The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will be different. A host of changes have been brought in by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) two days before the start of IPL 2025. At the customary IPL captains meet, all the franchises were told about the new changes in rules. From removing saliva use for balls to adding a second new ball, fans are in store for an exciting season ahead. However, the day began with a shocking news, involving Sanju Samson who won’t play for Rajasthan Royals (RR) as a captain in the initial IPL 2025 matches. Instead, Riyan Parag will lead RR. Also, Jasprit Bumrah has gone back to the NCA just before the IPL 2025. On that note, let us look at the top six cricketing stories from Thursday, March 20.
Good news for bowlers at IPL 2025
The BCCI has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball for IPL 2025, a move that will aid bowlers in achieving swing and reverse swing. This decision was made during the captains’ meet for IPL 2025. Mohammed Shami had earlier requested the authorities to reconsider the saliva ban, which has now been revoked. The ban was made to negate the spread of Covid-19 after the pandemic in 2020. Read more here: BCCI revokes ban on shining ball through saliva in IPL 2025
RR captaincy: Sanju Samson to Riyan Parag
Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Sanju Samson won’t lead the team in their first three IPL 2025 matches due to a finger injury. Riyan Parag will take over as captain, with Samson continuing to play as a pure batter. Samson isn’t fully fit yet, having recently recovered from a fractured finger. Parag, who has captained Assam in domestic tournaments, will lead the team against SRH, KKR, and CSK. While Samson will play as an impact sub, Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets instead. Read more here: Not Sanju Samson! Riyan Parag to captain Rajasthan Royals
Jasprit Bumrah back at NCA!
Jasprit Bumrah’s IPL 2025 availability is still uncertain as he heads back to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further assessment. Bumrah had experienced pain while bowling during his previous visit, and NCA officials have recommended a customized exercise routine before reassessing him. While there’s optimism about his progress, it’s unlikely he’ll be back for Mumbai Indians’ opening games in March. Even if cleared, he may need another week to regain match fitness. Read more here: 2 days before IPL 2025, Bumrah returns at NCA.
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2 balls in an innings at IPL 2025
The BCCI has introduced a new rule for IPL 2025 to counter the dew advantage for teams batting second. Teams can take a second new ball after the 11th over in the second innings to help bowlers grip the ball. The umpire will decide whether to change the ball based on the presence of dew. This rule won’t be mandatory and won’t apply to day games. Additionally, the BCCI has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball, aiding bowlers in achieving reverse swing. Read more here: Massive rule change at IPL 2025!
Abhishek Sharma on fire!
Abhishek Sharma is gearing up for IPL 2025 after a breakout season in 2024, where he scored 484 runs at a strike rate of 204.22 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He recently made headlines during SRH’s training session by smashing a glass pane with a powerful shot. Abhishek’s form and power-hitting abilities have created a buzz ahead of the new season. With 42 sixes, the most in IPL 2024, he’s expected to continue his explosive batting performance in IPL 2025. Read more here: Abhishek Sharma sends warning to opponents
Hardik Pandya unlucky?
In a host of rule changes for IPL 2025, the BCCI has abolished match bans for captains due to slow over-rates. Instead, captains will face demerit points and a 25-75% match fee penalty for Level 1 offences. Demerit points will be active for three years, and only extreme circumstances will lead to a match ban. This change comes after Hardik Pandya’s ban last season, aiming to reduce harsh penalties for slow over-rates. Read more here: Hardik Pandya unlucky? Captains not to be banned for slow over-rates in IPL 2025
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