Action is heating up in Indian Premier League 2025, 14 matches in. A number of trends and viral narratives are emerging, and Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals are the only teams to be unbeaten so far. (Schedule | Teams | Points Table)
Let us look at some interesting developments, behind-the-scenes action and comments, even as Kolkata Knight Riders host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens:
CSK Summon Ayush Mhatre For Trials
Having endured a not-so-great start to the 2025 edition, Chennai Super Kings have invited 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre for a mid-season trial. CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying in The Times of India report, “Yes, we’ve called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts. No (injuries); if there is any need, we will do that. We are not picking anybody, it is just a trial.”
Mumbai's teen sensation Mhatre had earlier set a world record for becoming the youngest player to score 150+ in List A cricket during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Nagaland, bettering compatriot Yashasvi Jaiswal's effort. Mhatre, who hails from the Virar suburb, has been a regular fixture for the domestic heavyweights across formats ever since he broke into the squad.
Virat Kohli Fans Mistake Arshad Warsi For Arshad Khan
Time and again, there have been instances that show cricket fandom and common sense don't always go hand-in-hand. Another iteration of that saw some of Virat Kohli's fans confusing Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi for left-arm medium pace bowler Arshad Khan, who dismissed Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's eight-wicket defeat to Gujarat Kings.
Warsi's Instagram handle was flooded with comments from angry, misguided fans, while others took the opportunity to make sarcastic remarks. Incidentally, this was not the first time a section of Kohli's fans confused names. During the Champions Trophy, electronics giant Philips was subjected to trolling after Glenn Phillips took a superb catch to dismiss the India great in a group-stage match in Dubai.
Kagiso Rabada Returns To South Africa
Prime South Africa and Gujarat Titans seamer Kagiso Rabada has returned home from the IPL due to personal reasons, the franchise announced. The Titans, though, have not specified the duration of Rabada's absence from the league, where he has played two matches.
“Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to deal with an important personal matter,” GT said in a statement. Rabada appeared against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, grabbing 1 for 41 and 1 for 42 respectively in those matches.
The 29-year-old was not picked for GT's match against RCB at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Arshad Khan was drafted into the eleven in his stead, and made an instant impact.
(With PTI inputs)
