A super showdown Saturday thrilled the Indian Premier League (IPL) fans. First, it was a clinical victory by the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the scorching Ahmedabad as they recorded a much-needed win over the Delhi Capitals (DC), with Jos Buttler scoring a handsome 97*. However, the second game was headlined by a certain 14-year-old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. At his tender age, the southpaw hit international bowlers for fun. However, Rajasthan Royals (RR) couldn’t. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recorded a come-from-behind win to stun the hosts. But there was a massive news as far as Abhishek Nayar was concerned too. Also, why did Shubman Gill get fined and why will Pakistan not come to India for a World Cup this year?
Shubman Gill pays fine
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill was fined Rs 12 lakh for his team’s slow over rate in their match against Delhi Capitals. Gill joins six other captains in IPL 2025 to face similar penalties. The match was delayed due to the sweltering heat in Ahmedabad, with players like Ishant Sharma, Axar Patel, and Jos Buttler struggling with dehydration and cramps. Despite the challenging conditions, the IPL didn’t grant additional water breaks. According to the IPL’s Code of Conduct, repeated offences will lead to hefty fines and demerit points, but captains won’t be suspended. Other fined captains include Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. Read more here.
Pakistan says no to India
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will play their ICC Women’s World Cup matches at a neutral venue instead of traveling to India due to the existing agreement between the two countries. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi referenced the hybrid model used in the Champions Trophy, where India played their matches in Dubai, as a precedent for this decision. Despite this, Naqvi praised the team’s qualification for the World Cup, achieved by topping the qualifiers with five wins. The agreement means any matches between India and Pakistan until 2028 will be held at neutral venues. Read more here.
Abhishek Nayar back at KKR
Abhishek Nayar has rejoined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a member of their support staff after being let go as India’s assistant coach. Nayar had previously worked with KKR from 2018 and was instrumental in their academy and as a batting coach. His return comes ahead of KKR’s match against Gujarat Titans. Nayar joins a coaching staff that includes Chandrakant Pandit and Dwayne Bravo. The BCCI had informed Nayar and other support staff members that their contracts wouldn’t be renewed, citing a decision to trim the support staff size despite being satisfied with their performance. Nayar’s reappointment was expected. Read more here.
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi, take a bow
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14 years and 23 days old, made history as the youngest IPL player. On debut, he stunned everyone with his fearless batting, hitting sixes off Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan. He played with confidence and skill, even dominating spinners like Digvesh Rathi. Suryavanshi shared an 85-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal and looked like a match-winner. Though his 34-run innings was cut short by Aiden Markram’s off-spin and Rishabh Pant’s quick stumping, Suryavanshi announced his arrival in style, showcasing prodigious talent and a bright future in cricket. Read more here.
LSG edge past RR
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) edged out Rajasthan Royals by 2 runs in a thrilling match. RR’s 14-year-old debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi stole the show with 34 off 20 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 2 fours. Yashasvi Jaiswal added 74 runs, but RR fell short despite a strong start. LSG’s Avesh Khan was the hero, defending 9 runs in the final over and taking 3/37. Aiden Markram (66) and Ayush Badoni (50) rescued LSG from a batting collapse, while Abdul Samad’s 30 off 10 balls sealed the win. LSG moved to 4th in the points table with 5 wins in 8 matches. Read more here.
RCB isn’t learning, says…
Josh Hazlewood isn’t sugarcoating anything. The RCB pacer thinks the team’s batting lineup is the main culprit behind their loss to PBKS. After RCB’s third straight loss at home, Hazlewood said they’re just slow learners, and their batting needs to pick up the pace, especially in the powerplay. He’s confident that if their top batters can step up and bat through 20 overs, RCB can turn things around. But for now, they’re stuck in a rut, with three losses in a row at their home ground. Read more here.
