In a historic IPL auction, Mitchell Starc secured a groundbreaking ₹24.75 crore deal with Kolkata Knight Riders, setting a new record for the highest-ever price in IPL history. Earlier, Pat Cummins shattered the ₹20 crore barrier with a ₹20.50 crore bid from Sunrisers Hyderabad. This is the first time ever that the Rs 20-crore mark was breached at the IPl auction. Daryl Mitchell joined Chennai Super Kings for ₹14 crore, while Punjab Kings signed Harshal Patel for ₹11.75 crore. Notably, Rovman Powell (RR, ₹7.40 crore), Travis Head (SRH, ₹6.80 crore), and Harry Brook (DC, ₹4 crore) emerged as top buys in the capped batters category. The franchises collectively have over ₹262 crore for 77 players from a pool of 332.

Australian pacer Pat Cummins shattered IPL auction records, becoming the costliest-ever buy after being sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.50 crore. An intense bidding war between SRH, CSK and RCB ended with the Hyderabad franchise splurging big on the 2023 World Cup winning captain. Cummins' dynamic leadership and bowling exploits recently guided Australia to both WTC and ODI World Cup glory. Though his T20 returns have been underwhelming, he has consistently earned massive paydays in past IPLs, including his 2019 purchase for Rs 15.50 crore by KKR. By breaching the Rs 20 crore ceiling, Cummins broke Sam Curran's previous high of Rs 18.50 crore. His arrival signals significant changes ahead for SRH.

The highly anticipated IPL 2024 player auction is underway in Dubai with all 10 franchises looking to bolster their squads from a pool of 332 shortlisted players. With a massive overall purse of ₹262.95 crore and 77 slots to be filled, big buys are expected. Notable player names include Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Rishabh Pant, who makes his return as Delhi Capitals captain. Several brackets are in place topping out at ₹2 crore. All eyes will be on whether Sam Curran's record purchase of ₹18.5 crore is broken. Stage is set for an entertaining day as teams assemble their best XIs for IPL 2024 beginning March 22.

The BCCI has introduced a major rule change allowing bowlers to bowl two bouncers per over in IPL matches starting 2024. The move aims to make contests between bat and ball more competitive. After testing it successfully in domestic tournaments, the league will implement it next season. Indian pacer Unadkat welcomes the change saying it gives bowlers an extra weapon, especially in death overs when batsmen expect only yorkers. With more bouncer options, pacers will be in high demand at the next player auction. The tactical shift could make bidding wars for top quicks like Cummins and Starc even more intense between franchises.

Sunil Gavaskar expresses optimism about the Mumbai Indians' future, stating, "Hardik Pandya's captaincy will bring fresh ideas to the team." Gavaskar highlights concerns over Rohit Sharma's recent dip in batting contributions, suggesting a potential correlation with his extended leadership roles. "Earlier, there used to be a lot of contributions (with the bat) from Rohit, but in the last few years, they have finished at number 9 or 10," observes Gavaskar. As the IPL 2024 approaches, the decision to appoint Hardik as captain is seen as a strategic move to infuse innovation and revitalize the team's performance.

Delhi Capitals sought to trade Rohit Sharma for IPL 2024 captaincy, approaching Mumbai Indians, who declined the offer, per CricTracker. With Hardik Pandya named MI captain, DC aimed for a seasoned leader as Rishabh Pant was set to play as an Impact Player. Despite MI's rejection, Pant will continue leading post-recovery from a car accident. After Pandya's captaincy announcement, MI faced a follower decline on social media. Rohit, who led MI to five IPL titles, remains an iconic figure in the league. Mumbai recently traded Cameron Green for Hardik Pandya.

Mumbai Indians' decision to make Hardik Pandya the captain for the upcoming IPL 2024 season is under scrutiny, with reports suggesting his return was contingent on the leadership role. Rohit Sharma, the longstanding captain, was allegedly informed during ICC World Cup 2023 and opted to play under Pandya. MI's Global Head of Performance, Mahela Jayawardene, defended the move, stating it aligns with the team's legacy-building philosophy. However, fans expressed discontent, burning jerseys and causing Mumbai Indians' Instagram to lose over 5 lakh followers since the announcement. Pandya's captaincy has sparked debates among IPL enthusiasts.            

The Indian women's cricket team made history by defeating England in a one-off Test match by a mammoth 347 runs. This registered the largest-ever victory in women's Test cricket, surpassing Sri Lanka’s previous 309-run record win in 1998. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s bowlers dismissed England for just 131 runs to secure their first-ever Test triumph over England at home. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma starred with 4 wickets. The commanding win ended India’s 15-match winless streak in women’s Tests. It provides a confidence boost ahead of next week’s one-off Test against Australia. The Indian team displayed ruthless efficiency despite not playing Tests for two years, scripting numerous records in a perfect team performance.

The Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming Test series against South Africa, with pace spearhead Mohammed Shami being ruled out due to injury. Shami, hero of India's recent ODI World Cup campaign, has failed to recover in time from a niggle that kept him out of the recently concluded T20I leg. The BCCI medical team has declared Shami unfit for the Tests starting December 26th. Shami's absence robs India of experience and their strike weapon, having taken 24 wickets in the World Cup. His wicket-taking ability will be sorely missed against a strong South African batting lineup.

In a significant move, Mumbai Indians name Hardik Pandya as captain for IPL 2024, succeeding Rohit Sharma's decade-long captaincy. The decision aligns with MI's legacy building philosophy, focusing on future readiness. Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to victory in 2022, returns to MI after a trade. Mahela Jayawardene emphasizes the transition as part of the team's legacy and vision. Rohit, with five IPL titles and 6211 runs, steps down after a remarkable stint. Pandya, already India's T20I captain, now leads MI into a new era.