Sports / The Times of India
Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets, chasing down 188 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Vaibhav Suryavanshi's impressive 57 off 33 balls and Yashasvi Jaiswal's quick 36 set the stage for the victory. CSK's batting inconsistency, despite Ayush Mhatre's 43, led to their fifth loss while defending a total, increasing the risk of finishing last.
Following Rajasthan Royals' victory over Chennai Super Kings, young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, known for his record-breaking century, displayed remarkable respect by touching MS Dhoni's feet. This heartwarming gesture resonated deeply with fans, overshadowing the match's playoff implications. Suryavanshi's humility and talent continue to impress, marking him as a rising star in cricket.
Chennai Super Kings faced another setback in IPL 2025, suffering their 10th defeat, matching their worst record. Inconsistency and injuries plagued their campaign, dashing playoff hopes early. With one game left against Gujarat Titans, CSK risks setting a new record for most losses and potentially finishing last, needing a significant win to avoid the bottom spot.
Rajasthan Royals capped off their IPL 2025 season with a commanding six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings. Despite a brief middle-overs wobble, brilliant half-century from Vaibhav Suryavanshi and a blistering finish from Dhruv Jurel, coupled with a disciplined bowling effort led by Akash Madhwal, ensured the Royals chased down 188 with 17 balls to spare, ending their campaign on a high.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old prodigy, propelled Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their final IPL 2025 match. Suryavanshi's explosive 57 off 33 balls, coupled with Sanju Samson's 41, ensured RR chased down CSK's 188 with ease. While RR finished ninth, the playoff race intensifies with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals battling for the final spot.
Following Rajasthan Royals' victory over Chennai Super Kings, young Vaibhav Suryavanshi, after a stellar 57-run innings, respectfully touched MS Dhoni's feet during post-match handshakes. This gesture, showcasing the enduring impact of Dhoni on the next generation, quickly gained traction on social media, highlighting the respect he commands even towards the twilight of his IPL career.
Magnus Carlsen recently faced a unique challenge, battling over 143,000 chess enthusiasts worldwide in a freestyle game hosted online. This marked the first time a reigning or former world champion participated in such a format. Despite predictions favouring Carlsen, Team World played strategically, leading to a draw by move 32 via threefold repetition.
Even though the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals match was inconsequential, a spectator resembling MS Dhoni stole the show. Cameras frequently focused on the doppelganger during the CSK innings, creating a buzz among fans. This unexpected attraction served as a potent reminder of Dhoni's enduring influence and iconic status within the franchise, overshadowing the game itself.
Dale Steyn criticised Chennai Super Kings' team management for their questionable batting order decisions in the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals. He questioned promoting bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja ahead of power-hitters, as CSK struggled to 78/5. Dhoni admitted the team is now focused on preparing for the 2026 season after their elimination.
Mumbai Indians' head coach Mahela Jayawardene is confident about their playoff chances after a strong winning streak. They face Delhi Capitals in a crucial match, needing a win to secure their spot. Jayawardene emphasised focusing on routines and praised the team's resilience in must-win situations, with replacements ready for departing overseas players.
Riyan Parag reflected on Rajasthan Royals' disappointing IPL 2025 season, acknowledging his failure to convert starts into significant scores. RR aims to avoid finishing last with a win against CSK. Dewald Brevis expressed optimism about CSK's performance and anticipates an exciting match, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and securing a victory.
Captain MS Dhoni acknowledged Chennai Super Kings' early exit from IPL 2025, stating the team is now focused on experimenting and planning for the next season, particularly improving their bowling. Despite the disappointing season, Dhoni emphasised the franchise isn't under pressure and is looking at combinations for a rebuild for next year.
Yuki Bhambri, now India's No. 2 doubles player, is navigating a challenging clay court season leading up to Roland Garros. Despite inconsistent partnerships and early exits in recent tournaments, Bhambri remains focused on improving his performance and aiming for success at the upcoming Grand Slam events. He also acknowledges Rohan Bopanna's significant contribution to Indian tennis.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced full refunds for ticket holders after their IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was moved from Bengaluru to Lucknow due to persistent rain and unplayable conditions.
Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack, Hockey India will adhere to the government's decision regarding Pakistan's participation in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled in Rajgir. Bholanath Singh, Hockey India's secretary general, emphasised that the country's interests take precedence. While the Pakistan Hockey Federation has requested visa guarantees, Hockey India awaits government directives, prioritising the nation's honour above all else.
The BCCI has announced the schedule and venues for the IPL 2025 playoffs. New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh will host Qualifier 1 on May 29 and the Eliminator on May 30. Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium will then host Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the final on June 3.
Due to persistent unfavorable weather in Bengaluru, the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad has been moved to Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium. Scheduled for May 23, the game remains an RCB home fixture. The IPL has also extended playing time for remaining league matches to accommodate potential weather delays, starting May 20.
Rishabh Pant's struggles continued as Lucknow Super Giants were eliminated from IPL 2025 playoff contention after a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pant's poor form, scoring only 7 runs, has drawn criticism. However, Yograj Singh believes Pant's technical flaws are easily fixable, while Pant attributes the team's struggles to injuries of key bowlers.
Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium will host the IPL 2025 final on June 3, a decision made by the BCCI due to weather considerations. Qualifier 2 will also be held in Ahmedabad on June 1. Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, is likely to host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on May 29 and 30 respectively.
Young Ayush Mhatre of Chennai Super Kings recently shared an inspiring moment with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who advised him to simply play your game and just be yourself. The 17-year-old, who joined CSK as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, has impressed with 163 runs in five matches, including a notable 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Yograj Singh voices apprehension over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's potential Test retirements, emphasizing the necessity of their experience for the upcoming series against England. He urges them to reconsider, highlighting the importance of national pride and fan emotions. Yograj also calls on the BCCI to support players during tough times, referencing past instances of abrupt player dismissals.
Sanju Samson spoke about MS Dhoni's impact. He recalled the electrifying atmosphere when Dhoni batted in Chennai. Samson admitted the 'Dhoni effect' transcends venues. CSK prepares for their final match against RR. Stephen Fleming remained tight-lipped about Dhonis future. The season has been underwhelming for CSK. Rajasthan Royals have faced missed opportunities. Samsons words remind everyone of Dhoni's magical presence.
Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings, has condemned a fabricated image circulating online that falsely depicts her hugging Rajasthan Royals' young player, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Zinta refuted the morphed image as fake news, expressing surprise that news channels were also using it. The actual video shows a brief greeting and handshake between Zinta and Suryavanshi.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, the leadership mantle is up for grabs. Shubman Gill is poised to take over as Test captain, but it comes with a rider - who will be his deputy, a designated vice-captain, captain-in-waiting, or, in Indian cricketing history, a powerless foot-soldier.
Abhishek Sharma's explosive half-century and Heinrich Klaasen's composed innings propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, eliminating LSG from playoff contention. Despite Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram's fifties setting a strong foundation, Lucknow's late-over collapse proved costly. SRH successfully chased down the target, marking their first 200-plus chase at the Ekana Stadium.
An IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants saw a fiery confrontation between Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi, sparked by Rathi's aggressive celebrations. Both players faced penalties, with Rathi receiving a heavier fine and suspension.
Urvil Patel's explosive IPL debut for CSK has stunned many, smashing 31 off 11 balls with a record-breaking strike rate. His coach, Prakash Patani, revealed Urvil's rigorous training regime involving 200 daily sixes and intense gym sessions. Initially a pacer, Urvil transitioned to a wicket-keeper batter on his coach's advice.
Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their squad with the addition of Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka. Bairstow replaces Will Jacks for Rs 5.25 crore, while Gleeson comes in for Ryan Rickelton at Rs 1 crore. Asalanka fills Corbin Bosch's spot for Rs 75 lakhs.
Lucknow Super Giants bowler Digvesh Rathi has been penalised for violating the IPL Code of Conduct during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was fined 50% of his match fees and suspended for one game due to accumulating five demerit points this season.
Abhishek Sharma's explosive 59 off 20 balls propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, who are now out of playoff contention. Chasing 206, Hyderabad completed the chase with 10 balls remaining, thanks to crucial contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Kamindu Mendis. Rishabh Pant expressed disappointment, citing injuries as a challenge.
Lucknow Super Giants' defeat has intensified the IPL 2025 playoff race, eliminating them from contention. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have already qualified, leaving one spot open. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are now in a fierce battle, with their head-to-head match on May 21st crucial for determining who advances to the playoffs.
In an IPL 2025 match where SRH defeated LSG, eliminating them from playoff contention, a heated moment occurred. Young cricketers Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi engaged in a confrontation after Rathi dismissed Sharma. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla intervened, mediating a reconciliation between the two players. Abhishek, despite not reaching his peak performance in IPL 2025, has maintained better batting statistics compared to his SRH teammates. He aims to finish strong in the team's final
Former teammate Joginder Sharma suggests MS Dhoni should consider retirement after Chennai Super Kings' disappointing IPL season, where they failed to reach the playoffs. Dhoni's future has been questioned, especially with his altered batting position and coach's concerns about his endurance. Joginder, who bowled the iconic final over under Dhonis captaincy in the 2007 T20 World Cup final, feels the veteran wicketkeeper-batter should call time on his illustrious 18-year IPL career.
Rishabh Pant conceded that Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) IPL 2025 playoff hopes were dashed due to their inability to compensate for key bowlers' injuries. LSG's bowling unit struggled throughout the season, impacting their performance. Despite batting strength, they couldn't maintain momentum in the second half, while young spinner Digvesh Rathi's emergence was a positive takeaway.
During the IPL 2025 match between LSG and SRH, a heated exchange erupted between Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma after Rathi dismissed Sharma. Sharma, visibly upset by Rathi's celebration, was caught on camera uttering threats. This incident overshadowed impressive performances from Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran for LSG, as well as Sharma's explosive innings for SRH.
Abhishek Sharma's explosive 59 off 20 balls propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. SRH chased down a target of 206 with ease, knocking LSG out of playoff contention. Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram's efforts were in vain as LSG's bowling faltered, failing to contain SRH's aggressive batting lineup.
In a high-octane IPL 2025 match, Lucknow Super Giants' Digvesh Rathi dismissed Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma, sparking a heated exchange. Sharma, after a rapid 59, reacted strongly to Rathi's signature celebration. The incident occurred during SRH's chase of LSG's 205, fueled by earlier fifties from Marsh and Markram, with Pooran's late surge pushing LSG past 200.
Sanjiv Goenka, co-owner of Lucknow Super Giants, faced criticism after cameras captured his visible frustration following Rishabh Pant's dismissal during a crucial IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pant's poor performance and Goenka's reaction sparked a social media frenzy, highlighting the intense pressure on both players and owners in the high-stakes playoff race.
Nicholas Pooran's frustration boiled over after a run-out during Lucknow Super Giants' innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The vice-captain, visibly upset at missing the opportunity to finish strong, threw an object in the dressing room. This reaction underscores the intense pressure LSG faces as they fight for a playoff spot, where every run and moment is crucial.
Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka's frustration was evident after Rishabh Pant's early dismissal against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2025 match. Pant's poor form continued as he managed only 7 runs, adding pressure to LSG's playoff hopes. Goenka's reaction, captured in a viral video, highlighted the high stakes and tension surrounding the team's performance.
Two rising stars Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are set to clash in a battle that could shape the next generation of Indian cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chennai Super Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in a contest that holds no bearing.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming affirmed the franchise's commitment to experienced players despite a disappointing IPL 2025 season. Fleming acknowledged the team's struggles and the need to reassess strategies while emphasizing the importance of balancing experience with emerging talent. He dismissed the notion of solely focusing on young players, highlighting the value of seasoned performers.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the young Rajasthan Royals batter, addresses rumours about him crying during his debut. He explains it was due to eye irritation from bright lights. Suryavanshi has impressed everyone with his fearless batting. He scored 195 runs in six matches. Despite Rajasthan Royals' struggles, his emergence is a positive sign. Fans are excited to see his future performance.
Stephen Fleming remained tight-lipped about MS Dhoni's future as CSK faces a rebuilding phase after a disappointing season. Youngster Ayush Mhatre's emergence provides a silver lining, while other young talents get a chance to shine. Rajasthan Royals, plagued by poor auction decisions and chasing woes, also look to end their season on a positive note.
KL Rahul is eyeing a T20I comeback for India with Bangladesh tour the next opportunity. His recent IPL form has strengthened his case with eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup. Most recently, KL Rahul's Champions Trophy and IPL performances have highlighted his versatility. On Sunday, he scored a century in the IPL and became the fastest Indian to 8,000 T20 runs.
The public feud between Rahul Vaidya and Virat Kohli seems to be resolving as Kohli unblocked Vaidya on Instagram. This follows Vaidya's initial criticism of Kohli's social media activity and subsequent blocking. Vaidya has now expressed gratitude and praised Kohli, signaling a potential end to their digital conflict after heated exchanges and online backlash from fans.
Gujarat Titans will continue their cancer awareness initiative. The team will wear lavender jerseys during a home game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 22, 2025. Thirty thousand lavender flags and ten thousand jerseys will be distributed to fans. This promotes early detection and quality care for cancer patients. Shubman Gill and the team show solidarity with cancer warriors.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia refuted reports claiming India's withdrawal from Asian Cricket Council tournaments to isolate Pakistan. Saikia clarified that the BCCI hasn't discussed or decided on participation in the Asia Cup or Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. He emphasized the board's current focus on the ongoing IPL and the upcoming England series.