The Indian Premier League (IPL) never sleeps, or at least the rumour mill never does! With the mega auction for the 2025 season on the horizon, things are already heating up. In a few months from now, the loyalties among the franchises will be tested. Well-built teams will have tough tasks on their hands, on who to retain and who to let go.
The off-season trade window has added a much-needed uncertainty. Moreover, the historic all-cash trade deal between Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI) for Hardik Pandya was a breakthrough moment. It sort of put the trade window on the map, dictating that shuffle of major household players can never be ruled out from this cash-rich league. Even ahead of this season, there have been quite a number of eye-catching rumours, going around. If any of these hearsays turn out to be true, it can really stir up the cricketing fraternity.
Rishabh Pant punch out? DC captain to join CSK?
Is it curtains for Rishabh Pant’s reign at the Delhi Capitals (DC)? The star wicketkeeper, who has been with with DC for years, might be on his way out according to a recent buzz. Reports emerged that the Delhi franchise isn’t exactly thrilled with Pant’s captaincy in IPL 2024, and his place in the squad for next year is up in the air.
Here’s the twist: if DC lets Pant go, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might just scoop him up! With MS Dhoni’s future uncertain, CSK is apparently on the hunt for a top-notch Indian glovesman. Pant, fresh off his stint as India’s No. 3 batter in the T20 World Cup, perfectly fits the bill.
This potential player swap would be a game-changer. Imagine Pant, the explosive southpaw, replacing the legendary Dhoni behind the stumps for CSK. Or the five-time champions playing with both MSD and Pant. Even better. Talk about a power move! But still, DC might just pull a surprise and use their retention card on Pant after all. The decision seems to be swaying back and forth, leaving fans scratching their heads.
KL Rahul return to RCB on cards?
Word on the street is that KL Rahul might be saying goodbye to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and heading back to his old stomping grounds – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Rahul’s stint with LSG hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Whispers of a strained relationship with the franchise owner have been swirling ever since an intense post-match chat between the two went viral. Maybe a change of scenery is just what Rahul needs to get his mojo back.
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KL to replace Faf as captain?
This potential homecoming has everyone buzzing. A local lad, KL Rahul has a habit of lighting up the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Now, the Indian superstar, who is seasoned with captaincy experience at both LSG and Punjab Kings (PBKS), could be just the leader RCB needs.
For RCB, it’s all about finding that elusive IPL trophy. While Faf du Plessis, the current captain, did a decent job leading them to the playoffs two out of three times, age (40) might not be on his side for the upcoming cycle.
VVS Laxman to partner with Langer at LSG?
Looks like VVS Laxman is trading his NCA hat for a coaching stint with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) next year! While his time at the National Cricket Academy is wrapping up in September, Laxman might be taking on a new role in the IPL.
According to reports, the LSG management set their sights on Laxman to join their coaching staff. This comes after Laxman reportedly decided not to extend his contract with the BCCI. Remember, he was even a contender to replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of Team India, but the constant travel wasn’t his cup of tea.
Here’s the interesting bit: Justin Langer, the current LSG head coach, might still be around despite their not-so-great performance last season. They finished seventh, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the very first time. So, it seems Laxman’s role is yet to be confirmed, but it could be something along the lines of a batting coach or a strategic advisor.
No Ashish Nehra, Vikram Solanki in GT camp for IPL 2025?
Although there is no official confirmation from the Gujarat Titans management, the latest circulating news is that Ashish Nehra may leave his position as head coach, and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki is also set to depart the franchise ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Both Nehra and Solanki have been with the team since their inaugural season in 2022, where they won their first title and followed it up with another final appearance in 2023 against CSK.
Although IPL 2024 did not go well, with the team finishing eighth, Yuvraj Singh is reportedly in contention for the head coach position. If this is true, we may see this champion southpaw roaming around the boundary line and guiding players, just as Ashish Nehra did over the years.
PBKS looking for an Indian coach?
Another coaching staff shuffle might be on the cards. After the likes of GT, and RR in the news, a major development has come as far as Punjab Kings (PBKS) are concerned. According to Cricbuzz, the management is looking to replace Trevor Bayliss after two forgettable seasons. The franchise is trying to appoint an Indian as its next head coach, and Sanjay Bangar, the Punjab Kings’ current director of cricket, is the favorite for the role.
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