Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya lauded debutant pacer Ashwani Kumar for his stellar performance against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. Ashwani's impressive figures of 4-24 in three overs were instrumental in dismissing KKR for 116, paving the way for Mumbai's eight-wicket victory. Pandya commended the team's scouting department for discovering Ashwani, highlighting his pace, swing, and unique left-arm action. Batsman Ryan Rickelton also praised Ashwani's deceptive speed and swing, emphasizing his potential value to the squad. In recognition, Pandya presented Ashwani with the 'Dressing Room Best Bowler Award,' acknowledging his embodiment of the team's intensity and ruthlessness. (PC: Sportskeeda)

Mumbai Indians secured their first IPL 2025 victory, crushing Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets at Wankhede Stadium. Debutant Ashwani Kumar shined with 4/24, dismantling KKR for just 116 in 16.2 overs. Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar provided early breakthroughs before Ashwani’s dominant spell. In response, MI chased 117 with ease, reaching 121/2 in 12.5 overs. Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 62*, while Suryakumar Yadav (27*) finished with a six. Andre Russell claimed two wickets, but MI’s dominant performance ensured a comfortable win. Skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to bowl first paid off. (PC: X/Mumbai Indians)

Mumbai Indians (MI) debutant Ashwani Kumar took center stage, dismissing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for just 116 runs in 16.2 overs during their IPL 2025 clash. The pacer claimed 4 wickets, including the key dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell. KKR's top order faltered early, reducing them to 45/5 in just seven overs. MI captain Hardik Pandya's decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke. Despite a late surge from KKR, MI's bowling attack ensured a commanding victory. (PC: BCCI)

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to field against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their IPL 2025 clash at Wankhede Stadium. MI, still searching for their first win this season, will look to capitalize on home conditions. KKR, coming off a dominant victory over Rajasthan Royals, aim to continue their momentum. With key players like Rohit Sharma under scrutiny and Jasprit Bumrah still unavailable, MI faces a crucial test. KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, will rely on Sunil Narine and Venkatesh Iyer to challenge the hosts in this high-stakes encounter. (PC: X/IPL)

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has voiced concerns over the batting-friendly pitches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), advocating for more balanced conditions that offer bowlers a fair chance. After being unsold in the initial IPL auction, Thakur was later recruited by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered impressive performances, taking six wickets in two games and leading the race for the Purple Cap. Thakur emphasized the need for pitches that provide equal opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers to maintain the competitive integrity of the game. (PC: News18)

Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal will lead a 10-member Indian men's boxing team at the inaugural World Boxing Cup in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, starting Monday. The tournament features teams from Germany, the USA, and Brazil, competing across various weight categories. India's lineup includes accomplished boxers such as Etash Khan (51kg), Sachin Siwach (57kg), and Abhishek Yadav (67kg), among others. The World Boxing Cup aims to provide a competitive platform for boxers worldwide, fostering international sportsmanship and elevating the sport's global profile. (PC: NDTV)

Rajasthan Royals won their first IPL 2025 match, defeating Chennai Super Kings by 6 runs in Guwahati. Nitish Rana led the way with a stunning 81 off 36 balls. Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga bowled brilliantly to stop CSK’s chase of 183. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 63, but Hasaranga dismissed him at a crucial moment. MS Dhoni tried to finish the game but got out for 16. Hasaranga said, "I just stuck to my basics and bowled at the stumps." CSK lost their second straight match and will face Delhi Capitals next on April 5.

Rajasthan Royals posted 182/9 in 20 overs against Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2025 clash in Guwahati, powered by a scintillating 81 off 36 balls from Nitish Rana. Despite early setbacks, Rana’s aggressive knock, featuring a rapid 21-ball fifty, kept RR in control. Sanju Samson (24) and Riyan Parag (18) provided brief support, but Chennai’s bowlers, led by Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) and Noor Ahmed (2/28), pulled things back in the latter half. Jofra Archer struck early in CSK's chase, dismissing Rachin Ravindra for a duck. With 183 needed, CSK faces a challenging second innings. (PC: X/Rajasthan Royals)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have threatened to leave Hyderabad for IPL 2025, alleging “harassment” and “blackmail” by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) over free tickets. SRH general manager Srinath TB wrote to HCA, stating, “All these unprofessional threats and actions by HCA make it evident that you don’t want Sunrisers to play at your stadium.” He also alleged that HCA locked a stadium box during a match, demanding extra tickets. “This unprofessional behavior creates a hostile environment,” he wrote. SRH has requested a meeting with HCA. If unresolved, they may find a new home venue. (PC: BCCI)

Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill remains confident in his team's middle-order performance despite recent scrutiny. Gill emphasized that the middle-order's role is to adapt to match situations, and he trusts their ability to deliver when needed. He highlighted that the team's strategy doesn't always require the middle-order to step up, as the top-order often sets a solid foundation. Gill's leadership reflects a calm and strategic approach, focusing on the overall team dynamics rather than individual performances. This perspective aims to maintain team morale and underscores his belief in the squad's collective strength. (PC: BCCI)