Author: Cricket Mantra

With the league stage of IPL 2025 drawing to a close, the four teams that have secured their spots in the playoffs are Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI). This sets the stage for a high-octane finish as these teams vie for the coveted IPL trophy. Gujarat Titans (GT) Gujarat Titans have been the standout team this season, currently sitting atop the points table with 18 points and the potential to reach 22 if they win their remaining matches. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, GT have combined a strong batting lineup—featuring Jos Buttler,…

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, bringing an illustrious 14-year red-ball career to a close. Kohli, who debuted as India’s 269th Test player, leaves behind a legacy marked by extraordinary achievements and a profound impact on the game’s traditional format. Kohli’s Test Career at a Glance Kohli’s retirement follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s exit from the format, signaling a significant generational shift in Indian cricket. Kohli’s Emotional Farewell Kohli announced his decision via a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on his journey:…

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely following a dramatic escalation in military tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the decision on Friday, May 9, 2025, after days of uncertainty and mounting security concerns. Why Was IPL 2025 Suspended? The suspension comes in the wake of intensified cross-border hostilities, including missile and drone attacks across northern and western India. The immediate trigger was a missile attack by Pakistan on Thursday, which led to the abrupt abandonment of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) match in Dharamsala.…

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers and Test captain, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a significant era in Indian red-ball cricket. The announcement, made on May 7, 2025, took fans and the cricketing fraternity by surprise, especially given Rohit’s recent statements about his ambitions to lead India on the upcoming England tour. How Rohit Sharma Announced His Test Retirement Rohit Sharma officially communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) via email before making it public. This preemptive move reportedly caught the BCCI top management off-guard, as…

On April 28, 2025, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur witnessed a cricketing miracle. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14 years old, smashed a whirlwind 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans, rewriting the IPL and T20 record books and igniting a wave of awe across the cricketing world. The Innings: Records Shattered Opening the chase of a daunting 210, Suryavanshi unleashed a breathtaking display of fearless power-hitting. He reached his fifty in just 17 balls-the fastest of IPL 2025-and then accelerated to a century in only 35 deliveries, making it the second-fastest IPL hundred ever, behind only Chris…

The 42nd match of the IPL 2025 season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was a high-octane thriller that ended with RCB breaking their home jinx, clinching an 11-run victory. This result not only rejuvenated RCB’s campaign but also deepened RR’s woes, marking their fifth consecutive defeat of the season. Match Summary RCB’s Batting: Kohli and Padikkal Lead the Charge Virat Kohli was at his imperious best, anchoring the innings with a masterful 70 off 42 balls. His innings was a blend of classical strokes and aggressive intent, providing RCB the stability they…

The 22nd match of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, will be remembered for Priyansh Arya’s record-breaking century and PBKS’s emphatic 18-run victory. The game highlighted the rise of emerging talent and the tactical nuances that define high-stakes T20 cricket. Match Overview Priyansh Arya’s Record-Breaking Innings PBKS’s 219/6 was built around Priyansh Arya’s explosive 103 off 42 balls, the fourth-fastest century in IPL history and the fastest by an uncapped player. The 22-year-old, bought for ₹3.8 crore in the 2025 auction, announced his arrival in style: Post-Match Praise: CSK’s Chase: Missed Opportunities Chasing 220, CSK faltered despite moments of brilliance:…

The 21st match of IPL 2025 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens lived up to its billing as a run-fest, with LSG clinching a nail-biting 4-run victory. The game showcased explosive batting, tactical bowling changes, and edge-of-the-seat drama, solidifying its place as one of the season’s most thrilling encounters. Match Overview LSG’s Batting Masterclass: Pooran and Marsh Dominate Lucknow Super Giants set the tone early with a blistering start, posting 238/3 – one of the highest totals of IPL 2025. Key Performances: Bowling Highlights (KKR): KKR’s Valiant Chase: Rahane and Iyer Shine Chasing 239, KKR fell agonizingly short despite a spirited effort.…

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs in a nail-biting encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in Match 20 of IPL 2025. A stellar all-round performance by RCB, highlighted by Krunal Pandya’s game-changing spell, ensured their victory despite a spirited fightback from MI’s middle order. Match Summary RCB’s Batting Brilliance RCB set a formidable target of 221, thanks to explosive knocks from Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli. Patidar smashed a quickfire 64 off just 32 balls, while Kohli anchored the innings with a classy 67 off 45 balls. Devdutt Padikkal (35 off 21)…

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener and current commentator Matthew Hayden didn’t hold back while sharing his thoughts on MS Dhoni’s performance during the IPL 2025 clash between CSK and Delhi Capitals (DC). The ex-CSK player, who was part of the franchise’s 2010 title-winning squad, openly questioned Dhoni’s ability to finish games and suggested that it might be time for the veteran to retire. Dhoni scored an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls in the match, which included just one four and a six. Despite being at the crease during a crucial phase of the chase, Dhoni and partner Vijay Shankar…