The exciting Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set to start tonight as we beckon for a superb women’s cricket showdown. However, teams like the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a not so great news because two of their main Indian players have not been declared fit for WPL 2025. However, one of the biggest news stories from the day was the fact that it might be KKR vs RCB to kickstart IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens. As per many reports, the IPL 2025 schedule will come out anytime soon. Meanwhile, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir had his say on the absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. On that note, let us look at the top stories from February 13.
Gambhir not bothered Bumrah’s injury?
While India will be without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury, head coach Gautam Gambhir is optimistic, urging young bowlers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh to seize the opportunity. With Bumrah sidelined, experienced Mohammed Shami will lead the attack. Gambhir remains confident in the squad’s ability to perform even without Bumrah. India will rely on their pace unit, including Shami, Rana, and Arshdeep, to step up as they aim for tournament success, something that Gambhir hopes. Read more here: Gambhir not bothered Bumrah’s injury?
RCB vs KKR to start IPL 2025 schedule
The IPL 2025 season is set to begin on March 22, a day later than initially announced. The opening match will feature defending champions KKR taking on rivals RCB at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The full schedule is expected to be announced soon. Other updates include the venues, with Ahmedabad to Hyderabad hosting matches, and Guwahati and Dharamsala hosting a few games. The final will be held at Eden Gardens on May 25. Read more here: RCB vs KKR at IPL 2025?
Big WPL 2025 news
RCB face a tough WPL 2025 campaign as key players are ruled out. Star legspinner Asha Sobhana will miss the season due to a knee injury, with wicketkeeper-batter Nuzhat Parween replacing her. The team is also without Sophie Molineux, Kate Cross, and Sophie Devine, while last season’s Purple Cap winner, Shreyanka Patil, remains doubtful. RCB began their title defence against the Gujarat Giants on February 14. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have replaced injured allrounder Pooja Vastrakar with young talent Parunika Sisodia. Read more here: Big WPL 2025 news
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No wives at ICC Champions Trophy
The BCCI has introduced a rule, banning wives, girlfriends, and families from accompanying the Indian cricket team on tours lasting less than 45 days. This rule will be enforced for the first time during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, will depart on February 15 and play their first match on February 20. The BCCI has cited the short duration of the tour as the reason for this decision. Read more here: No wives at ICC Champions Trophy
New RCB captain is ….
Rajat Patidar has been named the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025. The Madhya Pradesh skipper was chosen after a thorough process, with Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya also in contention. Patidar has been consistent in his performances for RCB, scoring 333 runs in 2022 and 395 runs in 2024, that too, at a superb strike rate. Patidar came in to RCB in IPL 2022 as an injury replacement and now he is set to join the elite list of players to lead RCB! Read more here: New RCB captain is Rajat Patidar!
Yashasvi Jaiswal to play Ranji Trophy semifinal!
Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha on February 17. Initially selected for India’s Champions Trophy squad, Jaiswal was dropped after Jasprit Bumrah’s injury. Mumbai’s chief selector, Sanjay Patil, confirmed Jaiswal’s inclusion, saying it will boost the team’s morale. Jaiswal’s return will see him open with Akash Anand, while Hardik Tamore may replace Suryakumar Yadav, who is injured. Read more here: Yashasvi Jaiswal to play Ranji Trophy semifinal!
