Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes IPL 2025 is pivotal for Rishabh Pant's return to India's T20I squad. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has the chance to reclaim his spot by delivering standout performances. Chopra advises Pant to focus on his own game rather than competing directly with current first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. He suggests Pant should strategically choose his batting position, ideally at No. 3 or No. 4, to maximize impact. Chopra also hints at potential changes in the T20I lineup before the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasizing that strong IPL performances could influence selections.

Virat Kohli has expressed concerns over the BCCI's recent restrictions on players' family presence during tours. Following India's 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI mandated that players' immediate families can join them only after the first two weeks of tours exceeding 45 days, with a maximum stay of 14 days; for shorter tours, family presence is limited to one week. Kohli emphasized the grounding effect of having family around during intense periods, stating that it brings balance and normalcy. He prefers returning to his family over isolating in his room, highlighting that this support allows players to handle responsibilities better and maintain a sense of normal life amidst professional commitments.

  In a 2014 'Walk the Talk' interview, Balbir Singh, one of India's greatest hockey center-forwards, reflected on his illustrious career and hopes for the sport's future in India. Singh, a three-time Olympic gold medalist (1948 London, 1952 Helsinki, 1956 Melbourne), still holds the record for most goals in an Olympic final, scoring five goals in India's 6-1 victory over the Netherlands in 1952. He also led India to its only Hockey World Cup win in 1975 as chief coach and manager. Singh expressed a deep sense of nationalism, stating that playing for the national flag and hearing the national anthem after victories were profoundly special experiences. He hoped for a resurgence in Indian hockey and wished for his scoring record to be broken by a fellow Indian, symbolizing progress in the sport. 

In a nail-biting Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 final at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai Indians (MI) edged out Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight runs to secure their second title. Opting to bat first, MI posted a competitive total of 149/7, propelled by captain Harmanpreet Kaur's stellar 66 off 44 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed a valuable 30 runs and later excelled with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 30 runs. In response, DC's chase was thwarted by disciplined MI bowling, with Sciver-Brunt dismissing key batter Meg Lanning early. Despite a resilient 55 from Jemimah Rodrigues, DC fell short, concluding at 141/8. MI's Amelia Kerr emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps, while Sciver-Brunt's all-round performance earned her the Most Valuable Player award.

Virat Kohli has firmly dismissed recent retirement speculations, asserting his continued passion for cricket. Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab, Kohli addressed fans directly: "Don't get nervous. I'm not making any announcements. As of now, everything is fine. I still love playing the game." Emphasizing his commitment, Kohli mentioned he plays for the "pure joy" of the sport and aims to leave no "unfinished business" before retiring. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining peak performance with age but remains driven by his competitive spirit. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Kohli noted, "Once I'm done, I will be gone, you won't see me for a while." Kohli's statements come amid a backdrop of significant transitions in Indian cricket, notably the recent retirement of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin's unexpected departure has intensified discussions about the future of senior players. However, Kohli's reaffirmation of his dedication provides clarity and assurance to fans and the cricketing community.

In the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 final, Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) clinched their first title by defeating Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) in a thrilling encounter. Opting to bat, MI-W posted a competitive total, with contributions from key players. However, DC-W's bowlers, led by Jess Jonassen, who took crucial wickets including those of Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt, restricted MI-W effectively. In response, DC-W's openers, Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma, provided a solid foundation. Lanning's unbeaten half-century ensured a smooth chase, leading DC-W to a historic victory. This win not only avenged their previous final losses but also marked a significant milestone in the franchise's history.

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has hinted at potentially concluding his tours to Australia, stating, "I might not have another Australia tour in me." This remark has fueled speculation about his future in Test cricket. Discussing his post-retirement plans, Kohli admitted uncertainty, mentioning a desire to travel extensively. Reflecting on India's recent ICC Champions Trophy victory in Dubai, he credited the team's adaptability to diverse conditions. Kohli also expressed optimism about the growth of women's cricket in India, emphasizing the significance of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in fostering a balanced sporting culture. Looking ahead, he is enthusiastic about cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, viewing it as a prime opportunity for India to secure a medal.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a ticketing controversy ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Tickets for CSK's matches have appeared on resale platforms like Viagogo.com even before official sales commenced. Prices for these tickets range from ₹17,804 to ₹1.24 lakh, with high-profile matches such as CSK versus Mumbai Indians on March 23 and CSK versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 seeing prices soar to ₹40,000 and ₹55,000, respectively. This situation highlights the persistent issue of black marketing in IPL ticket sales, a problem that has plagued previous seasons as well. Despite numerous complaints from fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing council have yet to implement effective measures to curb this malpractice. Fans are advised to purchase tickets through official channels once they become available to avoid exorbitant prices and ensure authenticity.

Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has refuted allegations that India had an unfair advantage in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by playing all their matches in Dubai. McGrath emphasized that India's success stemmed from their adeptness on spin-friendly tracks and their comprehensive understanding of the ODI format. He stated, "You have to give credit to India; they played to the conditions. They know how to play on spinning tracks." McGrath also highlighted the positive impact of the IPL and T20 cricket on India's one-day game, noting their confidence and mastery in the format. He dismissed claims of an unfair advantage, comparing it to teams playing all matches in their home countries. 

Sachin Tendulkar led Holi 2025 celebrations at the India Masters team hotel in Raipur, playing a prank on Yuvraj Singh with a water gun. Yuvraj, who had slept in after his match-winning knock in the International Masters League (IML) semi-final against Australia, was caught off guard. Tendulkar, joined by Yusuf Pathan and Rahul Sharma, ambushed Yuvraj at his hotel room door before drenching him in colors. The celebrations continued in the hotel lawn, where Tendulkar himself was soaked. India Masters will face the winner of West Indies vs. Sri Lanka in the IML final on Sunday.