Group items tagged

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the defending champions, have kept the majority of its championship core in an effort to duplicate their performance in the 2025 Indian Premier League. After probably the most successful season in IPL history in 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the defending champions going into the 2025 season. The majority of KKR's championship-winning core has survived the challenge of their big auction. But there have also been certain major changes. Instead of sporting purple, Gautam Gambhir now dons blue. The team's Indian core was fostered in large part by Abhishek Nayar. Most significantly, even if the position of captain has been given to competent individuals, it is not someone who fits the KKR mold. Strengths: Varun Chakravarthy's amazing purple patch is much of KKR's greatest strength. Every time he takes up the ball, the mystery spinner appears to have a hint of gold and is in the best form of his life. Despite his age of 33 and Sunil Narine's age of 36, together they constitute the team with the strongest pedigree in terms of spin attack. What is KKR's other strong suit? Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh are the three Rs. There are already two of these in place. KKR may have the greatest lower-middle order in the tournament, though, especially when you include the rapidly improving Ramandeep. Kolkata Knight Riders Weakness: Although the Knight Riders have been able to retain the majority of its core, there are still significant gaps left by the departing members. Despite having terrible roles in their championship victory, Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer, and Mitchell Starc are no longer present. Shreyas remained unblemished in every run chase in 2024, Salt made sure that KKR had a dependable opener at last, and Starc performed excellently when it counted most. Although Spencer Johnson, Ajinkya Rahane, and Quinton de Kock are not slouches. Their T20I pedigree and form appear to have slightly declined. Particularly

Match Overview: On Tuesday, April 22, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the Lucknow Super Giants take on the Delhi Capitals in Match №40 of the ongoing IPL 2025. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) square off in IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) Match 40 on Tuesday, April 22 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. It is anticipated that the game would be intense because both teams are tied on points. This season's second meeting between these two teams will take place at Vizag, where the Delhi Capitals prevailed by a single wicket. After a thrilling victory over the Rajasthan Royals in the final over, the team captained by Rishabh Pant will enter this match. In the closing minutes, an outstanding 20th over by Avesh Khan stole a match that appeared to be in RR's pocket. The Indore pacer managed to defend nine runs in the final six balls in addition to taking three wickets. LSG has 10 points and a positive NRR of 0.088. After that victory, placing them in fifth place in the points standings. However, the Delhi Capitals have recently suffered difficulties, dropping two of their last three games after having a fantastic start to the season with four straight victories. Even though the Axar Patel-led team scored 203 runs in their last game against the Gujarat Titans. They were unable to defend it and lost by seven wickets. DC has maintained a strong hold on second position in the IPL points standings with five victories in seven games. LSG vs DC Match Details: Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, Match 40 Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Date & Time: Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 PM (IST) Live Streaming: JioHotstar LSG vs DC Pitch Report: In contrast to past years when the bowlers had the upper hand, the Ekana Cricket Stadium's surface appears suitable for batting this year. It offers a fair bat-ball competition that may result in a competitive game. At this ground, the team that batted first won eight times. While the side

Sophie Devine, a mainstay of New Zealand will be leaving the ODI format after this year's World Cup. She will therefore choose to sign a casual playing contract for the 2025-2026 season, New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday, June 17. In both ODIs and T20Is, the 35-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career for New Zealand. Over the course of her 152 appearances for the national team the second most after Suzie Bates. She has risen from her initial position as a №11 in 50-over cricket to become one of the most crucial hitters in the team. She has hit 16 fifties and eight hundred, second only to Bates. In addition to his fourth-highest 3990 runs. Devine has taken 107 wickets. Which is second only to Lea Tahuhu. In 2020, the all-round player was named New Zealand's permanent captain last year. They won the T20 World Cup under her direction. In the last two tournaments. They have not advanced past the group stages in the ODI format. Sophie Devine Devine stated, "It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away," in reference to her choice. "I consider myself extremely lucky to have had NZC's help in resolving the issue. So that I can continue to support the White Ferns. Before I leave, I want everyone to know that I'm committed and focused on giving this group my all. I'm eager to contribute over the next six to nine months. Am quite pleased about the direction this young group is taking." According to Liz Green, the Head of Women's High Performance at NZC. Devine's choice to sign a casual deal will allow another athlete to sign a full contract. As the 17-member core contracts list will be revealed tomorrow. Green stated that Sophie has served the White Ferns for almost 20 years, and NZC is completely in support of her efforts to find greater balance at this point in her career. We are happy that we were able to come to a deal that allows her to continue playing for the White Ferns on an as-needed basis while providing room for another player to sign a ful

The Champions League T20 (CLT20) is about to make a reappearance. It will be even better and bigger this time. The International Cricket Council's (ICC) members recently met in Singapore as part of the ICC Annual Conference. Formally decided to bring back the competition with teams from various domestic Twenty20 leagues. Assuming all proceeds as planned. The league might resume as early as the next year. Cricbuzz understands that the international boards will meet soon to hash out the mechanics of the league. Particularly in view of the fact that many franchise owners have teams across many nations. Addressing this cross-team ownership structure will be a significant challenge for the authorities. Who are expected to set up a Governing Council (GC) or a Board to regulate the league. The Champions League T20 Creating the league's size and scope will be another significant obstacle for the regulators to overcome. In 2015, the Champions League T20 was discontinued, leaving. Just a few big Test-playing countries with franchise-based leagues. The T20 scene has changed significantly in the past ten years. With leagues springing up all over the cricketing ecosystem and even Associate nations like the USA and UAE hosting their own competitions. This technique has also been adopted by countries such as Canada and Nepal. Approximately eleven major franchise leagues, including The Hundred in England. Exist worldwide as of the most recent count. Apart from deciding how clubs from different leagues will be distributed. The organizers will also need to locate a window in a busy calendar. Like in the previous edition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Its famous Indian Premier League (IPL) are likely to lead the planned leadership. It is also expected that Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Which did not play in the previous league, will be active members. It's unknown who else will be engaged. The framework could possibly i

Ireland has revealed their team for the forthcoming home white-ball series against the West Indies, starting on May 21. Paul Stirling will remain the captain of the Ireland team in both T20Is and ODIs, with Lorcan Tucker appointed as his vice-captain. Mark Adair is a notable exclusion from the ODI squad as he is still recovering from an injury. However, he is anticipated to make his comeback for the T20Is. The squad selected by Ireland also includes three players who have yet to earn a cap. But could make their international debuts: Cade Carmichael (right-handed batter), Tom Mayes (fast bowler), and Liam McCarthy (fast bowler). Only the ODIs will feature Carmichael and Mayes. While McCarthy has been selected for both the ODI and T20I squads. Ben White and Ross Adair will be taking part only in the T20Is. The ODI squads do not include them. Ireland T20I & ODI Regarding the chosen teams, National Men's Selector Andrew White lauded the three players without caps for demonstrating their talent during last month's Ireland Wolves tour of the UAE and expressed hope that they would advance to a higher level of cricket. For several years now, Cade Carmichael has been in the pathway. In April, he showcased his talent, stroke play, and resilience for the Wolves. His ascent over the past few years shows how consistent performances and his ability to adapt his game to different conditions have led to an International call-up. Along the same lines, two seam bowlers Liam McCarthy and Tom Mayes have been acknowledged for their reliability and their capacity to elevate their performance. When needed both players contribute uniquely to the team: Mayes with his stature and precision, and McCarthy. Who adds a different dynamic to our offense and will certainly test the batters' techniques. The West Indies will compete in Ireland for the first time since 2019. The series will kick off on May 21 with three ODIs until May 25, followed by a three-match T20I series in June from the 12

R Ashwin believes that other seasoned candidates like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are still valid choices for the position. Even though Shubman Gill is the clear favorite to replace Rohit Sharma as India's next Test captain. The lineup for India's Five-Test series against England. Which begins on June 20, may be chosen in the last week of May. The selection process is dominated by discussions over a potential new captain. "First of all, Gill is regarded as the captain by everyone. They're all heading that way. But why do we overlook Ravindra Jadeja? Jasprit Bumrah is a noisy alternative," Ashwin stated in a YouTube video interview with former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan. I would suggest that if you are open to hiring a new captain. Why not assign Gill as an experienced man's understudy for two years before giving him a full-time position? With 3370 runs and 323 wickets from 80 Test matches, Jadeja is the most seasoned player in the Indian squad following the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit from the game. However, Bumrah has only captained India in three Test matches, most recently in the opening and final Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He has no prior experience as a Test cricket captain. R. Ashwin "Why don't we gather all three or four candidates, have them give a presentation, and ask them to explain the team's vision?" Ashwin said. "It takes place in nations like Australia. Why don't we take that route? Following the third BGT Test late last year, Ashwin announced his retirement from all cricket-related activities. He stated that Bumrah should also be given serious consideration and that his recent back issue shouldn't be a barrier. "Look at Pat Cummins, who is currently captaining Australia in Tests and ODIs after having a back stress fracture as well," Ashwin said. In that sense, Bumrah is a national treasure and need to be discussed. He needs to be questioned about his ability to play five Test matches. Can you s

In their IPL 2025 season opening against the Chennai Super Kings, the Mumbai Indians will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. Due to his sluggish over rate, regular captain Hardik Pandya was given a one-match ban at the end of the previous season. Hence he is unable to play in this match. Given that Suryakumar has assumed the role of T20I captain in the past year and that Jasprit Bumrah is also out by injury, his candidacy is not shocking. During the preseason press conference, which he attended with head coach Mahela Jayawardene, Hardik revealed that Suryakumar would be captaining the CSK game. "India is also led by Suryakumar Yadav. When asked who the stand-in captain will be for the big match, Hardik said, "He will lead Mumbai Indians in the first match." The Mumbai Indians team has three compatible captains with a track record of success. Currently leading the national squad in Tests and ODIs, Rohit Sharma has captained India in all formats. Additionally, from 2013 to 2023, he led the Mumbai Indians for 11 seasons. The current captain of India for Twenty20 Internationals is Suryakumar, followed by Test captain Jasprit Bumrah. "I am lucky," wrote Hardik. "Three captains are playing with me. To the side, it adds extra experience. I am aware that there are three distinct brains with years of experience who have led India in various capacities in case I need assistance." "They can put the arm around my shoulder and always be there for me," he continued. That's how I see it. Hardik is available for the season's second game, which is against the Gujarat Titans. On March 31, they will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in their debut home game at the Wankhede Stadium.

England have made just one change to their squad for the decisive fifth Test of the 2025 series against India. All‑rounder Jamie Overton has been brought back into the 15‑member side for the match starting July 31 at The Oval. This is Overton's first involvement in Test cricket since June 2022. When he played his only Test for England at Headingley scoring a magnificent 97 and taking two wickets during that lone appearance. Standing at 6′5″, the Surrey paceman provides both batting depth and seam‑bowling options, making him an ideal candidate to help balance the injury‑stretched England seam attack. Skipper Ben Stokes had flagged the urgent need for fresh legs after the front‑line bowlers grinded through a gruelling 257 overs in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and returning pace spearhead Jofra Archer have carried a heavy workload through the series to date. Woakes alone has bowled 167 overs, while Archer just returning from a four‑year break has compiled his heaviest outing ever at Old Trafford with 49.1 overs. Stokes acknowledged that after their exertions, rotation or reinforcement may be essential ahead of the turnaround to Oval. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue already in the squad but unused at Old Trafford are the likely competition for places. Atkinson recently returned from hamstring injury with a strong outing in Surrey's Second XI. While Tongue has taken 11 wickets in the series so far but has struggled with consistency. The Oval Test Overton's inclusion is not only about workload management. As a local Surrey player, he brings familiarity with the conditions at The Oval. He rejoined Surrey permanently in 2021. After a loan spell, and has seen strong county form throughout the current season - and even featured for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Selectors have retained all 14 members from the squad that fielded at Old Trafford, with Overton being the single addition to the group. This inclusion r

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket. Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test. There are no words to describe what that meant. "One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies," Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve. In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note. Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell's announcement caught the West Indies' selectors off guard. In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata. According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey. Andre Russell Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster f

In a significant move ahead of the Andhra Premier League (APL) 2025 season. Dynamic all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named the captain of the Bhimavaram Bulls. The announcement was made on July 17. Sending waves of excitement among fans of Andhra cricket and followers of the domestic T20 scene. Reddy has already garnered media attention for his outstanding domestic and international cricket performances. He is going to guide the Bulls into the APL's fourth season. August 8-August 24, 2025 is the planned occurrence date at the Visakhapatnam-based Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA Stadium. Rising Star Takes Charge - Nitish Kumar Reddy Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly climbed the cricketing ladder, with impressive displays across formats. His leadership appointment reflects the franchise's vision to build a team around a young, aggressive, and tactically aware cricketer. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Reddy's all-round skills are expected to bring a perfect balance to the Bulls' strategy. In 2024, he made his Test debut for India and delivered standout performances in T20 Internationals, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He is currently among the most promising cricket players coming out of Andhra Pradesh based on his career thus far. Bhimavaram Bulls - A Team Reimagined The Bhimavaram Bulls have also unveiled a strong 20-player squad for APL 2025 .With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters. The team looks well-equipped to challenge for the title this season. Key players alongside Reddy include Satyanarayan Raju, Hari Shankar Reddy, and Pinniti Tejaswi, among others. This season, the Bulls are expected to adopt a fearless brand of cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy bringing his aggressive mindset and calm leadership to the forefront. APL 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better The Andhra Premier League has grown in popularity over the years and the 2025. Edition is set to feature seven teams for the first time, up from six