On November 12 (Tuesday), India woke up to the delightful news of the return for Mohammed Shami. The star Indian pacer will be in action for his first competitive match after the ODI World Cup 2023 final when he takes on Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, starting from today. Apart from this, the IPL 2025 Auction rumours continued to flourish, while KL Rahul’s interview with Star Sports was out, where he talked about his time at LSG and RCB. He may have tickled a liking to come back at RCB. Moreover, the ICC Champions Trophy issue continued to give as well. On that note, let us take a look at six top cricketing stories from November 12, Tuesday.
KL Rahul wants RCB at IPL 2025 Auction
Released by Lucknow Super Giants, Karnataka keeper-batter KL Rahul is keen to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Rahul expressed his desire to return to RCB, stating “Bengaluru is my home” and he’s willing to join as captain or player, basically in any capacity. Having started his career with RCB in 2013, Rahul returned in 2016 and impressed alongside Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. He scored 397 runs at 44.11 with a 146.97 strike rate in IPL 2016. Rahul’s eagerness to reunite with RCB could become a reality in the upcoming auction as the franchise doesn’t have money issue, having Rs 83 crore in their kitty.
ICC to incur loss for Champions Trophy?
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, a cash cow for the ICC, is on the brink. With India refusing to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the PCB is considering boycotting India in future ICC events. This could lead to the cancellation of high-profile India-Pakistan matches, significantly impacting the ICC’s revenue. The ICC’s strategic placement of India and Pakistan in the same groups in recent tournaments was aimed at maximizing viewership and revenue. However, the current situation threatens to derail these plans, potentially affecting future broadcast deals and overall ICC income.
Mohammed Shami is back!
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will make his competitive return tomorrow, playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. Cleared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami’s comeback boosts Bengal’s chances of advancing in the tournament. After a year-long injury absence, Shami’s performance and intensity will be closely watched. This comeback provides an ideal opportunity for Shami to regain rhythm and potentially play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami was previously sidelined from India’s squad for the BGT due to injury concerns but now can be added to the roster.
The BGT prep begins!
Amidst criticism following their 0-3 loss to New Zealand, India’s cricket team has begun preparations for the five-match Test series in Australia with secretive net sessions. The WACA stadium in Perth was put under lockdown, with nets covering the ground and staff banned from using phones. This mirrors their 2022 T20 World Cup approach. With Rohit Sharma yet to arrive, Virat Kohli was absent from the first net session, but Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were present, with the latter even smashing one out of the ground as well. India focuses on match simulations ahead of the series starting November 22 on a predicted pacy and bouncy Perth pitch.
New bowling coach for Delhi Capitals
World Cup winner Munaf Patel joins Delhi Capitals as their new bowling coach. He will work under the newly formed leadership of Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao and head coach Hemang Badani. Munaf replaces James Hopes and brings a wealth of experience from his playing career with India and the IPL. His appointment is part of Delhi Capitals’ efforts to rebuild an Indian coaching staff after parting ways with Ricky Ponting earlier this year.
Logic behind Jos Buttler’s release?
The IPL 2025 mega-auction is nearing, and Rajasthan Royals’ decision to release England captain Jos Buttler has stunned cricket experts, including Aakash Chopra who questioned the logic of the move, citing Buttler’s impressive record with Royals: 3,055 runs in 82 innings at 41.84 average and 147.79 strike rate. Buttler’s recent form, including 83 off 45 balls against West Indies, makes his release surprising. Chopra noted, “Whenever Jos does well, he wins the match.” Retaining Shimron Hetmyer over Buttler was questionable for the former KKR opener. Royals also released Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, leaving their bowling department entirely open.
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