<p>The Rajasthan Royals are often known to be the first-ever winners of the IPL; however, since then they have never made it to the finals, until the first time in 2022, when they lost to the Gujarat Titans in the finals. <br> <br>The Rajasthan Royals had some exemplary seasons in the recent past since they made it to the knockouts twice in the last three seasons. All these great IPL achievements came under the guidance of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumar_Sangakkara">Kumara Sangakkara</a>. <br> <br>The Royals brought in the likes of World Cup-winning Indian coach Rahul Dravid as their mentor for the season, while they also brought in Vikram Rathour as their batting coach. With the IPL retention slabs paced quite high and all of the Indian players in the side being capped, Rajasthan would have a tough job to retain a set of players.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Rahul-Dravid-to-Rajasthan-Royals.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148759" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rahul Dravid has returned to the Rajasthan Royals camp for IPL 2025 (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)</figcaption></figure>



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#top-players-who-might-be-retained-ahead-of-the-ipl-mega-auction">Top players who might be retained ahead of the IPL mega-auction</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#trent-boult">Trent Boult</a></li><li class=""><a href="#yashasvi-jaiswal">Yashasvi Jaiswal </a></li><li class=""><a href="#sanju-samson">Sanju Samson</a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="top-players-who-might-be-retained-ahead-of-the-ipl-mega-auction">Top players who might be retained ahead of the IPL mega-auction</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="trent-boult">Trent Boult</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Boult-RR-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148761" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trent Boult for Rajasthan Royals (Image Credit: ESPNcricinfo)</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Kiwi pacer has been a veteran across different T20 global franchises, while he has also been a wonderman in the IPL. After Boult was included in the Royals' side, he has been the most successful bowler with the new ball. Boult has mastered the art of picking up a wicket in the first over of the powerplay. Often seen completing a major portion of his spell in the powerplay, he is a maestro in himself. <br> <br>Boult can be the third retained player in the RR camp, as deducting a sum of INR 11 crore doesn?t seem very unlikely for the veteran pacer from the Kiwi Islands. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="yashasvi-jaiswal">Yashasvi Jaiswal </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Jaiswal-RR-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148762" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yashasvi Jaiswal - The rising face of Rajasthan Royals (Image Credit: India Today)</figcaption></figure>



<p>The young Indian batting sensation, Jaiswal, has been their star batter since he batted stunningly alongside Jos Buttler, as the duo have scored the most runs for the Rajasthan Royals. <br> <br>Young Jaiswal is a very promising talent and is undoubtedly a scope for the future on the Royals side. With Dravid recognizing such a unique talent, he can be the future of IPL and a major target for all teams; hence, even retaining him for a whopping amount seems quite likely. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="sanju-samson">Sanju Samson</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Samson-RR.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148763" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sanju Samson as RR skipper (Image Credit: ANI News)</figcaption></figure>



<p>The India domestic batter, or most correctly said to be an IPL veteran, Sanju Samson, is most likely to be retained by the Royals. Since the days he came into the Royals side from the Daredevils side, he has been stunning in the IPL. <br> <br>Next to be coined the skipper to the side, Sanju Samson has led from the front as he has repeatedly produced runs as well as results for his side. Samson will be an asset to the team, whatever price they have to bear for the star cricketer. </p>



<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong>:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant-likely-to-step-down-as-delhi-capitals-skipper-this-indian-player-to-emerge-as-their-new-captain-for-ipl-2025/"> Rishabh Pant likely to step down as Delhi Capitals skipper; this Indian player to emerge as their new captain for IPL 2025</a><br> <br>Also, the likes of Jos Buttler, last season's highest scorer Riyan Parag, and veteran spinners Ravi Ashwin and Yuzi Chahal are a part of the Royals side; however, they might not look to retain these players, with some of them being retained using the RTM card if their bids suit the budget of the franchise.<br></p>

Top player retentions for Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL mega-auction||||||

Top player retentions for Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL mega-auction

top-player-retentions-for-rajasthan-royals-ahead-of-the-ipl-mega-auction

<p>The Champions of the very first edition of the IPL since 2008, Rajasthan Royals have not been able to make it to their best in the tournament. Their next final appearance came so many years later, in 2022, when they reached the final under Sanju Samson?s leadership, though they lost to the debutant Gujarat Titans. <br> <br>Finally, the Rajasthan Royals have announced the likes of IPL retentions for the upcoming season, as they have named only the likes of the 4 Indian players. They have let go of their overseas talents, even the likes of England?s white-ball skipper, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos_Buttler">Jos Buttler</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1851798997280641293
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<p><br>Veteran Windies finisher Shmiron Hetmyer and the likes of great Trent Boult have been released by the Rajasthan Royals, as they look to retain a higher purse as they enter the mega-auction. The biggest surprise was the release of the Indian spin duo of Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. <br> <br>Also, the likes of Dhruv Jurel, who was once made a part of the Royals franchise back in the 2022 mega-auction for a minor INR 20 lakh, have been a matter of debacle in the Royals camp. <br> <br>Though the Royals have not revealed their likely retention slabs, they are supposed to lose at least 47 crores from the entire purse amount. In case Jurel is also included for the side, the retention slab would be as high as INR 65 crores, which seems very unlikely. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Sanju-Samson-and-Riyan-Parag-RR-min-1024x768.png" alt="" class="wp-image-149147" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag - The highest scorers for Rajasthan Royals (Image Credit: X.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p><br>The Rajasthan Royals are looking forward to retaining the likes of skipper Sanju Samson, who went on to score 531 runs in the format in the IPL 2024 season. Also, the highest run-getter of the season, Riyan Parag, has been retained in the season after having scored 573 runs. </p>



<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/kl-rahul-has-decided-to-part-ways-with-lsg-while-these-four-franchises-have-reportedly-shown-interest-in-the-ipl-veteran/">KL Rahul has decided to part ways with LSG; while these four franchises have reportedly shown interest in the IPL veteran</a><br> <br>While two-time centurions, Jos Buttler from the last season, and most-successful bowler Yuzi Chahal have been released, while Sandeep Sharma and Jaiswal have been retained, welcome to the era of unexpected cricket under World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid.<br></p>

Rajasthan Royals target many players for the mega-auction as they reveal retentions to ESPNcricinfo ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal|

Rajasthan Royals target many players for the mega-auction as they reveal retentions to ESPNcricinfo ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal

rajasthan-royals-target-many-players-for-the-mega-auction-as-they-reveal-retentions-to-espncricinfo-ft-yashasvi-jaiswal

<p>RCB have had an immense legacy in the history of the IPL; though they have not been able to secure a position as title winners, they are among the teams with the highest fanbases in the Indian Premier League. <br> <br>The Royal Challengers Bangalore have retained the second-fewest players and are hence contained with a whopping second-highest purse in the mega-auction. RCB have retained the likes of veteran <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virat_Kohli">Virat Kohli</a> for a huge INR 21 crore, Rajat Patidar for INR 11 crore, and lastly, uncapped Yash Dayal for INR 5 crore. <br> <br>Entering the mega-auction with a huge purse amount of INR 83 crore, RCB will look to rebuild a squad having let go of their core squad. Now RCB veteran AB de Villiers picked a set of four players who will be vital from the team?s point of view.  </p>



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#abd-picks-the-likes-of-chahal-and-rabada-as-vital-picks-for-rcb-in-the-mega-auction">ABD picks the likes of Chahal and Rabada as vital picks for RCB in the mega-auction</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#yuzvendra-chahal">Yuzvendra Chahal</a></li><li class=""><a href="#kagiso-rabada">Kagiso Rabada</a></li><li class=""><a href="#bhuvneshwar-kumar">Bhuvneshwar Kumar</a></li><li class=""><a href="#ravichandran-ashwin">Ravichandran Ashwin</a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="abd-picks-the-likes-of-chahal-and-rabada-as-vital-picks-for-rcb-in-the-mega-auction">ABD picks the likes of Chahal and Rabada as vital picks for RCB in the mega-auction</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="yuzvendra-chahal">Yuzvendra Chahal</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Yuzi-Chahal-RCB-1024x740.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149287" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Image Credit: X.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Rajasthan Royals have parted ways with their lead spinner and the highest wicket-taker in the IPL. Yuzi Chahal, a former RCB veteran, went on to achieve his peak in his career with the Royal Challengers. <br> <br>The leggie often relishes his spells at the Chinnaswamy despite the ground dimensions being in favour of big hitters. It is one of India?s best six-hit arenas, and Chahal can be an asset to his side if back with the Challengers. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="kagiso-rabada">Kagiso Rabada</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Rabada-New-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149288" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protea veteran Rabada (Image Credit: ESPNcricinfo)</figcaption></figure>



<p>Veteran Protea pacer Rabada has also had a scintillating record in the Indian Premier League and will also be, in a true sense, a very high-value player in the mega-auction. <br> <br>Rabada's pace will hand RCB the first unique pacer in the shortest format, which traced the second-best-ever RCB pacer since <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Steyn">Dale Steyn</a> last played for the franchise. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="bhuvneshwar-kumar">Bhuvneshwar Kumar</h3>



<p>Ace Sunrisers pacer, who has had a long legacy of a decade with the franchise, went on to feature for them since 2013, the first season played by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. <br> <br>For the first time, Bhuvi comes into the auction, and a player of his calibre will remain one of the finest auction bids in the season. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="ravichandran-ashwin">Ravichandran Ashwin</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Ravi-Ashwin-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149289" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Image Credit: Sportstar - The Hindu )</figcaption></figure>



<p>The major Southpaw will be vital as a spin bowler and an all-rounder as well when Ashwin can come in to bat under pressure situations. <br> <br>Ashwin is expected to return to the South teams, with the likes of CSK and RCB both in need of a spinner of Ashwin?s calibre and experience.</p>



<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong>: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/updated-icc-player-rankings-following-the-india-vs-new-zealand-test-series-kohli-out-of-top-20-pant-enters-top-6/">Updated ICC Player Rankings following the India vs New Zealand Test-Series | Kohli out of top 20, Pant enters top 6</a></p>

RCB veteran picks his four priority players for RCB in the IPL mega-auction in 2024||||

RCB veteran picks his four priority players for RCB in the IPL mega-auction in 2024

rcb-veteran-picks-his-four-priority-players-for-rcb-in-the-ipl-mega-auction-in-2024

<p>Indian Cricket Team's leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is going through a tough phase in his life. While on the Cricketing side of things, he got snubbed from the Central-Contract list of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last year and he hasn't played in any matches for the Men in Blue in 2024, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, bilateral series versus Zimbabwe &amp; Sri Lanka and other home bilateral series assignments too, despite finding his name in the squad. </p>
<p>In terms of his personal life, all is not well between him and wife Dhanashree Verma. Divorce Rumors between the two have been circling constantly and these rumors have gained ground after fans noticed that the two have unfollowed each other on social media platform Instagram.</p>
<h2><strong>Is a divorce between Dhanashree Verma and Yuzvendra Chahal imminent? A shocking revelation comes out</strong></h2>
<p>To what might come as a shock to everybody, the couple have deleted each other's wedding photos from their respective Instagram handles which adds even more fuel to the fire. Earlier in 2024, Hardik Pandya and his wife Natasa Stankovic had parted ways with each other and they too had deleted all of their photos with each other and now, the same thing is happening with Dhanashree &amp; Yuzi Chahal. </p>
<p>Moreover, a unnamed source close to both Chahal &amp; his wife also gave a confirmation that the divorce rumours are true and they might part ways with each other soon.</p>
<p><strong>"Their</strong> (<strong>Chahal &amp; Dhanashree's) divorce is unavoidable &amp; it's only a matter of time before an official news comes out. The particular reasons for their separation are unknown yet, but it's evident that two have decided to move on from each other and live separately," the source told Times of India (TOI). </strong></p>
<p>It's worth noting that Dhanashree and Yuzi got married to each other four years ago in 2020 and their wedding proved to be surprising for many people. They shared a very close and good bond with each other both on and outside the Cricket-field. The 28-year-old Dhanashree revealed the love story of the two in 2024 when she started on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Ja', a dance-reality show. </p>
<p><strong>"In 2020, when the entire world was affected was affected by the global pandemic and Covid-19, no Cricket matches were taking place and all the Cricket players getting frustrated by just sitting at their homes constantly. At that time, he (Chahal) decided to learn how to dance. He had watched my dance videos on social-media platforms and at that time, I used to teach dance to other people. So he directly approached me to learn dance &amp; I agreed to do so," Dhanashree said.</strong></p>
<p>While the couple's divorce rumours are gaining ground, it's not the first time that such a news has come in.</p>
<p>Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-s-injury-update-pacers-returns-to-scg-after-precautionary-scans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah's Injury Update: Pacers Returns to SCG after Precautionary Scans</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>

Yuzvendra Chahal (L) and his wife Dhanashree Verma (R) | Image: Instagram (Yuzi Chahal)

Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife Dhanashree Verma are rumoured to be on the verge of divorcing each other

Yuzi Chahal and wife Dhanashree Verma unfollow each other on Instagram as divorce rumors gain ground

yuzi-chahal-and-wife-dhanashree-verma-unfollow-each-other-on-instagram-as-divorce-rumors-gain-ground

<p>Fierce-Rivals India (IND) and England (ENG) are set to take on each other in a five-match T20 International series which will begin from the 22nd of January. The opening match of this series will be played at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced Team India's squad for the series and majority of the key players have picked in the team. </p>
<p>Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian team selectors will be keeping an eye on the performance of certain players, one of whom is Fast Bowling All-Rounder Hardik Pandya, who performed exceptionally well in the shortest format of the game in 2024. The 31-year-old has a phenomenal record versus England in T20 Internationals with both bat &amp; ball and he will get a big opportunity to create a massive record in the forthcoming five-match T20 International series.</p>
<h2><strong>Junior Pandya needs to take just three more wickets to break this record</strong></h2>
<p>At present, the record for the highest number of wickets taken by an Indian in T20 Internationals versus England is held by leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. He has dismissed 16 batters in 11 T20 matches versus the Three Lions at an average of 21.12. While Yuzi is not a part of the squad for the forthcoming series, Hardik is going to play and he has a chance to script history. </p>
<p>In 15 T20i matches versus the Englishmen, the 31-year-old has 14 scalps next to his name with an average of 25.42. In such a situation, if Pandya manages to dismiss three more English batters in the upcoming five-match series, then he will become the highest wicket-taker for Team India in the shortest format of the game versus England.</p>
<h2><strong>Hardik Pandya's performance has been really good in T20 International matches</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6783b2ad34cc4.jpg" alt="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></strong></p>
<p>Hardik is currently regarded as one of the best fast-bowling All Rounders in T20 Cricket. He has taken part in 109 T20i encounters so far and has amassed 1,700 runs at a decent average of 27.87, in which he has also hit four fifties at a really good strike-rate of 141.90.</p>
<p>With the ball, the Mumbai Indians skipper has dismissed a total of 89 batters with an economy rate of 8.17 and an average of 26.62. His best-figures with the ball currently stand at 4/16. </p>
<p>The BCCI recently unveiled the Men in Blue's squad for the T20 International serias versus England and while Pandya is a part of the squad, he's no longer the vice-captain of the team and that responsibility has been handed over to Axar Patel.</p>
<p>Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/new-zealand-squad-for-icc-champions-trophy-announced-williamson-returns-as-santner-set-to-lead-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy Announced; Williamson Returns as Santner Set to Lead!</a></p>
<p></p>

Hardik Pandya of India catches the ball | Image: Getty Images

Hardik Pandya has a massive opportunity to script history in the upcoming five-match T20 International series versus England

Hardik Pandya has massive chance of rewriting history in the T20I series versus England

Hardik Pandya has a chance to script history, on the verge of breaking this record versus England

hardik-pandya-has-a-chance-to-script-history-on-the-verge-of-breaking-this-record-versus-england

The 5th T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan is on March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand leads 3-1 after a dominant win in the 4th match, powered by Bracewell’s quickfire 46* and Duffy’s 4-wicket haul. The pitch favors batting first, with pacers getting more help. Weather is mostly clear with slight rain chances. Top Dream11 picks include Seifert, Allen, Bracewell, and Duffy, with Salman Ali Agha and Bracewell as captaincy options

PAK vs NZ 5th T20 Dream 11 Prediction: Best player picks, captaincy choices and match details

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Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring thriller. Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 powered PBKS to a massive total, while GT’s valiant chase fell short at 232.

Shreyas Iyer's Winning Start for Punjab Kings! Check Updated IPL 2025 Points Table After GT vs PBKS, 5th Match

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NZ vs PAK: The fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played on 26 March at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, which has hosted 22 T20Is—10 won batting first, 12 chasing. The average first-innings score is 153, but high totals like NZ’s 219/6 and successful chases like Australia’s 216 show it can be a batting-friendly ground. Key performers here include Martin Guptill (453 runs) and Ish Sodhi (17 wickets). With chasing slightly favored and spinners often influential, the match could hinge on whether Pakistan’s batters or New Zealand’s home advantage proves decisive.

NZ vs PAK 5th T20 Sky Stadium Pitch Stats & Records: know the pitch records of Sky Stadium, most runs, wickets and special stats before the match

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Tamin Iqbal: Tamim Iqbal, former Bangladesh cricket captain, suffered a heart attack during a match and underwent a successful stent procedure. His condition is improving, with doctors optimistic about his recovery.

yuzi chahal