Rajat Patidar’s recovery from a finger injury has boosted Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Patidar showcased his improved fitness during a training session, watched by Dinesh Karthik, increasing his chances for an India A squad call-up.
Gujarat Titans have signed Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will depart on May 26, 2025, for national duties. Mendis, acquired for Rs 75 Lakh, brings international experience after a stint in the Pakistan Super League 2025. Buttler’s exit leaves a void despite GT’s strong position atop the IPL standings, having won eight of eleven matches.
Ravi Shastri disclosed his discussion with Virat Kohli before Kohli’s unexpected Test retirement. Kohli, India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, retired despite an upcoming series against England. Shastri and Kohli discussed the decision a week prior. Shastri acknowledged Kohli’s intense approach and global impact. He emphasized Kohli’s achievements, stating Kohli had nothing left to achieve in his career.
Mayank Yadav’s injury woes continue as a back injury has sidelined him for the rest of the 2025 IPL season. Lucknow Super Giants have signed New Zealand’s William O’Rourke as his replacement. Yadav, who has a history of injuries, managed only two games this season, picking up two wickets.
Anaya Bangar, child of Sanjay Bangar, revealed the experience of training with Virat Kohli and invaluable advice Indian legend gave on handling pressure. Kohli shared his approach, emphasizing the importance of deeply understanding and trusting one’s strengths through rigorous practice. Anaya highlighted Kohli’s guidance, noting how self-awareness and confidence in one’s game are crucial for success at the highest level.
Astrologer Greenstone Lobo attributes recent retirements in Indian cricket to cosmic shifts. He says the planetary alignment that fueled the greatness of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin has weakened. Lobo suggests KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are astrologically primed to take over. He also mentions Rajat Patidar as a potential surprise package.
Indian cricket faces a transition as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test retirements mark a new era. Selectors are tasked with rebuilding the team, potentially starting with Shubman Gill in the upcoming England series. Ravichandran Ashwin emphasizes the importance of character in leadership, suggesting a thorough evaluation process for selecting the next captain, similar to the Australian method.
IPL 2025 will restart on Saturday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Kolkata Knight Riders. The tournament was paused due to India-Pakistan tensions. The restart follows a ceasefire. BCCI is urging foreign players to return. Safety concerns remain after the hostilities. The final match is now scheduled for June 3. Uncertainty surrounds foreign players’ return for the second leg.
Ravichandran Ashwin has endorsed Jasprit Bumrah as his top choice to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain, citing Bumrah’s leadership qualities on his YouTube channel. Despite concerns over workload management, Ashwin expressed disappointment if Bumrah isn’t considered.
