Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for IPL 2025, with Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain. Rahane, previously with KKR, was acquired in the mega-auction, while Iyer was signed for ₹23.75 crore. KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed confidence in their leadership as the team aims to defend its title. KKR’s campaign begins against RCB on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
At 42, James Anderson is set to enter The Hundred 2025 draft after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. The Test cricket legend, England’s highest wicket-taking pacer, aims to prove his worth in white-ball cricket. If drafted, he will be the second-oldest player in the tournament’s history, behind Imran Tahir.
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has retired from ODIs after Australia’s Champions Trophy semifinal loss to India. Over a 14-year career, he played 170 matches, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, with 12 centuries and 35 fifties. Smith, a key figure in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup wins, also took 28 wickets. He led Australia’s ODI team from 2015 and was named ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021. Prioritizing Test cricket, Smith aims to contribute in the upcoming World Test Championship final and home Ashes series.
Sunrisers Hyderabad has signed South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as a replacement for the injured Brydon Carse ahead of IPL 2025. Carse, who was bought for INR 1 crore, aggravated a toe injury during England’s Champions Trophy campaign. Mulder, who had gone unsold at the auction with a base price of 75L, impressed in the Champions Trophy with six wickets in three matches. SRH will start the IPL 2025 season against Rajasthan Royals on March 23.
The outcome of the ICC Champions Trophy final will shape India’s cricketing future, with Rohit Sharma’s ODI and Test captaincy under scrutiny. The BCCI has delayed announcing central contracts, awaiting his decision. Discussions with selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir suggest a transition plan. If Rohit retires, India’s leadership could see a major shift.