In IPL 2025, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have named Mitch Owen as the replacement for Glenn Maxwell, who has been ruled out of the ongoing league due to a broken finger, according to the IPL Media Advisory. So far, Owen has featured in 34 T20s and has scored 646 runs. He also has two centuries and a highest score of 108 runs. With the ball, he has 10 T20 wickets to his name. In the ongoing IPL 2025, the Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS acquired Mitch Owen's services for Rs. 3 crore. Punjab will play its upcoming IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 4 at the HPCA Stadium. Also Read: IPL 2025 | "No excuses, we have to win now": KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit Addressing the press ahead of the LSG clash, assistant coach Brad Haddin said, "Our young guys are really starting to step up, and that's been the most pleasing aspect so far. Of course, our senior players thrive in these high-pressure moments and will be key to winning games, but it's the emerging talent that's giving us real depth". So far in the IPL 2025, Punjab Kings are placed in the second position on the points table. Speaking about the team's progress, "For us, it's all about excitement. This is the time of the tournament when you want to be playing your best cricket. And if you look at our recent performances, we've been getting better with each game," said Haddin. "We were really clinical with the bat in the last game. What we're aiming for is steady improvement, especially as we approach the final stages of the tournament," he added. Ahead of the game against LSG, Punjab's dugout will heavily rely on youngsters Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. Skipper Shreyas Iyer's contribution will be crucial for the side. From Lucknow's perspective, Rishabh Pant's performance will be under scrutiny. The veteran has fallen short in impressing with the willow this season. (With ANI Inputs)
04 May,2025 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant’s woeful form with the bat and Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer’s sublime touch have made Sunday’s mid-table clash an engrossing contest — one that could decisively shape the fortunes of either side as the IPL enters its business end. Iyer’s understanding of game situations and his evolution as a captain, without compromising on his batting, have served PBKS well. In their last game, the PBKS captain struck his fourth half-century of the season, helping his side to a creditable fourth spot on the table with 13 points from 10 games. Also Read: I’m serving suspension for use of recreational drug: Rabada Pant, on the other hand, has endured a disappointing run with the bat, registering six single-digit scores for a total of 110 runs in 10 matches. His only noteworthy knock this season has been a 63 against CSK. Pant’s poor form has placed his side in a virtual must-win situation against PBKS, with LSG currently sixth on the table with 10 points. Iyer, who played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign last season but was released before the mega auction, was snapped up by PBKS for a staggering R26.75 crore. Since then, he has made an immediate impact with sharp tactical leadership. Once vulnerable against the short ball, Iyer has made notable technical adjustments to overcome that long-standing weakness. With all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a fractured finger, Iyer will have to find a suitable replacement, something easier said than done. Iyer could turn to Azmatullah Omarzai, the yet-to-feature Aaron Hardie, or even Xavier Bartlett, depending on conditions. With a well-set top and middle order featuring Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh, PBKS’s batting looks solid. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 08:23 AM IST | Dharamsala | PTIWorld’s premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada on Saturday made a shocking revelation that he is serving a provisional suspension for using a banned recreational drug. The South African pacer had left IPL last month after playing two games for Gujarat Titans, citing personal reasons. Rabada, who will turn 30 later this month, issued a statement through South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA). Also Read: Women’s tri-nation series: In-form India take on resurgent Sri Lanka “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug,” Rabada said in a the statement profusely apologising for his indiscretion. “I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.” However, the statement didn’t mention what the recreational substance was for which he tested positive. It is also not clear if it was an ‘in competition’ (IC) test or ‘out of competition’ (OOC). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 08:20 AM IST | Johannesburg | PTIIndia will look to extend their dominant run while a resurgent Sri Lanka will strive to stay in contention for the summit clash when the two teams clash in the women’s tri-nation ODI series here Sunday. Also Read: Shepherd lifts RCB to 213-5 with unbeaten 53 off 14 balls vs CSK Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has been clinical so far, notching up wins against both Sri Lanka and South Africa to sit atop the points table with two victories from as many matches. India had outplayed the hosts in the tournament-opener last week, but Sri Lanka’s convincing five-wicket win over South Africa on Friday has injected new life into their campaign. India have now won eight consecutive ODIs, with all three departments clicking in unison. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 08:17 AM IST | Colombo | PTIIn his maiden season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Romario Shepherd hadn’t faced a ball in three previous outings in IPL 2025. On Saturday night at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, he finally got a hit, and made it count with the joint second-fastest IPL half-century of all time (in 14 deliveries). The 30-year-old Guyanese not just resurrected a flagging RCB innings but turbocharged it to a sensational finish, accounting for a majority of the 54 runs that came in the last two overs as the home side pulverised Chennai Super Kings to the tune of 213 for five after having been put in by MS Dhoni. Also Read: IPL 2025 | "No excuses, we have to win now": KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit RCB seemed to be playing themselves into a hole despite a 97-run opening stand between Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli, who both brought up excellent half-centuries. In the middle stages, they were undone by Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan slinger who finally came into his own after a series of iffy outings. From 71 without loss at the end of the Powerplay, the home side had lost five for 88 in the next 12 overs when Dhoni turned to Khaleel Ahmed, the left-arm quick who had gone for 32 in his first two overs, to bowl the 19th. Shepherd lay into Khaleel with gusto in an over that yielded 33 runs, inclusive of four sixes and two fours. Khaleel finished with unflattering figures of none for 65 from three overs, but Shepherd wasn’t done yet. Pathirana, who was in the middle of his best spell of the season, conceded 21 in the 20th over, Shepherd hammering the last two deliveries to different parts of the ground for six numbers five and six respectively. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal (13 balls) has got to an IPL fifty faster; with his sensational assault that thrilled a slightly pensive home crowd no end, Shepherd drew abreast of KL Rahul and Pat Cummins, who both also boast 14-ball fifties. The late flourish from the Guyanese complemented the Bethell-Kohli opening salvo and also gave the home side, missing pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood with a shoulder niggle, the extra cushion they desired as they continue their quest for a place in the Playoffs. In the evening, the left-handed Bethell, filling in again for unwell English compatriot Phil Salt, did the early running before Kohli came into his own with spectacular shot-making as he went past Sai Sudharsan and grabbed the Orange Cap, at least for the time being, with his seventh half-century of the season, which was also fourth successive effort of more than 50.
04 May,2025 08:13 AM IST | Bangalore | R KaushikAs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fight to keep their Playoff hopes alive, head coach Chandrakant Pandit remains optimistic of a solid show ahead of Sunday’s clash with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens here. KKR are placed seventh in the points table with four wins in 10 matches and have to win all four remaining games to stay in contention for a Top-4 spot. “I still believe we can qualify if we manage to win the next four matches,” a confident Pandit told Sunday mid-day. Pandit admitted that KKR have not clicked consistently as a team, but believes nothing is impossible going forward, “Ours is a good team, but did not click consistently. Bad luck also played a part. No excuses, we have to win now, and we believe it is possible,” he stressed. “We have everything to win a match — batting, spin bowling, pace… sab hain [we have it all], but we are just not clicking together,” Pandit added. Also Read: Knights fight to live! The former India stumper backed mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy and middle-order batter Venkatesh Iyer to step up against RR. “Unfortunately, Varun is also not in the best form (13 wickets in 10 matches) like he was in the Champions Trophy in Dubai. He’s working very hard to get back his rhythm. He may win the match for us on Sunday. We still believe Venkatesh can also win a match. He is trying to come out of the pressure zone,” said Pandit, who played five Tests and 36 ODIs for India. The coach also lavished praise on captain Ajinkya Rahane’s calm leadership. “We have a lovely captain in Ajinkya Rahane — very cool and handles situations very well on the ground; good to see him as a commendable captain. His communication skills are also very good, talking to every cricketer and trying his best to encourage them. He is also batting well,” Pandit concluded.
04 May,2025 08:09 AM IST | Kolkata | Debasish DattaTwo years ago, almost to the day, a star was born here. Yashasvi Jaiswal, then 22, remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 47-ball 98 that powered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a nine-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Jaiswal, whose fifty off 13 that day is still the fastest in IPL history, will be back at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, this time in the company of another precocious talent. All eyes will be on ‘wonder boy’ Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the teenager scored a 35-ball century, the second-fastest in IPL, against Gujarat Titans last Monday. The two had put on 166 for the first wicket, helping RR chase down a 210-run target with 25 balls to spare. However, both were dismissed cheaply when RR slumped to an embarrassing 100-run defeat at home to Mumbai Indians on Thursday. Also Read: IPL 2025 | "You’re bound to show emotions": Shubman Gill Love Vaibhav’s confidence: Bond Shane Bond revealed how protective the franchise has become of the teen talent. “We’re trying to educate him on things around him; shield him a little bit from the social media stuff and all the trappings that come with the way he started,” RR’s bowling coach said on Saturday. “And I love his steely determination and confidence.” Vaibhav Suryavanshi plays football during RR’s practice session at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday. Pic/PTI That loss threw RR out of contention for a Playoff berth, and that renders them more dangerous. In a format where bold is beautiful, the Royals have the advantage of being in a nothing-to-lose situation. In contrast, KKR, with their hopes hanging by a thread, have everything to lose. There’s no room for a slip-up. An important phase “You can’t get too desperate; you still have to trust the process. It’s an important phase for not just us, but even the teams that are leading. [It matters] who at this point plays the better cricket,” feels Rovman Powell, the ‘other’ Jamaican’ in the KKR line-up. While Jaiswal and Suryavanshi pose the opening threat, the likes of Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Shimon Hetmyer can do serious damage down the order. KKR bowlers need to be at the top of their game. While the Royals’s batting, despite skipper Sanju Samson’s absence, is dangerous, their bowling has left much to be desired. That stand-in skipper Parag, a part-time spinner, was the most economical of the six bowlers on Thursday is a statement in itself. That should inspire KKR’s batting unit, which, notwithstanding the 204 they put up at the Delhi Capitals’s home, has fallen woefully short this season. The franchise is also sweating over the fitness of skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who has been their most consistent batsman. “He has shown progressive improvement over the last few days. He started batting, so that is a good sign going into tomorrow [Sunday],” said Powell.
04 May,2025 08:04 AM IST | Kolkata | Arup ChatterjeeGujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill said the understanding of playing on tricky surfaces has helped the top-three including himself, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler to do well in the IPL this season. The trio has scored the bulk of the runs for GT who are on course to make the Playoffs. It was no different on Friday as the top-order took the home side to 224 for six which the bowlers could comfortably defend against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also Read: ‘Next season begins tonight’ An upset Gill engaged in an animated chat with the two umpires over a review call involving Abhishek Sharma, who was seen trying to calm the GT captain. On his heated exchange with the umpire during the run chase, Gill added: “There are so many emotions, you give 110 per cent on the field, sometimes you’re bound to show emotions.” GT also played just 22 dot balls in 20 overs. “Didn’t plan that [22 dot balls], idea was to continue to play like we have. Black soil [pitches], we’ve seen it’s not easy to hit sixes. But the way our top-order plays, we know how to keep the scoreboard ticking,” said Gill at the post match presentation. He top scored with 76 off 38 balls. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 07:59 AM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIMumbai-based young gun Ayush Mhatre’s fiery 48-ball 94 and Ravindra Jadeja’s blistering 45-ball 77 came close, but weren’t quite enough to guide Chennai Super Kings to a win in their IPL 2025 showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday. Despite their valiant efforts, the MS Dhoni-led side fell agonisingly short by just two runs, allowing RCB to surge to the top of the points table with 16 points from 11 matches. Earlier, a dazzling half-century from Virat Kohli (62), complemented by valuable contributions from Jacob Bethell (55) and a sensational late assault from Romario Shepherd (53*), helped RCB post a daunting target of 214 runs. Kohli, in his trademark aggressive style, powered his way to 62 from just 33 balls, launching five sixes and as many fours. His innings was a blend of sublime timing and raw power, laying the perfect foundation for RCB’s explosive finish. Kohli’s partnership with English all-rounder Bethell was pivotal. The two added a solid 97-run stand for the opening wicket, putting the CSK bowlers on the back foot early in the innings. Bethell, who struck eight boundaries and two sixes, was equally effective, finishing his 33-ball 55 with impressive composure. His contributions complemented Kohli’s aggression, keeping RCB in control as they pushed towards a massive total. As the innings drew to a close, it was the dazzling fireworks of Romario Shepherd that stole the limelight. Coming in at number six, the West Indian all-rounder unleashed a barrage of sixes, beginning with a breathtaking maximum off the first ball of the penultimate over. Shepherd hammered six sixes in total, including 33 runs off Khaleel Ahmed’s 19th over alone. His blistering 14-ball fifty marked the second-fastest half-century in IPL history, further amplifying RCB’s dominance in the latter stages. Despite a spirited bowling performance by CSK’s Matheesha Pathirana, who finished with figures of 3 for 36, RCB’s power-packed finish proved too much for the Super Kings to counter. With a well-rounded performance and explosive contributions in the death overs, RCB sealed the match and moved closer to securing a playoff spot, leaving CSK still searching for a winning formula.
03 May,2025 11:40 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentChennai Super Kings pacer Khaleel Ahmed will certainly want to forget the nightmare he endured during his side's IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In what became the most expensive over of the season, Ahmed was ruthlessly punished by RCB all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who unleashed a barrage of powerful hits, resulting in a staggering 33 runs conceded in the 19th over of the innings. This over alone contributed to a humiliating total of 65 runs from his three-over spell, making it the costliest bowling performance in IPL history. UNREAL HITTING! 💪🔥#RomarioShepherd blitzkrieg hits Chinnaswamy! ⚡He smashes a jaw-dropping 53 off just 14 balls,equaling the 2nd fastest fifty in IPL history! Worthy of this epic clash #Kohli vs #Dhoni - one last time? 🙌🏻Watch the LIVE action in Haryanvi commentary ➡… pic.twitter.com/cOReV8qcPT — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 3, 2025 Romario Shepherd vs Khaleel Ahmed 19th Over Ball-By-Ball🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/ae5OLam5yS — A (@cmmoncheeks) May 3, 2025 The disastrous over from Khaleel was a turning point in a high-stakes encounter at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Shepherd’s fireworks, which included a flurry of sixes and boundaries, completely turned the tide in RCB's favour, leaving the CSK pacer helpless. Ahmed's inability to rein in Shepherd's onslaught shattered CSK's hopes of containing RCB's late surge, and the damage done was impossible to recover from. Earlier, a commanding performance by Virat Kohli (62) and Jacob Bethell (55) helped RCB to set a formidable target of 214. Kohli, in typical fashion, showcased his aggressive flair, smashing five sixes and as many fours, amassing 62 runs off just 33 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of timing and power, anchoring the RCB innings while laying the groundwork for the explosive finish that followed. Bethell, too, played a crucial role, contributing 55 runs off 33 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. The duo added a quickfire 97 runs for the opening wicket, putting CSK on the back foot early. However, after a promising start, RCB's middle order, including Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma, struggled to capitalize, leaving the responsibility to the lower middle order. Enter Romario Shepherd, whose blistering 53* off just 14 balls ensured a grand finish for RCB. Shepherd's attack on Khaleel Ahmed, especially in the final overs, was relentless. His sixes and quick-fire runs turned the match on its head, taking RCB to a total that seemed out of CSK's reach. Despite a valiant effort by CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, who returned figures of 3/36, RCB’s explosive finish proved too much for the Super Kings. The remarkable late surge, coupled with Khaleel's record-breaking spell, left CSK unable to stem the flow of runs, resulting in a massive total for RCB to defend. Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore – 213/5 in 20 overs (Jacob Bethell 55, Virat Kohli 62, Romario Shepherd 53*; Matheesha Pathirana 3/36) vs Chennai Super Kings
03 May,2025 09:59 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentChennai Super Kings have opted to bowl first in their bid to secure a much-needed morale-boosting win against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are eyeing a provisional playoff spot. But beyond the tactical battle between the two sides, this IPL 2025 clash on Saturday offers the rare spectacle of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni facing off, potentially for the final time in the league. Looking at the situation, a win for RCB would take them to 16 points, putting them in a commanding position to qualify for the playoffs with three matches still to go. This would virtually seal their entry into the next stage, making them a formidable force in the competition’s closing weeks. For CSK, a victory would serve more than just a points boost. With their playoff hopes all but extinguished, a win would instill belief that they could finish the season on a high, avoid finishing at the bottom of the table, and perhaps find a little late-season momentum. However, this hope is inextricably tied to the performances of their two iconic leaders, Kohli and Dhoni, whose longstanding rivalry and camaraderie have been one of Indian cricket’s most fascinating narratives. At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli is in red-hot form, having registered four half-centuries in his last five innings. With 443 runs to his name, the former RCB captain is firmly in the race for the Orange Cap and will be looking to play another masterful innings to help his side inch closer to playoff qualification. Support from his fellow batters, including No. 3 Devdutt Padikkal, who has contributed two half-centuries in his last two outings, will be crucial. Kohli will also be hoping for more consistency from his opening partner, Phil Salt, to ease the burden on his shoulders. Additionally, RCB will be keen to see skipper Rajat Patidar rediscover his early-season form, as his last meaningful innings came seven matches ago. However, Patidar’s task could be made easier by a struggling CSK bowling attack, with the exceptions of pacer Khaleel Ahmed and spinner Noor Ahmad. But the challenge will be no less for CSK's batters, who have endured a collective dip in form this season. Against RCB's potent bowling attack—comprised of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma, they will need to find a way to counter their limitations. CSK will rely heavily on players like Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Dewald Brevis, and Shivam Dube to fire with the bat and provide Dhoni the platform to play his trademark late-innings cameos. In previous seasons, Dhoni’s rapid 30s have turned middling totals into competitive ones, but with the top order underperforming, his quick-fire knocks have lost much of their impact this year. For the large and passionate CSK fanbase, the presence of both Kohli and Dhoni on the field, particularly given Dhoni’s comments about his future participation in IPL 2026 depending on his physical condition, will be a poignant reminder of the days when the two stalwarts led India to many victories together. This match may be the last time we see them battle it out in the IPL, making it all the more special for fans and players alike.
03 May,2025 07:20 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
