Mitchell Marsh smashed his maiden IPL century, scoring a blazing 117 off 62 balls, as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Gujarat Titans by 33 runs in a crucial IPL 2025 match. Marsh and Aiden Markram shared a solid 91-run opening stand, while Nicholas Pooran added a quickfire 56* off 27 balls. Rishabh Pant’s late cameo helped LSG post 233. In response, GT could only manage 202/9, despite Shahrukh Khan’s valiant 57 off 29. Will O'Rourke starred with the ball, picking up three wickets. The defeat dented GT’s hopes of finishing in the top two, while LSG broke their four-match  losing streak. (PC: BCCI)

The BCCI has named a 16-member India U-19 squad for the upcoming England tour, appointing 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre as captain. Mhatre recently made his IPL debut with Chennai Super Kings and has shown strong leadership and batting skills. Notably, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar, the youngest IPL centurion, has also been selected. The squad will play five One-Day Internationals and two multi-day matches in England. This tour aims to provide crucial international exposure and development opportunities for the next generation of Indian cricket stars. (PC: IPL)

Golf legend Rory McIlroy is set to make his professional debut in India at the inaugural DP World India Championship, scheduled from October 16 to 19 at Delhi Golf Club. The $4 million event marks McIlroy's first competitive appearance in the country. Expressing enthusiasm, McIlroy stated, "I'm excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also visit a country that I've always wanted to explore." He highlighted India's potential for golf growth and his eagerness to play before Indian fans. At 36, McIlroy recently completed the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory and is currently ranked No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking.(PC: The Telegraph)

With Virat Kohli retired and India set to face England in a five-Test series, the No. 4 spot has become a key talking point. While Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were seen as frontrunners, former India coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Karun Nair for the role. Bangar cited Nair’s prolific 2024–25 domestic season, including a Ranji Trophy win and a blistering 89-run IPL knock, as reasons for his return. Nair, one of only two Indians with a Test triple century, could be set for a comeback. Bangar also supported Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran’s inclusion for the England series. (PC: BCCI)

Mumbai Indians secured the final IPL 2025 playoff spot with a commanding 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, MI posted 180/5, powered by a superb unbeaten 73 off 43 balls from Suryakumar Yadav. Despite losing wickets at intervals, MI maintained momentum. In response, Delhi Capitals collapsed for 121 in 18.2 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) and Mitchell Santner (3/11) dismantling the batting lineup. DC, missing regular skipper Axar Patel due to illness, were eliminated from the tournament. MI now join RCB, GT, and PBKS in the playoffs, with league positions still to be finalized. (PC: BCCI)

Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world with a record-breaking IPL century, scoring 101 off just 38 balls to become the youngest centurion in tournament history. Overwhelmed by the spotlight, Suryavanshi revealed he received 500 missed calls and kept his phone off for four days. Praised for his maturity and focus, the prodigy is now set to represent India U-19 in England. Head coach Rahul Dravid applauded his season but warned of tougher challenges ahead as bowlers will target him next year. Suryavanshi remains grounded, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and playing for the team. (PC: PTI)

Basava Raju, the Supreme Commander of CPI (Maoist) and mastermind of several deadly attacks, was killed along with 26 others in a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh. The 70-year-old was the movement’s key strategist and held the highest rank in the insurgency’s command. His death marks a critical blow to the Maoist insurgency, signaling a leadership crisis and lowering cadre morale. Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi hailed the success, reaffirming the goal of a Naxal-free India by 2026. Raju’s elimination validates the intensified counter-insurgency efforts and represents a milestone in India’s decades-long battle against left-wing extremism. (PC: News18)

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has urged MS Dhoni to consider retirement following Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing IPL 2025 season. At 43, Dhoni returned as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, but CSK managed only three wins in 13 matches, finishing at the bottom of the table. Bangar highlighted the physical challenges of playing at Dhoni's age and suggested that stepping aside could facilitate the team's transition. Despite Dhoni's efforts, CSK's performance has declined, with four playoff misses in the last six seasons. While Dhoni hasn't indicated retirement plans, Bangar believes it's time for him to move on and allow the franchise to rebuild. (PC: Revsportz)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have criticized the timing of the IPL’s extra time rule following their rain-washed match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17, 2025. The game was abandoned without play, and both teams shared a point, effectively ending KKR’s hopes of making the playoffs. KKR officials feel the rule’s implementation at this stage of the tournament unfairly affected their qualification chances. The mid-season introduction of this rule has sparked debate among teams and cricket fans alike. (PC: ANI)  

Rajasthan Royals finally managed to end their chasing jinx as they beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 wickets in Match 62 of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) on Tuesday, May 20 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. After being put in to bat first, CSK posted 187/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, Rajasthan Royals chased down the target in 17.1 overs on the back of a splendid fifty from young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (57 off 33), who was well-supported by captain Sanju Samson (41 off 31). This win marked RR's second successful chase in ten attempts this season, ending their campaign in ninth place with four wins from 14 matches. CSK, with six points from 13 matches, are poised to finish last for the first time in IPL history. (PC: India Today)