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Lock down your calendars! It is India vs New Zealand at the ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9! The Kiwis upstaged a high-quality South African team that just didn’t show any quality in the second semi-final. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson hammered centuries in the first innings to deny David Miller’s quickest Champions Trophy hundred. Apart from this, there were many reports and updates coming in. Is MS Dhoni still CSK’s skipper? How did Mohammed Shami contradicted Gautam Gambhir and will the IPL 2025 schedule get changed?
MS Dhoni still CSK captain?
MS Dhoni is no longer the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But he still has his says! He handed over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2024. Gaikwad revealed that Dhoni gave him full authority to make decisions, only offering advice on 50-50 field placement calls. Despite the change, Dhoni remains a guiding presence. Gaikwad appreciates the trust Dhoni has in him, allowing him to lead independently. Read more here.
Mohammed Shami vs Gambhir?
Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami contradicted his coach Gautam Gambhir’s statement that playing all Champions Trophy matches in Dubai didn’t give India an advantage. Shami said it “definitely helped” them, citing familiarity with the pitch and conditions, as well as reduced travel fatigue. This comes after Gambhir dismissed claims of India having an unfair advantage, calling critics “perpetual cribbers”. The debate surrounds India playing all their matches in Dubai due to security concerns in Pakistan. Read more here.
KL Rahul hits critics
KL Rahul has responded to critics after the Champions Trophy semis, stating he’s performed his role. Despite being demoted to No. 6, Rahul scored 42 against Australia and 41 not out against Bangladesh. He admitted to enjoying batting at the top but is willing to adapt to the team’s needs. Rahul also praised skipper Rohit Sharma for his support, saying he’s been given the freedom to play his game. Gambhir lavished praise on KL Rahul as well, who has averaged 56.77 since 2023. Read more here.
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Change in IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 schedule faces question marks as KKR vs LSG on April 6 may be rescheduled due to Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata. Kolkata Police has raised security concerns, as large religious processions will take place on the same day. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has sought help from West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas to find a solution. A date or venue change is possible but challenging, given KKR’s strong home support and LSG’s Kolkata ties. Read more here.
Steve Smith retires…
Australia’s greatest modern-day batter Steve Smith announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after the team’s exit from the Champions Trophy against India. Smith, who debuted in 2010, played 170 ODIs, scoring 5800 runs. He led Australia in the Champions Trophy, but they managed only one win; against England. Smith will still play Tests and is looking forward to the World Test Championship final in June against South Africa. He said it’s the right time to make way for others to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Read more here.
Virat Kohli surpasses Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli has jumped to 4th place in the latest ICC ODI rankings, surpassing Rohit Sharma, who slipped to 5th. Kohli’s stellar performances in the Champions Trophy, including a century against Pakistan, helped him rise in the rankings. Shubman Gill remains at the top spot, while Heinrich Klaasen moved to 3rd place. Kohli now has 747 points, just two points ahead of Rohit Sharma. Another superb show in the final against New Zealand would help Kohli reclaim his dominance in the ICC rankings. Read more here.
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