The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have made a strategic addition to their squad by signing Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur in preparation for their IPL 2025 season opener against the Delhi Capitals, set for March 24 in Visakhapatnam. Thakur joins LSG as a replacement for the injured left-arm fast bowler Mohsin Khan, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a significant knee injury.

Mohsin sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee during the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the end of December 2024. Although he participated in the pre-season training camp, it was confirmed on Sunday that he would not be fit to play in IPL 2025.

LSG’s acquisition of Thakur was officially announced, stating that he was signed from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) at a reserve price of INR 2 crore. With a wealth of experience in the IPL—having participated in 95 matches across five franchises—Thakur is a valuable asset to the squad. His proven track record across all formats of international cricket adds to his appeal.

Last season, Thakur represented the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but he was released before the mega auction held last November due to a lacklustre performance. During that season, he took wickets in just nine matches and scored a mere 21 runs. Despite hopes for a bidding war during the auction in Jeddah, he attracted no bids, not even from former teams, and remained unsold even after being recalled on the second day.

In a parallel development, Thakur turned heads with his impressive Ranji Trophy performance this season, amassing 505 runs and taking 35 wickets in nine matches, which contributed to Mumbai’s title. This outstanding display sparked discussions about his potential selection for the upcoming England Test tour. Although he signed a contract with Essex to play county cricket, Thakur had previously informed the club of his willingness to accept an IPL offer if a franchise needed a replacement player, as noted by ESPNCricinfo.

With Shardul Thakur’s addition, LSG looks more equipped to tackle the challenges ahead in IPL 2025.

As the IPL 2025 season progresses, one name continues to captivate fans and command attention — Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran remains one of the most iconic figures in the league’s history, stepping into his 18th consecutive IPL season.

At 44 years old, Dhoni is the oldest player in this year’s tournament, yet his presence remains as impactful as ever — both on and off the field. While questions remain about how long he’ll continue playing, CSK retained him under the uncapped player clause for the 2025 season, a nod to his influence even after five years away from the international scene.

Statistical dominance and unmatched leadership

Dhoni’s IPL stats underline his lasting brilliance:

5,243 runs (6th highest overall)

Batting average of 39.12, ahead of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Strike rate of 137.53, trailing only AB de Villiers and David Warner among top scorers

252 sixes, behind only Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma and Kohli

180 wicketkeeping dismissals – a record in the league

He also holds the records for most matches as captain (210) and most wins as captain (123), having led CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 victories. These numbers, combined with his calm leadership and match-winning abilities, have cemented his place among cricket’s elite.

Evolving role in the team

Last season, he played a string of strategic cameos, offering impactful knocks and guiding CSK with his sharp game sense. Under the impact player rule, Dhoni may now feature selectively — adding flexibility to the squad while continuing to be a mentor and behind-the-scenes leader. His presence is also commercially vital, with his appeal driving massive brand value for both CSK and the IPL.

As former teammate Robin Uthappa put it, “Write off Dhoni at your own risk. We could still see some old magic.”

Bigger than numbers: Dhoni’s cultural impact

Beyond the numbers, Dhoni’s “helicopter shot”, quick stumpings, and cool-headed decisions under pressure have made him a legend. His contribution to Indian cricket, including three ICC titles as captain and a transformative impact in Test cricket, has drawn comparisons with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev.

As the tournament unfolds, speculation remains around whether this will be his final IPL season. But for now, CSK fans are soaking in every moment — cheering for a man whose career continues to inspire across generations.

The Indian Premier League 2025 opened with a bang at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, delivering a night of glitz, glamour, and cricketing fervour that left fans spellbound. Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan set the stage ablaze with his magnetic presence, delivering a rousing speech that had the packed stadium roaring in excitement.

“The King of Bollywood” didn’t stop there—SRK turned up the heat by inviting cricketing stars Rinku Singh and Virat Kohli on stage for an impromptu dance-off. The crowd went wild as Virat and SRK grooved to the beats of Jhoome Jo Pathaan, creating a moment that will be etched in IPL history. The energy peaked when SRK brought together the captains of KKR and RCB, along with top BCCI and IPL officials, for a grand finale that celebrated the spirit of cricket.

Disha Patani and Karan Aujla Set the Stage on Fire
Bollywood’s glamour queen, Disha Patani, turned up the heat with her sizzling dance moves, adding a dash of Bollywood magic to the evening. Her electrifying performance had the crowd on their feet, cheering for more. Not to be outdone, Punjabi sensation Karan Aujla brought his A-game, delivering a high-octane performance that had everyone grooving to his chart-topping hits.

Shreya Ghoshal’s Melodic Magic
The night’s musical highlight came from the enchanting Shreya Ghoshal, who mesmerized the audience with her soulful renditions. She kicked off her performance with Aami Je Tomar from Bhool Bhulaiyaa, leaving fans in awe of her vocal prowess. But the real treat was her tribute to the 10 IPL franchises, dedicating a special song to each team. It was a heartfelt ode to the league’s unity and diversity, making it a truly unforgettable performance.

The Cricketing Action Begins: KKR vs RCB
As the dazzling performances wrapped up, the focus shifted to the real stars of the night—the cricketers. The opening match of IPL 2025 saw Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) locking horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), promising a thrilling start to what’s set to be another action-packed season.