantasy points budget

Hungry to perform to secure their place

Often underrated by most users, giving you a competitive advantage

Examples:

Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sai Sudharsan, Mayank Yadav, or Arshdeep Singh in earlier seasons

These players may not shine every game, but when they do — they fetch massive fantasy points at a low cost.

✅ 3. Study Player Roles and Match Situations

Understand what role each player plays in their team. For example:

A batter who opens the innings will face more balls → more chance to score big.

A bowler who bowls in the powerplay or death overs has more chances to take wickets.

All-rounders contribute in both innings → double the point opportunities.

Check out the Vision11 Fantasy Points System to know exactly how players earn points — this will help you prioritize your selections better.

🧢 Smart Picks for Captain and Vice-Captain

Here’s where your experience-youngster mix becomes even more useful:

Captain (2x points): Choose a proven performer — someone who delivers 8 out of 10 matches.

Vice-captain (1.5x points): Choose an in-form emerging player with match-winning potential.

This balance lets you take calculated risks and maximize rewards.

💰 Staying Within Budget

Fantasy platforms like Vision11 give you a fixed budget to select 11 players. Including a few reliable young players who cost less allows you to spend more on top-performing experienced stars. This is the core trick to managing your fantasy budget smartly.

📊 Keep an Eye on Form & Fitness

Don't just go by the name. Check:

Recent match performance

Injuries or fitness updates

Playing XI confirmation after the toss

Sometimes, even experienced players get rested or are not in form. Similarly, young players may only play a few games. Stay updated before the match starts.

✅ Learn from Past IPL Seasons

See which players performed well in certain venues or under pressure. Many new players shine in specific conditions, while veterans tend to be more flexible.

👉 Use past data to guide your team-building decisions. It’s one of the smartest ways to predict future performances and adjust your blend accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The secret to fantasy success isn't about picking only big names or taking blind chances on new players. It’s about creating a smart mix — one that combines:

Consistency from experienced pros

Explosiveness from fresh talent

Awareness of match conditions, roles, and budgets

That’s the real formula behind how to select an IPL fantasy team that gives you the best shot at winning.

Ready to build your perfect blend?

📘 Learn how players earn fantasy points here: 👉 Vision11 Fantasy Points System Explained

Now go ahead — build smart, pick wisely, and may your fantasy squad top the charts this IPL season! 🏏🔥

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] MI vs KKR, IPL 2025 (PC: X) Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets at Wankhede Stadium on Monday, as they registered their first win of the ongoing IPL 2025. After bundling KKR out for just 116 in 16.2 overs, they chased down the target with ease in just 12.5 overs. But from this game, one name will be remembered for a long time by cricket lovers, especially MI fans, and that is Ashwani Kumar. After winning the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya opted to bowl, and the 23-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab shone with the ball on his debut, picking up four wickets for just 24 runs in three overs. In his very first ball, he took the wicket of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane and then followed it up with the wickets of Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell. For the Latest Sports News: Follow RevSportz Ashwani Kumar in MI vs KKR, IPL 2025 (PC: IPL) Along with him, both Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar also struck early with the new ball, as KKR scored 41/4 after the first six overs of the Powerplay. Then, Vignesh Puthur, Hardik and Mitchell Santner also picked up one wicket each as KKR registered their sixth-lowest total versus MI in IPL history. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (26 off 16) and Ramandeep Singh (22 off 12) were the only batters who crossed the 20-run mark. In reply, MI chased down the total with ease as Ryan Rickelton remained not out on 62 off 41 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav smashed an unbeaten 27 off just nine balls. Rohit Sharma’s struggles this season continued, as he scored 13 off 12 before getting out to Russell. After the match, Rahane opened up about the batting failure and vowed to learn quickly from their mistakes. “Collective batting failure. It was a good wicket to bat on. 180-190 would have been a good total on this pitch. We expect that (here), it has good bounce. When you are fighting against the bounce, that is what we did. You have to use it sometimes – we have to learn really fast. The bowlers were trying their best but there weren’t many runs on the board. We kept on losing wickets – four in the Powerplay, and after that, it was difficult to consolidate. You need one batter to bat through and stay till the end, but that did not happen,” Rahane said at the post-match presentation. Also Read: Wasim Jaffer hails Ashwani Kumar’s work ethic – ‘In my village, everyone would be watching,’ says MI bowler The post Ashwani Kumar shines on debut as MI thrash KKR by 8 wickets appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] MI vs KKR, IPL 2025 (PC: X) Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets at Wankhede Stadium on Monday, as they registered their first win of the ongoing IPL 2025. After bundling KKR out for just 116 in 16.2 overs, they chased down the target with ease in just 12.5 overs. But from this game, one name will be remembered for a long time by cricket lovers, especially MI fans, and that is Ashwani Kumar. After winning the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya opted to bowl, and the 23-year-old left-arm pacer from Punjab shone with the ball on his debut, picking up four wickets for just 24 runs in three overs. In his very first ball, he took the wicket of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane and then followed it up with the wickets of Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell. For the Latest Sports News: Follow RevSportz Ashwani Kumar in MI vs KKR, IPL 2025 (PC: IPL) Along with him, both Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar also struck early with the new ball, as KKR scored 41/4 after the first six overs of the Powerplay. Then, Vignesh Puthur, Hardik and Mitchell Santner also picked up one wicket each as KKR registered their sixth-lowest total versus MI in IPL history. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (26 off 16) and Ramandeep Singh (22 off 12) were the only batters who crossed the 20-run mark. In reply, MI chased down the total with ease as Ryan Rickelton remained not out on 62 off 41 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav smashed an unbeaten 27 off just nine balls. Rohit Sharma’s struggles this season continued, as he scored 13 off 12 before getting out to Russell. After the match, Rahane opened up about the batting failure and vowed to learn quickly from their mistakes. “Collective batting failure. It was a good wicket to bat on. 180-190 would have been a good total on this pitch. We expect that (here), it has good bounce. When you are fighting against the bounce, that is what we did. You have to use it sometimes – we have to learn really fast. The bowlers were trying their best but there weren’t many runs on the board. We kept on losing wickets – four in the Powerplay, and after that, it was difficult to consolidate. You need one batter to bat through and stay till the end, but that did not happen,” Rahane said at the post-match presentation. Also Read: Wasim Jaffer hails Ashwani Kumar’s work ethic – ‘In my village, everyone would be watching,’ says MI bowler The post Ashwani Kumar shines on debut as MI thrash KKR by 8 wickets appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[oneturfnews]

Most successful captains in IPL history

IPL 2025 is going to start from March 22. Ten teams will once again clash for the title. Fans are very excited about this tournament. 5 franchises (defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore) are appointing new captains for the upcoming season. At the same time, 5 teams are entering the field with their captains of the previous season. So far there have been a total of 17 seasons of IPL. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are the most successful teams in IPL history. Both franchises have won 5–5 titles so far. Kolkata Knight Riders have won 3 titles while Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers have won 1–1 titles. The Deccan Chargers franchise left the IPL after the 2012 IPL. But do you know who is the most successful captain in IPL history? Today we are going to discuss about the 5 most successful captains in IPL history.

5. David Warner

The former Australian left-handed batsman first played for Delhi in 2009. He is always known for his aggressive batting style. In the year 2014, he joined the Sunrisers Hyderabad team. In 2015, he was appointed captain of SRH. This season, SRH finished 6th in the points table, but in the very next IPL 2025 edition, David Warner and Co. won their first IPL title. After this, SRH often reached the playoffs under Warner’s captaincy. In 2022, Warner returned to his old franchise Delhi Capitals, where he was also the captain. He has been the captain in 83 IPL matches, in which his team has won 40 matches.

4. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, the world’s best all-rounder, is the current captain of Mumbai Indians. Last year Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the points table, but everyone knows the controversy of this team last year. Mumbai fans were not considering him as the captain of the team in place of Rohit Sharma. But, this does not mean that Hardik is a bad captain. Under his captaincy, Gujarat Titans won the IPL title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023. Hardik has been the captain in 45 matches so far, in which his team has won 26 matches. He wants to improve their captaincy stats in upcoming cricket matches during the IPL and win the IPL title too.

3. Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir is the head coach of the current Indian cricket team. He was the former captain and mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders. Under his captaincy, Kolkata Knight Riders won the 2012 and 2014 IPL editions while KKR also won the 2024 IPL under his mentorship. Gautam Gambhir captained 129 IPL matches, in which his team won 71 matches. He is a player who is always available for his team, be it the IPL or national team.

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is the former captain of Mumbai Indians. Mumbai won 5 IPL titles under his captaincy. He made his IPL debut for the Deccan Chargers in 2008. He had already won the IPL title in 2009 as a player for this franchise. In 2011, Rohit joined Mumbai Indians and in 2013 the team management handed him the captaincy. After this, Mumbai Indians won the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 IPL editions. In 2024, Mumbai Indians management took over the captaincy from him and handed it over to Hardik Pandya. Rohit captained 158 matches, in which his team won 87 matches.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The most successful captain of the Indian team is also the most successful captain in IPL history. He was selected for Chennai Super Kings in 2008 and was also the captain of this franchise. Under his captaincy, Chennai Super Kings won 5 IPL titles. This team also lost 5 IPL finals. This means that CSK played 10 finals in IPL history. Only 2 times under his captaincy, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs.

[skybets]

India vs Bangladesh 2nd match Group A prediction

On Thursday, February 20, India will play Bangladesh in Dubai in the second game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bangladesh has lost their last two ODI series against Afghanistan and the West Indies, whereas India is heading into this competition fresh off a 3-0 thumping of England. Bangladesh has omitted Shakib Al Hasan and veteran Liton Das, while India is without the injured Jasprit Bumrah.

IND vs BAN Match 2 ICC Champions Trophy Date and time:

Date: February 20, Thursday

Time: 2:30 PM IST / 09:00 AM GMT / 01:00 PM LOCAL

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Match prediction: https://skybets.live/

India vs Bangladesh pitch report:

The weather and surface in Dubai provide bowlers with a great deal of help. Since 2018, the average innings score in these ODIs has been 226. While pacers move under the lights, spinners are bought during the day in the hot sun. Because of the dew in the second innings of the game, chasing is the recommended strategy in this situation.

IND vs BAN Weather Report:

When India and Bangladesh face off, the weather forecast predicts a sunny day in Dubai. Throughout the game, the temperature will be in the 20s.

IND vs BAN predicted XIs:

India predicted XI:

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Rohit Sharma (C)

Bangladesh predicted XI:

Mehidy Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Tanzid Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Najmul Hossain (c) India vs Bangladesh Match 2 prediction ICC Champions Trophy: Who will win? India is the clear favorite to defeat Bangladesh in the forthcoming match between India and Bangladesh.

[mobicric]

India vs England 2nd ODI 09- February 2025

India vs England 2nd ODI 09- February 2025

The excitement builds as India and England prepare for their 2nd ODI in the ongoing series this February 2025. With both teams stacked with talent and eager to gain an edge in this highly competitive series, fans are in for an action-packed encounter.

After a thrilling opening match, India and England are now set to clash again, with each team looking to dominate the series. The stakes are high as both sides aim to claim the crucial win in the second match, setting the tone for the remainder of the series.

India’s Outlook for the 2nd ODI

India enters the second ODI with confidence, featuring a squad brimming with both experience and youthful exuberance. The top order will rely on the consistent performances of Rohit Sharma and the in-form Shubman Gill to provide a solid foundation. With Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer anchoring the middle order, India’s batting is in good shape to take on England's attack.

Hardik Pandya's all-round capabilities and Ravindra Jadeja's presence with both bat and ball give India the perfect balance, while pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will look to make early breakthroughs. India will be eager to turn the series in their favor and secure a vital win.

England’s Strategy for the 2nd ODI

England, always a formidable force in limited-overs cricket, will lean on their power-packed batting lineup. Captain Jos Buttler, along with Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, and Joe Root, will look to capitalize on any opportunity and post a challenging total. England's aggressive approach with the bat has been a hallmark of their ODI play, and they’ll aim to keep the pressure on India throughout the match.

On the bowling front, the pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will be key in providing early breakthroughs, while Sam Curran’s all-round abilities will add depth to their attack. England's strategy will center on containing India’s strong batting lineup while executing their own big innings.

Live Cricket Updates:

For all the latest updates, live scores, and match coverage, make sure to visit mobicric.org. Stay tuned to mobicric.org for exclusive insights, live streaming, and continuous updates on the India vs England 2nd ODI as it unfolds. Don’t miss a moment of the action – mobicric.org has all the details, right at your fingertips!

[cricketbettingidinindia]

IND vs ENG 4th T20I Match Prediction, pitch report, Weather Report

Match preview

Following the T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian team will play England in a Twenty20 series. All of the senior players from the Indian squad and B-team will take a break, and young players will participate. On January 25, England and India will play the second match of the Twenty20 series. In both games, the Indian team won both games and took a 2-1 series lead. In the third game, the English team successfully defended the total and won by 24 runs.

The contest between the bowlers and batsmen will be vital in determining the result of the game because both teams have formidable batting and bowling assaults, but India's squad appears more well-rounded and formidable. This game could be a close one given the teams' respective records and skill levels. It will be intriguing to observe how the teams plan and adjust to the circumstances. Once more, fans can anticipate a thrilling and challenging India vs. England match. India vs England 4th T20I Match Details

Date: 31st January 2025 Day: Friday Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune Time: 07:00 PM 

Match Prediction: https://diamond-999.com/

IND vs ENG Pitch Report

The MCA Stadium in Pune features a real bounce and short boundaries that encourage stroke play, making it a conventional batting-friendly surface. Early on, pacers experience some movement, but batting gets easier as the ball ages. The surface is anticipated to be high-scoring generally, while spinners will be used in the middle overs. Given that dew could affect the second innings, the team that wins the toss might want to chase. Around 170-180 runs are scored in the first innings on average at this location.

India vs England Weather Report

Clear sky and temperatures of about 18°C are predicted for the evening. Rain is not predicted, thus the game will go on without interruption.

Topmost Picks for IND vs ENG Prediction:

Top Picks – India

Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson, who led India in runs scored in the 2024 Twenty20 tournament, has had a difficult start to the season and is averaging just over 11 runs in three innings.

Varun Chakravarthy: Throughout this series, Varun Chakravarthy's spin bowling has been outstanding. With 10 wickets, he is the tournament's top wicket-taker after taking a fifer on Tuesday.

Top Picks – England

Jos Buttler: With an average of 45.66 in his three innings, Buttler is the tournament's top run scorer. In three of his last five innings, he has scored at least forty-five runs.

Adil Rashid: Rashid has taken just three wickets thus far, has maintained a tight grip at one end, and has an economy rate of less than six runs per over.

IND vs ENG predicted XIs

India Predicted XI

Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Abu Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Dhruv Jurel (wk).

England Predicted XI

Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Buttler (c), and Adil Rashid

India vs England 4th T20I prediction: Who will win?

Our prediction for the India vs. England match is that India will defeat England in the series' fourth Twenty20 International.

[cricscore11]

IND vs ENG 3rd T20I, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

IND Vs ENG 3rd T20I Overview

Only a few days ago, the Indian cricket team won by an exciting two wickets in the last over at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. In addition to taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, the "Men in Blue" improved their record to 26 victories in their past 28 Twenty20 International matches since January of last year.

A few months ago, the England squad, captained by Jos Buttler, defeated the West Indies 3-1 in the Caribbean series. However, a difficult defeat to hosts India in Kolkata and Chennai ended their winning run. It will be extremely difficult for England to avoid losing the five-match series if they suffer another loss right now.

India vs England Head-to-Head Records

In the 26 Twenty20 matches that India and England have played thus far, the "Men in Blue" have a small advantage. England has won eleven games, while India has won fifteen.

England lost nine wickets while scoring 165 runs in 20 overs in their most recent game on January 25. With a strike rate of 130.91 and an outstanding 72 runs off 55 balls, including four fours and five sixes, Tilak Varma led India in their 19.2 over goal of the mark.

Match Played: 26

India Won: 15

England Won: 11

Tied: 0

No Result: 0

IND vs ENG: Toss Winner Prediction

If either India or England wins the toss, they will probably decide to bowl first. To keep informed, you may also watch the winner of today's match toss live.

Cricket Match Prediction: https://cplbook.com/

Match Details:

The third Twenty20 International in the five-match series between Team India (IND) and England (ENG) will take place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, January 28. The "Men in Blue" enjoy a commanding 2-0 series lead after winning the first two games.

Match: India vs England 3rd T20I

Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot

Timings: 7:00 PM IST

Date: January 28

IND vs ENG Match Prediction

The third Twenty20 International of India's five-match Twenty20 International series versus England will be played at home on January 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. IST at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. England is playing three ODIs and five T20Is while on tour in India. After defeating England in the first two Twenty20 Internationals, India now leads the series 2-0 and will play the third match.

India won easily the first time, but they had to struggle for the second triumph. Tilak Verma's genius ensured that India entered the third game without losing a match, even though England came very near to winning the second one. In this third Twenty20 International, can India win the series, or can England salvage it? These two T20I titans will play an intriguing match.

IND vs ENG Pitch Report

The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot will host the game. This is the home field of the Saurashtra Cricket Team and was opened in 2013. It features cutting-edge facilities and is owned and run by the Saurashtra Cricket Association. The location has played host to numerous T20 Internationals, ODIs, and tests. It boasts some of India's best batting conditions. There are about 28,000 seats available at the site.

India Probable Playing XIs

Suryakumar Yadav(c), Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy

England Probable Playing XIs

Jos Buttler(c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Ben Duckett, Philip Salt(w), Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood

[icecricnews0]

IPL 2025 Mega Auction Dates and Venue Announced by BCCI

IPL 2025 Auction Likely to be Held in Riyadh on November 24-25: The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction has always been a much-anticipated event, drawing global attention as teams battle to build the best squads. For the 2025 season, the excitement has reached new heights, with reports suggesting that the mega auction will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially confirm the location, sources close to the matter indicate that Riyadh is the likely host city.

Franchise Retention Strategies and Key Highlights

All ten IPL franchises have submitted their retention lists, offering glimpses into their team-building approaches for the 2025 season. As teams retained their core players while releasing others, several prominent names have been added to the auction pool, increasing the competition and adding excitement for fans.

Retention Highlights Across Franchises

The franchises have retained 46 players, with a total investment of ₹558.5 crore. Notably, 36 of these players are Indian, including 10 uncapped Indian stars. Here’s a breakdown of major retention decisions:

Mumbai Indians – With five IPL titles, Mumbai Indians have built a strong Indian core by retaining key players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. Tilak Varma, a promising young left-hander, also retained his place. Notably, Ishan Kishan, a talented youngster, was released, leaving MI with a ₹45 crore budget for the auction.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – RCB has opted for a selective approach, retaining only three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. Kohli commands the highest retention fee at ₹21 crore, giving RCB the second-largest auction purse of ₹83 crore.

Punjab Kings – Surprising many, Punjab Kings chose not to retain any capped players, focusing instead on young talent. They retained only two players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, and hold the largest auction budget at ₹110.5 crore.

Rajasthan Royals – Rajasthan Royals solidified their batting lineup with strategic retentions, although they still seek an additional opener. With the smallest purse of ₹41 crore, RR enters the auction with a precise plan to strengthen its roster.

Chennai Super Kings – MS Dhoni will once again grace the IPL, retained by CSK as an uncapped player. CSK’s strategy combines experience with fresh talent, retaining Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana.

➥ Also Read: Could CSK Make MS Dhoni No 1 Retention?

Top Players Entering the Auction Pool

With several renowned players left out of the retention lists, the 2025 auction pool includes high-caliber talent. Here’s a look at some of the notable players available for auction:

Released Indian Captains

The release of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant has left three experienced Indian captains in the auction pool. Franchises seeking strong leadership may vie for these players, adding an extra layer of excitement to the auction.

England Players in the Auction

Interestingly, no England players were retained by any franchise this season. Major players like Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks will be up for grabs. Their release reflects teams’ concerns about availability, as these players missed parts of the season due to international commitments.

Young and Uncapped Talents

This year’s auction also features a number of unproven Indian talents, with ten uncapped players retained by various teams. These young players offer affordable options and the potential to evolve into match-winners, making them valuable assets in the auction.

➥ Also Read: KL Rahul To Not Be Retained By LSG

Franchise-by-Franchise Retained Player List

Each team’s retained player list showcases their unique strategy and vision for the 2025 season. Here’s the full list:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni.

Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel.

Gujarat Titans (GT): Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni.

Mumbai Indians (MI): Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): Sanju Samson, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head.

The Anticipated IPL 2025 Auction Day

The stage is set for an intense IPL 2025 auction as teams prepare to outbid each other for top players. If held in Riyadh as expected, the event will represent a pivotal moment in IPL history, emphasizing the league’s growing international influence. With captains like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul up for grabs, franchises will have the opportunity to redefine their leadership.

➥ Also Read: Will Virat Kohli Captain RCB in IPL 2025?

[lyricsdb1]

Kasturi Lyrics – Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani

Kasturi Lyrics from Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani is the brand new Hindi song sung by Arijit Singh and this latest song is featuring Sunny Singh, Aditya Seal. Kasturi song lyrics are penned down by Kunaal Vermaa while music is given by Prasad S and video has been directed by Hardik Gajjar. Kasturi Lyrics – Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani Kasturi Si Hai, Aadat TumhariLaage Lage Naa Hi Chhute ChhudayePaani…

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[ad_1] IPL and Digital Apps (PC: File) We had missed watching the grand opening ceremony of the IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens, as we had a morning flight to catch from Niagara Falls to Washington DC. But over a sumptuous Nepali dinner on a chilly evening, our cricket-fanatic family were busy ‘Googling’ the new lineups and captains of the 10 franchises, as the mega auctions of 2025 had shaken things up a fair bit. By the time our dessert platter was served, everyone had placed their bets on their favourite franchises. Out of the seven of us, four had once again placed their dollar on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, (RCB) given their domicile and their love for Virat Kohli. One had finally gotten tired of RCB’s 17 heartbreaking campaigns and decided to root for Rohit Sharma and his unit, while another decided to be neutral and support “good cricket”. My loyalties have always been with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Mumbai Indians (MI), and on our Uber ride back, I immersed myself into ESPN Cricinfo’s StatsGuru tool, to deep dive into the careers of new-age, exciting talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Mayanak Markande, Naman Dhir, Vignesh Puthur, Robin Minz and Shrijith Krishnan. Every season, one is keen and hopeful that a couple of such young, uncapped players will capitalise on the platform to launch them into the international scene. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Kohli anchored RCB’s run-chase. (PC: Debasis Sen) Upon reaching our AirBnB, I drowned myself in my timeline on X to satiate my craving for interesting data analysing different performance parameters of the different franchises. @ErikaMorris79’s thread captivated my attention for an hour as it fed me data starting from the average age and composition of the new squads to their averages, strike-rates, economies and recent team performances. As per the charts, the data objectively sighted Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as clear favourites, followed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). I was glad that data science was backing one of my favourite teams to go all the way once again. Before we hit the sack, the family collectively enjoyed a couple of Youtube videos from Harsha Bhogle about why and how the IPL has been a ‘Big Game Changer’, and some of the key things he was looking forward to in the 18th edition of the IPL. We peppered those 8-minute videos with a few quick ‘Shorts’ reliving some of our favourite IPL moments featuring MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sachin Tendulkar, and our every own RevSportz channel that educated us about the two new rules for IPL 2025 and how KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer describes the perfect IPL player. Despite being on the road and 12,500 km away from Kolkata, which was about to host the epic IPL opener in a few hours, thanks to Google, StatsGuru, X and YouTube, we felt all set for the 74-match cricket mania spread across 65 days. Shahrukh with Kohli at the Eden Gardens. (PC: Debasis Sen) By the time we landed in Washington, our Facebook feed was full of photos of Shah Rukh Khan and Kohli dancing their hearts out at the opening ceremony and reels on Instagram entertained us with Shreya Ghoshal’s melodious renditions of the 10 songs she sang to welcome the ten franchises to the tournament. One of the biggest pet peeves for overseas and traveling IPL fans has been to find a good and reliable stream to enjoy the live games, and for us in the US, a paid subscription on Procricket.tv came to our rescue. Not only was the stream quality good, but the latency was also rather low and one had the option of switching between English and Hindi commentary. With screen mirroring on, we were set for the first half of our Saturday in Washington DC, enjoying a high-scoring thriller between RCB and KKR, the two franchises that had kickstarted the IPL in 2008 and have had steady backers in our family. Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine and Raghuvanshi had me celebrating in the first hour before Krunal Pandya broke the back of KKR’s innings.

Then, Kohli, Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar made the chase look like a cakewalk to reverse RCB’s track record against the defending champions. Clearly, the majority of the folks in my family were celebrating this win and Kohli’s success and while I was recuperating, to cool things off, my jubilant son played the hilarious Dream 11 “Aamir ne liya panga” ad on Youtube, which by now has been viewed nearly 200 million times. RR vs KKR, IPL 2025 (PC: IPL) We had missed creating our fantasy teams at this point and we rushed to do it on IPLT20.com as many of us non-resident Indians couldn’t avail the facility on Dream11 – this should keep the family banter on our Whatsapp group going even after we disperse to our respective homes in a week’s time. Post-lunch, as the family was drawing up plans to visit Capitol Hill, World War II and Lincoln Memorials, the entrepreneur and marketer in me immersed myself in some fascinating long reads about the second largest sporting league (on a per-match basis) in the world – the one by Rahul Chaudhary in The Ken about the low or no correlation between a franchise’s on-field success and their commercial fortunes was an eye-opener. What caught my attention further was the podcast episode on the same platform that reported about how three days before the launch of IPL 2025, three of the country’s largest ad agencies were raided over alleged price-fixing and cartelization. Whilst unnerving, it was also a reminder that beyond the cricket, it is these garnishes of ‘mirch-masala’ that keep our nation, and the world, interested in this enterprise called the Indian Premier League. And the ecosystem of social media feeds, podcasts, fantasy leagues, long and short-form videos, OTT streaming apps, data analytics trackers and good old sports journalism provides foreigners, non-residents and traveling IPL fans ample opportunity to soak in and enjoy this extravaganza, beyond the core broadcast viewer base of 550 million. Also Read: Quinton de Kock Turns Doubt into Dominance with a Masterclass in Grit and Grace The post Digital apps allow nomadic IPL fans to stay on top appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link