Name: IPL 2024: SRH vs RR - Sanju Samson wins toss in high-octane Qualifier 2
Uploaded: 2024-05-24T19:04:57.000+05:30
Duration: T00M22S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Sanju Samson wins toss in high-octane Qualifier 2

An 18-year-old fanatic braves legal trouble for a chance to meet cricket legend Virat Kohli at the IPL 2025 opener. Despite the arrest and a stadium ban, the young fan achieved a lifetime dream while Kohli ensured his safety. Dhoni shares insights on his bond with Kohli.

Fan Arrested for Bold Kohli Meeting at IPL Game

During IPL 2025 opening match, fan Rituparno Pakhira was arrested for breaching security to meet Virat Kohli. Kohli ensured fan's safety amid the chaos. MS Dhoni also reflects on camaraderie with Kohli, highlighting cricket's power to unite.

An 18-year-old fan arrested for breaching security to meet his idol, Virat Kohli, during an IPL match at Eden Gardens. Kohli ensured the fan's safety, advising security to treat him gently. The event underscores cricket's power to inspire and connect people.

An 18-year-old cricket enthusiast, Rituparno Pakhira, found himself in a brief stint behind bars and banned from entering Eden Gardens for the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
His crime? Breaching security to meet his idol, Virat Kohli, up close. Pakhira's bold move came during Saturday&rsquo;s IPL 2025 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Despite the consequences, Pakhira remains unremorseful. He cherishes the moment he got to touch Kohli&rsquo;s feet and even received a hug from the cricketing legend. During the disruption, Kohli, renowned for his calm demeanor on the field, handled the situation with grace. According to Pakhira, Kohli inquired about his name, advised him to run away quickly, and instructed security personnel to escort him out gently, ensuring he was unharmed. This interaction was reported by the Times of India.
Pakhira revealed he had meticulously planned his daring act, determined to meet the man he reveres. "I had planned to enter the ground at any cost and prepared myself. I am very happy that I was successful and that I could touch my god," he shared, standing by his bold actions as one of the most memorable experiences of his life.
The incident unfolded shortly after Kohli reached his half-century, with the euphoric fan leaping over the guardrails, racing towards him, and grabbing his legs, much to the surprise of the crowd and players alike.
Meanwhile, in another conversation reflecting on the bond between cricket icons, former India captain MS Dhoni spoke about his relationship with Kohli. Despite stepping down as India's Test captain, Dhoni reflected on their continued friendship and respect for one another. Dhoni explained their past discussions on strategic plays and their shared growth through those interactions.&nbsp;
"We had honest exchanges about situations," said Dhoni, while speaking on Jio Hostar. "Initially, it was a relationship between a captain and a young player, but over time, we became friends. Even today, we share that bond, though there's always a line of respect between a senior and a junior. Now that neither of us is captain, we get more time to talk before matches."
Such stories highlight the profound impact cricket personalities have on their fans, as well as the camaraderie shared among players who have shaped Indian cricket history.

Avesh Khan returns for IPL 2025 after recovery, boosting LSG's bowling lineup amid injury setbacks.

Avesh Khan Boosts LSG for IPL 2025 Return

Avesh Khan cleared for IPL 2025 after recovering from injury, strengthening LSG amidst key player absences.

Avesh Khan is cleared for IPL 2025, boosting LSG, amidst injury woes. He's set to return against SRH.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), pacer Avesh Khan has received clearance from the BCCI to participate in the IPL 2025. The bowler, who had been recovering from a right knee injury, was given the green light following a thorough evaluation by the BCCI's medical team this week, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Avesh has been sidelined since late January, having last represented India in a T20I match in South Africa last November. His knee issue, attributed to his heavy domestic workload, also kept him out of Madhya Pradesh's final league game in the Ranji Trophy.
The pacer recently completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, passing one of his last fitness tests on Monday. Though his exact arrival date in the LSG camp remains uncertain, he is anticipated to be fit for their subsequent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 27.
This is welcome news for LSG, who are eager to rebound following a defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their season opener in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
The team has been contending with several injuries affecting their key Indian pacers. Mayank Yadav, already nursing a lumbar stress injury, has now encountered a toe injury. Meanwhile, Bengal pacer Akash Deep is gradually regaining fitness after a back injury from India's Test tour of Australia. Furthermore, left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan has been ruled out of the IPL 2025 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained last December and has been replaced by Shardul Thakur.
In the aftermath of the loss to Delhi Capitals, LSG assistant coach Lance Klusener acknowledged the challenges posed by their diminished bowling reserves.
"Our current situation doesn't afford us much depth with the ball, so we'll have to improvise until our players return," Klusener stated during the post-match media interaction.
Despite the constraints, Klusener remains optimistic, emphasizing the opportunity for younger talents and highlighting Shardul Thakur's performance, with two wickets in his first over.
"As we head to Hyderabad for our next match, we'll need to excel with the bat. It&rsquo;s a chance for some of our young players to step up. I was particularly pleased with Shardul Thakur's impact in the first over," he added.

Gujarat Titans face Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 opener at Narendra Modi Stadium. Under Shubman Gill, GT aims for victory with new signings and strategic prep.

Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings: IPL 2025 Opener Preview

The IPL 2025 opener features Gujarat Titans against Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad's iconic stadium. Titans look to reclaim glory under Shubman Gill's leadership, showcasing fresh signings and strategic readiness against Punjab's challenges.

Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, face Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 opener. With new signings and strategic preparations, GT aims for victory at Narendra Modi Stadium.

Gujarat Titans (GT) are gearing up to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a match against Punjab Kings at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Tuesday.
After clinching the IPL title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023, the Titans experienced a slump, ending the 2024 season in seventh place.
Now, under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill, they aim to launch their latest campaign with a victory. Facing them are the unpredictable Punjab Kings, who promise to deliver a challenging encounter.
Parthiv Patel, GT's assistant coach, expressed confidence in the team's ability to handle the threat posed by the Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting. "We believe in simplicity, understanding the conditions, and responding to the situation.
That will be our approach," Patel shared in response to a query from NDTV during a media interaction. Recognizing Punjab's strength on paper and their new leadership dynamics, Patel emphasized the importance of executing GT's strategies effectively.
Patel highlighted the meticulous preparation undertaken by the team. "We've conducted extensive preparations, including two five-day training camps in Surat, which offered excellent facilities.
The players have put in the work, particularly focusing on batting practice," he noted. The team then moved to Ahmedabad, where they have been training since March 10 and have played practice matches. "We've maintained a low profile on social media, but we&rsquo;re ready and well-prepared for the IPL," Patel affirmed.
In strategic moves during the mega auction, GT bolstered their squad by signing Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, and Kagiso Rabada. They also retained key players like Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, and Rahul Tewatia, ensuring a balanced mix of talent and experience.
As the IPL 2025 journey begins, all eyes will be on the Titans to see if they can reclaim their former glory and outmaneuver the ever-unpredictable Punjab Kings.

Delhi Capitals narrowly defeated Lucknow Super Giants, chasing 210 with heroes Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam sealing the win. Captains ensure reflective strategies for future IPL matches.

Delhi Capitals Edge Out LSG in Thrilling IPL Finish

Delhi Capitals' thrilling victory over Lucknow Super Giants saw them chase 210, thanks to key performances by Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam. LSG’s captain Rishabh Pant noted missed execution opportunities, underscoring the IPL’s unpredictability.

Delhi Capitals chased down 210, winning by one wicket against Lucknow Super Giants. Ashutosh Sharma shone with 66*, aided by Vipraj Nigam's impactful 39. LSG captain Pant noted missed opportunities, while DC's Axar Patel praised his team's tenacity.

Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant felt his bowlers could have done the basics better at the back end as the target of 210 was defendable against a marauding Delhi Capitals who won by one wicket with three balls to spare in their IPL match on Monday.
Ashutosh Sharma's 66 not out of 31 balls and Vipraj Nigam's 39 off 15 deliveries fashioned what looked like an improbable win after DC were dead and buried at 113 for 6.
"I think our top-order batters played really well and I think it was a pretty good score on this wicket. We got early wickets, but we knew it was a good wicket to bat on. We had to keep doing the basics right more often. I think they had a couple of good partnerships," Pant said at post-match presentation ceremony.
He lauded DC player Tristan Stubbs, who set the dice rolling before it was carried on by Ashutosh and Vipraj.
"One with Stubbs, with Ashutosh and one with one other guy (Vipraj Nigam.) I think he (Nigam) did a pretty good job and took the game away from us.
There was enough for the bowlers, but I think we could have done the basics right.
"We felt the pressure, we are still settling in, but a lots of positives to take from this match." An ecstatic DC skipper Axar Patel said that in his tenure as skipper, one should be prepared to take a roller-coaster ride.
"Be prepared for it now. It's going to be like this only under my captaincy. Things will be up and down a little. Now that we have won, people won't complain about why I gave that over to Stubbs (28 runs)." The way batters are slaying bowlers, Axar said that it started from last year.
"Don't remember the last time I saw something like this. The way they played in the first six overs, we felt we gave a few too many early on. We dropped some catches as well. It looked like they could score 240, but we pulled things back."
Player of the match Ashutosh dedicated his award to his mentor Shikhar Dhawan and said that it was a good thing that Vipraj initially attacked when he was not actually getting wood to leather.
"Well played to Vipraj. I asked him to keep hitting. He was very calm under pressure. Want to dedicate this award to my mentor Shikhar paaji."
Ashutosh said that he had learnt his lessons from previous season when he couldn't finish a few close games. "Took the lessons from last year. Missed out on finishing the game on a couple of occasions in the previous season. The whole year I focussed and visualised about it. Had the belief that if I play till the last over, anything can happen," he said.

England secured a 3-0 victory over Latvia in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. Jude Bellingham faced scrutiny for aggressive play, prompting his substitution by Phil Foden. Goals came from Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze, showcasing the team's strengths.

England Downs Latvia 3-0 in World Cup Qualifier

In a World Cup qualifier, England triumphed 3-0 against Latvia. Despite struggles, goals from Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze secured the win. Tuchel emphasizes team improvements as they prepare for the next match.

England defeats Latvia 3-0 in a tense World Cup qualifier. Bellingham's performance drew scrutiny, but goals from James, Kane, and Eze secured victory.

Thomas Tuchel admitted Jude Bellingham was "lucky" to escape a red card as England "struggled" to secure a 3-0 win against minnows Latvia on Monday. Just two days after claiming Bellingham can be "very emotional" and needed to control his mood on the pitch, the Real Madrid star was fortunate not to be sent off in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
After being booked in the first half, Bellingham avoided a second yellow yard despite crunching into a crude challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis soon after the interval. England boss Tuchel responded by sending on Phil Foden to replace the midfielder moments later to ensure he was not given his marching orders.
"A bit lucky. We took straight away the decision to not take the risk and take him off," Tuchel said.
Leading through Reece James's superb first half free-kick, England were struggling to kill off stubborn Latvia when Bellingham was substituted.
His lack of discipline could have hampered Tuchel's bid for a second successive win to start his reign.
Harry Kane netted moments after Bellingham's departure before Eberechi Eze wrapped up the points on the road to next year's World Cup.
Facing an unheralded Latvia team 136 places below them in FIFA's world rankings, Tuchel acknowledged England were far from convincing again after a lacklustre 2-0 win against Albania in his debut on Friday.
"It was not an easy match. We saw a lot of good things, created good chances. We needed a free-kick to unlock it. I'm happy with the attitude, energy and desire. We will get there," the German said.
"The second half we started to slow the game down and made little movement, which makes no sense. But the second goal was better as we showed acceleration from one of our sixes.
"We encourage everyone to have these late accelerations but we struggled a bit until the goal. I learn about the players and the game, so it is interesting."
'His quality is the highest level'
James's eye-catching first England start since September 2022 was the highlight of the evening for Tuchel.
The Chelsea right-back -- hampered by hamstring injuries for the last two seasons -- starred under Tuchel during the Blues' Champions League-winning campaign in 2021.
"I know Reece and the quality the boy has is amazing. He has every right to be proud and happy with his performance," Tuchel said.
"He is in excellent shape. He looks sharp and the quality there can be no doubt.
"If you play a dominant match like today, he can be a hybrid midfielder to help create an overload. His quality is at the highest level.&nbsp;
"We were in close contact in the last weeks. We knew he was in a good space mentally. That's what he proved. He was very positive throughout the camp."
Tuchel was also impressed by Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers in his first England start.
Rogers has become a key figure for Villa during their run to the Champions League quarter-finals this season and Tuchel saw signs that he can replicate that form on the international stage.
"I'm happy with him. He deserved to start. A match where we are so dominant could suit him more to play from the wings," said Tuchel, whose team return to action against Andorra in June.
"He felt more freedom when we played him there. There was more space. He did good."

Anticipation builds around BCCI men's contracts as retirements impact the A  category. Possible shifts include Axar Patel's rise.

BCCI Men's Central Contracts Updates

The upcoming BCCI central contracts list for men could see major shifts, influenced by retirements and rising talents. Speculation centers on the A  category's future composition.

BCCI central contracts for men are pending release, with anticipated changes due to senior players' T20 retirements.

As anticipation builds around the release of the BCCI central contracts for men, speculation is rife about potential changes in the esteemed A+ category.
This follows the recent retirements of cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20 format.
While the women's central contract list, featuring 16 players across three categories, was unveiled on Monday, the men's list&mdash;which previously included 30 cricketers&mdash;is expected shortly.
In the central contracts hierarchy, those in the A+ category are awarded a retainership fee of INR 7 crore.
The A category follows with INR 5 crore, while Grade B and C players receive INR 3 crore and INR 1 crore, respectively.
The national selection committee, in collaboration with the head coach and secretary Devajit Saikia, crafts these contracts before presenting them to the Apex Council for approval.
Tensions reportedly simmer within the BCCI regarding the retention of senior players in the A+ bracket.
Last year, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja were among those awarded the highest-paying contracts. However, the retirements from T20 Internationals shift Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja to two-format players, leaving Bumrah as the sole all-format certainty and potential future Test captain.
Nonetheless, a significant faction within the BCCI is advocating for continuity in the A+ category's composition.
In the A category, the departure of Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket opens a spot. Axar Patel, recently named vice-captain for the T20I series against England, is a strong candidate for elevation from Group B to A. Axar's consistent performances in both ODIs and T20Is, alongside his 14 Test appearances for India, bolster his case.
Shreyas Iyer, omitted from last season's contracts, is poised for a return, given his involvement in 11 ODIs this season. For inclusion in the central contract list, players must feature in either three Tests, eight ODIs, or 10 T20Is within a calendar year.
Rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal's promising performances across formats could see him advance from his Grade B contract. Meanwhile, Bengal pacer Akash Deep, with seven Tests under his belt, and Sarfaraz Khan, who has played in three, are expected to join Group C. Similarly, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who participated in the full Border-Gavaskar series (five Tests and four T20Is), meets the criteria for automatic inclusion.
Last year&rsquo;s listees, Shardul Thakur and Ruturaj Gaikwad, currently fall short of the requirements to stay on the list. However, exceptions can be made by the selection committee in conjunction with the head coach and secretary.
As the cricketing world awaits the men's central contracts list, all eyes remain on the decisions that could reshape India's cricketing landscape.

Explore the unique relationship between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Discover how they transitioned from a formal captain-newcomer dynamic to a deep friendship, rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for excellence.

Dhoni on His Evolving Bond with Virat Kohli

MS Dhoni discusses his evolving friendship with Virat Kohli, emphasizing trust and respecting confidentiality. Praising Kohli's relentless drive, Dhoni reflects on their meaningful exchanges, post-captaincy roles, and enduring camaraderie.

MS Dhoni cherishes his evolving friendship with Virat Kohli, valuing trust and confidentiality while praising Kohli&rsquo;s drive to excel. Post-captaincy, they enjoy more leisure interactions, strengthening their camaraderie and respect.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, these two stalwarts of the game have shared a bond both on and off the field, a fact well-known to fans and cricketing circles alike. Kohli, whose career took off under Dhoni&rsquo;s captaincy, achieved numerous milestones, fueled by the mentorship of his predecessor. As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season unfolds, both players step into their roles devoid of captaincy responsibilities for their respective franchises.
In a candid interview with JioHotstar, Dhoni delved into the nuances of his relationship with Kohli, all the while maintaining discretion about a particular message sent to Kohli when he resigned as India's Test captain. Kohli has consistently cited Dhoni as the sole person from the cricketing fraternity who reached out to him during that pivotal moment.
On being probed about the message, Dhoni chose to veer the conversation toward the essence of their relationship. &ldquo;I prefer discussing our relationship rather than the specifics of the message. I keep such interactions private to encourage others to approach me confidently with any concerns,&rdquo; Dhoni remarked.
Dhoni elaborated on this approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of trust that players place in him. &ldquo;Players need to feel secure that our conversations remain confidential, ensuring they can seek guidance on cricket or personal matters without hesitation,&rdquo; he explained.
The admiration Dhoni holds for Kohli is palpable. He lauded Kohli's relentless drive to excel, noting how the young cricketer aspired for more than just satisfactory scores from the outset. &ldquo;Virat never settled for a mere 40 or 60 runs; he aimed for a century and to finish not out. This hunger to improve and perform, along with his commitment to fitness, defines him,&rdquo; Dhoni observed.
Recounting the numerous discussions they had, Dhoni highlighted Kohli's eagerness to receive feedback and grow as a player. &ldquo;Virat frequently sought my insights, reflecting on his game and seeking areas for improvement. Those dialogues were instrumental in strengthening our rapport.&rdquo;
Dhoni commented on the evolution of their relationship from a captain-newcomer dynamic to a genuine friendship. &ldquo;Over time, with frequent interactions, we transitioned from a formal relationship to friends.&rdquo;
Reflecting on their current camaraderie, Dhoni expressed that their roles, post-captaincy, afford them more leisure to connect. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s still that respectful line between a senior and a junior, yet our friendship prevails. Not being captains anymore offers us more moments to engage, especially before the toss,&rdquo; he concluded.

KKR and Rajasthan Royals look to bounce back from opening losses in a much-anticipated IPL contest in Guwahati. Focus is on improving both teams' bowling and batting lineups.

KKR vs RR: IPL Showdown in Guwahati

Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, seeking to recover from initial defeats, face off in a key IPL match. With crucial roles for spinners and both batting orders needing improvement, the Guwahati clash promises high stakes and thrilling action.

KKR and RR aim to bounce back from initial defeats as they clash in an IPL match in Guwahati, focusing on improving bowling and batting performances, with key players under scrutiny.

Outmuscled in their previous matches, title-holders Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals will eye a quick course correction in ever aspect when they face each other in an IPL match in Guwahat on Wednesday.
The Knight Riders were beaten by seven wickets by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament-opener while the Royals were given a 44-run drubbing by Sunrisers Hyderabad. The common theme in those defeats was how the seemingly powerful batting and bowling units of KKR and RR failed to fire.
While the Rajasthan outfit might offer the excuse of playing on a Hyderabad shirtfront for the malfunction of their bowling unit, the Kolkata side do not have any such cover.
Apart from Sunil Narine, none of the KKR bowlers were able to contain free-flowing RCB batters, and in that the demystification of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy might just worry them a bit.
Even on an Eden Gardens pitch that had some grip, Chakravarthy was given a towelling by Phil Salt and Virat Kohli.
The KKR camp now hopes that the spinner will find his stride on a Guwahati pitch that generally has some bite.
They will also keep an eye on the fitness of Anrich Nortje, who is recovering from a back strain. If the South African gets a green signal from the physios, then he will walk in for Spencer Johnson.
Similarly, KKR's middle-order batting crumbled spectacularly after skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Narine gave them a blistering start, eventually settling for a sub-par score.
Their batting pivots such as Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell got out, playing pre-determined cross-batted shots, and KKR will hope that they will show more game awareness in Guwahati.
The Knight Riders will also hope that Rinku Singh regains his hitting prowess down the order. It is crucial in converting a good total into something more intimidating in nature.
His recent T20 form is not that encouraging and in his last five international outings, Rinku has logged scores of 11, 9, 8, 30, 9 along with a 12 in the IPL opener.
Rinku and his top-order colleagues in KKR will hope that the Rajasthan bowlers would once again struggle to find their groove here.
The likes of Jofra Archer, who bowled the most expensive spell in the history of IPL against SRH, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Maheesh Theekshana were rudderless against the onslaught of Travis Head and Ishan Kishan. Archer had leaked 76 runs from his overs at the Uppal.
But they have an opportunity in Guwahati to regain their form.
It will also be a blot on stand-in skipper Riyan Parag who, at times, looked perplexed on the field about the decisions to be made.
The Rahul Dravid-coached side will eye sharper and more intuitive leadership from Parag against KKR.

Delhi Capitals claimed a thrilling one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma's unbeaten 66. Despite early setbacks, DC achieved the target with three balls to spare.

Delhi Capitals Triumph in Thrilling IPL 2025 Encounter

Delhi Capitals pulled off a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, with Ashutosh Sharma's match-winning 66. The game showcased thrilling plays and intense competition, keeping fans at the edge of their seats.

Delhi Capitals secure a thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, driven by Ashutosh Sharma's explosive batting display, crafting an unbeaten 66, setting a nail-biting finish in IPL 2025.

In a thrilling showdown at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Delhi Capitals clinched a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the fourth match of IPL 2025, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma's scintillating unbeaten 66 off 31 balls.
The late fireworks from Sharma, aided by his crucial partnership with Vipraj Nigam, turned the tables in Delhi's favour after a poor start to their daunting chase of 210.
Delhi's innings began disastrously, losing three wickets for a mere eight runs. Although Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel provided a semblance of stability, their dismissals left DC reeling at 85 for 5, with an ever-increasing required run rate that seemed insurmountable.
Captain Rishabh Pant, reflecting on the match, acknowledged the pressure his team faced, yet praised the pivotal contributions from Ashutosh and Nigam.
"The target on the board was challenging, and our opponents batted extraordinarily well. Despite losing momentum at times, I believe we can draw positives and learn from each match," said Pant. "Executing the basics consistently remains our focus."
Sharma found himself at 20 off 20 balls when the required rate surpassed 12 runs per over. In a dramatic shift in momentum, Sharma unleashed a blistering attack, hammering 46 from the next 11 deliveries.
Vipraj Nigam's cameo, scoring a quickfire 39 off 15 balls, played a crucial support role before his dismissal by Digvesh Rathi.
Sharma's relentless aggression kept DC in the hunt, culminating in a triumphant six off Shahbaz Ahmed in the final over, sealing the victory with three balls to spare.
Lucknow Super Giants, earlier batting first, piled up 209 for 8, courtesy of explosive innings from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36).
At one point, LSG seemed poised to cross 250, but a spirited fightback by DC's bowlers curtailed them to just 49 runs in the last seven overs while claiming seven wickets.
Pant noted the crucial partnerships formed by Stubbsy and Ashutosh, attributing DC's win to strategic execution under pressure. "Luck also played its part, especially during moments that could have swung the game either way," he added.&nbsp;
Although it's early days in the tournament, both teams are settling in, eager to refine their strategies and build momentum for the matches to come.

Brendan Lynch visits India for crucial talks on US tariff waivers and bilateral trade agreements, amid Trump's reciprocal tariff strategies.

Brendan Lynch's India Visit: Tariffs 

Assistant US Trade Rep Brendan Lynch visits India for talks on temporary tariff waivers and bilateral trade agreements amidst global trade tension.

Brendan Lynch's India visit focuses on temporary tariff waivers and strengthening bilateral trade ties amidst Trump's upcoming tariffs.

Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariff kicks in.
The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials.
It is learnt that Indian officials are also hoping to discuss with Lynch the possibility of a waiver for India from the reciprocal tariff temporarily.
It will come into effect on April 2.
The two sides are also expected to hold negotiations to firm up a framework for a bilateral trade pact that would address issues relating to levies and market access.
"Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, along with a team of US government officials, will be in India from March 25-29 for meetings with Indian interlocutors as part of ongoing bilateral trade discussions," said a US official.
"This visit reflects the United States' continued commitment to advancing a productive and balanced trade relationship with India.
"We value our ongoing engagement with the Government of India on trade and investment matters and look forward to continuing these discussions in a constructive, equitable and forward-looking manner," the official said.
India on Friday said its negotiations with Washington are underway to firm up a framework for a bilateral trade pact that would address issues relating to levies and market access.
India remains engaged with the US Administration at "various levels" to arrive at a mutually beneficial trade agreement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The US president's tariff tussle has stoked fears of a global trade war with many countries already announcing counter-measures to deal with it.
Following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump in Washington DC last month, the two sides announced the negotiations for the first tranche of the BTA by the fall of 2025.
In line with his "America First" policy, Trump earlier this month announced reciprocal tariffs on its partners and other nations that impose higher levies on imports from the US.
India has reduced its average applied tariffs significantly for key developed countries like Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Norway under recently concluded bilateral trade agreements.
Similar negotiations are currently underway with the European Union and the United Kingdom, among other partners.
The ongoing discussions with the United States should be seen in this context, Indian government sources said a few weeks back.
In its Union budget for 2025-26, India announced its decision to lower tariffs on Bourbon whiskey, wines, and Electronic Vehicle (EV) segments.
The decisions were seen as an attempt to send a signal to the Trump administration that New Delhi is open to bringing down tariffs in specific sectors.
Washington is also pushing New Delhi to buy more American oil, gas and military platforms to bring down the trade deficit that stands at around USD 45 billion in India's favour.
The US was the largest trading partner of India with overall bilateral trade in goods and services amounting to USD 190 billion for the calendar year 2023.
In the financial year 2023-24, the US was the third largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India with inflows of USD 4.99 billion accounting for almost per cent of total FDI equity inflows.

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Sanju Samson wins toss in high-octane Qualifier 2

IPL 2024: SRH vs RR - Sanju Samson wins toss in high-octane Qualifier 2

IPL 202: SRH vs RR - Sanju Samson wins toss in high-octane Qualifier 2

Sanju Samson wins toss in high-octane Qualifier 2

Sanju&nbsp;Samson&nbsp;wins&nbsp;toss, opts&nbsp;to bowl&nbsp;first Hyderabad&nbsp;make&nbsp;a solitary&nbsp;change&nbsp;- Jaydev&nbsp;Unadkat, Aiden&nbsp;Markram&nbsp;come&nbsp;in Rajasthan unchanged&nbsp;from&nbsp;Eliminator

Shubman Gill's captaincy for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 is under scrutiny after a narrow loss. Key decisions are questioned, but Gill finds positives.

Shubman Gill's IPL 2025 Captaincy Scrutinized

Shubman Gill's first match as Gujarat Titans' captain in IPL 2025 ended in a narrow loss. Criticized decisions included bowling strategy. Gill remains optimistic about future matches, focusing on separating his leadership and batting efforts.

Shubman Gill's captaincy debut for Gujarat Titans saw an 11-run loss to Punjab Kings, with experts like Sehwag critiquing strategic decisions, notably in bowling. Gill remains hopeful for future matches as he balances leadership and performance.

Shubman Gill's tenure as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) got off to a rocky start in IPL 2025, as the former IPL champions fell to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a mere 11 runs in their season opener. The match, held in Ahmedabad, saw GT chasing a formidable target of 244, ultimately falling short, much to the dismay of GT fans and cricket pundits alike.
Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag has been vocal about his concerns regarding Gill's captaincy. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag criticized Gill for his lack of proactivity and questionable bowling changes. A particular point of contention was Gill's decision to pull Mohammed Siraj from the attack after Siraj had delivered a tight couple of opening overs, conceding just 14 runs.
Instead, Arshad Khan was brought in and was promptly targeted, conceding 21 runs in a single over during the powerplay&mdash;a move Sehwag suggests shifted the game's momentum in PBKS's favor.
Sehwag observed, "I thought Shubman Gill's captaincy wasn't up to the mark. When Siraj is bowling well with the new ball, there's no logic in saving him for the death overs, especially when he ended up getting hit later."
Reflecting on the game, Gill acknowledged his team's shortcomings. "We had chances both while bowling and batting. But conceding too many runs towards the end and not capitalizing on those crucial middle overs hurt us.
In those three overs, we managed only 18 runs, and our first three overs in the chase were slow&mdash;that, in particular, cost us the match," Gill remarked.
Despite the defeat, Gill found silver linings in his team's performance, noting the difficult conditions for delivering perfect yorkers by players coming off the bench.
"There are many positives to take forward. It's always a good wicket to bat on here," he added, likely eyeing improvements in the matches ahead.
Looking back on his captaincy journey, which began after taking over from Hardik Pandya last season, Gill emphasized the importance of separating his batting from leadership duties.
In a pre-season media conference, Gill shared, "The more you keep captaincy and batting separate, the better it is. Concentrating fully on batting when I'm at the crease allows me to make the best decisions for myself and my team."
Gill's reflections come after a mixed experience as captain last season, when GT concluded the tournament in eighth place following successive finals appearances in 2022 and 2023. Gill, who amassed an impressive 890 runs in the 2023 season, remains optimistic.
However, it is clear that navigating the choppy waters of IPL captaincy is a learning curve he is committed to mastering.
As the Gujarat Titans attempt to shake off this early setback, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill as they strive to reclaim their form and compete for top honors in IPL 2025.

RCB's Swastik Chikara humorously pranked Virat Kohli by using his perfume, amusing the team. RCB defeated KKR with Kohli's crucial performance and prepare to face CSK next.

RCB's Swastik Chikara Pranks Virat Kohli

Swastik Chikara humorously pranked Virat Kohli with a bold perfume stunt, leaving RCB teammates entertained. As RCB celebrates victory over KKR, they prepare to challenge CSK in their upcoming match.

Swastik Chikara humorously pranked Virat Kohli by using his perfume. Caught on video, it left teammates amused. RCB defeated KKR with key contributions from Kohli and bowlers Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood. They now prepare to face CSK.

In an unexpected turn of events within the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp, 19-year-old batter Swastik Chikara left his teammates in stitches with his audacious antics in the dressing room.
According to a video shared by RCB, Chikara brazenly rummaged through franchise icon Virat Kohli's bag and unabashedly sprayed himself with Kohli's perfume right in front of the man himself.
This bold move left pacer Yash Dayal and RCB captain Rajat Patidar visibly astonished, with neither having anticipated such a breach of privacy.
Dayal recounted, "We were sitting in the dressing room after our last game in Kolkata. He just went up to Virat Kohli's bag, took out a perfume bottle, and used it without asking. Everyone started laughing. He was just sitting there, completely casual."
Patidar, who captained RCB to their first IPL 2025 victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), added, "Virat bhai was right there. I was wondering what this guy is doing."
While some of Chikara's teammates might have found his actions unconventional, the young player's explanation suggested he was unfazed by Kohli's presence. "He's our elder brother, isn't he? I was just checking to make sure he doesn't use a bad one. So I tried it. When he asked how it was, I said it's nice. I was only checking it for him," Chikara rationalized.
Meanwhile, RCB savors a six-day hiatus between matches. Fresh from their victory over defending champions KKR, RCB is set to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday.
In a formidable display, Kohli, with 59 not out off 36 balls, and Phil Salt, who scored 56 off 31 balls, forged a 95-run partnership for the opening wicket, helping RCB chase down KKR's challenging total of 174/8 in just 16.2 overs, finishing at 177 for three.
Earlier in the match, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane notched up a commendable 56, establishing a 103-run second-wicket partnership with Sunil Narine (44 off 26 balls), momentarily placing KKR in a strong position to surpass the 200-run mark.
However, RCB's bowlers, led exceptionally by left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya (3/29), staged a remarkable comeback, with pacer Josh Hazlewood also claiming two wickets, securing a commanding win for RCB.

Punjab Kings won against Gujarat Titans by 11 runs in IPL 2025. Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 97, while Vyshak's bowling curtailed Gujarat's chase.

Punjab Kings Beat Gujarat: IPL 2025 Highlights

In IPL 2025, Punjab Kings edged out Gujarat Titans by 11 runs, powered by Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97. Vijaykumar Vyshak's economical bowling was also key in their narrow victory.

Punjab Kings triumphed over Gujarat Titans by 11 runs in IPL 2025, with Shreyas Iyer's 97 not out and Vijaykumar Vyshak&rsquo;s strategic bowling making significant impacts.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 contest on Tuesday, Punjab Kings emerged victorious against Gujarat Titans by a narrow 11-run margin in a high-octane match. Led by their new captain, Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings posted an imposing total of 243/5.
Iyer, who was the standout performer with an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, lit up the field with nine sixes and five boundaries, earning the 'Player of the Match' accolade.
However, not everyone agreed with this decision. Ravichandran Ashwin, currently with Chennai Super Kings, endorsed Vijaykumar Vyshak as the real hero of the game.
Vyshak, introduced as an impact substitute, bowled under intense pressure and executed his plans with precision to stymie Gujarat Titans' scoring momentum.&nbsp;
Entering the match in the 15th over with Gujarat at a formidable 169/2, Vyshak conceded just five runs in each of his first two overs. Despite giving away 18 runs in his third over, his economical bowling at a crucial juncture left Gujarat needing 27 off the last over, which they couldn't achieve.
Ashwin, elaborating on his YouTube channel, acknowledged Iyer&rsquo;s significant contribution but highlighted Vyshak&rsquo;s impact as a game-changer.
"His brilliant death bowling, especially in the 17th and 19th overs, was pivotal. No wickets fell to him, yet his ability to restrict runs was instrumental. For me, Vyshak was the true MVP," Ashwin commented.
Iyer, praised for his leadership and batting prowess, showcased his adaptability as noted by JioStar expert Kane Williamson. The Kiwi veteran commended Iyer&rsquo;s improved handling of short-pitched deliveries and his broad scoring range.
Williamson described Iyer's innings as a masterclass of high standards, emphasizing his ability to tackle top bowlers like Rashid Khan with composure and skill.
&ldquo;Shreyas has evolved remarkably, addressing past vulnerabilities and becoming a versatile threat across the ground,&rdquo; remarked Williamson. &ldquo;His 97 not out wasn't just runs on the board; it was a statement of capability and leadership.&rdquo;
The match encapsulated the competitive spirit of IPL, leaving fans eager for more such captivating encounters in the league.

Harbhajan Singh vows to improve commentary quality, as Punjab Kings beat Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 by 11 runs. Arshdeep Singh shines.

Harbhajan Acknowledges Criticism; PBKS Wins

Harbhajan Singh acknowledges fan feedback on Hindi commentary. Punjab Kings defeat Gujarat Titans by 11 runs. Arshdeep Singh excels in their first IPL 2025 win.

Harbhajan Singh addresses commentary critique as Punjab Kings defeat Gujarat Titans by 11 runs, with Arshdeep Singh leading the bowlers.

Former Indian cricket spinner Harbhajan Singh recently addressed a fan's criticism about the quality of Hindi commentary during cricket matches.
Harbhajan, who is part of the current commentary team for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), responded positively to feedback that suggested modern commentary focuses more on humor and poetry rather than being informative.
Taking to his account on X (formerly Twitter), Harbhajan acknowledged the feedback, saying, "Thank you for the input. We will work on it."
In other IPL action, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-scoring match. Defending a formidable score of 243/5, Punjab limited Gujarat to 232/5.
Gujarat's innings started strongly with Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill posting a 61-run partnership. Glenn Maxwell broke this partnership by dismissing Gill for 33.
Sudharsan continued to fire, leading with 74 off 41 balls, including five fours and six sixes, before falling to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh at 145/2 in 12.3 overs.
Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford kept Gujarat's hopes alive with a 54-run partnership.
Buttler scored a half-century but was dismissed for 54 by Marco Jansen, while Rahul Tewatia was run out for six. Needing fast runs, Rutherford scored 46 off 28 balls, but Arshdeep Singh struck again, dismissing him as Punjab edged closer to victory.
Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler for Punjab, securing figures of 2/36 in four overs, while Jansen and Maxwell each took a wicket, sealing Punjab&rsquo;s first win in the tournament.
Earlier in the match, after winning the toss and electing to bowl, Gujarat faced a strong start from Punjab's debutant Priyansh Arya, who hit 47 off 23 balls.
His innings included seven boundaries and two sixes before falling to the seasoned Rashid Khan, leaving PBKS at 79/2.
Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai made an immediate impact with a six off compatriot Rashid Khan.
Despite his early promise, his innings ended at 16 off 15 balls, with Sai Kishore dismissing him and taking the wicket of Glenn Maxwell for a golden duck on the next ball.
Marcus Stoinis contributed alongside Iyer in a substantial 57-run partnership before Sai Kishore struck again, claiming Stoinis for 20. Punjab surged past 200 in 17.4 overs, with Iyer and Shashank Singh driving aggression in the final overs.
Their explosive 81-run partnership saw PBKS achieve a formidable total. Iyer was unbeaten on 97, while Shashank smashed 44 from 16 balls, highlighted by a dominant final over against Mohammed Siraj.
For Gujarat, Sai Kishore was the standout bowler with three wickets, complemented by Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada picking up one wicket each, although all GT bowlers struggled against Punjab's onslaught.

Punjab Kings' IPL 2025 opener saw Maxwell fall for a golden duck, but Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97 led the team to a stellar 243/5 against Gujarat Titans.

Maxwell's Golden Duck, Shreyas Stars in IPL 2025 Opener

Glenn Maxwell's golden duck was a setback, but Shreyas Iyer's captivating 97* led Punjab Kings to a formidable 243/5 in their IPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans.

Maxwell fell for a golden duck as Iyer's unbeaten 97 propelled Punjab Kings to 243/5 against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 opener.

Punjab Kings had high expectations when they brought Glenn Maxwell back into their team at the IPL 2025 auction.
However, the Australian power-hitter's return to the franchise started on a disappointing note. In his first match against Gujarat Titans, Maxwell faced a setback with a first-ball dismissal, falling for a golden duck.
Attempting a reverse sweep on his opening delivery against R Sai Kishore, Maxwell was adjudged LBW. The situation was further aggravated as replays revealed the ball would have missed the stumps, yet Maxwell opted not to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS). This marked Maxwell's 19th duck in IPL history, setting an unenviable record for the most ducks by any batter.
In a match played on Tuesday, Punjab Kings showcased a commanding performance led by their new skipper, Shreyas Iyer. Iyer made a remarkable debut as captain, crafting a scintillating unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, propelling his team to a formidable total of 243 for five.
His innings was embellished with nine towering sixes and five exquisite fours, narrowly missing out on his first IPL century. The innings concluded on a thrilling note as Shashank Singh unleashed an explosive cameo, smacking 44 off 16 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
A promising start for Punjab was set by Priyansh Arya, who demonstrated aggression from the outset.
Arya, a Rs 3.8 crore acquisition for PBKS at the last auction, hammered 47 from 23 balls. His assault included a massive six over Mohammed Siraj followed by a boundary, capitalizing on the power play to propel Punjab to 73/1 after six overs.
Kagiso Rabada provided Gujarat Titans with their first breakthrough when he had Prabhsimran Singh caught in the deep. This allowed Shreyas Iyer to stride to the crease, where he immediately impressed with a stylish drive and a six over deep square leg off Rabada.
Arya's onslaught continued against Arshad Khan, seizing 21 runs off the fifth over. His efforts were halted, however, by Rashid Khan, who dismissed Arya with a sharply turning delivery that induced a top edge.
Following Arya's departure, Afghanistan&rsquo;s Azmatullah Omarzai offered a brief but bright response, launching Rashid Khan for a six off his first ball. Yet, PBKS faced a setback when R Sai Kishore dismissed both Omarzai and Maxwell in successive deliveries, bringing the team to 105/4 in the 11th over.
Nonetheless, Shreyas Iyer's masterclass was far from over. Demonstrating immense skill and power, he reached his half-century in a mere 27 deliveries. Exploiting the bowlers, Shreyas lofted Sai Kishore for successive sixes and later targeted Rashid Khan, dispatching him for consecutive sixes, both straight down the ground and over deep mid-wicket.
Mohammed Siraj returned to bowl, but faced the onslaught of both Shreyas and Marcus Stoinis, each hitting a maximum, further fortifying Punjab's dominating innings.
The Punjab Kings' dazzling performance has sent a strong message in this edition of the IPL, with Shreyas Iyer's inauguration as captain proving to be an auspicious beginning despite Glenn Maxwell's unprecedented duck.

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