Day 2 of the India vs New Zealand 1st Test in Bengaluru proved to be a nightmare for the Indian cricket team. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s strategic blunders set the stage for a day of utter humiliation. Batting first in gloomy conditions and fielding a meagre pace attack proved to be fatal errors as Matt Henry and William O’Rourke unleashed a brutal assault. Courtesy of five ducks, India registered just 46 runs – the lowest-ever international total on Indian soil! To woo away the Indian fans from this, there were once again quite a few IPL 2025 retention rumours that kicked in. KL Rahul and his franchise the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are still in talks for retention, while Delhi Capitals (DC) had a coaching shake-up. On that note, here are six of the most headline-worthy stories from October 17, Thursday.
No KL Rahul & LSG yet!
As the IPL 2025 retention deadline (Oct 31) looms, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are still undecided about retaining their captain, KL Rahul. Rahul’s form has been questioned after a tough season, and the team is considering other options. However, West Indian batter Nicholas Pooran is expected to remain with LSG. Recently, he had a superlative CPL 2024 as well. The team is also likely to retain uncapped players Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan, who have impressed with their performances. Badoni had a remarkable DPLT20, while Mohsin is one of the most talented left-arm pacers.
Major Champions Trophy update coming…
The ICC will convene a meeting from October 18-21 to determine if Pakistan can host the Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has been diligently preparing for the tournament. Amidst uncertainty, the ICC will discuss Pakistan’s hosting capabilities and the BCCI’s stance on travelling there. The PCB is determined to host the tournament entirely, while the ICC has considered a hybrid model so that India can participate.
Rohit Sharma accepts his ‘misjudgement’
Rohit Sharma admitted misreading the pitch during the IND vs NZ 1st Test toss. India, batting first after winning the toss, were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs. Rohit revealed at the press conference that he expected a flatter pitch, not offering much assistance to seamers. He acknowledged his mistake in misjudging the pitch. India had a disastrous 1st session, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke wreaking havoc. Rishabh Pant was the only Indian batter to reach double figures alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, but they couldn’t withstand the Kiwis’ aggression. India were eventually bowled out for just 46 runs – India’s lowest-ever Test total at home.
Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 retentions
Mumbai Indians are expected to retain Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Despite stepping down as captain, Rohit is likely to remain a crucial part of the team. Hardik Pandya, who took over the leadership, faced mixed reactions after a disappointing season. However, it will be interesting to know the salary slabs of these players. Surprisingly, reports are saying that the 5-time champions might not retain any uncapped players.
The Delhi Capitals chaos!
Delhi Capitals has officially replaced Ricky Ponting with Hemang Badani as the Head Coach for the upcoming IPL season. In addition, Venugopal Rao has been appointed as the Director of Cricket. Both coaches have extensive experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and are expected to contribute significantly ahead of IPL 2025. Apart from this, Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as JSW Sports’ Director of Cricket, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals. Ganguly will have a complete hands-on role in the Delhi Capitals Women’s Team and SA20 side Pretoria Capitals.
IND vs NZ squad, Richa Ghosh to miss due to exams!
Just days after their early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup, the BCCI has named Harmanpreet Kaur as the captain for India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Despite speculation about her position, Kaur has retained the leadership role. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who recently turned 21, will miss the series due to her 12th exams. Ghosh has been a key member of the Indian team in recent years, having played in multiple World Cups. The three-match ODI series will be played in Ahmedabad on October 24, 27, and 29.
