We got some interesting updates on September 4, a day before the Indian 2024-25 domestic season starts. It started with two reports. One claimed that Ishan Kishan was injured and would be replaced by Sanju Samson, while the other stated that he was just under the weather. I guess we’ll know his status in a couple of hours. Prasidh Krishna joins Suryakumar Yadav among players who might not play in the Duleep Trophy. Three IPL stories also emerged. The first one was of Rahul Dravid joining the Rajasthan Royals. Second about Suryakumar’s future with the Mumbai Indians and third about the tournament’s evaluation. In foreign news, we’ve got an update on Babar Azam’s new Test ranking.
Dravid ‘almost’ confirmed as RR head coach
Rahul Dravid will soon be on the franchise circuit once again. The former Rajasthan Royals captain and mentor will join them once again. However, this time as their head coach. Dravid is coming off on a high, leading the Indian men’s team to the T20 World Cup trophy. He’ll also be joined by Vikram Rathour, who’ll helm the role of assistant coach.
Samson to replace Kishan in Duleep Trophy?
Ishan Kishan could miss the India C vs D match in the Duleep Trophy on September 5. Reports have suggested that the southpaw has picked up an injury and could miss the first match. Sanju Samson is expected to be named as Kishan’s replacement. However, another report claims that Kishan isn’t injured but under the weather at the moment.
Suryakumar to remain with MI
Suryakumar Yadav isn’t leaving the Mumbai Indians. Amid reports swirling around that the 360-degree batter would leave the franchise and go to Kolkata Knight Riders, a source inside Mumbai Indians has revealed that these rumours are baseless and Suryakumar will play for the franchise in IPL 2025.
Babar Azam out of Top 10
Pakistan’s best batter, Babar Azam, has fallen out of the ICC Top 10 Test batter’s ranking for the first time in 5 years. After scoring just 64 runs against Bangladesh, Babar has fallen to number 12, while Mohammad Rizwan moves up to 10. Babar hasn’t scored a fifty since January 2023 but can change that and his ranking in the upcoming England Test series.
IPL and each franchise’s valuation
Following the merger of Viacom 18 and Disney, IPL’s valuation has fallen by 11% (Rs 92,500 crore to Rs 82,700 crore), according to a report. Constant delays in the merger have led to this, but the franchises haven’t been affected much, with the Mumbai Indians being the most valued, followed by the Chennai Super Kings.
Prasidh Krishna unfit
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna might miss the India A vs B Duleep Trophy match. The pacer who’s been out of action since the start of the year. He last played on January 12 and has been sidelined since due to a quadriceps injury. He could miss the match in Bengaluru and dent his India chances as well.
