With each passing day, the hype for the Indian Premier League (IPL) is getting better and better. Today, we will have the much awaited captains meet as well, where a possible rule might be changed forever to help the bowlers somewhat. Meanwhile, the likes of Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) had practice matches, where Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag both performed magnificently. Meanwhile, did KL Rahul ditch his new franchise Delhi Capitals (DC)? The IPL star also started his practice but did it solely. On that note, catch all the major stories from March 19.
KL Rahul ditches Delhi Capitals?
KL Rahul, Delhi Capitals’ Rs 14 crore buy, has started preparing for IPL 2025. Interestingly, he’s been training with Indian national team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, rather than Delhi Capitals’ support staff. Rahul has been in superb touch, playing attacking shots. His absence from DC’s camp might be due to the team’s recent travel schedule. While his teammates, including Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis, have reached Vizag, Rahul has yet to join. Read more here: KL Rahul picks Nayar over Delhi Capitals’s coaches
Shreyas Iyer in red-hot form
Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer hit a blistering 85 off 41 balls in a practice game ahead of IPL 2025. Team B, led by Iyer, scored 205 runs in 20 overs, with Iyer continuing his stellar form from the ICC Champions Trophy. In response, Team A’s openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh scored 72 and 66 runs respectively, but fell short of the target, scoring 198 runs and losing by 7 runs. Read more here: PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer in red-hot form
Good news for Rajasthan Royals?
Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Rs 14 crore retention Riyan Parag has made a stunning comeback from a shoulder injury, hitting 144* off 64 balls in a practice match. This century is a major boost for Parag and RR, who rely heavily on his services. Last season, Parag excelled at number four, scoring 573 runs at an average above 50 and a strike rate of nearly 150. Read more here: Riyan Parag show! RR all-rounder smashes 144*
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BCCI to change massive rule?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may lift the ban on using saliva on the ball, a rule implemented in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The rule change will be discussed at the IPL 2025 captains’ meeting on March 20. Bowlers have struggled with the rule, which prevents them from reversing the swing of the ball. Mohammed Shami has advocated for the rule change, and the BCCI is open to making the change if the teams agree. Read more here: BCCI to uplift ban on ‘old rule’ at IPL 2025 captains meet
Suryakumar Yadav to captain MI
Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya will miss their IPL 2025 opener against Chennai Super Kings (CKS) due to a one-match ban. He was penalized for slow over rate thrice in the 2024 season. Now, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in his absence. This will be Suryakumar’s second time captaining MI, after previously leading them in a match in 2023. The five-time champions will kick off their season on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Read more here. Suryakumar to lead MI vs CSK
BCCI searching for…..
The BCCI is searching for a replacement for Nitin Patel, the current Sports Science head of the Centre of Excellence, who will leave on March 31. Nitin, who oversaw injury management and rehabilitation, played a crucial role in helping key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant regain fitness. The BCCI is actively looking for his replacement, with Secretary Devajit Saikia confirming that they are in talks with potential candidates. Read more here: BCCI looking for new Sport Science head
