Wednesday, July 08
Defending champions KKR faltered in IPL 2025 after Gautam Gambhir's exit as mentor and Shreyas Iyer's departure. Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy couldn't replicate the previous success, with key players like Narine and Russell underperforming. The team struggled to find replacements for Starc and Salt, leading to a disappointing season.
Virender Sehwag playfully commented on Rohit Sharma's struggles in the IPL powerplay, noting that a slower start might help him stay at the crease longer, given his tendency to get out early. Rohit's recent form includes only three scores above 50 in 13 innings, with nine dismissals during the powerplay.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru aims for a top-two finish for the first time since 2016 as they face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league game. RCB needs a win to secure second place, while LSG, despite inconsistency, remains a dangerous opponent with key players returning. The pitch favors spinners and pace variations, with teams preferring to chase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-scoring match. LSG scored 227/3, led by Rishabh Pant's century. RCB chased the target, finishing at 231/3. Virat Kohli scored 54, and RCB's captain hit an unbeaten 85. RCB secured a top-two position and will play Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.
Magnus Carlsen defeated D Gukesh in the Norway Chess tournament, showcasing his mastery in the classical format. Carlsen's win against the reigning world champion highlights his enduring skill, while Arjun Erigaisi's triumph underscores India's strong presence in the competition.
Punjab Kings defeated Mumbai Indians in a crucial match, securing a top-two finish in IPL 2025. Mumbai Indians scored 184/7, highlighted by Suryakumar Yadav's 57. Punjab Kings chased the target in 18.3 overs, powered by Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis's partnership. Punjab Kings will now play in Qualifier 1, while Mumbai Indians will compete in the Eliminator.
Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old, will lead the Indian side against England in the upcoming Test series. This marks a new beginning for Indian cricket after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Cheteshwar Pujara suggests KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. He also discussed Shubman's batting position.
JioHotstar has secured exclusive digital streaming rights for India's highly anticipated five-Test series against England, commencing on June 20. This agreement, part of a sublicensing deal with Sony Entertainment Network, ensures live digital access for fans. Sony retains television broadcast rights, while the partnership extends to the 2026 white-ball tour of England.
Ahead of India's crucial five-Test series in England, head coach Gautam Gambhir sought blessings at the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, marking a spiritual beginning to the new World Test Championship cycle. This tour signifies a new era for the team after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement.
