File photo of Shreyas Iyer© X (Twitter)

KKR Full Squad, IPL 2025: After buying back four players from their IPL 2024-winning squad, including all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for a sensational Rs 23.75 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders head into Day 2 of the IPL 2025 mega auction looking to fill gaps in their middle order and buy adequate backups for their existing stars. KKR enter Day 2 with an auction purse of Rs 10.05 cr, and still require at least five players to reach the minimum squad requirement of 18 players. (Full Squad)

Players Bought By KKR In IPL 2025 Auction –

1. Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 23.75 Crore

2. Quinton De Kock – Rs 3.6 Crore

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Rs 2 Crore

4. Anrich Nortje – Rs 6.5 Crore

5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi – Rs 3 Crore

6. Vaibhav Arora – Rs 1.8 Crore

7.  Mayank Markande – Rs 30 lakh

8. Rovman Powell – Rs 1.5 crore

9. Manish Pandey – Rs 75 lakh

10. Spencer Johnson – Rs 2.8 crore

11. Luvnith Sisodia – Rs 30 lakh

12. Ajinkya Rahane – Rs 1.5 crore

13. Anukul Roy – Rs 40 lakh

14. Moeen Ali – Rs 2 crore

15. Umran Malik – Rs 75 lakh

Full list of retained players: Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana

Full list of released players: Shreyas Iyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nitish Rana, Sherfane Rutherford, Phil Salt, KS Bharat, Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Allah Ghazanfar, Dushmantha Chameera, Sakib Hussain, Vaibhav Arora, Mitchell Starc, Chetan Sakariya

KKR Full Squad, IPL 2025: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought back as many as four players from their IPL 2024-winning squad, breaking the bank for all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer with a Rs 23.75 crore purchase on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Indian uncapped batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, uncapped pacer Vaibhav Arora and Afghan wicket-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz also returned to purple and gold. KKR also made a significant investment for two South Africans – Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje. While they failed to get Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer despite going hard, KKR added to their already strong retentions list. (Full Squad)

Players Bought By KKR In IPL 2025 Auction –

1. Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 23.75 Crore

2. Quinton De Kock – Rs 3.6 Crore

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Rs 2 Crore

4. Anrich Nortje – Rs 6.5 Crore

5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi – Rs 3 Crore

6. Vaibhav Arora – Rs 1.8 Crore

7.  Mayank Markande – Rs 30 lakh

Full list of retained players: Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana

Full list of released players: Shreyas Iyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nitish Rana, Sherfane Rutherford, Phil Salt, KS Bharat, Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Allah Ghazanfar, Dushmantha Chameera, Sakib Hussain, Vaibhav Arora, Mitchell Starc, Chetan Sakariya

South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen admitted that he is hesitant to try India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav’s shots and also revealed his thoughts on T20 cricket, his memorable innings and a few personal favourites. Asked to describe his batting style in one word, Klaasen replied simply, “Explosive.” When it came to naming the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) T20 player, he said on JioCinema’s Q20s show, “I would say… Suryakumar Yadav probably.”

Known for his hard-hitting approach, Klaasen shared that his favourite shot is the “pick-up pull shot” and named Jasprit Bumrah as the “toughest bowler to hit out in T20s.” When asked to pick a shot he’d like to borrow from a batter, past or present, he replied, “It would be a combination of the scoop of AB de Villiers and Suryakumar Yadav. They both have this technique to hit fine leg off straight balls, which is phenomenal.”

Reflecting on his T20 career, Klaasen recalled two standout performances against India – his 81 in 2022 or 69 in 2018. He chose the former as his favourite. “Probably the 81. That was the better one in tougher conditions,” he remarked.

Klaasen named Yuzvendra Chahal as “the funniest non-South African player” he’s played with and shared his love for butter chicken as his favourite Indian dish.

For inspiration from other sports, Klaasen named multiple Formula 1 World Drivers Championship winner Lewis Hamilton, saying, “I wish I had the ability to drive cars like him.”

Klassen also suggested that Nicholas Pooran is the one batter who could potentially score a double hundred in T20 cricket. When asked who he’d trust to bat for his life, he replied, “Probably Hashim Amla.”

Speaking about the one shot he’s always wanted to try but hesitated on, Klassen said, “The one that Suryakumar Yadav plays over fine leg – Supla Shot. I don’t like getting into line too much,” he admitted with a laugh.

Akeal Hosein, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell, who missed the recent Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons, rejoin the squad picked by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for the first two games of the upcoming T20I series against England, starting with the first match at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados. The return of these top players will add depth and experience to the formidable 15-man squad captained by Rovman Powell for this exciting series. Medium pacer Matthew Forde, recently named Player of the Series in the ODI series against England, steps in to replace fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who is serving a two-match suspension.

A subsequent announcement will reveal the squad for the remaining games in Saint Lucia. This highly anticipated five-match series promises thrilling action as two cricketing powerhouses clash on Caribbean soil.

The series starts with back-to-back matches in Barbados on November 9 and 10 before moving to Saint Lucia for the final games on November 14, 16, and 17. The West Indies T20I team has been a dominant force at home, remaining unbeaten in four T20 International Series since 2023. This impressive run has propelled them up the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, showcasing their resurgence on the global stage.

Head Coach Daren Sammy expressed his enthusiasm for the highly competitive series, where the team is aiming for consecutive series wins against the visitors. Sammy said:

The West Indies T20I Squad:

Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd,

West Indies vs England T20I Series Schedule:

1st T20I: Nov 9 – Kensington Oval, Barbados.

2nd T20I: Nov 10 – Kensington Oval, Barbados

3rd T20I: Nov 14 – Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia

4th T20I: Nov 16 – Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia

5th T20I: Nov 17 – Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia

Perhaps the greatest six-hitter in T20s, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has proved his ability once again, with a stunning 107m six. Playing for Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC), Russell hammered Pakistan’s Haris Rauf for a towering 107m six in the final over of their innings. Russell’s six and 15 runs off the 20th over helped LAKR to a total of 165/6 against the San Francisco Unicorns, which they were unable to defend.

The video of the six went viral on social media, posted by the official account of Major League Cricket.

Watch: Andre Russell’s gigantic 107m six

In the third ball of the final over, the mighty Jamaican power-hitter heaved a pitched-up ball by Haris Rauf into the stands over the mid-wicket region, making it the longest six of MLC season two. Russell contributed an unbeaten 25-ball 40 to help LAKR to a fighting score.

However, LAKR’s total would not be enough, as the San Francisco Unicorns made mincemeat of the target and chased it down in just 15.2 overs.

LAKR now stand on one win and two defeats after three games, having finished the previous season at the bottom of the table.

Andre Russell has been in good form in 2024. Russell contributed heavily with both bat and ball as Kolkata Knight Riders won IPL 2024. He scored 222 runs and picked up 19 wickets, finishing as the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

His turnout wasn’t as great in the 2024 T20 World Cup on home soil, as West Indies crashed out in the Super 8 stage after winning all of their group games.

However, Russell has put his T20 World Cup disappointment behind him, and reunited with Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Sunil Narine, who’s captaining LAKR in MLC. LAKR’s next match is against the San Francisco Unicorns again, on Sunday, July 14.

During the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 clash against South Africa on Monday, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell surpassed former cricketer Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker for the Caribbeans in the history of the T20 WC. In a fine show of nerves and calm, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada defied heroic spells by Roston Chase and Alzarri Joseph to extend their unbeaten run in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup to seven matches and reached the semifinals with a three-wicket win over West Indies at Antigua on Monday.

Russell bowled exceptionally well against the Proteas where the all-rounder managed to scalp two wickets in his spell of four overs where he conceded 19 runs.

With these two wickets, the right-arm seamer took his total count in the T20 WC history to 29 which is the highest so far by any West India bowler. The previous best was held by Bravo who had a total of 27 wickets in the marquee event.

Coming to the match, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. West Indies was reduced to 5/2, but an 81-run stand between Kyle Mayers (35 in 34 balls with three fours and two sixes) and Roston Chase (52 in 42 balls, with three fours and two sixes) brought them back in the game. However, Proteas bowlers kept striking at regular intervals after this partnership, restricting WI to 135/8 in their 20 overs.

Tabraiz Shamsi (3/27) was the pick of the bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen, skipper Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada got a wicket each.

In the run-chase of 136 runs, SA lost two wickets early. Due to the interruption of action by rain, the Proteas were given a new target of 123 runs in 17 overs. At one point, the match was 50-50, with SA at 110/7 in 15.2 overs, despite crucial knocks from Tristan Stubbs (29 in 27 balls, with four boundaries) and Heinrich Klaasen (22 in 10 balls, with three fours and a six). However, Jansen (21*) and Rabada (5*) found boundaries at crucial stages, finishing the chase with five balls and three wickets in hand.

Chase (3/12) was the pick of the bowlers for WI. Alzarri Joseph and Andre Russell also got two wickets.

With this victory, South Africa has ended their Super Eights campaign undefeated, with three wins in three matches. England is the other team to move to the semifinals, with two wins and a loss in three matches. West Indies, the hosts of the competition, have been knocked out, with just a win and two losses to their name in the Super Eights.

WI vs SA T20 World Cup 2024 LIVE Updates: West Indies final chance in Super 8.© X (Twitter)

West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Live Streaming: West Indies could see curtains drawn to their 2024 T20 World Cup on home soil, if they lose to South Africa in the final Super 8 game. West Indies currently lie on the same number of points as England, but with a better net run rate, and a loss for the English to the USA would see West Indies and South Africa qualify no matter what. While South Africa come into the game with a 100% win record in the T20 World Cup so far, a big defeat for them, along with a big win for England, could dramatically swing the scales.

When will the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Monday, June 24 (IST).

Where will the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

What time will the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 6:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Live Streaming: England face South Africa in a virtual quarter-final in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Both sides won their opening games; South Africa outclassed USA, while England chased down 181 in just 17.3 overs against West Indies. Both sides will breathe a sigh of relief, as their openers returned to form. Phil Salt finally scored big, devastating the Windies bowling with a 47-ball 87, while Quinton de Kock scored 74 off 40 balls. However, England might head into the game in St. Lucia with a slight edge, having played their opening group game in the same venue.

When will the USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Saturday, June 22 (IST).

Where will the USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.

What time will the USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 6:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The USA vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)