Sports

CSK batter MS Dhoni walks to bat as skipper R Gaikwad leaves after his dismissal. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Chennai Super Kings were dealt a severe blow as regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the IPL due to an elbow fracture with Mahendra Singh Dhoni to once again take charge of the team.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL with fracture on elbow. MS Dhoni to take over as captain,” Fleming told mediapersons on Thursday (April 10, 2025).

Gaikwad sustained the blow when he was hit by a short ball from Jofra Archer.

Jos Buttler has settled nicely into the No.3 slot, according to GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel
| Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI

How Jos Buttler would fare against the team he played for the last seven seasons with distinction was going to be one of the sub-plots in Wednesday’s IPL encounter.

He did alright, scoring 36 and sharing an 80-run partnership for the second wicket with B. Sai Sudharshan, which laid the foundation for Gujarat Titans’ 58-run victory against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium. That was the Titans’ fourth win on the trot and it took them to the top of the table.

The England heavyweight has indeed been a welcome addition to GT. He has done his bit in making the franchise top heavy. So heavy, the top three — skipper Shubman Gill being the other — has rolled over the opposition with ease and consistency.

Buttler, who used to open for Royals, has settled nicely into the one-drop slot for GT, with scores of 54, 39 and 73 not out. Assistant coach Parthiv Patel said it was indeed the plan when he was acquired at the auction.

“That he would bat at number,” the former India wicketkeeper said. “Though he wasn’t keeping for England, he was going to do it for us. He has been one of the best players of white-ball cricket in recent years; it is good to see he is enjoying his cricket and delivering for us.”

Parthiv praised the bowlers, too. “Siraj is bowling well and Prasidh Krishna has been phenomenal,” he said. “Sai Kishore has been the best spinner in the tournament so far.”

The National Sports Code has been a tricky issue for successive governments for a long time but the Sports Ministry is confident of finally getting it cleared in the near future.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who has been proactive in trying to settle long-pending administrative issues in Indian sports, has insisted that his only interest was developing and promoting the country’s sports and sportspersons and that he would continue to push for the adoption of the National Sports Governance Bill 2024 at the earliest.

“I have to do what is right and good for Indian sports, my responsibility is towards the country’s sports and sportspersons,” he made it clear during an interaction on Thursday. The minister reiterated that he would do everything possible to convince everyone and get the Bill passed soon.

He also expressed confidence that India would be getting hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games despite Canada and Nigeria throwing their hats into the ring at the last minute. The 2030 CWG will be a preparatory event towards the real big event the government hopes to organise — the 2036 Olympics. “Everyone is welcome to express their interest but we are confident of getting it,” Mandaviya said.

If successful, it will be the first big-ticket multi-discipline event in India since the controversy-marred 2010 edition and a big step towards strengthening India’s claims for 2036. A decision on the same is expected to be made over the next 18 months by the IOC under the newly-elected president Kirsty Coventry.

Mandaviya also announced youth initiatives by the ministry to further social participation and the Fit India movement, including a week-long visit with cultural and sporting activities in May at border villages under the Viksit Vibrant Village Campaign by volunteers selected through My Bharat portal applications.

The MYAS will also organise padyatras across all state and UT capitals on April 13 and cleanliness drives in every district around BR Ambedkar’s statues the next day to mark his birth anniversary. The ministry is also actively considering encouraging chip-based cycles to monitor and award carbon credits to encourage cycling for fitness.

MS Dhoni is back as Chennai Super Kings captain. He will be the skipper of the five-time champions for the rest of the IPL 2025 after CSK were dealt a severe blow as regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the IPL due to elbow fracture. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development. “Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL with fracture on elbow. MS Dhoni to take over as captain,” Fleming told mediapersons on Thursday. Gaikwad sustained the blow when he was hit by a short ball from Jofra Archer.

Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, will be back in the leadership role from Friday with a match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai. “Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow. MS Dhoni to lead,” the CSK said in an official statement.

Chennai Super Kings have has a torrid start to the IPL 2025. In five matches so far, CSK have lost four and lie at the ninth spot in the 10-team IPL 2025 table. Dhoni will have the humongous task of turning around the season.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the season due to a hairline fracture of the elbow.

MS DHONI TO LEAD.

GET WELL SOON, RUTU ! #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/U0NsVhKlny

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2025

The 43-year-old, under whom CSK won five IPL titles, handed over the leadership to Gaikwad at the beginning of the 2024 season. He said although he discusses things with Gaikwad, he refrains from persuading him to follow his advice.

“Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. His temperament is very good, he’s very calm, very composed. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership.

“Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background,” Dhoni recalled.

“But the fact is, he was making 99 percent of the decisions. The most important calls — bowling changes, field placements — were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players,” he added.

He also talked about the evolution that T20 cricket as a format has undergone.

“…batsmen are now willing to take risks. They believe that with proper cricketing shots, they can play big strokes, and at the same time, they are improvising with their shot selection…whether it’s a reverse scoop against a fast bowler, a sweep, or a reverse sweep against a pacer.

“I am no different, I have to adapt as well. This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant,” Dhoni said.

“The way we played T20 in 2008 and the way we played IPL last year, it’s very different. Earlier, there was a lot of turn in the wickets. Wickets were two-paced. Now, India’s wickets have become much better; they are more batter-friendly,” he explained.

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The FIA logo is displayed in the paddock ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Thursday, April 10, 2025. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Turmoil at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for auto racing series like Formula 1, has deepened after its deputy president for sport resigned in protest at how it is run.

Robert Reid was a running mate when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was elected in 2021. His resignation is the latest sign of discontent with the direction taken by the FIA under Ben Sulayem, whose tenure has seen a rift with F1 drivers and numerous senior officials leave or be replaced.

“I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance, and more collaborative leadership,” Reid posted on social media on Thursday (April 10, 2025).

“Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside, and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them.”

The FIA has clashed with F1 drivers over Ben Sulayem’s plans to crack down on swearing. New rules introduced for 2025 make it possible for the FIA to suspend drivers who repeatedly swear or make political statements.

F1 champion Max Verstappen kept his answers to a minimum at an FIA news conference last year after he was punished for swearing. Drivers in the world rally championship last month boycotted interviews to protest a fine issued to a driver who used an expletive in an interview.

Mr. Reid, a former world champion rally co-driver, isn’t the only voice at the FIA to express concern at how it is run.

British representative David Richards, a colleague of Reid’s from his rallying days, said on Wednesday he was seeking a meeting with Ben Sulayem. Richards alleged he was excluded from a meeting of the FIA world motor sport council for refusing to sign a document he called a “gagging order” that would ban public discussion of key topics.

The FIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mr. Reid’s resignation.

Ambati Rayudu, former Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians player, has been quite vocal in his support for MS Dhoni. At 43, Dhoni is the oldest player in the IPL 2025. After his batting order spot was criticised, there seems to be a change in. Dhoni came to bat at No. 5 against Punjab Kings scoring 27 off 12 balls. While he hit three sixes and a four, Dhoni could not take his team over the line as CSK lost to PBKS. After the match, Rayudu praised Dhoni while commentating. Virender Sehwag and Aakash Chopra were also present in the panel. Here’s how the conversation went. 

“There was a statement about an uncapped player, who hails from Jharkhand, ‘used to’ hit helicopter shots, he batted yesterday. He came in late yesterday, but it was not his fault. He came in late in the context of the match, because by the time he comes, it is too…but he couldn’t come earlier yesterday,” Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports. 

“See, there he is Thala. What an innings he played. He played with intent. He is a special player, Viru paji. The excitement is rising in the commentary box too,” Rayudu replied. 

To which Sehwag said: “I am not denying that player is special. But you said the ‘young player’ used to hit helicopter shot. I was just correcting the grammar. He still hits those shots. You should have said this.”

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni added another achievement to his name in the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday.

Dhoni became the first wicket-keeper to accomplish 150 catches in the IPL. He achieved this milestone after catching Nehal Wadhera during the Punjab Kings’ innings.

In the 8th over of the PBKS innings, Wadhera mishit a shot off R Ashwin, and Dhoni made a straightforward catch. Dinesh Karthik ranks second on the list with 137 catches to his credit.

Dhoni has produced several stunning stumpings and catches throughout the IPL. His quick work behind the stumps during tight moments has been key to CSK’s success, he has 45 stumpings to his name.

Against PBKS, Dhoni walked to the crease at No. 5 with 25 balls remaining in the chase and 69 runs still required. Dhoni once again faced the challenge of rescuing a nearly impossible scenario. The 43-year-old seemed to rewind time with an explosive 27 off merely 12 balls, hitting three sixes and a four.

He got out on the first ball of the 20th over, hitting down the leg full toss straight to Chahal. CSK has lost four out of five matches in the ongoing IPL so far. They have not batted first in any of these matches.

After the Chepauk innings by Dhoni, in which he played an average knock of 30 in 26 balls against Delhi Capitals (DC), with just a four and six, not firing in death overs like he would have expected to, this innings brought more cheers to fans.

Dhoni is the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history, with 5,346 runs at an average of 39.31 and a strike rate of over 137, with 24 fifties and a best score of 84. In IPL 2025, Dhoni has made 103 runs in five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of over 153.73; his best score is 30.

With ANI inputs 

RCB vs DC Live: Squads –

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, Romario Shepherd, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara.

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel(w), Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Karun Nair, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay, Darshan Nalkande, Dushmantha Chameera, KL Rahul, T Natarajan, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Manvanth Kumar L, Madhav Tiwari.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma spoke about the pressure he felt to perform well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in order to get selected for the World Cup. He admitted that he was playing with his mind last year and not focusing on the game itself. “Last year, because of the World Cup selection, I was not present in the IPL. So, in every game, I was thinking that I have to score, I have to score to get selected in the World Cup. I am not ashamed to accept it. I am a human. A human can make mistakes, and I have no problem with that. Last year, I was playing with my mind,” Jitesh Sharma said in a video shared by IPL.

He described how Dinesh Karthik became his mentor after the IPL auction. Karthik recognized that Sharma was overthinking and offered mental support, encouraging him to focus on his strengths and implement his advice in Syed Mushtaq tournament.

“Then I spoke to D.K. [Dinesh Karthik], and I told him that these were the things I was playing with in my mind. My work with D.K. started after the auction. As soon as the auction was over, I got a call from him. He was saying that this year, I am thinking so much for you that I know your strength. So, he was talking mentally. When Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq was playing, he was saying that whatever I am saying, try to do it in the matches,” he added.

Jitesh Sharma was first purchased in the IPL by the Mumbai Indians in 2016 and retained in 2017, but he didn’t get a game with them. He was again bought in the IPL 2022 auction by the Punjab Kings, and he made an impression as a finisher. Jitesh scored 234 runs at a strike rate of 163.64 in IPL 2022 and followed it up with an impressive season in 2023, racking up 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06. His performances as a finisher earned him his T20I debut.

RCB picked him ahead of the IPL auction 2025 for Rs11 Crore. So far, in four matches, he has scored 85 runs with an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 184.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to take on Delhi Capitals in the 24th match of the IPL 2025 on April 10 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB is still looking for its first win at home, even though it has sealed victories in all three away games of the competition so far.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Tokyo Olympics medallist Lovlina Borgohain could move down to the 70kg category after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) scrapped her current 75kg weight class for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, forcing her to pick a new division. The IOC on Wednesday announced the event programme and athlete quotas for the LA Games. With the rejig, Borgohain will have to either move down to 70kg or bulk up to 80kg. “This is brand new information for me. It is quite shocking,” Borgohain, who was caught off guard by the development, told PTI from Guwahati.

“I think I will have to move down to 70kg because it will be difficult for me to go up to 80kg,” she said.

Her personal coach Pranamika Bora was equally surprised by the development but said the final call would be made only after a series of fitness and medical assessments.

“Really surprised by this news. It’s too soon to commit to anything. She can fight in both weight categories as she has the height to play in 80kg as well,” Bora said.

“But we will conduct some tests to check what is best for body, cutting weight or bulking up. After that we will take a call.” Currently, Borgohain’s natural weight is 74kg and Bora stressed that losing too much weight could lead to reduction in strength.

“Right now her natural weight is 74kg and cutting too much could lead to her losing strength. So we will see what givers her more advantage,” said Bora, who travelled with Borgohain for the Paris Olympics.

Boxing, which was confirmed for inclusion in the 2028 Olympics only last month, will feature an equal number of men and women’s event (seven each) for the first time.

An additional women’s weight category has been added since the Paris Games.

The new Olympics women’s categories include 51kg (Flyweight), 54kg (Bantamweight), 57kg (Featherweight), 60kg(Lightweight), 65kg (Welterweight), 70kg (Light Middleweight), and 80kg (Heavyweight).

The axing of 75kg comes as surprise as World Boxing, which was provisionally recognised by the IOC as the new governing body of the sport in February, currently has the 75kg weight class on its roster instead of 80kg.

This isn’t the first time Borgohain has had to switch categories due to a rejig. Ahead of the Paris Games, she moved up from her then favoured 69kg division to 75kg after the former was axed from the Olympic programme.

Despite the shift, Borgohain adapted impressively. She won gold at the 2022 Asian Championships, clinched the 2023 World Championship title, and took silver at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Should she opt for 70kg, it would mark a return to a weight class close to the 69kg category in which she won bronze at the Tokyo Games.

The Assam boxer has also won two bronze medals each at the World Championships and Asian Championships while competing in welterweight, where her height gave her a distinct edge.

Two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, who competed in 50kg in the previous Olympic cycle, is expected to move up to 51kg.

The new men’s weight categories for the Olympics will start from the 55kg (Bantamweight), 60kg (Lightweight), 65kg (Welterweight), 70kg (Light Middleweight), 80kg (Light Heavyweight), 90kg (Heavyweight) and 90kg (Super Heavyweight).

The (50kg) flyweight division has been scrapped.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

RCB vs DC Live Score, IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns against Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match No 24 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With three wins in as many games, DC are currently placed at the second place, while RCB are at the third position on the points table.

RCB have mastered conditions as distinct as Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai and their lone stumble came at home against Gujarat Titans. It was more to do with a rather out of character Chinnaswamy pitch taking them by surprise than any sudden erosion in skills.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s in-form captain, Rajat Patidar, is expected to be a key player, particularly against spin. Delhi Capitals, therefore, will be looking to their left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, for a significant contribution. However, Patel has had a quiet start to the season, bowling only eight overs in three matches and failing to secure a wicket.

The fitness of Faf du Plessis will be a key factor for Delhi Capitals, after he missed the game against CSK. If he is fit to open with Rahul, RCB’s new ball bowlers will have to be on their game from ball one.

RCB vs DC: Pitch report
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is known for its characteristics that often lead to high-scoring T20 cricket matches. The pitch often provides good bounce and carry, which can assist fast bowlers, especially in the early overs. Dew can play a significant role in evening matches, making the ball slippery and challenging for bowlers.

RCB vs DC Team Prediction
RCB predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal,

Impact Sub: Rasikh Salam
DC predicted XI: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser McGurk, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Mohit Sharma

Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma
RCB vs DC squads
RCB: Rajat Patidar (c), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, Romario Shepherd, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara.

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel(w), Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Karun Nair, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay, Darshan Nalkande, Dushmantha Chameera, KL Rahul, T Natarajan, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Manvanth Kumar L, Madhav Tiwari.

RCB vs DC: Head-to-head
Total matched played: 31
RCB won: 19

DC won: 11

No Result: 1

RCB vs DC IPL 2025, Bengaluru weather prediction
The weather is expected to be partly to mostly cloudy during the match. Temperatures are likely to range from 25°C to 31°C throughout the evening. There is a possibility of thunderstorms, with some rain expected, particularly around the 8 PM and 9 PM IST time slots. So there is a chance of rain interruptions.