In the IPL 2025's 8th match at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set a formidable target of 196/7 in 20 overs. Rajat Patidar led with a brisk 51 off 32 balls, while Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal contributed 32 and 27 runs, respectively. For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Josh Hazlewood's exceptional over dismissed both Rahul Tripathi and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar removing Deepak Hooda. In response, CSK faced early setbacks, losing four wickets during their chase. Despite Rachin Ravindra's resilient innings nearing a half-century, CSK struggled to maintain the required run rate, leaving them in a precarious position. (PC: Twitter)

In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set a formidable target of 197 runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Phil Salt provided a brisk start with a 30-run knock, while captain Rajat Patidar anchored the innings with a 30-ball fifty. Tim David's late onslaught, including three consecutive sixes off Sam Curran, propelled RCB to their imposing total. CSK's bowling saw spinner Noor Ahmad shine with a three-wicket haul, earning him the purple cap as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. Pacer Matheesha Pathirana also made a notable impact, dismissing the dangerous Patidar and Krunal Pandya in quick succession. (PC: The Financial Express & Cric Tracker)

In the IPL 2025 opener at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed confidence in the improved pitch conditions. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana makes his first appearance of the season, replacing Nathan Ellis. Meanwhile, RCB has handed a debut to veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Both teams enter the match with momentum from previous wins, setting the stage for an exciting contest. (PC: UC News)  

The much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) marks the first Southern Derby of the season at Chepauk. A rivalry filled with passion and history, CSK holds the upper hand in overall matchups, but RCB’s emotionally charged victory over Chennai last year adds extra fuel to the fire. Fans can expect an intense showdown as both teams bring their best to the table. With high stakes and intense emotions, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter in IPL’s Southern rivalry. (PC: India Today)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce its central contracts, retaining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah in the A+ category. Shreyas Iyer is expected to regain his contract, while Ishan Kishan’s inclusion remains uncertain. Axar Patel may be promoted to Grade A, while Varun Chakravarthy, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma are set for contracts. Bengal pacer Akash Deep and Sarfaraz Khan may enter Group C. A final decision is expected after BCCI’s meeting with Gautam Gambhir and Devajit Saikia on Saturday.(x/Sunrisers)

Abhishek Sharma has been a rising star in Indian cricket. Yograj Singh revealed he told Yuvraj Singh, "If you could control his nightlife..." to keep Abhishek disciplined. Yuvraj followed this advice during the COVID lockdown, ensuring Abhishek and Shubman Gill trained properly. Kane Williamson praised Abhishek’s batting, saying, "He has got a great bat swing and is a natural timer of the ball." Abhishek had a stellar IPL 2024 season and continued his form in international cricket. His explosive batting has made him a key player for India ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. (PC: BCCI)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a dominant 5-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Nicholas Pooran smashed 70 off 26 balls, while Mitchell Marsh added 52 off 31 as LSG chased 191 in just 16.1 overs. Shardul Thakur was the standout bowler, taking 4/34, including key wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Despite Travis Head’s 47 off 28 and late cameos from Aniket Verma (26 off 13) and Pat Cummins (18 off 4), SRH posted 190/9. LSG’s powerful batting sealed an easy victory. (PC: BCCI)

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) 23-year-old pacer Prince Yadav made a stunning IPL debut, dismissing Travis Head with a yorker and playing a key role in Heinrich Klaasen’s run-out. The Delhi-based bowler, signed for ₹30 lakh, impressed in the Delhi Premier League and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His spell of 1/29 earned praise from mentor Zaheer Khan and a standing ovation from LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. Sunil Gavaskar lauded his control and variation. Despite Yadav’s heroics, Shardul Thakur’s four-wicket haul restricted SRH to 190/9. LSG captain Rishabh Pant’s gamble with Yadav proved to be a masterstroke. (PC: X/Lucknow Super Giants)

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to opt out of India's Test series against England due to poor red-ball form. "The decision is already taken," India Today quoted sources as saying. Rohit managed just 31 runs in 3 Tests against Australia and dropped himself for the final match in Sydney. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is expected to retain his spot. India’s 45-day England tour begins June 20 at Headingley. Selectors may pick Karun Nair for India A’s warm-up games. A source told PTI, "There is enough time to announce the squad after IPL knockouts." (PC: BCCI)

In the IPL 2025 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to field first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). LSG made a tactical change, bringing in Avesh Khan for Shahbaz Ahmed, while SRH retained their winning combination from the previous match. Pant’s decision aims to exploit early bowling conditions and chase a set target. With SRH’s explosive batting lineup featuring Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen, LSG’s bowlers will need to step up to restrict them and secure a crucial win. (PC: Sportstar)