Two things are happening as the days are going by. First, the Asia Cup and its possible selection headaches are coming to the fore front. Meanwhile, the rumor mill of the Indian Premier League (IPL) isn’t stopping anyway. Now, another bombshell got dropped, with news coming in about Ravichandran Ashwin wanting to leave the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Also, Sanju Samson’s saga at the IPL isn’t taking a breathe as well. However, two of Indian superstars are back on the field! Yes, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli have started their practice (in some capacity)! Let’s catch that and much more below.
Suryakumar Yadav ready for Asia Cup 2025
Good news for fans! India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. He’s been working hard at the NCA’s Centre of Excellence, practicing in the nets and doing endurance exercises to get match-fit. After a fruitful IPL 2025 campaign where he scored 717 runs, Yadav is looking to pick up where he left off. With the Asia Cup just a month away, he will lead India in the tournament, which will be a great prep for the T20 World Cup next year. It’s been three months since his surgery, and he’s ready to get back in action.
Virat Kohli hits ground running
Virat Kohli is back in action! After a short break, the cricket legend has started training in London with coach Naeem Amin (part of GT) to get ready for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Kohli had retired from Test cricket and T20Is, but he’s still active in ODIs and has his sights set on the 2027 World Cup. With his fitness levels always being top-notch, Kohli is expected to play a massive role in India’s ODI team, despite being close to 40. He’s likely to feature in the series against Australia in October. With India’s series against Bangladesh chucked off, fans have to wait a little longer for his return.
Sanju Samson’s saga at IPL
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is reportedly keen on leaving the team, with Chennai Super Kings being his likely destination. Despite rumors of a potential trade, CSK hasn’t made a concrete offer yet. A Royals insider denied any rift between Samson and the franchise, saying Samson’s desire to leave isn’t due to differences. Samson has been an excellent captain and player, leading RR to the playoffs multiple times. CSK might consider a cash deal or buying him in the auction, but RR is unlikely to hold on to him if he’s adamant about leaving, given his contract runs until 2027. Read more here.
Latest on Cricket
- RR captaincy decision after IPL 2026 auction, confirms Riyan Parag
- Gambhir under pressure? India assistant coach admits ‘desperation’ to win ODI series after Test whitewash
- 5 star players who can go unsold at IPL 2026 auction
Ashwin wants CSK exit
R Ashwin is reportedly set to leave CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, despite joining the team just last year after a 10-year gap. He’s allegedly informed the franchise about his decision, and might even step down from his role as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy. This comes as a huge surprise, given his emotional return to CSK. Meanwhile, a potential trade deal involving Sanju Samson has hit a roadblock. CSK officials, including Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni, are discussing the franchise’s future plans, which might determine Ashwin’s fate. Big changes ahead for CSK?
Pakistan’s Haider Ali gets suspended
Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been suspended by the PCB due to allegations of rape in the UK. He was arrested by the Greater Manchester Police and later released on bail. The PCB has placed him under provisional suspension pending the outcome of the investigation and will provide legal support to protect his rights. The board will take action under its Code of Conduct once the investigation is complete. Haider Ali, 24, has played for Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is. The PCB has pledged to adhere to the legal procedures in the UK and allow the investigation to proceed.
History at DPL
East Delhi Riders made history in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) by chasing down 232 runs in 19.2 overs against Outer Delhi Warriors at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Anuj Rawat’s explosive 84 off 35 balls, including 9 sixes, turned the game around after the Riders stumbled early. Arpit Rana’s 79 off 45 balls set up the chase, and Rawat’s partnership with him added 130 runs. The Riders’ win marked the highest successful run-chase in DPL history. Earlier, Priyansh Arya’s 111 off 56 balls had helped Warriors post 231/7, the highest total of the season.
