This fresh week started with the BCCI unveiling the new set of central contracts after a long wait. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah continue to be at the cream layer, while Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have made their return. However, there were some exclusions too, with the BCCI ignoring Shardul Thakur, who otherwise could be on the flight to England for the upcoming Test series. In other news, the juggernaut of the Gujarat Titans (GT) continued as they thoroughly beat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with Shubman Gill nearly notching up a century. Also, is Sanju Samson ruled out of IPL 2025?
Sanju Samson out of IPL 2025?
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson will miss their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) due to an ongoing injury. Samson retired hurt during RR’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 16 after attempting a cut shot and clutching his ribs. The RR franchise confirmed that Samson will remain in Jaipur for further recovery and rehabilitation. With Samson’s absence, 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi might get another chance to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Suryavanshi’s impressive debut against LSG has raised hopes for RR’s batting lineup. Given Samson’s consistent injuries at this year’s IPL, there are huge dark clouds over RR’s qualification prospects. Read more here.
Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan back!!!
The BCCI has unveiled its central contracts list for 2024-25, with some notable inclusions and exclusions. The A+ grade remains unchanged, featuring Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma. Rishabh Pant gets a promotion to Grade A, while Shreyas Iyer makes a comeback to Grade B. Ishan Kishan returns to Grade C, alongside new entrants Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, and Varun Chakravarthy. On the other hand, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jitesh Sharma are among those excluded. The contracts are valid from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Read more here.
Ishan Kishan lucky?
The BCCI’s central contracts list has thrown up a surprise with Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in Grade C. The young batter hasn’t played for India since 2023, and his numbers don’t entirely justify the contract. With others like Karun Nair impressing in domestic cricket, questions are being raised about the criteria used for selection. Ishan would face stiff competition from the likes of Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Jitesh Sharma, making his spot uncertain in all the three formats. Can he justify the faith? Only his performances will tell. Read more here.
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DRS Apr 22: Sanju Samson injured for IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer-Ishan Kishan back & BCCI against Shardul Thakur? Updated IPL 2025 Points Table: Check out the latest rankings of all 10 teams IPL 2025: Updated Orange and Purple cap standingsGT’s juggernaut continues
Gujarat Titans consolidated their top spot in the IPL 2025 points table with a convincing 39-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Shubman Gill’s polished 90 and Sai Sudharsan’s half-century set the platform for a dominant performance. Rashid Khan’s return to form was a welcome boost, as he picked up crucial wickets, including Andre Russell. KKR’s chase was derailed by poor starts and middle-order collapses, with their mystery spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine going wicketless. GT’s top-order once again proved their mettle, steering the team to a crucial win and moving closer to the playoffs. Read more here.
BCCI against Shardul Thakur?
The BCCI has announced its central contract list for 2024-25, excluding several notable players. Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat, and Jitesh Sharma are among those dropped. Thakur’s injuries and inconsistent performances cost him his Grade B contract. Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket made him ineligible. Avesh Khan’s inconsistent performances despite a strong IPL season led to his exclusion from Grade C. Jitesh Sharma and KS Bharat were dropped due to being out of favor and replaced by Dhruv Jurel, respectively. With Shardul ignored from the list, there could be a possibility that the BCCI might not consider him for the Tests against England either! Read more here.
Kohli gifts his bat to Musheer Khan
Virat Kohli’s softer side was on full display after RCB’s thrilling win over PBKS in IPL 2025. The batting legend gifted his bat to 20-year-old sensation Musheer Khan, younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan. Musheer, who had a remarkable ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024, thanked Kohli on Instagram. Despite being part of a star-studded PBKS batting lineup, Musheer’s debut wait continues. Kohli’s act of kindness has won hearts. This moment will be cherished by Musheer, who looks up to Kohli as a role model. A heartwarming moment in the IPL. Read more here.
DRS Apr 22: Sanju Samson injured for IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer-Ishan Kishan back & BCCI against Shardul Thakur? Inside Sport India.
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