Veteran English pacer James Anderson has officially entered the player pool for the IPL 2025 auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His decision to join the auction has surprised many cricket fans, especially since Anderson stepped away from international cricket earlier this year. Following his retirement after England’s first Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s, Anderson transitioned to a coaching role, becoming England’s bowling coach.
Anderson’s base price for the auction is set at INR 1.25 crore, marking his first-ever participation in the popular T20 league. While he boasts an extensive background in Test and ODI formats, having excelled in them over two decades, he has played only 19 T20 internationals. Notably, Anderson has not previously participated in any T20 franchise league, as Test cricket was always his top priority.
In contrast, fellow English player Ben Stokes has opted out of this year’s IPL. Stokes, aiming to concentrate on his Test career, will not be eligible for the next mini-auction under the newly introduced regulations.
Anderson concluded his international career with a record-breaking 991 wickets in 401 matches, making him the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways with precision, he remains one of the most effective new-ball bowlers in cricket history. However, given his limited experience in T20 cricket, it remains to be seen whether IPL franchises will be interested in securing his services or if they’ll overlook him due to his inexperience in the shortest format.
In a notable development for Indian cricket, rookie pacer Harshit Rana will join the Indian squad ahead of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Following an outstanding performance in Delhi’s recent Ranji Trophy victory, Rana, who had been in the reserves, has been recalled to the squad with a potential shot at making his Test debut. The third match of the series, set to be held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, may present an opportunity for the 22-year-old to don the Test whites, especially with team management monitoring the pacers’ workload before the upcoming tour of Australia.
Rana’s performance in the Ranji Trophy has earned him significant attention. In Delhi’s first outright win of the season against Assam, he claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings and two more wickets in the second, leading Delhi to a convincing 10-wicket victory. His contributions with both ball and bat (scoring a crucial 59) were instrumental in Delhi securing the first innings lead. This exceptional display in the Ranji Trophy has amplified the buzz around his potential India vs New Zealand Mumbai Test debut.
Rana’s Path to the National Squad: A Stellar Ranji Trophy Performance
Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh, a former BCCI selector, praised Rana’s readiness and composure. Singh noted that Rana is mentally prepared for the challenges of Test cricket, citing his focused and positive mindset. According to Singh, “He bowled his heart out for Delhi, and he is always hunting for wickets. He’s prepared for the grind of Test cricket and ready to compete at the highest level.”
Harshit Rana’s call-up comes at a critical time for the Indian squad, who conceded an unassailable 0-2 lead to New Zealand after a 113-run loss in the second Test in Pune, marking India’s first home Test series loss in 12 years. With the third Test on the horizon, the team management is carefully considering workload options, especially for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. If Bumrah is rested, Rana could find himself making his Test debut.
Preparation for Australia Tour: Harshit Rana in the Main Squad
Apart from his potential debut in the Mumbai Test, Rana has also been selected for the main squad for India’s highly anticipated Test series in Australia. The five-Test series, starting on November 22 in Perth, will demand the best from India’s pace attack. Rana’s inclusion underscores the team’s strategic planning, aiming to have fresh and capable bowlers ready for the grind Down Under.
Final Words: Harshit Rana’s Exciting Journey Ahead
As Harshit Rana joins the Indian squad in Mumbai, fans are eager to see whether he will be given a chance in the playing XI or will remain as a reserve. His journey from excelling in domestic circuits like the Ranji Trophy to potentially making his India vs New Zealand Mumbai Test debut exemplifies India’s robust cricketing pipeline. If Rana’s stellar domestic performances are any indication, he is well-prepared to make an impact on the international stage.
Cricket fans, mark your calendars! The IPL Retention Show is scheduled for October 31st at 4:30 PM IST, where teams will reveal their retained players for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This event is highly anticipated as it offers insights into team strategies and sets the stage for the next IPL auction, allowing franchises to retain core players while releasing others back into the auction pool.
The retention show will broadcast live across major sports networks and on the IPL’s official platforms, providing fans with a front-row seat to all the action and analysis. Viewers can expect suspenseful announcements and speculation around key players and possible team shake-ups as franchises aim to strike a balance between star power, emerging talent, and team budgets.
Stay tuned to catch the cricket live updates and see which players will continue with their franchises and who will head back to the auction block in hopes of securing a fresh contract.
MS Dhoni IPL Future 2025: MS Dhoni, a cricketing icon and former captain of the Indian cricket team, recently provided clarity on his IPL future, sparking excitement among fans and reaffirming his commitment to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Speaking at an event in Goa, the 43-year-old discussed his ambition to continue playing cricket for several years, hinting that he could stay active in the IPL not just for the 2025 season, but potentially for the entire next three-year cycle.
Reflecting on his career journey, MS Dhoni explained, “I want to savor the remaining years of cricket, just enjoying the game as much as I can.” The legendary captain shared how maintaining his fitness is essential to achieving this goal. “To play those two and a half months of IPL, I have to stay fit for nine months. There’s planning involved but I try to keep things balanced,” he added. For Dhoni, the transition from international to IPL cricket hasn’t dampened his dedication; instead, it has allowed him to focus on enjoying cricket without the intense year-round commitment of international play.
Despite stepping down as CSK captain for the 2024 season in favor of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni’s influence in the team remains strong. His legacy as a five-time IPL champion and one of the tournament’s most celebrated figures still makes him an indispensable asset for CSK. Interestingly, thanks to a rule change allowing franchises to retain uncapped players, Dhoni can be retained by CSK at a relatively modest cost, a move that would excite fans and strengthen CSK’s lineup.
While Dhoni acknowledges that juggling the demands of the sport is challenging, his words reveal a deep-seated passion and commitment to cricket. His presence in the IPL continues to drive enthusiasm, drawing millions of fans globally. As a player known for his strategic mind and calm leadership, Dhoni’s potential presence in future IPL seasons isn’t just a boon for CSK, but a delight for cricket enthusiasts everywhere
Sikandar Raza set a new record for the fastest T20I century by a Test-playing nation’s player, scoring a 33-ball century in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier against Gambia. His explosive innings of 133 not out featured 7 fours and 15 sixes. Leading Zimbabwe’s innings, Raza completed his century in the 18th over, propelling his team to a formidable 344/4—the highest T20I total ever recorded.
Zimbabwe’s aggressive batting was supported by T Marumani (62 off 19) and Brian Bennett (50 off 26). Clive Madande also added 53 runs off just 17 balls. Raza’s 15 sixes in the innings placed him among the top performers for most sixes in a single T20I match.
With three consecutive wins in the qualifier, Zimbabwe aims to secure a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sikandar Raza achievement highlights his aggressive style, cementing his reputation as a key player for Zimbabwe. This performance has put him in the spotlight, with cricket enthusiasts hailing his skills and the fastest T20I century accomplishment.
Chad Bowes has made history by scoring the fastest List A double century, achieving this remarkable feat in just 103 balls during the Ford Trophy match between Canterbury and Otago. Bowes’ explosive innings not only set a new record but also showcased his exceptional batting skills on a significant occasion—his 100th List A match.
Match Highlights
Record-Breaking Innings: Bowes scored 205 runs off 110 balls, hitting 27 fours and 7 sixes. His aggressive batting style was evident as he reached his half-century in just 26 balls and brought up his century in 53 deliveries.
Previous Record: The previous record for the fastest double century in List A cricket was held jointly by Australia’s Travis Head and India’s Narayan Jagadeesan, both of whom achieved their milestones in 114 balls.
Impact on the Match: Bowes’ innings helped Canterbury post a formidable total of 343 runs, leading to a comprehensive victory over Otago, who were bowled out for just 103 runs.
Significance of the Achievement
This achievement marks a significant milestone in New Zealand cricket. Bowes expressed his joy after the match, stating, “It might sink in over the next day or two, but obviously a great day here at Hagley.” His performance not only highlights his talent but also sets a new benchmark for future players.
Conclusion
Chad Bowes‘ record-setting double century is a testament to his skill and determination. As he continues to shine in domestic cricket, fans eagerly await his performances on larger stages. This remarkable innings has firmly established him as one of New Zealand’s top batsmen.
The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. With each Test series carrying significant weight, the journey towards the WTC final is both thrilling and challenging. Following the recent defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru, Team India faces a crucial question: how many wins are necessary to secure a spot in the WTC 2023-25 final? In this article, we will analyze the current standings, India’s path to the final, and the key factors that will influence the outcome.
By ESPN
Understanding the World Test Championship Format
The World Test Championship is the pinnacle of Test cricket, featuring the top cricketing nations battling it out over a two-year cycle. The tournament’s primary aim is to crown the best Test team in the world, based on a point system that rewards wins, draws, and series victories.
WTC Points System: How Teams Accumulate Points
Each Test series in the WTC has a pre-assigned total of 120 points, distributed across the matches in the series. The points breakdown is as follows:
Win: 12 points per match
Draw: 4 points per match
Loss: 0 points per match
Tie: 6 points per match
Teams also earn points based on the percentage of points earned out of the total points available in their matches. This percentage determines the final standings in the WTC table.
India’s Current Position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 Standings
As of now, Team India has had a mixed start in the ongoing WTC cycle. The loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru has added pressure, but the road to the final is still open. India’s position on the points table will depend on several crucial factors, including their upcoming Test series and the performance of other top teams like Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Key Challenges Facing Team India
India’s journey to the WTC final is not without obstacles. Here are some of the challenges they face:
Tough Away Series: India has several challenging away series lined up, including tours to Australia and South Africa, which are historically difficult conditions for the team.
Injuries and Player Form: Injuries to key players or a dip in form can impact India’s performance significantly.
Consistency in Spin Bowling: India’s strength in home conditions relies heavily on spin bowling. Consistency in this department, especially in away matches, will be crucial.
Batting Line-up: India’s batting line-up, led by experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara, needs to fire consistently, especially in overseas conditions.
World Test Championship 2023-25 Point Table
Here’s a points table format for the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, based on the standard WTC points system:
Position
Team
Matches Played (P)
Wins (W)
Losses (L)
Draws (D)
Points (Pts)
1
Australia
10
7
2
1
88
2
India
12
8
3
1
84
3
South Africa
9
6
3
0
72
4
England
11
6
4
1
76
5
New Zealand
10
5
4
1
64
6
Pakistan
8
3
4
1
44
7
Sri Lanka
8
2
5
1
32
8
West Indies
9
3
6
0
36
9
Bangladesh
8
1
7
0
12
How Many Wins Does India Need to Qualify for the WTC Final?
To ensure a spot in the WTC 2023-25 final, India must target a high win percentage in their remaining matches. Based on the current WTC standings and projections, here are the scenarios:
1. Minimum Wins for Qualification
India needs a minimum of 8-9 Test victories from their remaining fixtures to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the final. This estimate is based on maintaining a win percentage of around 60-65%, which should be enough to finish in the top two positions.
2. Importance of Away Wins
Winning away Test matches will be crucial, as these victories carry significant weight in the points table. A strong away performance, especially against top-ranked teams, can boost India’s standings and improve their chances of making it to the final.
3. Avoiding Draws and Minimizing Losses
Draws can be costly in the WTC, as they only award four points compared to 12 for a win. India must aim to win matches outright rather than settling for draws. Minimizing losses is equally crucial, as each loss impacts the team’s win percentage negatively.
India’s Key Test Series in the World Test Championship 2023-25 Cycle
India has several important Test series scheduled in the current WTC cycle. Here’s a breakdown of the series that will play a decisive role in India’s qualification:
1. Australia (Home Series)
Australia’s tour to India will be a significant challenge. India has a solid record at home, but the Aussies have a well-balanced team capable of causing upsets. A comprehensive series win at home will provide India with a solid points boost.
2. South Africa (Away Series)
Winning a Test series in South Africa is never easy, but it’s a crucial step for India’s WTC aspirations. A victory in South African conditions will not only be a huge morale booster but also pivotal for India’s qualification hopes.
3. England (Home and Away)
England remains a strong contender in Test cricket, and India’s matches against them—both at home and away—will be critical. Securing a series victory against England can significantly enhance India’s standing on the points table.
4. West Indies (Away Series)
An away series against West Indies is another opportunity for India to accumulate valuable points. Winning this series with a significant margin can cushion India’s overall win percentage.
Key Players to Watch in India’s WTC Campaign
India’s success in the WTC will heavily rely on the performance of their star players. Here are some of the key individuals who will play a pivotal role:
1. Rohit Sharma – The Captain’s Role
Rohit Sharma, as the captain and opening batsman, will be instrumental in setting the tone for India’s Test matches. His leadership and aggressive batting style can make a difference, especially in tough situations.
2. Virat Kohli – The Experienced Maestro
Virat Kohli’s experience in Test cricket is unmatched. His ability to anchor innings and perform in challenging conditions will be vital for India’s success.
3. Jasprit Bumrah – The Strike Bowler
Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling in all conditions makes him a key asset. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments can swing Test matches in India’s favor.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – The Spin Wizard
Ashwin’s spin bowling, especially in home conditions, will be crucial. His all-round abilities can contribute significantly, both with bat and ball.
Strategies for India to Ensure WTC Final Qualification
To maximize their chances of reaching the WTC final, India should focus on the following strategies:
1. Strong Starts in Away Matches
A solid start in away matches sets the tone for the rest of the series. India should prioritize winning the first Test in any away series to build momentum.
2. Dominating Home Conditions
India’s home advantage must be leveraged to secure comprehensive victories. Spin-friendly pitches, aggressive batting, and disciplined bowling are key.
3. Fielding and Catching Improvements
Test matches can be won or lost on the field. Improving catching standards and overall fielding can turn tight matches in India’s favor.
4. Effective Utilization of All-Rounders
Utilizing all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur effectively can provide depth in both batting and bowling, offering balance to the team.
Conclusion
The road to the WTC 2023-25 final is challenging, but it is well within India’s reach. With a clear strategy, consistent performances, and key players firing at the right time, India can secure their place in the final. A strong display in upcoming Test series, especially in tough away conditions, will be crucial for India’s aspirations.
By focusing on winning matches, minimizing errors, and maintaining a high win percentage, Team India can rise to the top of the WTC standings and compete for the prestigious Test Championship title.
FAQ
Q. How many matches are left for Team India in the WTC 2023-25
Ans:- Team India has eight matches remaining in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The breakdown of these matches is as follows:
Remaining Matches
India vs New Zealand: 3 Tests (Home)
India vs Australia: 5 Tests (Away)
Wins Required
To secure a spot in the WTC final, India needs to win at least three out of these eight matches. This positions them favorably, with a 90% chance of qualification based on their current performance and standings in the tournament
Q. How many Tests will India play at home in the WTC 2023-25
Ans. In the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, Team India will play a total of 10 Tests at home. The breakdown is as follows:
Former Indian Cricket Team coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to Rajasthan Royals (RR) as head coach ahead of the 2025 IPL season, following the end of his tenure as Team India’s coach after the T20 World Cup 2024 win in June this year.
Dravid recently signed a deal with RR and has had initial conversations on retention of players ahead of the upcoming mega auction for IPL 2025. He has a long-lived relationship with the RR captain Sanju Samson, who came through the under-19 ranks under Dravid’s supervision.
Dravid has a history with Rajasthan Royals. He captained the team in IPL 2012 and 2013, and also served as team director and mentor in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. In 2016, Rahul Dravid moved to Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) until he was appointed as the head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru in 2019.
In 2021, Dravid became the head coach of the Indian Cricket team and ended his 3-years tenure with the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title.
RR have only won the IPL title in the first season of Indian Premier League in 2008; the franchise’s second best finish was in 2022 when they came runners-up to Gujarat Titans. However, the franchise did not make it to the playoffs in 2023, finishing fifth in the league despite a good start to the season, but did so in 2024 and were knocked out in Qualifier 2.
After publicly announcing her divorce from Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, Natasa Stankovic went to Serbia with her 4-years-old son Agastya.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya grabbed everyone’s attention on social media after he got separated from his wife and model Natasa Stankovic. They both got married in 2020 and announced the news of their separation in July this year. However, reports say that Natasa returned to Mumbai on Monday and dropped son Agastya at his father Hardik’s place.
Krunal Pandya’s wife Pankuri Sharma shared a cute video of her with Agastya and her own son Kavir on Instagram. In the video, Pankhuri was seen sharing a sweet moment with Agastya and Kavir.
Both Hardik and Natasa made the decision of their separation public on social media, and have moved on their different paths.
Earlier in August, a report claimed that Natasa wasn’t able to adjust to Hardik’s personality, with the cricketer being ‘too full of himself’.
Apart from this, according to reports and gossip, Hardik is rumored to be dating famous British singer Jasmin Walia.
Joe Root has achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious cricketing career by securing the 5th position on the all-time list of players with the most fifty-plus scores in Test cricket. The England batsman now boasts an impressive 98 scores of fifty or more, placing him just behind some of the game’s greatest legends.
At the top of this prestigious list is India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who not only holds the record with 119 fifty-plus scores but is also recognized as the richest cricketer in the world. Tendulkar’s achievements both on and off the field have set a benchmark for future generations.
Following Tendulkar, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and Australia’s Ricky Ponting are tied with 103 fifty-plus scores each. India’s Rahul Dravid is in 4th place with 99 fifty-plus scores, just ahead of Root.
Root’s consistent performances have been a cornerstone of England’s batting lineup, and his ability to regularly contribute with significant scores has been crucial for his team. With just one more fifty-plus score needed to reach a century of such innings, Root is on the verge of joining an elite club.
As Root continues to play for England, there is a strong possibility that he could move up even further in the rankings, adding to his legacy as one of the finest batsmen in the history of Test cricket.
