Price is heavy… Performance is disappointing.
Expecting a ‘value for money’ performance from a player who secured an unexpected price at the IPL auction is sheer greed! In the history of this league that started in 2008, there have been no instances where players who became the ‘most expensive player’ in the auction process have delivered performances that made everyone say ‘where are they…’. The truth has been evident since 2009. When England’s giant Flintoff was bought by Chennai for ₹9 crores in 2009, he scored just 62 runs and took 2 wickets in three matches. As a result, Chennai did not dare to play him in subsequent matches. In the same season, when Bangalore purchased Kevin Pietersen for ₹9.8 crores, he managed only 62 runs in 6 innings. The list continues with Yuvraj in 2015, Ishan Kishan in 2022, and Ben Stokes in 2023. The same situation seems to be unfolding this season. In the auction process held last December, Rishabh Pant hit a record jackpot of ₹27 crores, but his story is the same. So far this season, Pant has played three matches and has only scored 17 runs. He was dismissed for a duck in the first match against Delhi and then got out for just 15 runs in the match against Hyderabad. Recently, in the match against Punjab, he could only manage 2 runs.
Year: 2025
Price is heavy…Performance is Disappointing
Mumbai indians own by 8 Wickets
Mumbai Indians: Five-time champion Mumbai Indians recorded their first victory in IPL 18. On Monday, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, they achieved a glorious victory by 8 wickets against the defending champion Kolkata Knight Riders in the league match. After a series of defeats, Mumbai Indians, playing on their home ground, dominated Kolkata with both bat and ball. Chasing a modest target of 117 runs, Mumbai achieved 121/2 in just 12.5 overs. They finished the chase with 43 balls to spare. Opener Ryan Ricketon (62 not out, 41 balls, 4 fours, 5 sixes) remained unbeaten in the chase.
Clash of Titans: Will LSG Roar or PBKS Prevail in Today’s Epic Showdown?
The cricket fever is set to reach new heights as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-octane encounter at Ekana Cricket Stadium (B Ground) at 7 PM. With both teams well-prepared and strategizing their game plans, this promises to be an exhilarating contest that could go down to the wire.
The captains of both LSG and PBKS have meticulously planned their strategies, ensuring that their squads are well-equipped to counter any challenge that comes their way. Intense net sessions have sharpened their skills, and both sides look solid in batting and bowling.
PBKS will be banking on their aggressive top order and power hitters in the middle, while LSG’s well-balanced lineup, featuring a blend of experienced players and young talents, makes them a formidable opponent.
While batting and bowling will be crucial, the real difference-maker will be fielding. In modern cricket, a single dropped catch or a misfield can change the course of the game. The team that excels in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—will have the edge.
Players to Watch Out For
- LSG: Watch out for their explosive openers, experienced finishers, and wicket-taking bowlers.
- PBKS: A strong batting lineup coupled with quality all-rounders makes them a dangerous side.
Both teams have the potential to dominate, but cricket is unpredictable. Will LSG capitalize on their home advantage, or will PBKS stun them with a fearless approach? The answer lies in who holds their nerve under pressure.
GREAT JOURNEY: Ball boy to IPL team captain
Star cricketer Shreyas Iyer’s journey is inspiring. From being the ball boy for the MI vs RCB match in the inaugural edition of IPL 2008, he became the captain of KKR in 2024 and now PBKS. He recollected his memories of that day. Then Ross Taylor said that he had spoken to Irfan Pathan. However, he is confident that Punjab, who have not won the trophy so far, will fulfil that wish.