Despite the absence of skipper Sanju Samson, Rajasthan will be looking to make a mark in their first match of IPL 2025 against Hyderabad. With formidable batsmen in their top order, Hyderabad is expected to set a record-breaking total at their home ground, while their bowling attack, led by captain Pat Cummins, adds to their strength. In contrast, Rajasthan will heavily rely on batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer, with few established names in their bowling department. However, their previous season's performance may give Hyderabad an edge in this highly anticipated encounter.
The IPL has always been a platform for players to showcase their talent and gain recognition. As the new season approaches, fans and experts are eager to see which players will emerge as the top contenders for the Orange Cap, awarded to the highest run scorer in the tournament. Indian players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma are expected to put up a strong fight, while Australian batsman Travis Head is also a top contender after his impressive performances in the last season. With teams focusing on maintaining their position in the points table, the battle for the Orange Cap will be fierce and exciting to witness.
With regular skipper Sanju Samson sidelined due to a finger injury, 23-year-old Riyan Parag will lead the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the first three Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. This move makes Parag one of the youngest captains in IPL history, behind only Virat Kohli. As Samson continues rehabilitation, Dhruv Jurel will handle wicketkeeping duties for the initial matches. Fans are eager to see how Parag, along with other talented young players like Nitish Rana and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will lead the Rajasthan Royals to victory in the upcoming season.
The BJP's decision to appoint Dilip Jaiswal as the new president of its Bihar unit has brought the state's political landscape into question. With the party ruling out special status for the state, tensions have risen between the BJP and its key ally, the JD(U). However, both parties have downplayed any potential confrontation, leading to speculation about the NDA's future in Bihar.
In a fiery speech during a debate on the motion of thanks, BJP chief whip Sanjay Jaiswal targeted Feroze Gandhi, the grandfather of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, for changing his surname to Gandhi. Jaiswal's remarks have received praise from senior party leaders, who see it as a challenge to the Gandhi dynasty. This comes amid BJP's campaign to connect with regional groups and attract Telugu-speaking voters, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's recent meeting in Delhi gaining significant traction. Additionally, the Home Ministry has directed all ministries and government departments to not omit the national motto, 'Satyameva Jayate', when using the State Emblem of India, stating that the emblem is "incomplete" without it.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has endorsed all-rounder Axar Patel for a spot in the upcoming Champions Trophy, suggesting that he could potentially fill the crucial role of a left-handed batter in the middle order. Manjrekar highlighted Axar's impressive batting performance in the first ODI against England, where he hit a quickfire 52 off just 47 balls, and praised his ability to play spin. He also hinted that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant may have to wait for his chance due to Axar's emergence. The Indian team could potentially make a couple of changes for the 2nd ODI, with captain Virat Kohli returning from injury and potentially pushing young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal down the order.
After a close victory in the first ODI, India is gearing up to face England in the second encounter of the three-match series. With captain Kohli back from injury, there is a question of who he will replace in the playing XI. With Iyer and Jaiswal both performing well, the selectors will have a tough decision to make. Meanwhile, young bowler Harshit Rana has caught the attention of the English batters with his extra pace and variations.
After being added to the Indian squad for the ODI series against England, spinner Varun Chakravarthy finally made his debut at the age of 33 in the second ODI. This led him to become the oldest player in India's history to make his ODI debut, surpassing Farokh Engineer who made his debut at the age of 36 in 1974. The spinner was initially not included in the playing XI for the first ODI, but was given a chance in the second match in place of Kuldeep Yadav. India made two changes with Virat Kohli coming back from injury and Yashasvi Jaiswal being benched, while England brought in three players - Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian batter, took a sensational running catch during the first 2025 ODI against England in Nagpur to dismiss opener Ben Duckett on Thursday. Jaiswal's agility and quick reflexes were on full display as he sprinted from mid-wicket and dived forward to catch the top-edge off Duckett's attempted pull shot. This showed Jaiswal's growing confidence and trust from the Indian team, with skipper Rohit Sharma frequently relying on his fielding prowess in crucial positions. The catch also helped India reduce England to 111/4 in the match.
In the India vs England 1st ODI match, Indian cricket team's transition phase sees the debut of new players Rana and Jaiswal, who both show promising performances. Rana overcame a shaky start to take the wicket of Duckett, thanks to a sensational catch by fellow debutant Jaiswal. Injuries may have hindered the team, with captain Kohli being withdrawn from the match, but his absence was not major as India comfortably took victory in the end.