First and foremost, a very happy new year to everyone reading this! 2024 was filled with superb cricketing action and 2025 beckons to be the same for the sports afficionados. We have the ICC Champions Trophy coming up but before that, India have three ODIs against England. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to sit out of that series. Apart from this, the last day of the year saw the fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). Abhishek Sharma hammered a blazing ton but there was a great news for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as well. However, Ishan Kishan continued his inconsistent run before IPL 2025, giving SRH something to worry about. On that note, let us look at the top headlines from December 31.
Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli to skip IND vs ENG?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to skip India’s preparatory series for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – the 3 ODIs against England at home. Bumrah, who has bowled extensively in 2024, needs rest to ensure his fitness for the tournament. Rohit and Kohli, however, may choose to play in the India vs England ODI series to regain form and prepare for the Champions Trophy, as they haven’t been in great touch and don’t play as much international cricket as before.
Worry for SRH over Ishan Kishan?
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) decision to spend over Rs 11 crore on Ishan Kishan could backfire them. Kishan’s form has been inconsistent, and he’s not been in great touch in domestic cricket. Despite scoring a century recently, his last five innings scores have been underwhelming, with him failing again in Tuesday’s Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) match. With other options like Phil Salt and Marcus Stoinis went at a similar price range, SRH’s investment in Kishan seems questionable, especially with Heinrich Klaasen already a designated keeper and Kishan’s stats at number three isn’t great either.
Good news for LSG
Abdul Samad, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) new acquisition, smashed a century for Jammu and Kashmir in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 112 off 64 balls, hitting 9 boundaries and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 175.00. This form boost is great news for LSG, who signed Samad for Rs 4.20 crore. He’s expected to share finishing duties with David Miller and provide a strong impact for LSG in IPL 2025.
‘Unsold’ Shardul Thakur is back?
Shardul Thakur’s impressive performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has left IPL franchises wondering why they didn’t pick him up at the auction. As captain, Thakur led Mumbai to a massive total of 403/7, contributing an unbeaten 73 off 28 balls, including 8 sixes and 2 fours. His strike rate of 260.71 was remarkable in a 50-over game. The pace-bowling all-rounder has shown that he might have been an X-factor for BGT 2024/25.
Sam Konstas ready to make history!
Sam Konstas is set to make history as the youngest Australian to play a Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), breaking a 142-year-old record. Born in Sydney’s Hurstville, the 19-year-old will take the field at 19 years and 93 days, surpassing Gervys Hazlitt’s mark from 1907. After a dazzling debut on Boxing Day, where he scored 60 off 65 balls with audacious shots against Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas has already won hearts. Playing in his hometown makes this milestone even more special.
Mayank Agarwal in red-hot form
Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal scored a brilliant 95-ball century against the Railways in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He remained unbeaten on 111 runs, hitting 14 fours and a six. Agarwal’s impressive form comes after he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. He has been in top form in the VHT, scoring centuries against Arunachal Pradesh and Punjab, and a 47 against Mumbai. Agarwal is currently in red-hot form but unfortunately, he didn’t get any buyers this year in the IPL 2025 auction. He should’ve been in the PBKS roster.
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