Assistant coach Penney and head coach Sangakkara will be keen to bring Royals back to winning ways.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

The International Masters League (IML) 2025 is set to bring an electrifying wave of nostalgia and excitement as it unveils the India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters squads, both of whom comprise cricketing greats who once dominated and decorated the international stage. With the tournament scheduled from February 22 to March 16, 2025, fans will witness the revival of cricket’s golden era. Indian cricket fans are in for a treat as Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar returns to lead the India Masters. The squad is a formidable mix of elegance, power, and match-winning prowess, featuring some of the most celebrated names of the 2000s and 2010s.

Batting brilliance returns with Yuvraj Singh, the hero of the T20 World Cup in 2007 and fifty-over World Cup in 2011, alongside Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu, who thrilled fans with their fearless stroke-play. The Pathan brothers, Irfan and Yusuf, will display their explosive all-round skills, while Naman Ojha will take charge behind the stumps, as per a press release from IML.

The bowling attack comprises seasoned match-winners, with Vinay Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni leading the pace attack. Players like Stuart Binny, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, and Abhimanyu Mithun make this a well-rounded squad, which is ready to reignite past rivalries and produce exhilarating cricket.

Speaking about playing in the inaugural edition of the International Masters League, Irfan Pathan said, “The International Masters League is a tournament that pays tribute to cricket’s golden age. I am thrilled to represent India Masters in Season 1 of the league, and play alongside Sachin Tendulkar, the maestro, and other colleagues, with whom I shared many happy and precious moments in the past. We are hosting the IML, but I can assure cricket fans that we will not be generous on the field. We will produce tough cricket and do our best to win the title.”

Yusuf Pathan added: “Irfan and I were members of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Memories of that tournament will be rekindled in the days and weeks to follow, as we will take the field for India Masters in the inaugural season of the International Masters League. As had been the case in 2007, we will give it everything on the field and do whatever we can to win the tournament.”

The Sri Lanka Masters, led by Kumar Sangakkara, promise a masterclass in skill and experience. An ambassador of the game, Sangakkara was a two-time fifty-over World Cup finalist in 2007 and 2011 respectively, and a T20 World Cup winner in 2014. He will be joined by Romesh Kaluwitharana, the swashbuckling opener-keeper from Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning squad.

The batting line-up features Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, and Chinthaka Jayasinghe, known for their reliability under pressure. Ashan Priyanjan and Asela Gunaratne bring in stability, while the bowling attack is spearheaded by pacers Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, and Dhammika Prasad. All-round firepower comes from Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Chaturanga de Silva, and Isuru Udana, making Sri Lanka a well-balanced force in IML 2025.

The IML is a celebration of cricket’s greatest icons, bringing Masters from India, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, West Indies, and South Africa back onto the field. The league is set to unveil the squads of the rest of the teams in the coming days.

Virat Kohli became the second Indian cricketer to have breached the 27,000-run mark in international cricket and stands fourth in the table which is led by Sachin Tendulkar.
| Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

Indian batsman Virat Kohli on Monday (September 30, 2024) became only the fourth player in history to complete 27,000 runs in international cricket across formats, a feat that he achieved on the fourth day of the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh here.

Kohli made a brisk 47 off 35 balls with four fours and a six as he helped India push on further in an aggressive mode to make up for the lost time in the Test due to incessant rains.

He is only the second Indian cricketer to have breached the 27,000-run mark and stands fourth in the list for most international runs across formats, which is headed by Sachin Tendulkar with 34,357 runs.

In between the two Indian batting greats are Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara with 28,016 runs at the second spot and Australia’s Ricky Ponting at the third, with 27,483 runs.

Kohli, who has a little over 8,870 runs in Tests, has 13,906 runs in 295 ODIs and another 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is — a format from which he retired after helping India win the T20 World Cup in June this year.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote on X, “Another towering milestone in the illustrious career of Virat Kohli as he crosses 27,000 international runs! Your passion, consistency, and hunger to excel are inspiring to the cricketing world. Congratulations @imVkohli, the journey continues to inspire millions!”

In his 24-year-old career for India, Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, which is the most for any batter. In 463 ODIs, the Little Master made 18,426 runs while he scored 10 in the only T20I that he ever played.

Virat Kohli in action for India during 2nd Test against Bangladesh© AFP

File image of Rahul Dravid© BCCI

File image of Jos Buttler and Kumar Sangakkara© X (Twitter)

Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has admitted that fatigue played a big part in their poor run at the back end of the ongoing IPL, which possibly derailed their campaign. RR, who won eight out of their opening nine matches, were firmly in contention to finish in the top two. But, the Sanju Samson-led side endured a four-match losing streak besides a washout tie, which forced the side to settle for a third-place finish. Although they bounced back with a win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator, Sunrisers Hyderabad got the better of RR in Qualifier 2 here on Friday.

“I think it was a great season for us. We started well, and then we lost a close game to SRH in Hyderabad and (in) Delhi also, we put ourselves in winning positions,” he said during the post-match media interaction after their 36-run loss to SRH.

“Sometimes you have streaks. RCB lost almost every game at the start and then caught up. That’s how T20 goes. All we can do is put ourselves in positions of playoffs and vying for finals, which we did.

“I think all the guys throughout the season played phenomenal cricket. There was a little bit of fatigue at the back end, but it doesn’t matter when you’re in games like this. You gotta turn up and perform.” Chasing a target of 176, RR were 65 for two by the eighth over, but kept on losing wickets in clusters thereafter, leading to their downfall. Commenting on the defeat, Sangakkara felt the middle-order could have done better.

“It was just a case of being smart and keeping our composure. Unfortunately, when you lose wickets in clusters, it becomes hard,” he said.

“Even in the RCB chase, if you lose wickets, it gets tense and close. Unfortunately, we needed a little bit more from our middle-order.” RR were also without Jos Buttler, who has been a force for the team in the top order.

While Sangakkara said that international scheduling was something that they couldn’t control, he felt that other batters should have stepped up.

“We always say that the best ability is availability, and unfortunately, we lost Jos. He is a big loss, without a doubt,” he said.

“When you’re in a playoff like this, and you’ve got that start without Jos, we expect the other batters to also step up.” RR have a few players travelling to the Americas for the T20 World Cup next month, namely Avesh Khan, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Avesh has been the side’s highest wicket-taker for the season, with 19 wickets in 15 innings at an economy of 9.59, and Sangakkara was all-praise for the fast bowler.

“We traded Devdutt Padikkal (to Lucknow Super Giants) for Avesh because we knew how good he was, and he’s shown that throughout this tournament. And, that’s why he’s a travelling reserve as well for the World Cup for India,” he said. “He’s got a great presence and good clarity. He’s very good at finishing off in the death. I think he’s been phenomenal for RR.

“And, we couldn’t ask for a better trier. He bowls a lot in training. He’s always up for a game. I thought again today he was outstanding.”

“Don’t have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job”

Sangakkara clearly refused any intention of applying for the India head coach’s job, citing time issues.

“I have not been approached, and I don’t have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job. Happy with my stint with Royals, and let’s see how it goes,” he concluded.

Rajasthan Royal’s Yashasvi Jaiswal plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket Qualifier-2 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai on Friday.
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has admitted that fatigue played a big part in their poor run at the back end of the ongoing IPL, which possibly derailed their campaign.

RR, who won eight out of their opening nine matches, were firmly in contention to finish in the top two.

But, the Sanju Samson-led side endured a four-match losing streak besides a washout tie, which forced the side to settle for a third-place finish.

Although they bounced back with a win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator, Sunrisers Hyderabad got the better of RR in Qualifier 2 here on Friday.

“I think it was a great season for us. We started well, and then we lost a close game to SRH in Hyderabad and (in) Delhi also, we put ourselves in winning positions,” he said during the post-match media interaction after their 36-run loss to SRH.

“Sometimes you have streaks. RCB lost almost every game at the start and then caught up. That’s how T20 goes. All we can do is put ourselves in positions of playoffs and vying for finals, which we did.”

“I think all the guys throughout the season played phenomenal cricket. There was a little bit of fatigue at the back end, but it doesn’t matter when you’re in games like this. You gotta turn up and perform.”

Chasing a target of 176, RR were 65 for two by the eighth over, but kept on losing wickets in clusters thereafter, leading to their downfall.

Commenting on the defeat, Sangakkara felt the middle-order could have done better.

“It was just a case of being smart and keeping our composure. Unfortunately, when you lose wickets in clusters, it becomes hard,” he said.

“Even in the RCB chase, if you lose wickets, it gets tense and close. Unfortunately, we needed a little bit more from our middle-order.”

RR were also without Jos Buttler, who has been a force for the team in the top order.

While Sangakkara said that international scheduling was something that they couldn’t control, he felt that other batters should have stepped up.

“We always say that the best ability is availability, and unfortunately, we lost Jos. He is a big loss, without a doubt,” he said.

“When you’re in a playoff like this, and you’ve got that start without Jos, we expect the other batters to also step up.” RR have a few players travelling to the Americas for the T20 World Cup next month, namely Avesh Khan, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Avesh has been the side’s highest wicket-taker for the season, with 19 wickets in 15 innings at an economy of 9.59, and Sangakkara was all-praise for the fast bowler.

“We traded Devdutt Padikkal (to Lucknow Super Giants) for Avesh because we knew how good he was, and he’s shown that throughout this tournament. And, that’s why he’s a travelling reserve as well for the World Cup for India,” he said. “He’s got a great presence and good clarity. He’s very good at finishing off in the death. I think he’s been phenomenal for RR.

“And, we couldn’t ask for a better trier. He bowls a lot in training. He’s always up for a game. I thought again today he was outstanding.”

“Don’t have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job”

Sangakkara clearly refused any intention of applying for the India head coach’s job, citing time issues.

“I have not been approached, and I don’t have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job. Happy with my stint with Royals, and let’s see how it goes,” he concluded.

Yet another umpiring controversy rocked the IPL 2024. This time it happened in the RR vs RCB IPL 2024 Eliminator with Dinsh Karthik’s perceived LBW at the centre of it all. After Rajasthan Royals reigned supreme to reduce Royal Challengers Bengaluto to five down, the onus was on Dinesh Karthik to take the latter to a respectable total. But the batter was given LBW in the 15th over on the first ball that he faced. Karthik was given LBW off Avesh Khan‘s bowling. 

The full and straight delivery, that bent late, hit the pads. After much deliberation, Karthik went for DRS. It showed a big spike on UltraEdge, but it was hard to decipher if it was because the bat was hitting pad or the ball. The ball was close to the bat as well. RR players Avesh Khan and Riyan Parag looked shocked as Karthik was given not out. RR Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara fumed and went to talk to the umpires. 

Sunil Gavaskar had a clear verdict on air when the replay was being played. “The bat hit the pads and not the ball. If you’ve edged, you go straight up. You don’t walk to the other end to confirm,” he said. 

“I don’t think the umpire got it right,” Kevin Pietersen said.

Dinesh Karthik survives! What a review

Kumar Sangakkara wants to have a meeting with the umpires #IPL2024 #RRvRCB #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/XUx8ucuu72

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) May 22, 2024

#RCBvsRR

This TV umpire should be REMOVED from panel of @BCCI @IPL

Shocking decision.

Looks like he had pre-decided 2 give not out. @DineshKarthik shud hv walked.

For RCB -TV umpire their impact player @RCBTweets .@rajasthanroyals @KumarSanga2 we are with you pic.twitter.com/5YozXFxAc2

— Anu Modi Mukarji (@AnuMukarji) May 22, 2024

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator clash of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Wednesday.

The winner of the Eliminator will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 at Chennai on Friday. RCB made it to the playoffs after winning their last six consecutive league matches, while RR came on the back of four consecutive losses and their last league game being washed out in Guwahati.

After winning the toss, Samson said Shimron Hetmyer is back in the playing eleven after recovering from injury and is expected to be slotted in when RR begin their chase.

“Would like to bowl first looking at the conditions and the wicket. There was dew last night. It’s all about the mindset. Really excited to come and play in this fabulous stadium,” he said.

“Great energy here. Looking at what has cricket taught us. When you have bad days, need to have character and confidence. That has been the challenging part – fitness and injuries,” he added.

The RCB skipper Faf du Plessis said he would have liked to bowl first too, if the coin toss had fallen in his favour and added his side is unchanged from their 27-run win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings.

“Watching the game last night, there was assistance for the seam bowlers early on. This looks on the drier side with some fake grass on top. We’ve had that mindset right through. Focusing on your own skills, being true to the way you want to play.”

With IANS inputs