1. Pill Salt (Wicketkeeper – Opening Batsman)

England’s star wicketkeeper, Pill Salt, who made waves last year with Kolkata Knight Riders, has now been acquired by RCB. Salt is expected to take on wicketkeeping duties and may also open the batting alongside the team’s captain.

2. Virat Kohli (Opener & Captain)

Virat Kohli continues to lead RCB as its captain and is expected to open the batting, a position where he has excelled in previous seasons. Kohli’s leadership and aggressive batting will be crucial for RCB’s success this season.

3. Rajat Patidar (Batsman at Number 3)

Rajat Patidar has proven his worth in the past seasons, and RCB will retain him for the upcoming IPL. He is expected to bat at number 3, anchoring the middle order with his consistent performances.

4. Liam Livingstone (All-rounder, Number 4)

English all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who previously played for Punjab Kings, has been bought by RCB this time. Known for his power-hitting and handy bowling, Livingstone will strengthen the middle order and contribute with both bat and ball.

5. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper-Batsman at Number 5)

Jitesh Sharma, who has made his mark with Punjab Kings, will join RCB’s middle order. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he will provide flexibility and is likely to bat at number 5.

6. Tim David (Finisher at Number 6)

Australian powerhouse Tim David returns to RCB as a finisher. Known for his big-hitting abilities, David will be slotted at number 6, where he can accelerate in the final overs and provide the finishing touch.

7. Krunal Pandya (All-rounder at Number 7)

All-rounder Krunal Pandya, previously with Lucknow Supergiants, joins RCB for the first time. As a spin-bowling all-rounder, Krunal will bat at number 7 and bolster the middle overs with his spin bowling and lower-order batting.

8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Pacer at Number 8)

After 14 years, Team India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to RCB. He will lead the team’s pace attack and contribute at number 8 with both bat and ball. Bhuvneshwar’s experience in the death overs will be valuable for RCB.

9. Josh Hazlewood (Fast Bowler at Number 9)

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is one of the key overseas bowlers in RCB’s squad. Hazlewood is certain to feature in the playing XI, bringing his experience and skill to the team, especially in the powerplay and death overs.

10. Yash Dayal (Pacer at Number 10)

Indian fast bowler Yash Dayal, who has already made a name for himself in previous seasons, will continue with RCB. He is likely to play in the starting XI at number 10, adding strength to the pace attack.

11. Suyesh Sharma (Spinner at Number 11)

Suyesh Sharma, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders last season, is expected to be the 11th player in RCB’s lineup. Known for his clever googly and spin attack, Suyesh will be an exciting addition to the team, especially in the middle overs.

Conclusion

RCB has built a dynamic team for IPL 2025, with a mix of experienced players and exciting newcomers. With the likes of Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Josh Hazlewood, RCB is well-equipped to challenge for the title. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the team evolves and who gets the nod in the playing XI.

The post RCB’s Star-Studded Squad for IPL 2025: Who Makes the Playing XI? appeared first on Vizag One.

With Team India gearing up for the much-anticipated series against Australia, all eyes are on star batsman Virat Kohli. Following a challenging series against New Zealand, where Kohli faced criticism for his underwhelming performance, fans and analysts alike are keen to see him make a strong comeback in Australia. However, Kohli’s absence from Team India’s first practice session in Perth has led to speculation and discussion across media outlets and social media platforms.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, with the first Test set to start on November 22 in Perth. The stakes are high, and so is the attention on Kohli, who has been under intense scrutiny lately. Surprisingly, Kohli is already making headlines in Australia, with his photo gracing the front pages of several major newspapers, highlighting the anticipation and curiosity around his performance. Despite arriving in Australia ahead of most of his teammates, Kohli was not seen at the team’s initial practice session, fueling questions and theories about his absence.

Team India Begins Practice in Perth

Team India has arrived in Perth in batches, with some players already acclimating to the Australian conditions by playing for India A. Among the early arrivals were players like KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, who have already started practice. Kohli, who was one of the first senior players to arrive, was expected to lead the practice session; however, the likes of Yashaswi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul were seen actively batting in the nets instead. Meanwhile, bowlers such as Navdeep Saini, Akash Deep, and Ravindra Jadeja joined in preparing for the upcoming challenges.

Where is King Kohli?

The absence of “King Kohli” from the first practice session has not gone unnoticed, and fans have taken to social media to speculate about his whereabouts. Some have expressed concerns, while others believe Kohli may join the next session to conserve his energy or possibly work on specific preparations in a private setting. Kohli, a player who often draws significant media attention, has now become the subject of intrigue, with everyone wondering if he will make a grand appearance at the second practice session.

Fans are hopeful that Kohli’s absence is strategic, aimed at honing his skills for the series rather than any underlying issues. His presence in the Australia series is crucial, as his performance will not only set the tone for Team India but also potentially silence critics. With Australia’s formidable bowling attack waiting, Kohli’s preparation and performance will be key to India’s success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

For now, as Team India’s practice intensifies, Kohli’s absence has stirred curiosity and anticipation. The mystery behind his non-appearance at the nets only adds to the excitement leading up to the start of the Test series. Fans are eagerly awaiting further updates, and Kohli’s eventual appearance at practice will undoubtedly draw significant attention as Team India looks to start strong in Australia.

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The 0-3 series loss has raised alarms within the board, especially given that many senior players did not perform to expectations. As a result, there is speculation that some veterans may be left out of the Test format moving forward. The BCCI is said to be contemplating a major overhaul after the upcoming series against Australia, with sources indicating that the careers of certain senior players could be nearing their end in the Test arena.

Names such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin are reportedly on the chopping block. It is rumored that at least two of these star players may play their final Test series against Australia. With their international careers in the latter stages, and following their retirement from T20 format, the BCCI is poised to inject fresh talent into the squad ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.

Informal discussions are said to have taken place among BCCI officials, Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Captain Rohit Sharma regarding the future of senior players. The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Australia on November 10, heightening the urgency for decisions regarding the squad.

The recent performance of Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin has been underwhelming, prompting the BCCI to consider younger talents like Sai Sudarshan and Devdutt Padikkal as potential replacements. Following the Australia series, discussions around Ashwin’s future with the team are anticipated, especially after his disappointing outing in New Zealand. Conversely, Washington Sundar’s impressive form could position him as a longer-term option for the side.

As for Jadeja, his all-round capabilities on foreign pitches may afford him a longer tenure with the Test squad, provided he maintains his fitness. The upcoming series against Australia promises to be pivotal, not just for the team’s immediate success but also for the future direction of Indian cricket.

The post BCCI’s Major Shakeup Looms After Test Series Defeat Against New Zealand appeared first on Vizag One.

Performance Overview

In the 2024 domestic season, Rohit Sharma managed only 133 runs across 10 innings, while Virat Kohli fared slightly better with a total of 192 runs. Both players combined scored just two half-centuries over five Tests, a stark contrast to their past performances. While India recently won a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, their dismal performance against New Zealand has reignited discussions about the future of these seasoned players.

This is not the first time the Indian team has faced difficulties against New Zealand; a similar situation arose during the World Test Championship in 2019. After the series, Rohit Sharma openly acknowledged his subpar performance as both captain and batsman, admitting he failed to deliver his best.

Virat Kohli’s Form Woes

Virat Kohli has been grappling with poor form throughout the 2024 season. In six Tests, he managed to score only 260 runs at a disappointing average of 22.72. Once a dominant force against spinners, Kohli’s average at home has plummeted from 72.45 (2013-2019) to just 32.86 in recent times. His struggles are further highlighted by the fact that he has fallen victim to left-arm spinners 12 times since 2020, a concerning trend that has raised alarms among fans and selectors alike.

Rohit Sharma’s Continued Decline

Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup, has also been struggling to find his rhythm. Despite a commendable 400 runs in the series against England earlier this year, he managed only 91 runs in three Tests against New Zealand. A particularly alarming moment came during a chase of 147 runs in the Mumbai Test when he was dismissed by a short ball from Matt Henry. In his last 10 Test innings, Rohit has scored more than 20 runs only twice, raising questions about his ability to perform under pressure.

The Team Management’s Dilemma

Given the declining form of key players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian team management has opted to replace them with younger talent in domestic cricket. However, the question remains: can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli be dropped under such circumstances? While both players have made significant contributions to Indian cricket, their current performance levels are cause for concern.

As selectors look for potential replacements and the team explores new talent, the tolerance for Kohli and Rohit’s inconsistent performances is waning. With crucial series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, it remains to be seen how long the selectors will continue to back these two veterans amidst growing pressure for change.

The post Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Struggles: Should They Be Removed from the Indian Team? appeared first on Vizag One.

Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries, Kohli said, “At the end of this cycle, it is going to be 20 years that I am going to be playing for RCB, and that in itself is a very, very special feeling for me.” Known for his unyielding spirit, Kohli expressed his loyalty to the franchise, adding, “I don’t see myself anywhere other than RCB, and I am very happy that it happened.”

Over his IPL career, Kohli has accumulated over 8,000 runs with a strike rate of 131.97, including eight centuries and 55 fifties, making him the leading run-scorer in IPL history. While Kohli has experienced ups and downs, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, his dedication to the game and RCB hasn’t waned.

Looking forward to the upcoming auction, he shared his excitement about creating a formidable squad capable of winning the elusive IPL title. With a powerful bond with RCB fans and an enduring dream to lift the trophy, Kohli’s journey continues to inspire millions.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the next few years to see Kohli reach this landmark and perhaps, finally bring the IPL trophy home to Bengaluru.

The post Virat Kohli’s 20-Year Dream with RCB: Aiming to Continue Until 2027! appeared first on Vizag One.

Sharma revealed that while they had predicted the pitch would be challenging, they failed to fully understand its complexities. “I misread the conditions,” said Rohit, “We anticipated the pitch to be tricky, but I misjudged how damp it was after three days of covers due to the humid weather.” This resulted in India’s decision to bat first after winning the toss, a move that backfired as the New Zealand bowlers capitalized on the conditions.

Rohit also shared the reasoning behind sending Virat Kohli one down, explaining that KL Rahul preferred not to alter his batting position, which led to Kohli stepping in. The captain, however, refused to blame individual players, stating that the team, as a whole, underperformed. “It wasn’t a matter of potential. We just failed to execute our plans on this challenging surface.”

New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Tim Southee and Matt Henry, exploited the pitch to perfection. With sharp movement and tight lines, they forced five Indian batters to get out without scoring. Rishabh Pant, who top-scored with 20 runs, was the only Indian batter to show some resistance, but it wasn’t enough to recover from the collapse.

Sharma admitted that it was a mistake to opt for batting first, but he defended the thought process behind it. “We wanted to take advantage of the early morning moisture, but clearly, we failed to handle the situation as we had planned.” Despite these setbacks, Rohit addressed the media with a positive outlook, recognizing the need to bounce back quickly.

At the close of Day 2, New Zealand had already built a commanding lead, scoring 180 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 50 overs, leading by 134 runs. Team India now faces an uphill battle as they regroup and try to salvage the match.

The Indian captain concluded by praising the efforts of the New Zealand bowlers, acknowledging their ability to exploit the conditions far better than India had anticipated. “We have to learn from this, make better decisions moving forward, and ensure we don’t repeat such mistakes.”

The post Rohit Sharma Reflects on India’s 46-All Out: Misjudging the Pitch and Strategic Errors appeared first on Vizag One.

As preparations for the IPL Season-18 Mega Auction kick off, former Team India player Mohammad Kaif made headlines with his recommendation that RCB should strategize to acquire Rohit Sharma. Kaif emphasized Rohit’s prowess as a captain, citing his remarkable track record in the Indian Premier League.

In a candid conversation on a private channel, Kaif expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills could be instrumental in steering RCB to victory and ending their 17-year title drought. Fans resonated with Kaif’s sentiments, advocating for Rohit’s move to RCB to form a formidable partnership with Virat Kohli.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership tenure at Mumbai Indians saw the team clinch the championship title five times, underscoring his captaincy acumen. His recent triumph in leading the T20 World Cup victory further solidified his credentials as a strategic leader on the field.

With speculations rife about Rohit Sharma’s potential appearance in the IPL mega auction, the cricketing fraternity awaits with bated breath to witness the bidding war that is expected to ensue among franchises vying for the Hitman’s services.

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Virat Kohli: A stalwart of RCB since the inception of IPL, Virat Kohli’s loyalty and exceptional leadership make him a cornerstone of the team. As the only player to have represented a single franchise throughout his IPL career, Kohli’s presence ensures stability and inspiration for the squad.

Mohammad Siraj: The pace sensation, Mohammad Siraj, has been a consistent performer across all formats for India. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs makes him an invaluable asset for RCB. Siraj’s inclusion in the retained players’ list seems almost certain.

Will Jacks: The English powerhouse, Will Jacks, made a mark in the previous IPL season with a scintillating century and impactful bowling performances. His ability to turn the tide of a match with explosive batting adds flair to RCB’s lineup, making him a likely candidate for retention.

Cameron Green: The Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green, showcased his skills with both bat and ball after joining RCB from Mumbai Indians. With a promising role as an all-rounder, Green’s retention could strengthen RCB’s squad, potentially replacing Glenn Maxwell in the team.

Rajat Patidar: A versatile batsman adept at handling spin and pace bowling, Rajat Patidar has been a consistent performer in the IPL. With an impressive record of 799 runs at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 159, Patidar’s ability to score boundaries and sixes makes him a valuable asset for RCB.

As the mega auction approaches, RCB’s retention strategy hints at a blend of experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

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The second test match between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to commence on September 27 at the Green Park Stadium. The match will kick off at 9:30 am, with the toss taking place at 9 am. Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action live on Jio Cinema app and Jio Cinema website. Additionally, the match will be broadcasted on Sports 18-1SD, Sports 18-1 HD, and Sports 18-2 Hindi channels.

Notably, the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur has witnessed thrilling cricket moments over the years. Team India has participated in 38 international matches across all formats at this venue, securing victory in 17 matches while facing defeat in 18 matches. The highest score recorded at this stadium stands at 676/7 during an India vs Sri Lanka Test.

The squads for the upcoming match have been announced. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, includes prominent players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s squad, captained by Nazmul Hussain Santo, features players such as Mushfiqar Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taskin Ahmed.

As the anticipation builds for the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Cricket Match, fans can expect a thrilling display of cricketing talent and sportsmanship on the field.

The post India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Cricket Match: Live Streaming, Teams, and Key Details appeared first on Vizag One.

Gambhir kicked off the interview by reminiscing about Kohli’s standout performances, particularly highlighting his exceptional innings of 183 runs against Pakistan, which he hailed as one of the best in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Describing Kohli’s prowess in dismantling a formidable bowling attack comprising the likes of Umar Gul, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, and Wahab Riaz, Gambhir lauded Kohli’s ability to single-handedly steer India to victory while chasing a challenging target of over 300 runs.

Reflecting on Kohli’s remarkable achievements, Gambhir fondly recalled the batsman’s stellar series in Australia and his unforgettable Test innings in Napier. The interview also touched upon the friendly banter and occasional on-field clashes between Kohli and Gambhir, with both players sharing light-hearted moments and emphasizing the mutual respect they hold for each other.

In a humorous exchange, Gambhir playfully remarked on Kohli’s penchant for confrontations on the field, prompting Kohli to humorously deflect the question. The candid conversation between the two cricketing icons offered a glimpse into their camaraderie and dispelled any notions of lingering animosities, showcasing a bond built on shared experiences and a shared passion for the game.

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