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India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to continue their A+ grade BCCI central contract list for 2025-26, while Shreyas Iyer is expected to return to the list after being dropped on the previous occasion due to reportedly missing domestic cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to retain Virat and Rohit in the A contract, which will see them earn Rs 7 crore despite the duo’s retirement from the T20I format. Rohit and Virat had their last dance in the format after ending India’s ICC trophy drought by lifting the T20 World Cup last year in Barbados.

“Rohit and Virat will continue their A+ grade central contract (7 crore) even after retiring from T20I format. They are big players and will be accorded the respect they deserve. Shreyas Iyer is all set to be back in central contract,” BCCI sources said.

Rohit, a modern-day icon in the white-ball cricket, has lost his charm and purple patch across all formats. After bringing the curtain down on his T20I career on a memorable note, the seasoned opener’s bat has resorted to silence.

During India’s historic 3-0 home series whitewash against New Zealand, the fiery opener, who has lost his flamboyance, contributed just 91 runs across three Test matches, averaging 15.17.

Even before the series loss against the Kiwis, when India faced Bangladesh, the dynamic opener amassed a mere 42 runs in two Test matches while averaging just 10.50.

After a forgettable run at home, Rohit’s performance sparked criticism after his shambolic display in Tests in Australia. In five innings during the series, Rohit had only 31 runs to show at an abysmal average of 6.20.

Meanwhile, Virat, who could just make 190 runs in 10 innings during the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was among players who came under scrutiny after the 1-3 series loss to Australia.

Virat ended the last year with just 655 international runs in 23 matches and 32 innings, averaging 21.83, with a century and two fifties to his name. His best score was 100*.

On the other hand, Shreyas, along with Ishan Kishan, were dropped from the BCCI’s central contract list after reportedly missing domestic cricket despite being available. Since then, Shreyas has put in the hard yards in India’s domestic circuit and exhibited a scorching form.

In his last Ranji Trophy campaign, Shreyas garnered 480 runs from five matches for Mumbai, averaging 68.57 while striking at a healthy rate of 90.22.

With 345 runs in his kitty from nine matches, Shreyas was the fourth-highest run-getter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He exhibited his rich vein of form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, boasting 325 runs in five games at a staggering average of 325.00.

He was a part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning run in February and ended the tournament as the nation’s leading run-scorer with 243 runs from five matches.

Mumbai Indians bowler Ashwani Kumar during the IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on March 31, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Mumbai Indians’ (MI) latest sensation, Ashwani Kumar, made a dream debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), delivering a match-winning performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The young seamer from Jhanjheri, Mohali, was the star with the ball, picking up 4/24 in his three-over spell and playing a crucial role in restricting KKR to 116.

After being named Player of the Match for his stunning debut performance, an emotional Ashwani said, “It is a big thing for me that I got this opportunity and that I am getting this award. Never thought about this, just did my process and happy (to get this award). I am from Jhanjheri in Mohali district – to come from there to here, that is the result of my hard work and by god’s grace, I am here,” as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Ashwani’s impact was felt early as he claimed his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane for 11. Gaining confidence with each delivery, he then sent back the dangerous Rinku Singh (17). After that, he cleaned up Manish Pandey (19) and all-rounder Andre Russell (5) to complete a stunning spell. Despite his impressive performance, the young pacer admitted to feeling a mix of emotions before stepping onto the field.

“I was confident, but I was a little nervous as well, thinking about what will happen,” he shared. Ashwani also had a special message for his supporters back home, expressing gratitude and determination to continue performing at the highest level.”I want to make all of you feel proud in the upcoming games,” he said. With a debut to remember, Ashwani Kumar has announced himself on the big stage.

Had banana, says Ashwani

“I didn’t have anything for lunch, I just had a banana. There was a little pressure. I wasn’t feeling hungry,” said Kumar.

“But still, I played well, so it’s good.

“(Captain) Hardik Pandya said that since it’s your debut match, enjoy yourself. Just keep bowling the way you have been,” he added.

Pandya said the credit for his bowler’s impressive debut should go to the extensive Mumbai scouting network.

“We thought Ashwani can come in on this pitch and bowl the way he bowled. It is all the scouts – they picked him,” said Pandya.

“They have gone to all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game, he had that zip, that late swing, something off the wicket, a different action and he was a leftie.”

(With inputs from AFP)

Chennai Super Kings suffered their second loss in three matches in IPL 2025. (PTI)

Chennai Super Kings haven’t had the best of starts to IPL 2025. After winning their opener against fellow five-time champions Mumbai Indians, chasing down 156 runs with four-wickets in hand, CSK have been unsuccessful in their chases since.
Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CSK were unable to scale a lofty 197 run target at home, coming up 50-run short. On Sunday, CSK once again fell short. With 183 to get versus Rajasthan Royals, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s battling knock wasn’t enough to steer them past the finish line, as they lost by 6 runs.
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With three matches played, CSK are seventh in the IPL points table with a negative net run rate of -0.771 after collecting just two points.
After just one win in three while chasing, CSK’s challenges when batting second have been highlighted. Chennai have chased 111 times in IPL history and won 69, losing 40 with two matches not producing outright results (one tie, one no result).
That is a win-loss record of 1.725 for CSK when chasing.

If the target gets lofty, 180-plus, as was the case against both RCB and RR, CSK’s record becomes poorer.
CSK have had 20 instances of chasing 180-plus targets where they’ve come out victorious 12 times and come short eight times. It brings their win-loss record at 1.50.
Most startlingly, CSK have now lost nine in a row when they’ve been handed a 175-plus target. The streak began in 2022, with twin losses against Punjab Kings. Then they suffered two more defeats in 2023 – against Rajasthan Royals.
They endured three losses when chasing 175-plus targets in IPL 2024. They came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.
CSK when chasing 175-plus targets in IPL

Now, after just three matches in IPL 2025, they’ve faced two defeats.
The last time CSK had successfully chased a 175-plus target was back in April 2019 when they had edged Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. That April night, CSK had won by six wickets but with only one ball to spare.

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni after RCB vs CSK clash© BCCI/Sportzpics

Chennai Super Kings’ M.S. Dhoni in action against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, 30 March 2025. Photo:
| Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR

Mahendra Singh Dhoni can’t bat ten overs running full stick as his knee remains dodgy and the former captain decides on his batting position based on the match situation, revealed Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming.

Also read:IPL 2025 | CSK should rethink its batting approach

The 43-year-old Dhoni had faced criticism for batting at number 9 during CSK’s 50-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk last week.

On Sunday (March 30, 2025), the CSK talisman walked out at number 7 with the team needing 54 off 25 balls but could manage just 16 runs off 11 balls as they suffered a six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals.

“It’s a time thing. MS judges it. His body, his knees aren’t what they used to be. He’s moving okay but…. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.

“If the game’s in the balance like today, he will go a little bit earlier and he backs other players when other opportunities are up. So he’s balancing that. I said it last year, he’s too valuable to us, (with his) leadership and wicket keeping, to throw him in at 9- 10 overs.

“He’s actually never done that. So look, from around 13, 14 overs he’s looking to go, depending on who’s in.” RR racked up 79 for 1 in the powerplay compared to CSK’s 42-1 and Fleming admitted they lost the match in the powerplays.

“If you analyse the game it’s probably the two power plays. Our power play with the ball went for the best part of 80 runs and we were only able to manage early 40s,” he said.

“So that’s on the scoreboard the big difference and we were also sloppy in the field compared to Rajasthan who were outstanding. So that would be the two immediate takeaways.”

Reflecting on the key moments, Fleming said: “I think (Riyan) Parag’s catch was the turning point in the match. The Dube match-up was going our way but he (Wanindu Hasaranga) had courage. You can’t deny that and he certainly gave the ball air.

“Sometimes you give the ball air and in this competition you can go the distance but he had the courage to do that and Gaikwad’s wicket as well was very clever. So he held his nerve and had a good day.

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in action during the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
| Photo Credit: AP

Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad blamed their poor starts and fielding lapses as key reasons behind their six-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL on Sunday (March 30, 2025), marking their second consecutive loss.

Nitish Rana’s blistering 36-ball 81, combined with Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul, powered Rajasthan Royals to a hard-fought win at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday (March 30, 2025).

Chasing 183, CSK lost Rachin Ravindra for duck while Rahul Tripathi got out after the power play as they finished at 176/6. They had lost their last match at home to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a first in 17 years.

“We haven’t been getting good starts, but once we do, things will be different,” Gaikwad admitted at the post-match presentation. “We also conceded 8-10 extra runs through misfields, and that’s something we need to improve.”

Gaikwad’s valiant 63 anchored the chase, but with wickets falling at regular intervals, CSK couldn’t cross the line.

On batting at No. 3, the CSK captain explained that it was a pre-planned strategy.

“Over the years, Ajinkya batted at three while Rayudu handled the middle overs. We thought it would be better if I came in later to steady things, while Tripathi could attack upfront.

“It was decided at the auction, and I have no problem with it. Anyway, I’m getting to bat early in every game,” he said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in skipper Riyan Parag, leading in his hometown, was relieved to end their Guwahati leg with a win.

“We felt we were 20 short. We were going well in the middle overs but lost a couple of quick wickets. However, our bowlers executed our plans well,” Parag said.

“We’ve had two tough games — one where we conceded 280 and another where we couldn’t defend 180. This win was much needed,” he added.

They were brilliant on the field with Parag taking a blinder to dismiss Shivam Dube for 18, while Shimron Hetmyer’s splendid catch ended MS Dhoni’s late blitz for 16.

“Fielding makes up for the 20 runs that we were short. We have been working with Dishant Yagnik, our fielding coach. So it shows,” Parag said.

Jakub Mensik, of Czech Republic, holds the Butch Buchholz Championship Trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, left, in the men’s singles final match at the Miami Open tennis tournament on March 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
| Photo Credit: AP

Novak Djokovic fell short in his bid to claim a 100th ATP title following a straight sets defeat by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final but the Serb said losing to his protege made it a little easier to digest.

Djokovic was looking to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only three men in the professional era with 100 or more titles, but the 37-year-old crashed 7-6(4) 7-6(4) in humid conditions after several hours of rain delays on Sunday (March 31, 2025).

Despite the disappointment, Djokovic said he was happy that the 19-year-old Mensik was delivering on his potential with his maiden title.

“I’m never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest,” Djokovic told reporters.

“I’ve seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him. We had some training blocks together. He was training at my club in Belgrade (in 2022) and to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing,” he said.

“I could see back then already that he’s going to be one of the top players of the world. I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has, because he’s got the complete game,” he added.

Djokovic said that Mensik would only get better after becoming the second youngest Miami champion since Carlos Alcaraz, who won the trophy in 2022 as an 18-year-old.

“His serve is incredible, powerful, precise and he wins a lot of free points with the first serve,” 24-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic added.

“Backhand, as well. Czech school, they always have a great backhand. But forehand, he’s improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well. He still can improve, of course. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around,” Djokovic said.

“It’s unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, weird match, weird day with the rain delay and all the things that were happening. I didn’t feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory.”

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Chandrakant Pandit in conversation with captain Ajinkya Rahane. (IANS)

Mumbai: Even as he sought to downplay the ongoing controversy regarding the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Chandrakant Pandit acknowledged that every team appreciates any home advantage it gets. He also emphasised that it was only natural for KKR’s head coach and captain, Ajinkya Rahane, to “expect something to be provided” at their home ground.
The pitch debate erupted after KKR captain Rahane expressed a preference for spin-friendly wickets at Eden Gardens. However, the stadium’s curator, Sujan Mukherjee, maintained that franchises have no say in pitch preparation.
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Speaking on Sunday ahead of KKR’s third IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians, Pandit, while responding to a question about whether home teams should get pitches tailored to their advantage, said, “Who wouldn’t be happy about that?”
Earlier in the press conference, when asked about the issue, Pandit stressed that his focus remained on the upcoming match.
“As a coach and team management, we play on whatever surface is provided to us. The curator is in control. I am not thinking about what should be done or who controls what. Let’s focus on the match,” Pandit said.
However, the discussion also touched upon a broader point: Should franchises influence pitch conditions at their home venues? Since IPL teams lease stadiums and invest significantly, they naturally expect some level of home advantage.
Responding to this, Pandit stated, “That doesn’t necessarily mean they have control over pitch preparation. Of course, as team management, coach, and captain, we do expect something to be provided. That’s all,” he concluded.

MS Dhoni in action in IPL 2025© BCCI/Sportzpics