The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at the Wankhede Stadium as Delhi Capitals opted to field first against Mumbai Indians in a virtual knockout clash of IPL 2025. With a coveted playoff spot up for grabs, the clash has taken on immense significance for both franchises. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s emphatic six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants on Monday night has added further pressure, effectively sealing the first three playoff slots for Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers. That leaves Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals as the remaining contenders for the fourth and final berth. As things stand, Mumbai Indians have 14 points while Delhi Capitals are one point behind with 13. Both teams still have control over their playoff destinies, but MI have the advantage going into this fixture. A win for the five-time champions would take them to 16 points, placing them out of Delhi’s reach and securing qualification. On the other hand, for Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals, the road is more challenging, they must win both of their remaining matches, including their final league game against Punjab Kings on May 24, to make the cut. However, weather could play spoilsport. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a thunderstorm warning for Mumbai and the surrounding regions, forecasting heavy rain, lightning, and strong gusty winds up to 60 km/h. If the match is washed out, the teams will share a point each, which could prove disastrous for Delhi’s campaign and complicate Mumbai’s path depending on other results. Mumbai Indians will take confidence from their rich vein of form. Despite a recent narrow loss to Gujarat Titans, the Mahela Jayawardene-coached side had previously strung together six consecutive victories, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent and dangerous sides in this year’s competition. Their balance, depth in both departments, and experience on big occasions give them the upper hand on paper. In contrast, Delhi Capitals have had a rollercoaster campaign. They started strong, notching up five wins from their first six matches, but their form has since dipped alarmingly. While Kuldeep Yadav has been a standout with 12 wickets, their overall bowling unit has lacked bite. Skipper Axar Patel’s struggles have also hurt the side, his 263 runs and five wickets in the tournament so far fall short of expectations for a player of his calibre. As the pressure mounts and rain looms, both teams will be hoping for a full game to settle this crucial showdown on the field rather than be left to the vagaries of weather and net run rates. MI vs DC live updates: Full squads Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Shrijith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Raghu Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Penmetsa, Arjun Tendulkar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah. Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (c), Mustafizur Rahman, Abhishek Porel (wk), Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Sameer Rizvi, Darshan Nalkande, Tripurana Vijay, Dushmantha Chameera, Faf du Plessis, T Natarajan, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Manvanth Kumar L, Madhav Tiwari MI vs DC live updates: Toss update Delhi Capitals stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bowl against Mumbai Indians in a must-win IPL game here on Wednesday. MI vs DC live updates: Playing XIs Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis(c), Abishek Porel(w), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Tristan Stubbs, Dushmantha Chameera, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar MI vs DC live updates: Match begins! Jasprit Bumrah enters the attack, and delivers instantly. Tristan Stubbs is trapped plumb in front as the crafty slower delivery deceives him completely. The ball grips off the surface, underscoring how challenging this pitch is for batting. Mumbai Indians are firmly in control, dismantling the Capitals with clinical precision. Stubbs rolled the dice with a review, but even DRS couldn’t overturn the inevitable DC 65/5 (9.2) Abishek Porel falls to sharp glovework from Ryan Rickelton. The stumping was lightning-fast as Will Jacks picks up a crucial wicket. Delhi Capitals are sinking deeper into trouble, and Mumbai Indians are firmly in control of this contest. DC: 27/3 (4.2) Trent Boult delivers a big blow. Centurion KL Rahul has to walk back early. A massive breakthrough for Mumbai Indians, and the Wankhede crowd erupts in celebration! MI are right on top in this crucial clash. DC: 20/2 (2.4) Delhi Capitals suffer an early setback as stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis departs for just six runs. Deepak Chahar strikes with a crucial breakthrough, drawing first blood in this high-stakes contest. DC: 12/1 (1.4) Delhi Capitals are off to a steady start, collecting 10 runs from the opening over. Both KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis opened their accounts with a boundary each, laying a calm yet confident foundation for the chase. DC: 10/0 (1) Suryakumar Yadav kicks off the 19th over with a towering six, bringing up a stylish half-century! This is his fourth fifty of the IPL 2025 season. With Naman Dhir now joining him at the crease, SKY will aim to anchor the innings till the final ball. MI: 139/5 (18.2) Chameera strikes with a brilliantly disguised leg-cutter to dismiss Hardik Pandya! It was full and wide outside off with little pace on offer. Pandya, attempting to loft it over long-off, couldn’t generate the power and pays the price MI: 126/5 (17) Mukesh Kumar claimed his second wicket of the match by dismissing Tilak Varma, who went for a big hit over the leg side but was caught out. Naman Dhir now strides confidently to the crease, ready to take charge. MI: 114/4 (15) The Wankhede pitch is noticeably dry today, offering significant assistance to the spinners. In such conditions, a total around 170-180 runs would be a competitive target for Mumbai to defend. Despite having seven wickets in hand, Mumbai's batting lineup has yet to unleash its full attacking prowess. Both Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma remain at the crease, but their approach so far lacks the urgency and intent needed to accelerate the innings. MI: 108/3 (14) 12 overs are done and the contest still remains delicately poised, with Delhi Capitals holding a slight edge at this stage. Suryakumar Yadav is batting cautiously on 18 off 15 deliveries, while Tilak Varma appears more settled, cruising along confidently with 22 off 19 balls. Meanwhile, Delhi will be keen to break this partnership before the 15th over and regain momentum. A timely breakthrough here could swing the tide firmly in their favour. The middle phase of this innings promises to be crucial in shaping the outcome of this must-win clash. MI: 95/3 (12) Mukesh Kumar put down a costly chance to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav, but Kuldeep Yadav struck immediately after, claiming his first wicket of the match by removing Ryan Rickelton on the very next delivery. Momentum has firmly shifted in Delhi's favour, and Mumbai Indians now find themselves in desperate need of a stabilising presence at the crease MI: 58/3 (6.4) Will Jacks falls now as Mukesh Kumar strikes, giving Delhi their second breakthrough. Mumbai have managed a brisk 54 runs during the Powerplay, but the loss of two key wickets has shifted the momentum slightly in Delhi’s favour. MI: 48/2 (5.3) Rohit Sharma departs for just five after a sensational catch by Abhishek Porel behind the stumps. Mustafizur Rahman produced a peach of a delivery that shaped away late, finding the thick outside edge of Rohit’s bat. Porel reacted sharply to complete a stunning take. Will Jacks now joins Rickelton at the crease as Mumbai lose their first wicket. MI: 25/1 (3.0) Ryan Rickelton unleashes a fiery assault in the second over. Dushmantha Chameera entered the attack but was met with brutal resistance, as Rickelton dispatched him for two towering sixes that lit up the Wankhede. Mumbai Indians are off to a commanding start, asserting early dominance with the bat. MI: 22/0 after 2 overs
21 May,2025 10:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Gujarat Titans gear up for their penultimate league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, skipper Shubman Gill is already looking beyond the IPL. With India’s challenging five-match Test tour of England on the horizon, Gill has begun red-ball preparations even amid the high-stakes T20 action. Gill, who has led Gujarat Titans with distinction this season, has steered the franchise to the summit of the IPL 2025 points table. With nine wins from 12 matches, the Titans became the first team to seal a spot in the playoffs and now aim to cement a top-two finish with a strong showing against a struggling LSG side. However, amid his IPL commitments, Gill was recently seen training with a red ball, a clear sign that he has his eyes set on the Test series in England, scheduled to begin next month. The 24-year-old opener was spotted fine-tuning his technique during a Titans training session, using the opportunity to balance short-format duties with longer-format preparations. Shubman Gill practiced with red ball today in the nets for the England Test tour. (IANS).- Shubman is Coming to Roar in England. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kGj7XEwRMp — Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 21, 2025 His red-ball practice session gains added significance as the BCCI is reportedly considering him for India’s Test captaincy. With Rohit Sharma announcing his retirement from Test cricket earlier this month, Gill has emerged as a potential successor to lead the side in what will be a new chapter in India’s red-ball journey. However, Gill’s recent Test form is a cause for concern. During India’s 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia, he managed only 93 runs across five innings in three matches, averaging just 18.60. As India prepares for the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, starting with the England series, the spotlight will be on Gill to rediscover his red-ball rhythm. The much-anticipated series against England will kick off at Headingley in Leeds from June 20 to 24. The five-Test series is not only a crucial overseas challenge but also marks the start of India’s 2025–27 WTC campaign. A strong start will be vital, and Gill’s role, whether as a senior batter or potentially as captain, will be pivotal to India’s fortunes. Before that, Gill will return to lead Gujarat Titans against Lucknow Super Giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22.
21 May,2025 10:35 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Indians opener Rohit Sharma’s long-standing vulnerability against left-arm seam bowling resurfaced yet again during their crucial IPL 2025 encounter against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. The veteran batter was dismissed for just five runs, falling victim to Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the third over of the innings. Opting to bat first, Mumbai’s start was dented early as Rohit edged a delivery that shaped away from him, finding the gloves of Abhishek Porel behind the stumps. It marked Rohit’s second consecutive failure against left-arm pace in the tournament, following his seven-run dismissal against Gujarat Titans by Arshad Khan earlier in the season. This recurring weakness hasn’t gone unnoticed by Mumbai’s think tank. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene previously addressed the issue after Rohit’s dismissal by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Yash Dayal, emphasizing that the former MI skipper is well aware of the technical flaw and has been working rigorously to overcome it. "Obviously for right-handed batsmen left armers, it is a natural thing for a lot of opening batsmen and a lot of the right-handed batsmen," Jayawardene had said in the post-match press conference. "It's been there for many years, I can remember many teams doing the same thing, so it's just a natural angle and then creating that space. But yeah, I'm sure Rohit’s been working on it, he's been practicing hard and he's a very experienced player." Despite his wealth of experience and recent form in white-ball cricket, Rohit’s struggles this season against left-arm seamers have been glaring. He has now been dismissed four times by left-arm quicks in IPL 2025 alone, more than any other batter in the tournament. Apart from Mustafizur and Arshad, dismissals against CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed in the tournament opener and RCB’s Yash Dayal have contributed to this concerning trend. His average against left-arm pace in the current season has dipped to just 16.50, underlining the magnitude of the issue. Over the course of his IPL career, Rohit has now fallen to left-arm seamers 33 times, averaging 24.18 against them, his lowest against any bowling type. As Mumbai Indians continue to push for playoff qualification, the pressure is mounting on the experienced batter to shore up this vulnerability.
21 May,2025 08:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Indians fans came together to honour Rohit Sharma with a touching tribute at the Wankhede Stadium, celebrating his legacy in Test cricket. Ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 fixture against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, a sea of fans dressed in special blue jerseys and unique masks featuring Rohit's smiling face filled the stands, creating a powerful visual homage to the man affectionately dubbed 'Mumbai Cha Raja' (the King of Mumbai). The occasion was marked by the distribution of customised jerseys boldly bearing the phrase 'Mumbai Cha Raja'. The fans also sported specially made masks showcasing the former Test skipper’s iconic smile. Organisers deliberately chose blue jerseys, instead of traditional Test whites, to maintain clear visibility during the match, which is played with a white ball. VIDEO | #IPL2025: Mumbai Indians (MI) fans gather outside Wankhede Stadium ahead of the match against Delhi Capitals, hopeful for a MI victory.#MumbaiIndians #DelhiCapitals (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/c8Vls3EqrW — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 21, 2025 "Mumbai Cha Raja" jerseys🗿🔥- When you are big...You are big...{Rohit Sharma} pic.twitter.com/JXI4nFY4df — Gillfied⁷ (@Gill_Iss) May 21, 2025 Additionally, a section of fans came dressed in whites as part of the emotional send-off, which followed Rohit’s formal announcement of retirement from Test cricket on May 7. Fans in special white t-shirt and test jersey for Rohit Sharma at Wankhade stadium.🥹🤍 pic.twitter.com/u3xhv0ZfZE — 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 21, 2025 Fans wearing Rohit Sharma Test jersey in Wankhede stadium.🥶 pic.twitter.com/tgDNm18A1b — 𝐍𝐏𝐋 (@NPL_45) May 21, 2025 Wednesday’s IPL match marked his first appearance since stepping away from the red-ball format. Rohit featured in the playing XI for Mumbai Indians, who made a solitary change by bringing in Mitchell Santner in place of Corbin Bosch for the high-stakes encounter. Just a week earlier, Rohit was honoured at the same venue with the inauguration of the newly renamed ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’. It was a fitting tribute to a player who not only led India to historic triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy but also shaped the modern Indian Test side with grit and resilience. While Rohit has bid farewell to Test cricket, he is far from done. The 38-year-old will continue to play a vital role in India’s ODI setup and remain a key figure in the IPL. His Test career concludes with an impressive tally of 4,301 runs from 67 matches, during which he captained India in 24 Tests between 2022 and 2024. Rohit’s retirement, coming just days after Virat Kohli also stepped down from the Test format, signals the end of a golden era. The upcoming five-match Test series in England, scheduled from 20 June to 4 August, will kick off India’s new World Test Championship campaign without either of the modern greats. The BCCI is expected to name India’s new red-ball captain and the touring squad on May 24.
21 May,2025 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at the Wankhede Stadium as Delhi Capitals opted to field first against Mumbai Indians in a virtual knockout clash of IPL 2025. With a coveted playoff spot up for grabs, the clash has taken on immense significance for both franchises. Delhi’s challenge grew steeper with the absence of their regular captain, Axar Patel, who was ruled out due to illness. Stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis confirmed the news at the toss: “He has been really sick in the last two days. We'll miss him today. Axar is two players and it's difficult to replace him. We'll see how it goes." Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, made a tactical switch by including Mitchell Santner in place of Corbin Bosch to strengthen their bowling options. The pressure intensified after Sunrisers Hyderabad’s comprehensive six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Monday, which cemented playoff spots for Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers. That result has left Mumbai and Delhi as the only teams still in contention for the final playoff berth. Currently, Mumbai sit on 14 points, just one ahead of Delhi, who are on 13. The equation is simple for MI, a win will take them to 16 points and secure safe passage into the knockouts. For DC, the path is narrower: they must win both remaining fixtures, including their last league game against Punjab Kings on May 24, to stay alive in the tournament. However, weather threatens to overshadow the on-field drama. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather alert for Mumbai, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 60 km/h. A washout would result in a shared point, an outcome that could end Delhi’s campaign and make Mumbai’s route more complex, depending on net run rates and other results. Mumbai head into this clash as the more settled and in-form outfit. Despite a narrow defeat to Gujarat Titans in their previous outing, the five-time champions had earlier stitched together six consecutive wins. Under the guidance of Mahela Jayawardene, their squad exudes balance, experience, and firepower in both batting and bowling departments. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have endured a turbulent season. After a strong start, winning five of their first six matches, their campaign has derailed in recent weeks. Kuldeep Yadav has been a rare bright spot with 12 wickets, but their bowling unit overall has lacked consistency. Axar Patel’s underwhelming returns with both bat and ball have only compounded their troubles. MI vs DC: Teams Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Faf du Plessis(c), Abishek Porel(w), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Tristan Stubbs, Dushmantha Chameera, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
21 May,2025 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEngland Test captain Ben Stokes recently disclosed that he reached out to Virat Kohli via text following the batting stalwart’s surprising announcement to retire from Test cricket on May 12. Kohli’s retirement came shortly after India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma announced his own departure from the format, leaving the Indian squad facing the prospect of touring England with a relatively inexperienced side. Kohli had taken to social media to explain that although giving up Test cricket was a difficult choice, it ultimately felt like the right decision for him. India is set to begin a five-Test series in England on June 20, which will also mark the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle. The squad for this tour is expected to be named on May 24. Stokes expressed his admiration for Kohli’s intensity on the field, praising the passion and desire to win that Kohli brought to every match. “What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He's made No. 18 his own, we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He's been pure class for such a long time,” Stokes said in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board. He added, “I texted him saying it's going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat. We've always relished the contest because we share the same mindset on the field, it's a battle” Stokes further lauded Kohli’s excellence, calling him a 'different beast' especially in white-ball cricket. "He's been incredible. He deserves all the accolades. No doubt, there's been plenty of praise for him in India and here as well. He's done well in England too. "In white-ball formats, he's been outstanding. One thing I'll always remember about Virat is how hard he hits the ball through the covers, that cover drive will live long in the memory,” Stokes added. Kohli has amassed 1,991 runs in 28 Tests against England, averaging 42.36, including 1,096 runs in 17 Tests played in England at an average of 33.21. After a tough tour in 2014, Kohli returned stronger in 2018 with two centuries and captained India to notable victories in the 2021 series at Lord’s and The Oval.
21 May,2025 06:40 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentWith no bilateral ODI series scheduled until India hosts one in October, veteran India opener Rohit Sharma may finally resolve a long-standing hamstring issue that has troubled him for nearly five years. According to a CricBlogger report, the injury, though persistent for years, was continually sidelined due to Rohit's exhaustive leadership commitments across all formats of the game. That chapter, however, may be drawing to a close. However, after his retirement from both T20Is and Tests, Rohit appears poised to focus on his fitness and longevity in the 50-over format, immediately after the ongoing IPL 2025. "If Rohit wants to play the 2027 World Cup, this is the right time to get the surgery done. He has been putting it off for years because of leadership duties, but now the schedule allows him to recover without rushing back," a source was quoted as saying in the report. While no official word has come from either Rohit himsefl or the BCCI, the timing strongly hints at a calculated decision, one that could redefine his role and relevance in the lead-up to the next ODI World Cup. It marks a possible shift in strategy, enabling Rohit to return to the format fully healed and rejuvenated, with a renewed focus on leading India’s ODI resurgence. Concerns around Rohit’s physical condition intensified during IPL 2025. He has been frequently seen off the field during Mumbai Indians' bowling innings, and his limited mobility, coupled with uncharacteristically cautious batting, suggested the lingering effects of his hamstring woes. Given the light ODI calendar and Rohit's critical role in the format, this juncture may represent not just a golden opportunity but also a final call to address the injury comprehensively. A full recovery would not only restore his freedom of movement but also sharpen his batting prowess, which has long been a cornerstone of India’s white-ball success. If Rohit aims to lead India into the 2027 World Cup, tackling this fitness challenge head-on could be a vital first step toward ensuring he’s at his absolute best when it matters most.
21 May,2025 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made significant announcements on Tuesday regarding the venues for the IPL 2025 playoffs and final, along with a crucial update to the tournament's playing conditions. In light of persistent heavy rainfall in Bengaluru over recent days, the IPL Governing Council has decided to relocate the upcoming fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, initially scheduled to take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match will now be held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. Alongside the venue shift, the BCCI also introduced an important change to the rain-affected match protocol. In an official statement, the board confirmed the extension of the buffer period for all remaining league-stage matches. "Similar to the playoffs stage, an additional one hour will be allocated to the playing conditions for the remaining matches of the league stage, starting Tuesday, 20 May," the BCCI said in its release. Previously, IPL games allowed for a 60-minute window after the scheduled start before overs began to be deducted due to delays. Under the updated regulation, this window has now been doubled to 120 minutes, offering teams and fans a greater chance to witness a full 20-over contest, even if rain causes initial delays. This effectively means that matches can now start as late as 9:30 PM IST and still be played in their entirety. Furthermore, the latest possible start for a five-over-a-side match has now been extended to 11:56 PM IST, an hour later than the previous cut-off time. While this rule was already applicable for playoff fixtures, it has now been extended to the league stage from the Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals clash in Delhi onwards. Rain threat looms over MI vs DC Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the fate of the crucial encounter between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, scheduled for Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, indicating a strong possibility of rainfall that could severely impact the high-stakes match. The outcome of this clash is pivotal to Delhi Capitals' playoff aspirations. A win against MI, followed by victory in their final group match, would secure their progression to the playoffs. However, a defeat would send Mumbai Indians through. In the case of a washout, Delhi’s chances would be significantly dented. DC currently have 13 points from 12 matches, while MI sit at 14 from as many games. Should Wednesday’s match be abandoned and MI triumph in their final game against Punjab Kings, they would seal a playoff berth.
21 May,2025 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe final of the Champions Trophy 2025, played between India and New Zealand on March 9, amassed 65.3 billion live viewing minutes, making it the most-watched Champions Trophy match ever, according to broadcast viewership figures released by the International Cricket Council. The marquee event was jointly hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The previous record was held by the 2017 final between India and Pakistan. The India vs New Zealand final also became the third-most watched ICC match of all time. In India, it ranked as the third-most watched cricket match, behind only the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand and the final of the same tournament against Australia. The Champions Trophy 2025 recorded 368 billion viewing minutes, making it the most-watched edition of the tournament in history. The event also witnessed a 19 percent increase in viewership compared to the 2017 edition, which was held in England and Wales. Additionally, the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 drew an average of 308 million global viewing minutes per over, the highest ever for any ICC event. Coverage in India was broadcast across 29 channels in nine languages, including the return of the award-winning Indian Sign Language feed and Audio Descriptive Commentary. These inclusive innovations ensured that all fans could enjoy the drama of the tournament, culminating in it becoming the most-watched Champions Trophy ever in the country. The tournament also recorded the highest proportion of digital watch time for any ICC event in India. Australia also registered its highest-ever viewership for the Champions Trophy, with overall viewing hours up by 65 percent compared to 2017. Commenting on the remarkable growth in viewership, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said this reflects cricket’s expanding global footprint: "We are delighted to share that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has achieved record-breaking global viewership, making it the most-watched edition of the tournament to date. These remarkable numbers reflect the growing global appeal of the game and the strength of our partnerships," said Shah as quoted by the ICC. Even though Pakistan did not reach the final, viewing hours rose by 24 percent compared to the 2017 edition. (With ICC Inputs)
21 May,2025 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeen prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi stole the spotlight both with the bat and through a heartfelt gesture on Tuesday, as Rajasthan Royals signed off their IPL 2025 campaign with a six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The 14-year-old sensation played a pivotal role in the Royals' successful chase, crafting a fluent 33-ball 57, his second half-century in this season’s tournament. His performance not only helped secure a consolation win for RR but also added another chapter to his already record-breaking debut season. Following the match, Suryavanshi captured hearts beyond the boundary line. In a touching moment of reverence, the teenager sought the blessings of MS Dhoni by touching his feet. The gesture, made in front of a packed stadium after the Royals' triumph, reflected the youngster’s deep respect for the game and one of its greatest icons. 𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 😊This is what #TATAIPL is all about 💛🩷#CSKvRR | @ChennaiIPL | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/hI9oHcHav1 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 20, 2025 Suryavanshi’s stellar knock anchored Rajasthan Royals’ chase of a competitive 188, built around a blistering 37-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a quickfire 36 off 19 balls. His calculated aggression and composure under pressure once again affirmed his rising stature in the league. Interestingly, the match featured the IPL’s youngest and oldest players in action, Suryavanshi at 14 and Dhoni at 43. While Suryavanshi holds the distinction of being the youngest cricketer to ever play in the IPL, Dhoni is now the third-oldest player to feature in the league since its inception in 2008. Chennai Super Kings, batting first on a hot and humid evening, were in early trouble, reeling at 78 for five within the first eight overs. However, they showed resilience to post 187 for eight, thanks to crucial middle-order contributions that revived their innings. Rajasthan’s chase wasn’t without hiccups. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave CSK a brief glimmer of hope, dismissing captain Sanju Samson (41) and Suryavanshi in the same over. But Dhruv Jurel’s counter-attacking boundaries in the following over restored momentum. Despite the dismissal of Riyan Parag, RR cruised home, with Jurel sealing the victory with a towering six, while Shimron Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 12. (With inputs from agencies)
21 May,2025 04:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWith dark clouds of uncertainty looming over the crucial IPL 2025 showdown between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, concerns over rain interruptions have intensified. In light of the weather threat, DC co-owner Parth Jindal has reportedly approached the BCCI, urging them to relocate the high-stakes match to a different venue, as per a report by ESPNcricinfo. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, with forecasts suggesting a high probability of rainfall, potentially disrupting the fixture at the Wankhede Stadium. This encounter holds immense significance for the Delhi Capitals. A win over MI followed by a victory in their final league match would guarantee them a direct berth in the playoffs. However, a loss would mean Mumbai Indians progress. A washout, too, would heavily damage DC’s prospects. Currently, Delhi Capitals stand at 13 points from 12 matches, while Mumbai Indians sit slightly ahead with 14 points from an equal number of games. If Wednesday’s match is washed out and MI go on to defeat Punjab Kings in their last fixture, they will advance to the playoffs. Earlier on Tuesday, the BCCI had relocated the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for May 23, to Lucknow due to 'unfavourable weather conditions' in Bengaluru. Citing this precedent, Jindal made his appeal. "The forecast in Mumbai is for heavy rains, and there is a strong likelihood that the game will be washed out," Parth wrote, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "Just as the game between RCB vs SRH has been moved out of Bengaluru in the quest for consistency and in the interest of the league it is my request that tomorrow's game also be moved to a different location as we have known for the better part of 6 days that the forecast for 21st in Mumbai is for heavy showers," he added. Despite the plea, the BCCI is reportedly unlikely to grant the request, citing significant logistical constraints in relocating a match on such short notice. This development unfolds amid ongoing debates over consistency in the league’s rule enforcement. Just recently, KKR CEO Venky Mysore wrote to the BCCI expressing dissatisfaction over a rule change mid-season. The board had introduced a provision allowing an additional 60 minutes of play in rain-affected matches. Notably, KKR’s clash against RCB on May 17 was abandoned due to rain, a result that eliminated them from playoff contention. The franchise argued that had the new rule been implemented earlier, they could have played a minimum five-over game and possibly stayed alive in the tournament.
21 May,2025 04:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
