The Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital region, home to the Delhi Capitals IPL franchise, was slated to host their next home match against the Gujarat Titans on May 11th, despite the tournament’s temporary suspension.

A Delhi official confirmed to the Times of India that a threat email was received this morning. The email has been passed on to Delhi Police, who have already conducted a site inspection.

A report indicates that an email described the potential activation of Pakistani sleeper cells within India, in response to India’s strong reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

In response to a major terrorist attack in India, resulting in 26 deaths, the Indian Armed Forces conducted “Operation Sindoor.” This operation involved targeted strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, reportedly disabling several terrorist training camps and launch sites early Wednesday morning, May 7th.

IPL remains suspended
Following a series of drone and missile attacks on Indian cities launched by Pakistan on May 8th, the India-Pakistan cricket match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was halted due to an air raid alert.

With the majority of IPL 2025 matches completed, leaving only 16 games unplayed, the IPL and BCCI announced that a revised schedule will be released following consultations with relevant parties.

Before publicly announcing the postponement of IPL matches, the league informed all ten teams and their players, according to ESPNcricinfo. The IPL Governing Council made this decision after consulting with stakeholders, including franchisees (who relayed player concerns), broadcasters, sponsors, and fans. While the BCCI trusts the armed forces, the Board prioritized the collective interests of all involved parties.

It would be a miracle if Asia Cup 2025, which is supposed to be hosted by India (at a supposedly neutral venue), goes ahead given the raging conflict which was triggered by the killing of 26 people in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The nearly non-existent sporting ties are unlikely to resume at any level till tensions ease.

The Asia Cup 2025 was given a 19-day window in September where at least two India vs Pakistan matches were to take place apart from the possibility of a final clash between the bitter rivals which would have assured the broadcasters of high advertising revenue.

“It is extremely bad optics if cricket continues when there is a possibility of war with a rogue nation (Pakistan). Sports can continue when everything is normal. Plus it is very natural for foreign players and coaches to be wary and wanting to return home,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity after the league was suspended indefinitely on Friday.

Incidentally, the Asian Cricket Council is now headed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the onus will be on him to deal with financial losses that the Asia Cup cancellation would cause.

It is understood that the BCCI top brass decision to suspend the league was well thought out call as only a handful of matches are left which can be completed in a 10-day window with possible double-headers.

The IPL has a dedicated window from March end to May end during which no international cricket is scheduled allowing the best of world cricket to ply their trade in the league. Now that the schedule has gone haywire, the BCCI will have to explore the available options.

The Indian team will be touring England from first week of June to first week of August and that schedule cannot be changed. The only period that looks good right now is between the second and fourth week of September where the BCCI can also negotiate with the various cricket boards to allow their players (except for freelancers who don’t need permission) to come back and complete the assignment.

Why not August?

In August, India have a six-match white ball away series against Bangladesh which could have been stalled for IPL. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s ‘The Hundred’ will be played between August 5 to 31 where most of the top T20 players, who also play in IPL, will be taking part.

Most IPL franchise owners like Reliance and RPSG group have bought stakes in ‘The Hundred’. Also Australia will be hosting South Africa for a six-match white ball series through the month of August so players from both countries won’t be available.

Why September is best option

From August 15 till September 22, the Caribbean Premier League will also be held where some of the top West Indies players are going to take part. But during the second week of September, a fair number of West Indies players can be made available for their respective IPL teams.

England and South Africa have a six-match white-ball series from September 2 to 14. Given the cordial relationship that BCCI shares with both the ECB and Cricket South Africa, it can request them to allow the players important to their IPL teams to be released during the window. After All SA20 is also a league that runs on investment from IPL franchises.

By end of September, India’s WTC (World Test Championship) commitments against the West Indies and South Africa will commence followed by a white-ball tour of Australia in October-November. The IPL 2025 could also have been played in December but top Australian players like Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, whose franchises are in play-off contention, will be busy with the Ashes along with some English players.

Speaking on the suspension of IPL 2025, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told ANI news agency, “The tournament has been suspended for a week. The next decision will be taken after assessing the situation.”

TATA IPL 2025 suspended for one week.

More details here | #TATAIPL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 9, 2025

Further, the 46-year-old spoke about the clash between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, which was played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, was called off midway through the first innings. Spectators were informed of the cancellation and asked to vacate the premises, while both teams were escorted back to their hotel.

“As you know, the situation escalated yesterday… To ensure no panic in the crowd and the safety of the public, steps were taken and people were evacuated comfortably,” Dhumal added.

According to a BCCI source, the Indian board arranged a special Vande Bharat train to transport players from Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the entire broadcast crew from Dharamshala to Delhi.

A cloud of uncertainty had loomed over the future of the ongoing edition since the cancellation of Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot.

“The BCCI has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL with immediate effect for one week,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated in a press release, after early information from the Board suggested that the suspension was indefinite.

“Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders,” it added

The high-profile league was to wind up on May 25 in Kolkata as per the original schedule. The Board would look to conduct the remaining 16 matches (12 league and four knockouts) at an opportune time and there is speculation that the month of September could be an option if the scheduled Asia Cup is scrapped.

“At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces and the people of our country,” the Board statement read.

“The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces,” it added.

The BCCI said that while cricket remains a national passion, it is not greater than the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the country. “The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation,” it stated.

The Board also thanked stakeholders like the official broadcaster, the title sponsor and all associate partners for ‘putting national interest above all other considerations’.

News agency PTI reports that foreign players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are reportedly seeking to leave India immediately. This follows the abandonment of a Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala due to air raid alerts in nearby areas.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) currently involves a large number of international cricketers, support staff, match officials, and broadcasters. The interrupted DC vs PBKS match, for example, featured eight overseas players on the field and many more within the two teams’ broader rosters.

League officials temporarily suspended operations to assess the intensifying military conflict between India and Pakistan, a situation that could jeopardize the ongoing season.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated that the league’s future is under review, the situation is ongoing, and no government directives have been received. He indicated that any decision regarding the continuation of the IPL will consider logistical factors.

Play in Dharamsala was interrupted after 10.1 overs, with the home team at 122 for 1, due to a power outage attributed to floodlight failure. The match had already been delayed by earlier rain.

Due to safety concerns, both players and spectators were evacuated from the nearly full stadium, which has a capacity of roughly 23,000. Approximately 80% of the seats were occupied at the time of the evacuation.

Punjab Kings could have also qualified for Playoffs on Thursday night, but their clash against Delhi Capitals was abandoned due to floodlight failure in Dharamsala. For now IPL 2025 edition is set to go ahead as scheduled but the BCCI and the IPL governing council are keeping a close eye on the military and security situation in the country.

RCB featuring Virat Kohli are currently in second place on the Points Table with 16 points from 11 matches – level with Gujarat Titans. A win on Friday night will take them to 18 points and assure them of a berth in the Playoffs for sure.

Rishabh Pant’s LSG, on the other hand, are struggling with just 10 points to their name but can still somehow reach the Playoff if they win their remaining three matches and other results go their way. However, the home team, have lost three matches in row – in fact only won one out of the last five matches.

RCB may miss the services of Josh Hazlewood and Phil Salt, although the latter training with the team in Lucknow on Thursday. RCB have also lost the services of Devdutt Padikkal and may replace him with either Manoj Bhandage or Mayank Agarwal.

Meanwhile, hosts LSG could bring back leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi looking at conditions in Lucknow in place of pace bowler Prince Yadav.

From the heart of Lucknow, for the heart of Lucknow pic.twitter.com/dKekp4EETv

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 8, 2025

Here are all the details about LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59…

When is LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 going to take place?

The LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 will take place on Friday, May 9.

Where is LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 going to take place?

The LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 will be held at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

What time will LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 start?

The LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 will begin at 730pm IST. The toss for the match will be held at 7pm.

Where can I watch LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 on TV in India?

The LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 will be available LIVE on TV on Star Sports network channels in India.

How can I watch livestreaming of LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 for FREE in India?

The LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 will be available for livestreaming for FREE on JioHotstar website and app.

LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match No. 59 Predicted 12

Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akash Singh, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav/Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell/Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal/Manoj Bhandage, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi/Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma

“We are proud of our Brave Indian Armed Forces who are fighting for our nation against Terrorism. Let’s do our part and make sure to follow guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety during this time. Jai Hind, Jai India, Jai Army,” He posted on his X account.

Neeraj is scheduled to compete in the Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet in June 2025 in the Czech Republic. Previous participation in 2023 and 2024 was cancelled due to injuries.

“I am excited to announce that I will take part in the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava this year. It’s a legendary race and this year will be exceptional. My coach Jan Železný has not only won there many times, but also acts as the director of the whole event,” Neeraj said.

“I feel great and I hope you will see really nice and far-reaching feasts. I look forward to meeting you all,” he added.

In May, the athlete is scheduled to compete in the Doha Diamond League and the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru. However, the Neeraj Chopra Classic may be cancelled or postponed due to current India-Pakistan tensions.

Rohit contrasted Indian and Australian cricket commentary in an interview with Vimal Kumar, expressing significant disappointment with the quality of commentary he observed in India.

“We see everything, we talk to each other. Sometimes when we are watching the match on TV, the kind of things commentators talk about is much different from the kind of commentary you see in Australia. Here, it is so disappointing. I am being very honest. It seems like they just want to target a player and speak about him. This is very disappointing,” Rohit said during the interview.

A former Test cricketer, recently retired, commented that while criticism of a player’s poor performance is acceptable, commentators should exercise restraint in their critiques.

“There are a lot of people who love the game. They don’t want ‘masala’, they want to watch cricket. In today’s times, we put a lot of masala in the game. There are cricket lovers too who want to know more about the game, and understand why a player’s form is bad. They don’t want to hear about personal stuff. Just because you have the right to speak, doesn’t mean you’ll say anything. Respect the players. I even said at a few places that everyone who has been part of these World Cups deserves great respect. It’s not a joke to win 23 out of 24 matches, no matter how it happened,” Rohit asserted.

Rohit believes that constructive criticism of player performance has been overshadowed by biased commentary in the current climate.

“Yes, there have been things where it has gone out of our hands. We didn’t do well in some instances, where we deserve criticism. No problem. We lost to New Zealand at home, we deserve criticism. But there’s a way to criticize someone. Today, agenda-driven criticism is being done here. It is not so likable,” he added.

Rohit stated he prefers focusing on offense rather than defense when responding to criticism.

“To handle criticism is important in a sportsperson’s life. I understand that. But, it’s unnecessary criticism that I am against. Such things weren’t needed. I see people say a lot about me, some say that I get out to left-arm seamers. If I go out defending that, I’ll do a lot of things wrong. My time is very precious, don’t want to waste my time defending myself. Attacking is what my work is. It’s better to show what you want to on the field, not outside,” he said.

Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, speculation arose regarding his replacement as India’s Test captain. While Shubman Gill is a potential candidate, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble advocates for Jasprit Bumrah, citing Bumrah’s successful leadership during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia when he stood in for Rohit. Kumble believes Bumrah possesses the qualities of a strong leader.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a natural leader. He led India when Rohit wasn’t available in the first test match against Australia, so I would certainly think that it’s going to be Jasprit” said Kumble on Espncricinfo.

Rohit Sharma, who debuted in Test cricket against the West Indies, played 67 Test matches for India, accumulating 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. His impressive record includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a highest score of 212 against South Africa in 2019. He concludes his Test career as India’s 16th highest run scorer.

Rohit Sharma’s tenure as India’s Test captain comprised 24 matches, resulting in a 50% win rate (12 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws). His captaincy included leading India in the 2023 World Test Championship Final, which they lost to Australia. His later Test matches were characterized by subpar individual performance and team outcomes.

India’s cricket team will play a five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20, 2025.

“Mumbai cha Raja (The king of Mumbai) hangs up his Test whites. From pulling fast bowlers into the stands to leading with calm authority — Rohit Sharma’s Test journey was worth every watch, every roar, every rise,” posted the MCA.

The BCCI expressed pride in Rohit Sharma.

“Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites! @ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs. We are proud of you, Hitman,” posted BCCI.

Rishabh Pant believes Rohit Sharma’s influence on the Indian cricket team will be felt for a considerable time.

“Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Much love, @rohitsharma45 bhai,” posted Pant on Instagram.

Dhruv Jurel, who made his Test debut during the 2024 series against England under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, offered his congratulations on Rohit’s retirement.

“Always my first skipper, Happy Retirement Rohit Bhaiya,” posted Jurel.

Rohit Sharma concluded his Test career with 4,301 runs across 67 matches, averaging 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. He captained India in 24 Tests from 2022 following Virat Kohli’s resignation, achieving 12 wins and 9 losses. His captaincy tenure also included India’s defeat in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.

“Congratulations @ImRo45 on your test career. The 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase,” posted Irfan Pathan.

“End of an era! @ImRo45, your grit, grace, and leadership in Test cricket will always remain a big part of India’s cricket journey. Thank you for the memories, Captain! #RohitSharma,” posted Parthiv Patel.

“Congratulations on a legendary Test career, @ImRo45. You’ve made India proud. All the best for your ODI journey. God bless you,” posted Amit Mishra.

Rohit Sharma’s IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians also took the time to congratulate their most successful captain.

“Cap 280, Jersey 45, Bowing out from Test cricket. It was a privilege watching you in India whites, Ro!,” posted MI.

Former India selector MSK Prasad advocates for Sai Sudharsan’s inclusion in the squad for the upcoming England series. Prasad believes Sudharsan’s strong IPL performance and consistent consideration for the national team warrant his selection as a backup opener to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma.

“Sai has to be a part of this England series. This is the ideal time for the new WTC cycle to begin. If Rohit is part of the squad, then he opens alongside Jaiswal and Sai can be the backup opener. I will leave it to the selectors to take that call. Sai might get his opportunity as the series progresses,” he said.

During the discussion, Prasad advocated for Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion in the team, citing the advantage a left-arm seamer would offer in England. He omitted Shreyas Iyer from his preferred lineup, opting for Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel as his spin bowling choices.

“Arshdeep would be my out-of-the-box pick. In English conditions, you need a left arm seamer. This guy is able to move the ball both sides. He’s bowling 135s. He’s very, very confident today. After taking 100 T20 wickets, I think he’s smart enough to understand the nuances of the game. He also has county experience,” Prasad said.

“Besides Gill, KL is another all-format player for you. Though Shreyas Iyer has done well in white ball cricket I won’t pick him for the England series. Jaddu, Washy and Kuldeep are three spinners for me. Jaddu is an automatic pick, Washy as the all-rounder, and Kuldeep is a match-winner for me. I would not pick Axar Patel for this one… Compared to Australia, Reddy the bowler will be more handy in English conditions,” he added.

A cricket match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium was interrupted during the first innings. Security concerns stemming from escalating tensions and air raid warnings issued near the India-Pakistan border led officials to suspend play as a precaution.

Punjab Kings had a strong start to their innings, reaching 122/1 in 10.1 overs before play was interrupted. Prabhsimran Singh was unbeaten on 50 from 28 balls, while Priyansh Arya had previously scored a quick 70 from 34 balls before being dismissed by T. Natarajan.

Due to security concerns causing the suspension of commercial flights in the Dharamshala area, the BCCI arranged a secure chartered train to transport roughly 300 people, comprising players, support staff, and broadcast crews, from Pathankot to Delhi.

A special train will transport the Punjab and Delhi Indian Premier League teams from Pathankot to Delhi tomorrow, according to a Northern Railways spokesperson. The specific schedule and route are being kept confidential for security purposes.

The escalating border tensions and retaliatory actions have prompted an unusual response, highlighting the increasingly precarious security situation in the region. Defense forces are maintaining a heightened state of readiness.

The future of the 2025 IPL season is uncertain. The BCCI is currently consulting with team owners and security experts to determine if the tournament can proceed as planned. International players’ safety concerns may affect the upcoming schedule.

The IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, held on Thursday evening at the stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, was abruptly halted after the city experienced a blackout following drone and missile strikes launched by Pakistan targeting multiple Indian locations.

“We are reviewing the situation right now,” news agency PTI quoted IPL chairman Arun Dhumal on whether the league will continue amid Indo-Pak military conflict.

Dhumal mentioned that the situation is still developing and noted that no official instructions have been issued by the government so far.

Pakistan: Pakistan’s attacks prompt the suspension of an IPL match in Dharamshala, escalating regional tensions.

— @Global Glimpse (@HimanshuSh80843) May 8, 2025

IPL is leading towards its suspension.
It is a (play)70-30(susp.) chance now.
English players have withdrawn from psl.
I think kolkata will not host playoffs and maybe no more matches in dharmashala.

— Kun M (@Gayatri69108672) May 8, 2025

India-Pakistan tensions:
On Thursday evening, tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after a drone and missile assault launched by Pakistan aimed at areas in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Ministry of Defence later confirmed that the attack originated from Pakistan, but it was intercepted by India’s air defense systems. The incident caused blackouts, air raid warnings across multiple cities, and led to the suspension of the ongoing IPL match in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

The situation unfolded with Indian defense systems intercepting a suspected drone and missile intrusion over Jammu. Following this, reports surfaced of explosions in several areas of Punjab, sensitive regions in Rajasthan, and later at multiple locations along the western border, as per military sources quoted by PTI news agency.

This surge in tensions follows just a day after New Delhi initiated ‘Operation Sindoor’. A precision military assault on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)—as a response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

At the time of the stoppage, Punjab was cruising at 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs. Initially, the interruption was believed to be caused by a floodlight malfunction. The game had already seen a delayed start due to earlier rainfall before the entire hill city experienced a temporary blackout.

For safety reasons, both players and spectators were escorted out of the venue. The scenic stadium, which holds around 23,000 fans, was nearly 80 percent full when the evacuation took place.

“There was no panic from the spectators. They (spectators and players) were moved out of the stadium very carefully and safely,” a Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association source told PTI.

As spectators exited the stadium, many were heard chanting slogans against Pakistan. At the time play was suspended, Prabhsimran Singh remained unbeaten on 50 from 28 balls, while his opening partner Priyansh Arya had earlier struck a brisk 70 off 34 deliveries before being dismissed by pacer T Natarajan.

Both teams, along with their support staff, are set to be transported to Delhi via a special train departing from Pathankot, which lies roughly 85 kilometers from Dharamsala. They will make the journey to Pathankot by road.

Currently, air operations have been suspended at Dharamsala’s only airport as well as those in nearby Kangra and Chandigarh, as a safety precaution in response to possible Pakistani threats.

Following the abandonment of Thursday night’s match, uncertainty now looms over the continuation of the Indian Premier League. It is understood that the BCCI is holding an emergency meeting to assess the situation, especially after growing security concerns expressed by overseas players.

According to sources, several foreign cricketers are reportedly eager to leave the country as soon as possible.

India’s recent missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir came two weeks after the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22 that claimed 26 lives.

On Thursday, blackouts were enforced across several regions, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, following air raid sirens and unconfirmed reports of loud blasts near Jammu.

The IPL calendar has already begun to shift due to the escalating situation. The May 11 fixture between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, originally scheduled for Dharamsala, has now been relocated to Ahmedabad.

The match scheduled for Thursday between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi was called off after Pakistan’s military reported that Indian drones had been shot down over several cities in Pakistan.

Both teams as well as all IPL officials and support staff were immediately evacuated from the HPCA Stadium. The BCCI informed that the game was forced to be abandoned due to a significant technical failure at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala. “Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers at the HPCA stadium malfunctioned. BCCI regrets the inconvenience caused to the in-stadium attendees,” a statement read.

Punjab Kings next match in Dharamsala against Mumbai Indians on Sunday (May 10) has already been shifted to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad by the BCCI.

PBKS vs DC, IPL 2025 Highlights HERE –

The left-arm spinner has picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches at an impressive average of 17.64, particularly standing tall during the early stages of the tournament when Rashid Khan was still regaining form. Speaking on Star Sports Press Room during the ‘Race to Play-offs’ segment, Kishore reflected on his two-season stint with CSK, describing it as an invaluable learning phase.

“Yeah, CSK played a huge role in shaping me. It felt like two years of internship! CSK was the first team that picked me at the auction from Mushtaq Ali. Those two years were really valuable. I learned a lot — I used to constantly ask questions about how to handle different situations. But honestly, you only truly learn when you play,” said Kishore.

While he didn’t get any match time at CSK, Kishore emphasized how that period built his cricketing foundation. He especially credited MS Dhoni’s influence on his mindset and approach to the game.

“I can’t look past MS Dhoni — the influence he’s had on me has been huge. The way he led the team, the calmness with which he approached different situations — that’s really shaped the way I see the game and the way I operate,” he said.

Kishore also acknowledged the role of Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra and seasoned India spinner R Ashwin in his development.

“Another big influence is Ashu pa (our coach). The way he handles the team, it’s unique — it’s not common for a coach to have such a calm and controlled presence. And then there’s Ashubhai (Ravichandran Ashwin), who’s also made a great impact on me.”

As Gujarat Titans eye a strong finish in IPL 2025, Kishore’s evolution from a benchwarmer at CSK to a game-changer for GT is a testament to learning, patience, and the value of the right mentors.

The T20 league, which features six franchises and is in its final stages, is currently being staged in Rawalpindi. It is scheduled to wind up on May 18 in Lahore.

A reliable source in the Board said the PCB would follow the advice from the government on continuing the league and it would be holding discussions later on Thursday. “The meeting will review the situation because of the number of drone attacks by India since Wednesday especially in the Punjab province,” the source said.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer also met with the overseas players in Rawalpindi and assured them that they had nothing to worry about as the PCB is closely monitoring the situation.

Some of the big international names who have signed up for the league are David Warner (Karachi Kings), Jason Holder (Islamabad United), and Rassie van der Dussen (Islamabad United) among others.

“Naturally the current scenario may have come under discussion. The players have been given a heavy security blanket by the Pakistan Army,” PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said.

“There have been surgical strikes on both sides of the border but we don’t expect that to affect the PSL. But if, God forbid, things do escalate, we will sit together to decide our next step,” he added.

India’s military strikes are in retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

After successful missile attacks on nine locations in Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure, India on Thursday said it foiled attempts by the Pakistani military to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles.

The country’s defence forces also destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, officials said on Thursday. The Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said.

Axar Patel’s DC have stumbled in recent weeks, with three defeats and a no-result in their last five outings, leaving them fifth on the points table with 13 points from 11 matches. The Capitals have struggled at home, securing just one win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium — and that too via a Super Over.

After a strong start with four consecutive victories, DC hoped a change of venue would revive their fortunes. However, their batting order crumbled against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game in Hyderabad, before rain eventually ended the contest early.

DC’s top order was blown away, slumping to 29/5, and only Ashutosh Sharma’s counter-attack lifted them to a respectable 133. The batting frailties have been a recurring concern. Karun Nair’s promotion to the top backfired as he fell for a duck, while Faf du Plessis, who had shown glimpses of form, was also dismissed cheaply attempting an aggressive shot on a tricky surface.

Abishek Porel has struggled to convert starts, while KL Rahul, their leading scorer this season with 381 runs, also failed to anchor the innings. Skipper Axar Patel was unable to make an impact either.

The pitch at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, as seen in a recent high-scoring clash between PBKS and Lucknow Super Giants, offering DC’s batters a much-needed opportunity to find form.

Punjab Kings, in contrast, have been outstanding this season, with seven wins from 11 matches, placing them just outside the top two. While DC’s batting has faltered, Punjab’s top order has been rock-solid. Prabhsimran Singh has led the charge with 437 runs, consistently providing explosive starts.

Captain Shreyas Iyer has been in superb touch, amassing 405 runs, including four half-centuries, and sits second in the six-hitting charts with 27 maximums — underlining his influence through the middle overs. The former KKR title-winning skipper has brought sharp tactical awareness to PBKS, keeping them on course for a playoff spot.

A key battle will be how DC’s bowling unit — led by Mitchell Starc and the spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam — handle Punjab’s batting firepower. There will also be expectations on pace duo Dushmantha Chameera and Mukesh Kumar to step up.

Rain check on training but Dharamsala never fails to amaze pic.twitter.com/W8GT5tua6U

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 7, 2025

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals IPL 2025 Match No. 58 Details

Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala

Date & Time: May 8, 730pm IST onwards

Live Streaming and TV details: Star Sports Network and JioHotstar website and app.

PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 Match No. 58 Dream11 Prediction

Wicketkeepers: Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis

Batters: KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Marco Jansen

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Captain: Shreyas Iyer

Vice-captain: Priyansh Arya

PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 Match No 58 Predicted 12

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mohit Sharma/Mukesh Kumar

The match between PBKS and DC will go ahead as scheduled after permission from the BCCI but both teams are stranded in Dharamsala with the only way out is by road to Delhi. Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians were supposed to reach Dharamsala on Wednesday evening but their match against Punjab Kings on Sunday evening is expected to be rescheduled now.

Axar Patel’s DC are still very much in the race to make the Playoffs, currently in 5th position, just one point behind 4th placed Mumbai Indians. A win on Thursday night over Shreyas Iyer’s PBKS will get them level on points with the Punjab side with a couple of games in hand.

However, that task will not be easy as PBKS are unbeaten in their last three matches – including a rained-out clash against KKR. The Delhi side, on the other hand, have registered just one win in their last 5 games after a flying start to the season where they won their first four games in a row.

DC may look to bolster their batting by adding Ashutosh Sharma to the Playing 12, instead of keeping him on the bench and replace leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam with pace bowlers Mohit Sharma or Mukesh Kumar looking at the conditions in Dharamsala.

There was some rain in Dharamsala on the eve of the match on Wednesday and some rain is expected on match-day as well. With race to the Playoffs hotting up, both sides will be hoping that they don’t have to share points because of wet weather.

The stage is set for the Shers to ! pic.twitter.com/irOlIQccG6

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 7, 2025

Here are all the details about PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58…

When is PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 going to take place?

The PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 will take place on Thursday, May 8.

Where is PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 going to take place?

The PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 will be held at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

What time will PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 start?

The PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 will begin at 730pm IST. The toss for the match will be held at 7pm.

Where can I watch PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 on TV in India?

The PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 will be available LIVE on TV on Star Sports network channels in India.

How can I watch livestreaming of PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 for FREE in India?

The PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 will be available for livestreaming for FREE on JioHotstar website and app.

PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match No. 58 Predicted 12

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mohit Sharma/Mukesh Kumar

The Indian captain made the decision to retire from Test cricket ahead of the five-match Test series against England. Earlier this year, Rohit had expressed his enthusiasm to keep playing in the longer format and lead the team against Ben Stokes’ squad, but things took a sharp turn in the past week. Reports suggest that BCCI officials were dissatisfied with Rohit’s recent red-ball form and were close to removing him from the role of Test captain.

At 38, Rohit allegedly requested the selectors and officials for two more matches, but the BCCI preferred not to make mid-series changes in such a high-stakes series. As a result, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket, while confirming that he would continue playing in One Day Internationals.

“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit wrote on his Instagram story.

BCCI officials have yet to announce a successor for Rohit Sharma as the Test captain. Shubman Gill has been widely discussed as a potential replacement, but other players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are also in the running. Jasprit Bumrah is another candidate, having led the team effectively during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the board is hesitant to appoint him permanently due to concerns about his ongoing injury issues.

At 43, Dhoni became the first wicketkeeper to achieve 200 dismissals in the tournament’s history. He reached the milestone by stumping Sunil Narine and taking a catch to dismiss Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Some of the nearest challengers to this record include ex-cricketers such as Dinesh Karthik, who has registered 174 dismissals, and Wriddhiman Saha with a tally of 113. Among current players, Rishabh Pant stands out as Dhoni’s closest active competitor, having completed 100 dismissals so far.

Left-arm unorthodox spinner Noor Ahmad made the most of the spin-friendly pitch, claiming figures of 4 for 31 to help contain Kolkata Knight Riders to 179/6, as Chennai Super Kings’ spin attack took control during the crucial middle overs of the hosts’ do-or-die IPL encounter.

KKR looked in control at 67/1 after the powerplay, but things quickly unraveled once Noor Ahmad stepped in and changed the momentum. The Afghan chinaman bowler disrupted KKR’s flow right after the powerplay, claiming two wickets in the same over.

He first removed Sunil Narine (26 off 17; 4 fours, 1 six), who was outfoxed in the air and smartly stumped by MS Dhoni. Just four deliveries later, Angkrish Raghuvanshi nicked one behind, handing CSK a crucial double blow.

The run flow slowed dramatically for KKR, as they went 24 deliveries in the middle phase without finding the boundary. Their revival hopes were pinned on Andre Russell, who was coming off a match-winning half-century in the previous fixture.

Russell responded with intent, cracking two boundaries and a six off Ravindra Jadeja before smashing Ahmad for a towering six off a googly. However, Ahmad had the final word, outsmarting Russell (38 off 21) with another cleverly disguised googly to end the explosive all-rounder’s stay at the crease.

In his last over, Ahmad dismissed Rinku Singh, completing a brilliant spell that dismantled KKR’s resistance.