India emerged victorious in the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup final, defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, December 22. This win marks a historic moment as India becomes the inaugural champions of the tournament.

India’s innings:

Bangladesh captain Sumaiya Akter opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the high-pressure final. Gongadi Trisha led India’s batting with a composed 52 off 47 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, even as wickets fell at regular intervals. Mithila Vinod provided a late boost with a quick 17 off 12 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 117/7 in their 20 overs.

Farjana Easmin was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking 4/31 in her four overs. Trisha’s performance not only anchored India’s innings but also made her the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Bangladesh’s reply:

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a poor start, losing Mosammat Eva in the second over. Despite Fahomida Choya’s efforts to stabilize the innings, key wickets, including captain Sumaiya Akter, fell cheaply.

Wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive with a patient 22 off 30 balls. However, her dismissal in the 15th over left Bangladesh at 64/5, needing 54 runs from the final 34 deliveries. The lower order collapsed under pressure, with the last five wickets falling for just 12 runs.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 76 in 18.3 overs, handing India a convincing 41-run win.

Key performers:

• India:
  • Aayushi Shukla: 3/17 in 3.3 overs
  • Sonam Yadav and Parunika Sisodia: 2 wickets each
  • Gongadi Trisha: 52 runs (leading tournament scorer)
• Bangladesh:
  • Farjana Easmin: 4/31 in 4 overs
  • Juairiya Ferdous: 22 runs

India’s comprehensive performance capped a dominant campaign, securing the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title.

Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan are expected to be retained as the uncapped players for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming IPL 2025. Badoni, in particular, has been in impressive form, recently shining in the Emerging Asia Cup during India’s match against Oman. His stellar performance, which included a fine fifty with six fours and two sixes, earned him the player of the match award.

In addition to his recent performances, Badoni played a crucial role for LSG in the IPL 2024, stepping up when the team’s top order collapsed. He notched up two vital half-centuries during the tournament, showing his ability to stabilize the middle order when needed.

Badoni’s form continued in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where he captained the South Delhi Superstarz and maintained a strike rate of over 200. His ability to provide both stability and momentum makes him a strong candidate for retention as LSG’s uncapped player in IPL 2025.

As per reports, LSG are set to retain key players like Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi. Mayank Yadav, who made his debut for India in the T20I series against Bangladesh, will likely be retained as an uncapped player. Alongside Badoni, Mohsin Khan is also set to be one of LSG’s uncapped player retentions for the upcoming season.

Mahela Jayawardene is back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians, the IPL team he led to success from 2017 to 2022. Jayawardene, who briefly transitioned to the role of Global Head of Cricket for the franchise, has now returned to his previous position as head coach.

Jayawardene reflected on his journey with Mumbai Indians, saying, “My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever, and we did very well. Now, I am returning at a pivotal moment, looking ahead at the future and an exciting opportunity to further strengthen MI’s legacy.”

During his previous stint as head coach, Jayawardene was instrumental in shaping the team into a formidable force, helping them win several IPL titles. His return marks a significant moment for the franchise, as they continue to build on their history and vision for future success.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction on the horizon, Glenn Maxwell could be one of the biggest names to be released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following his underwhelming performance in IPL 2024. The Australian all-rounder, known for his explosive batting and useful off-spin, may be looking for a new team as RCB considers a squad rebuild.

Here are three teams that might target Glenn Maxwell in the IPL 2025 auction:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings have always valued experienced, versatile players who can perform under pressure, and Maxwell fits the bill. With his aggressive batting and off-spin, Maxwell could add value to CSK’s well-balanced lineup. CSK’s strategy of utilizing experienced players in key situations could see them going after Maxwell to strengthen their middle-order firepower.

2. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans have emerged as a dominant team in recent IPL seasons, and Glenn Maxwell’s dynamic play could be a perfect addition to their middle order. With the Narendra Modi Stadium offering flat pitches ideal for aggressive stroke play, Maxwell’s explosive batting could thrive here, making him a key target for the Titans.

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Maxwell has a history with Punjab Kings, where he played some of his most memorable IPL innings. With PBKS often struggling to find the right balance, a familiar face like Maxwell could help them add the firepower and experience they need in the middle order. Punjab could be eager to bring back Maxwell to reignite their campaign.

Maxwell’s experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to any team, and these franchises could see him as the right fit to bolster their chances in IPL 2025.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) entered the IPL 2024 auction with a large purse of ₹32.7 crore after releasing the highest number of players ahead of the season. With a revamped management and a change in captaincy, KKR aimed for a fresh start while retaining a core group of players to build around.

Players Retained by KKR in IPL 2024: KKR retained 12 players for IPL 2024, including key names such as Shreyas Iyer, who missed IPL 2023 due to injury, and star all-rounder Andre Russell. They also held onto emerging talents like Harshit Rana, who was their second-highest wicket-taker in the previous season.

• Shreyas Iyer (Batter) – ₹12.25 crore
• Nitish Rana (All-rounder) – ₹8 crore
• Rinku Singh (Batter) – ₹55 lakh
• Venkatesh Iyer (All-rounder) – ₹8 crore
• Sunil Narine (All-rounder) – ₹6 crore
• Varun Chakravarthy (Bowler) – ₹8 crore
• Suyash Sharma (Bowler) – ₹20 lakh
• Andre Russell (All-rounder) – ₹12 crore
• Jason Roy (Batter) – ₹2.8 crore
• Anukul Roy (Spinner) – ₹20 lakh
• Vaibhav Arora (Bowler) – ₹60 lakh
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicket-keeper) – ₹50 lakh
• Harshit Rana (Bowler) – ₹20 lakh

Players Released by KKR in IPL 2024: KKR released a number of players ahead of the 2024 season, including seasoned cricketers like Tim Southee, Shakib Al Hasan, and Umesh Yadav, signaling a shift in team dynamics.

• Tim Southee (Bowler)
• Lockie Ferguson (Bowler)
• Litton Das (Wicket-keeper batter)
• Kulwant Khejroliya (Bowler)
• Shakib Al Hasan (All-rounder)
• Umesh Yadav (Bowler)
• Mandeep Singh (Batter)
• Narayan Jagadeesan (Wicket-keeper batter)
• David Weise (All-rounder)
• Johnson Charles (Wicket-keeper batter)
• Aarya Desai (Bowler)
• Shardul Thakur (All-rounder)

KKR’s Auction Purchases for IPL 2024: KKR made notable acquisitions during the IPL 2024 auction, including the high-profile signing of Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc for ₹24.75 crore. They also brought in players like KS Bharat, Chetan Sakariya, and Manish Pandey at affordable prices.

• KS Bharat – ₹50 lakh
• Chetan Sakariya – ₹50 lakh
• Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi – ₹20 lakh
• Ramandeep Singh – ₹20 lakh
• Sherfane Rutherford – ₹1.5 crore
• Manish Pandey – ₹50 lakh
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman – ₹2 crore
• Gus Atkinson – ₹1 crore
• Sakib Hussain – ₹20 lakh

KKR’s strategy for IPL 2024 focuses on a balance between retaining key performers and integrating fresh talent to maintain their competitiveness.

Mayank Yadav, who recently made his international debut for India in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior, has now become a critical part of the IPL 2025 discussion. His impressive performance in his debut match has created a retention dilemma for his franchise, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Mayank Yadav’s Status and Retention Costs

As per IPL retention rules, any uncapped player who becomes an international player before the IPL auction is reclassified as a “capped player.” This change significantly affects their retention cost. If LSG decides to retain Mayank, they will need to spend a minimum of ₹11 crore, as he would be the third-choice retention. The cost is higher for the first two retentions, with ₹18 crore for the first choice and ₹14 crore for the second.

Will LSG Retain Mayank?

Sources close to the franchise suggest that LSG is not willing to let go of Mayank Yadav easily. An unnamed IPL insider said, “There is no way that LSG will put a rare bowler like Mayank back in the auction pool. They have invested in him for the past two seasons and he will certainly be one among the top three retentions.”

The current LSG roster has big names like KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, and Marcus Stoinis. However, Mayank’s raw pace and potential have caught the attention of head coach Justin Langer and new mentor Zaheer Khan. Mayank impressed on his debut with a strong start, bowling with pace and maintaining pressure in his four-over spell.

Mayank’s Value to LSG

Considering his recent performance and the team’s investment in him over the past two seasons, it seems likely that LSG will retain Mayank Yadav for IPL 2025. The team may be willing to spend the required ₹11 crore to secure the services of the young pacer, who has shown promising talent and growth potential.

As LSG strategizes for IPL 2025, the decision to retain Mayank Yadav will not only be a financial consideration but also a tactical one to maintain a strong bowling lineup.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, the Gujarat Titans (GT) are strategizing on which players to retain for the next season. After losing star captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024, GT faced challenges in finding their rhythm in the tournament. Now under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the team has a chance to rebuild and set a new path for the future.

GT is expected to retain four key players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction: Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, and uncapped player Rahul Tewatia.

Gujarat Titans’ Probable Retentions for IPL 2025

Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is likely to be GT’s first retention, with a price tag of ₹18 crore. Gill, who is also the new captain, has a long-term role with the franchise. If he performs well in the upcoming season and leads the team to the playoffs, he may continue as the captain for the next few years. Besides proving his mettle for GT, he also has a point to prove as the vice-captain of India’s white-ball cricket team. Currently, Gill earns ₹8 crore with GT.

Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan has been a crucial part of GT’s spin attack and is expected to be retained as their second player for ₹14 crore. The Afghan spinner, known for his match-winning performances, is already on a ₹15 crore contract with GT, making him a high-value asset for the team.

Mohammed Shami
Despite being out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mohammed Shami remains a key bowler for GT. As one of the team’s best pacers, he is set to be retained for ₹11 crore. His experience and ability to deliver crucial wickets make him a vital part of the squad.

Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia is the uncapped player GT is looking to retain at ₹4 crore. Known for his powerful hitting and ability to accelerate during critical moments, Tewatia has proven his worth as a valuable middle-order player. GT is expected to retain him as an asset who can provide depth and strength to their batting lineup.

With these potential retentions, Gujarat Titans are aiming to rebuild and shape a strong squad under Shubman Gill’s leadership, heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made strategic choices to stabilize their team. CSK, known for their consistent performance over the years, is transitioning with seasoned players like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane, paving the way for emerging talents such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Though it was anticipated that Dhoni might end his IPL journey last season, he will continue to play in the 2025 edition.

Retained Players for IPL 2024

With fans expecting Dhoni to lead the team in 2024, CSK made retention decisions accordingly. The franchise held on to some of their key players, including Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravindra Jadeja, while retaining a total of 19 players. The franchise released only seven players, keeping a large portion of their squad intact. Ambati Rayudu, who retired from the IPL, was among those not retained.

Here is a look at the retained players, their roles, and prices:

Players Released by CSK

CSK released seven players before IPL 2024. Among the released players are Ambati Rayudu, who retired, and others who did not make the cut in the current squad:

Players Bought in IPL 2024 Auction

CSK made some strategic buys in the IPL 2024 auction, adding a mix of international and domestic talent to strengthen their squad:

With these moves, CSK looks to maintain their strong presence while preparing for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are at a crossroads, facing crucial decisions on which players to retain. Under the updated rules, franchises are permitted to retain up to six players, with the first retention capped at ₹18 crore. However, PBKS currently finds itself without a player who may justify such a hefty price tag, raising the question of how to approach the auction.

Who Could PBKS Retain? The team has undergone significant changes, with the departure of former captain Shikhar Dhawan and Ricky Ponting taking over as head coach. The core of the team now includes players like Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and Liam Livingstone, but whether any of them should occupy the ₹18 crore slot is up for debate.

Sam Curran: Worth the Investment? Sam Curran, the all-rounder who was the most expensive buy in 2021 and served as the stand-in captain last season, is one of the key candidates for retention. While Curran has shown flashes of his abilities as a middle-order batsman and handy bowler, he has not consistently delivered performances that would make him indispensable at such a high price. Under the new leadership of Ricky Ponting, the franchise may consider releasing some of their high-cost English signings, including Curran.

Arshdeep Singh: RTM an Option? Arshdeep Singh has been one of the standout players in India’s T20 setup, and his performances during the 2024 T20 World Cup were noteworthy. While Arshdeep’s contributions are significant, PBKS may find ₹18 crore too steep for his retention. An alternative strategy could involve releasing Arshdeep into the auction pool and using a Right to Match (RTM) card to bring him back at a more reasonable price.

Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone: Valuable but Inconsistent Kagiso Rabada, with his fast bowling prowess, and Liam Livingstone, known for his explosive batting, are also part of PBKS’s core group. However, both players have faced challenges with consistency. Rabada struggled to maintain form in the last season, and Livingstone’s all-round performance has not been steady over multiple games. While they are valuable to the squad, their impact may not be enough to warrant a ₹18 crore retention.

If Mumbai Indians (MI) decide not to retain Rohit Sharma for the IPL 2025 mega auction, it would be a significant shift in the league’s dynamics. Several franchises would likely pursue Rohit for his leadership, experience, and explosive batting capabilities. Here’s a look at three teams that would benefit greatly by having Rohit Sharma on their side.

1. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings is one of the teams that could benefit the most from having a seasoned leader like Rohit Sharma. The team has struggled with consistency, especially at the top order, and lacks a strong captain. With Shikhar Dhawan potentially stepping away from leadership or retiring, there’s an open spot for a top-order batter and a captain. Rohit Sharma could provide the needed stability and aggressiveness, giving PBKS a much-needed boost in both leadership and batting firepower.

Ricky Ponting, who is likely to coach PBKS, has a strong record of working with successful teams, and his experience with Delhi Capitals and Washington Freedom in the MLC 2024 proves that he knows how to build competitive squads. Having Rohit under his guidance could be the perfect blend of aggressive captaincy and strategic team-building.

2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants would be another potential destination for Rohit Sharma, especially if KL Rahul is not retained. Rahul’s performance in IPL 2024 was underwhelming, and if the team decides to let go of him, they would be left without a captain and a key top-order batsman. Rohit Sharma could seamlessly fill both roles as an opener and a captain. His experience and leadership skills would bring a new dynamic to the team, and with players like Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya, LSG would have a strong squad under his command.

While there are other captaincy candidates within LSG, Rohit’s track record as MI captain, including multiple IPL titles, makes him an obvious choice to lead the team and build a winning culture.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

The prospect of Rohit Sharma joining RCB is particularly intriguing, especially with Faf du Plessis’ uncertain future with the team for IPL 2025. RCB needs a strong leader, and if Virat Kohli chooses not to take up the captaincy role again, Rohit could be a prime target. His experience and ability to lead from the front as a batsman would complement RCB’s existing lineup, and his partnership with Virat Kohli at the top of the order would excite fans across the cricket world.

Rohit’s addition to RCB would not only bring a calm and strategic leader but also give RCB an explosive top-order pairing. This move could be the key to ending RCB’s wait for their maiden IPL title

As IPL 2025 approaches, speculation continues about MS Dhoni’s potential participation in the tournament. After almost two decades in the league, Dhoni remains one of the most iconic and sought-after players, having led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple titles. With the recent update from CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, fans are eagerly waiting for clarity on whether “Thala Dhoni” will make an appearance in the upcoming season.

MS Dhoni’s Status for IPL 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reintroduced a rule stating that players who have not represented the country in the last five years are treated as “uncapped players” and can be signed for up to INR 4 crore. Given that Dhoni last played for India during the 2019 World Cup semifinals, this rule has led to speculation that he may fall into this uncapped category, potentially affecting his participation in IPL 2025.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Dhoni’s Future

Kasi Viswanathan recently spoke with the Times of India about Dhoni’s potential role in IPL 2025. He mentioned that while there has not yet been a formal discussion with Dhoni regarding his participation, the team remains hopeful. “We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni,” Viswanathan said. He added that it’s still early to make any definitive comments, especially since Dhoni was in the US and discussions are yet to happen. Viswanathan anticipates clarity once conversations with Dhoni take place, which could be in the coming week.

“We are hopeful of him playing, but it’s a call Dhoni will himself make,” he added, leaving the decision in the hands of the legendary CSK captain.

Dhoni’s Recent History in Cricket

Since his last international match for India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Dhoni has only appeared in the IPL. Last season, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, reflecting the team’s focus on the future. However, his potential participation in IPL 2025 remains one of the most talked-about topics in the cricketing world.

With discussions set to take place soon, fans of CSK and Dhoni alike will be eagerly awaiting an update on his decision.