During a Jio Hotstar chat, du Plessis unpacked the drama. ‘Pant might be the most pressurized player this season,’ he observed. Recalling last year’s woes, he said, ‘Price tag pressure breaks some, boosts others. His team struggled, and so did he with the bat.’

Flashback to the IPL 2025 auction: LSG’s staggering 27 crore bid made Pant the costliest IPL star. But reality bit hard—14 games yielded 269 runs (one ton, one fifty, best of 118*), and LSG slumped to seventh, playoff dreams dashed.

Du Plessis delved deeper into captaincy strains. ‘Running the team, handling bowlers—vital stuff. Runs as captain lighten the load instantly. Last season’s mediocrity sparked doubts; now pressure peaks.’ LSG’s season opener against old foes Delhi Capitals at home on April 1 promises fireworks. Management demands batting fireworks and leadership mastery from Pant. Will he rise or falter under the spotlight?

The team, fresh from Lucknow, included key members like Pant, fiery bowler Mayank Yadav, mentor Rajkumar Sharma, and owner Sanjiv Goenka. They offered prayers to Shri Ram Lalla and the divine family, cherishing the rare glimpse of the Shri Ram Yantra. Participation in the evening bhog aarti amplified the devotional vibe.

Eyewitnesses described Pant’s five-minute trance-like state as mesmerizing, drawing admiration from fellow pilgrims and officials alike. ‘It was a moment of pure divinity,’ shared darshan assistant Rajnish Sharma, who oversaw the elaborate puja for the 20-strong contingent under meticulous temple protocols.

VHP leaders Gopal and Ramshankar extended their blessings, smoothing the path for this high-profile group. As IPL 2026 looms from March 28 to May 31, this Ayodhya detour resonated deeply with residents, who viewed it as cricket’s heartfelt nod to sanatan traditions. The players departed for Ekana Stadium, energized for the battles ahead, leaving behind a legacy of faith-fueled fortitude.

Chris Gayle’s 175 off 66 balls vs. Pune Warriors (RCB, April 23, 2013): 17 sixes (102 runs) + 13 fours (52) = 154 boundary runs. A record for the ages.

Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158 off 73 vs. RCB (KKR, April 18, 2008): 13 sixes (78) + 10 fours (40) = 118. IPL’s first match, unforgettable start.

Abhishek Sharma’s 141 vs. Punjab Kings (SRH, April 12, 2025): 10 sixes (60) + 14 fours (56) = 116. Young gun’s power surge.

AB de Villiers’ 129 vs. Gujarat Lions (RCB, May 14, 2016): 12 sixes (72) + 10 fours (40) = 112. Innovation meets power.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 124 vs. MI (RR, April 30, 2023): 8 sixes (48) + 16 fours (64) = 112. Composed destruction.

Gayle’s 128 off 62 vs. DD (RCB, May 17, 2012): 13 sixes (78) + 7 fours (28) = 106.

Sanath Jayasuriya’s 114 off 48 vs. CSK (MI, May 14, 2008): 11 sixes (66) + 9 fours (36) = 102.

Rishabh Pant’s 128 off 63 vs. SRH (DD, May 10, 2018): 7 sixes (42) + 15 fours (60) = 102.

Gayle’s 117 off 57 vs. KXIP (RCB, May 6, 2015): 12 sixes (72) + 7 fours (38) = 110.

De Villiers’ 133 off 59 vs. KXIP (RCB, May 10, 2015): 4 sixes (24) + 19 fours (76) = 110.

Quinton de Kock’s 140 off 70 (LSG, May 18, 2022): 10 sixes (60) + 10 fours (50) = 110.

From veterans like Gayle (three entries) to rising stars like Jaiswal, these feats underscore IPL’s shift towards ultra-aggressive cricket. They inspire the next generation to swing for the skies.

The original Azharuddin’s era from 1989 to 1999 saw him captain India and mesmerize with his batting flair, inspiring a generation. Fans named kids after him, including this Azharuddin, born in 1994 in Kerala to admiring parents.

Taking his namesake’s legacy to heart, he entered professional cricket in 2015, debuting in first-class for Goa, List A soon after, and T20 in 2016. Since then, he’s anchored Kerala’s campaigns in all formats.

Dig into his record: 1,932 first-class runs from 43 matches, featuring two hundreds (best 177*) and 11 fifties. List A: 1,163 runs in 55 games with 1 century and 8 half-tons. In 51 T20s, 878 runs at 129.68 SR, including a 137* and another ton.

As a keeper, he’s no slouch—109 catches/16 stumpings (FC), 42/6 (List A), 29/1 (T20).

India’s wicketkeeping pool is overflowing with talents like Pant, Samson, Kishan, Rahul, Jitesh, and Jurel. To crash this party, Azharuddin must elevate his game in upcoming domestics.

His journey underscores the depth of Indian cricket talent. Will selectors finally notice? The wait continues, but his resolve remains unshaken.

The official video clip shows Pant asking, ‘How heavy is that bat?’ Arjun’s response – 1220 grams – prompted a shocked reaction. Explaining his choice, Arjun said it offers explosive power, echoing his father Sachin’s preference for even heavier willow at 1310-1315 grams.

Their age proximity fostered an immediate rapport in camp. Pant’s supportive words, ‘Tell me if you need anything,’ resonated with fans. He commended Arjun’s commitment, training rigorously with Yuvraj Singh right after his nuptials.

Arjun, Goa’s domestic stalwart, brings left-arm pace and opening batting prowess. His IPL bow in 2023 yielded modest stats: 13 runs and 3 wickets in 5 games. LSG’s faith in him signals big expectations.

As IPL 2026 looms, this Pant-Tendulkar duo promises dynamic chemistry, potentially elevating LSG’s performance. The video has sparked widespread buzz, underscoring the human side of elite cricket.

LSG’s IPL 2026 journey starts with a bang on April 1 hosting Delhi Capitals, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5. The first phase schedule pits them against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9 at Eden Gardens and Gujarat Titans on April 12 at home, all under new skipper Rishabh Pant.

The camp is buzzing with activity. Players like Akshat Raghuvanshi, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Arshin Kulkarni shone in nets. Pacers Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan turned heads with fiery spells and pinpoint control. Coaches Langer and Moody provided hands-on guidance, supported by Lance Klusener and Bharat Arun.

LSG posted the heartwarming moment on X: ‘For our groundsmen, straight from our hearts.’ With Pant and Shami expected to join soon, the team is primed. After a rocky IPL 2025 where they managed only six victories in 14 outings to end seventh, and despite two prior playoff runs since 2022, LSG is determined to reclaim glory. Recognizing the grounds staff underscores the team’s unity and respect for every role in their pursuit of IPL success.

Day one belonged to the batting brigade, where Akshat Raghuvanshi, Abdul Samad, and Himmat Singh dazzled in the nets. All-round talents Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Arshin Kulkarni added firepower. The bowling unit didn’t lag, with Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan clocking serious pace, and spinner Digvesh Rathi’s precision drawing coach acclaim.

Overseeing it all were Tom Moody and Justin Langer, dishing out expert advice, backed by Lance Klusener and Bharat Arun’s hands-on approach. LSG had prepped earlier at Chennai’s Coaching Beyond Academy grounds.

Their schedule starts strong: Delhi Capitals on April 1 at home, then Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 5), Kolkata Knight Riders (April 9), and Gujarat Titans (April 12). Post-2022 debut playoffs success, recent seasons saw them at seventh—no final appearances yet for this franchise.

Squad Breakdown: Rishabh Pant (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice-Captain), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Shahbaz Ahmed, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Arjun Tendulkar, Josh Inglis.

Acquired for a staggering 27 crore – the highest IPL bid ever – Pant’s 2025 season was marred by inconsistency and injury. A rib pull before the New Zealand ODIs kept him out, and in 14 IPL games, he managed just 269 runs at 133 strike rate, his career-low. Yet, his unbeaten 118 off RCB in the last match showed glimpses of brilliance.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Langer said, ‘He’s fully prepared, buzzing with enthusiasm in training. Our camp is on, and I’ll catch up with him soon. Like all greats, he rebounds quickly.’ Pant has been putting in intense sessions, including a recent stint with Yuvraj Singh in Mumbai.

LSG ended 2025 seventh under Pant’s captaincy, but Langer is optimistic. With Pant’s aggression behind the stumps and at the crease, the franchise eyes a deeper playoff run. The cricketing world watches as Pant aims to justify his massive price tag and silence doubters.

Kohli’s Instagram story was succinct yet powerful: ‘Happy Holi. May the festival of colors usher success, joy, and positivity into your life.’

Rishabh Pant kept it lively with, ‘Happy Holi to all. Play safe, soak in the colors, and spread only good vibes.’ VVS Laxman painted a vivid picture: ‘Heartiest Holi greetings to everyone. Let this festival brim your life with happiness, health, fresh starts, hues of joy, laughter-filled instants, and bonds that strengthen further.’

Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal boosted his IPL franchise Punjab Kings’ message, captioning it ‘Happy Holi everyone.’ Former captain Anil Kumble delved philosophical: ‘Holi is a celebration of colors, happiness, and unity. It nudges us toward positivity, patience, and equilibrium in life. Very happy and safe Holi to all.’

Veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami chimed in: ‘It’s all about colors and mischief with near and dear ones. May your day shine like these hues as you cherish time with family and friends. Happy Holi!’

Amid the revelry, India’s men gear up for T20 World Cup semi-final glory against England on March 5, defending their title and eyeing history. The women, fresh off a T20I win but ODI heartbreak in Australia, prepare for a landmark pink-ball Test starting March 6 in Perth.

These greetings bridge the festive fields of Holi with cricket’s battlegrounds, inspiring fans to embrace both with unbridled enthusiasm.

The weekend belonged to Suresh. His Saturday singles masterclass against Jesper de Jong handed India the early edge. Sunday brought more magic in doubles alongside Yuki Bhambri—their first pairing together overcame Pel and Arends in a tense three-setter: 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1). The marathon match swung back and forth, but India’s duo held firm.

Tension peaked in reverse singles. Sumit Nagal, nursing a serious thigh injury, pushed de Jong to the brink before losing 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, leveling the score at 2-2.

Undeterred, Suresh stepped up for the decider, dismantling Guy Den Ouden in straight sets. This feat echoes Leander Paes’ 2004 heroics, making Suresh the second Indian to claim three wins in one tie. It’s India’s best Davis Cup performance in over a decade and a half, signaling a bright horizon for Indian tennis.

Cricketer Rishabh Pant joined the praise parade on social media: ‘Huge win for Indian tennis! Beating Netherlands to qualify takes real courage. Well played, lads.’

As celebrations continue, this triumph boosts morale and spotlights untapped potential in India’s tennis ranks.