Wednesday, July 08
The IPL 2025 league stage culminates in a dramatic finale, with Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians vying for top-two positions. Despite early qualifications, these teams have faced recent setbacks. The remaining matches will determine the final standings, as a top-two finish guarantees a crucial advantage in the playoffs with two chances to reach the final.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane addressed the team's underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign, highlighting inconsistent batting. He defended Venkatesh Iyer amid scrutiny over his Rs 23.75 crore price tag. While KKR’s bowlers impressed, Rahane admitted the batting unit faltered under pressure.
Gujarat Titans suffered a setback in their quest for a top-two IPL finish after losing to Chennai Super Kings, despite remaining at the top with 18 points. MS Dhoni's on-field frustration was evident as he reprimanded fielders during the game. Dhoni's future remains uncertain, as he plans to contemplate his IPL return after spending time in Ranchi.
Delhi Capitals concluded their IPL 2025 season with a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. However, a viral moment between Faf du Plessis and Preity Zinta stole the spotlight. A fan's suggestion of casting them in a movie sparked a playful response from Faf and a heartwarming video from Delhi Capitals.
KL Rahul eyes a T20 comeback for India, aiming for the 2026 World Cup after a three-year absence. Reflecting on his game, he acknowledges the need for faster scoring and boundary hitting in modern T20 cricket. Despite consistent IPL form, Rahul focuses on adapting to the evolving white-ball format.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane addressed the team's underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign, highlighting inconsistent batting. He defended Venkatesh Iyer amid scrutiny over his Rs 23.75 crore price tag. While KKR’s bowlers impressed, Rahane admitted the batting unit faltered under pressure.
SRH head coach Daniel Vettori addressed Mohammed Shami's inconsistent IPL 2025 performance, attributing it to a long T20 layoff. Shami, a 2023 Purple Cap winner, struggled with lengths this season, taking six wickets in nine games at an economy of 11.23. Vettori also clarified that Nitish Kumar Reddy's limited bowling was due to a pre-tournament side strain, which impacted his all-round contribution despite being a breakout star last season.
