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)

During an IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, a tense moment occurred between MI captain Hardik Pandya and GT spinner R Sai Kishore. In the 15th over, after delivering a dot ball, Kishore exchanged intense stares with Pandya, who responded with a verbal reaction, leading to an on-field confrontation. Umpires intervened to defuse the situation. However, after the match, the two players were seen sharing a hug. Kishore later clarified, “Inside the field, anybody is an opponent, but we don’t take things personally,” highlighting the sporting spirit beyond competitive tensions. (PC: NDTV)

In the IPL 2025 clash at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a commanding 36-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI). Batting first, GT posted 196 runs, propelled by Sai Sudharsan's explosive 75 off 40 balls. In response, MI's chase faltered despite Suryakumar Yadav's 29 and Tilak Varma's 39, as they managed only 160/6. GT's bowlers, particularly Prasidh Krishna (2/18) and Kagiso Rabada, delivered exceptional performances, stifling MI's batting lineup. This win marks GT's first points of the season, while MI continues to seek their opening victory. (PC: Brand Equity)

In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans' pacer Mohammed Siraj bowled a sensational delivery to dismiss Mumbai Indians' former captain Rohit Sharma for the first time in IPL history. Opening the attack, Siraj delivered a length ball around off-stump that skidded, nipped back in, and shattered Rohit's defenses, sending the off-stump bail flying. Prior to this, Rohit had scored 82 runs off 59 balls against Siraj without being dismissed. GT posted a competitive 196/8, with notable contributions from Sai Sudharsan (63), Shubman Gill (38), and Jos Buttler (29). Rohit's early departure for 8 off 4 balls left MI in a precarious position. ( PC: The Times of India & My Final 11)

In a recent IPL 2025 match, Gujarat Titans (GT) dominated Mumbai Indians (MI), intensifying scrutiny on MI's new captain, Hardik Pandya. Former captain Rohit Sharma was seen offering support to Pandya, a gesture that sparked widespread online discussion. Fans praised Rohit's leadership, with many calling him "Captain Forever." However, some reports highlighted tensions within the MI camp, noting instances where Rohit appeared frustrated with Pandya's decisions during the game. This blend of camaraderie and visible strain has fueled debates about team dynamics under Pandya's leadership. (PC: ESPNcricinfo)