Sports

IPL 2025: GT Captain Gill Welcomes Buttler, Emphasizes Strength in Numbers

Published

9 months ago

March 25, 2025

The Gujarat Titans boast impressive talent with players like captain Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Sai Sudarshan, Mahipal Lomror, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan among their batting lineup. Adding all-rounders such as Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar, along with seasoned bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, Mohd Suraj, and Ishant Sharma, creates a promising yet competitive environment within the squad, raising questions about resource allocation.

Captain Shubman Gill and head coach Ashish Nehra face the challenging task of assembling a well-balanced playing XI from their extensive roster.

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As they prepare for their opening match in the 2025 Indian Premier League against Punjab Kings, Gill believes that acquiring Jos Buttler, who shares the same opener role as him, does not signify a predicament within the batting order.

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“Having someone like Jos Buttler on the team is a boon, not a burden. His T20 achievements with England and in the IPL are well-known. During recent matches, he batted at number three,” Gill commented.

“There isn’t an issue with him adapting to different batting positions. We haven’t yet finalized his batting order, but you will find out during the match,” he added.

“Buttler’s experience over his eight to nine years in the IPL, switching between different positions and excelling, ensures that we don’t see this as a challenge,” said Gill.

The Gujarat Titans have retained the core of their 2024 squad, and despite not reaching the playoffs last season, Gill noted that their strategy remains largely unchanged.

“Aside from a few new additions, there isn’t a need for a drastic change in approach. As I’ve mentioned before, we have the highest win percentage over the past three years. Therefore, we are confident in our existing strategy and management structure,” Gill stated.

Regarding their opponents, Gill acknowledged that although Punjab Kings have undergone significant changes under new head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, they are confident in facing them since they are familiar with the skills of the players from past matchups.

“The auction mechanism every three years leads to a shift in team composition. While Punjab Kings may be new as a collective unit, we’ve competed against these players before, so their skills are well known to us,” Gill explained.

“We’re aware of different combinations they might utilize, but the core skills remain the same,” he added.

Gill expressed optimism that his team will perform at their best during IPL 2025, aiming to reclaim the title they secured in 2022.

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Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

3 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.