Kolkata Knight Riders are back in the winning column after a dramatic four-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals. Led by a brilliant 53* from Rinku Singh and a career-best spell from Varun Chakaravarthy, the Knights overcame a shaky start to chase down 155 at Eden Gardens, finally ending their 22-day wait for a victory.
India’s multi-format captain and Gujarat Titans leader, Shubman Gill, has voiced strong opposition to the IPL’s Impact Player rule, joining a growing list of high-profile critics including Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Gill argues that the rule, which allows mid-match substitutions, undermines the fundamental 11-player nature of cricket and reduces the tactical challenge of rebuilding an innings after early wickets. As the BCCI considers extending the rule through 2027, Gill insists that removing the “extra” player is essential to preserving the core skills of the sport.
A political row has erupted over the decision to shift the venue of final match of the Indian Premier League 2025, as well as the second qualifier, from Kolkata to Ahmedebad. West Bengal Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Aroop Biswas alleged on Thursday that politics was behind the cricketing move.
