Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams will be keen to register their first win of the season after disappointing starts in their respective opening matches. This game is expected to be a closely fought contest, with each side eager to make an early impact in the tournament.
Gujarat Titans: Seeking redemption after high-scoring defeat
Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, began their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-scoring encounter against the Punjab Kings, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Despite some positive individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory, and they will be keen to turn things around against MI.
GT’s batting order, with the likes of Gill, Jos Buttler, and Shahrukh Khan, has the potential to deliver a strong performance. Buttler’s inclusion as the wicketkeeper adds firepower to the top order, while all-rounders like Rahul Tewatia and Sai Kishore provide balance. With Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling attack, the Titans will be looking to make an impact with both bat and ball. This match is crucial for GT as they aim to get their first win of the season on the board.
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya returns to strengthen the line-up
Mumbai Indians also had a rocky start to IPL 2025, suffering a defeat against their long-time rivals, Chennai Super Kings, in their opening game. However, the return of skipper Hardik Pandya, who missed the first match due to a suspension for a slow over-rate offence, is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the side. Pandya, who has proven his abilities as a game-changer with both bat and ball, will be looking to make a strong comeback and guide MI to their first win of the season.
MI’s squad, led by experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, will need to step up in this important fixture. With key players like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar leading the bowling attack, MI will be hoping to capitalise on the conditions at Motera, which are likely to favour pace bowlers. The match offers MI an opportunity to address their opening-game weaknesses and put their season back on track.
Pitch report and conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been a batting-friendly venue so far this season, with bowlers struggling to contain runs in the previous high-scoring matches. Teams chasing have had a strong track record at this ground, with a winning percentage of around 60%. Captains may be inclined to bowl first if they win the toss, hoping to take advantage of the conditions later in the game.
Weather conditions on match day are expected to be overcast, with a temperature hovering around 28°C. While rain is not anticipated, the cloud cover could assist the pace bowlers, making it an exciting contest between bat and ball. Fans will be able to catch the action live on Star Sports, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app or website from 7:30 PM IST.
Head-to-head record: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
The rivalry between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians has been an evenly matched one since GT’s debut in IPL. Out of the five matches played between the two sides, Gujarat Titans have won three, while Mumbai Indians have won two. Interestingly, MI have lost all three of their away games against Gujarat Titans, which could give GT an edge heading into this encounter.
The first-ever fixture between these two teams took place on May 6, 2022, while their most recent clash occurred on March 24, 2024. With both teams looking to get their first win of the 2025 season, this match promises to be an intense battle.
Key players to watch
Shubman Gill (GT): The Gujarat Titans captain has been in fine form against MI, amassing 440 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 149.65. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate will be crucial for GT’s success.
Jos Buttler (GT): As one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, Buttler will play a pivotal role in giving GT a strong start with the bat.
Suryakumar Yadav (MI): Known for his innovative stroke play, Suryakumar Yadav has had great success against GT’s Rashid Khan, scoring 86 runs off 58 balls without being dismissed. His performance in the middle order will be key for MI.
Trent Boult (MI): Boult’s prowess in the powerplay is unmatched, with 62 wickets in this phase across the IPL. His ability to strike early could swing the game in MI’s favour.
Hardik Pandya (MI): Making his return after missing the first match, Pandya’s all-round abilities will be crucial for MI’s chances in this match. As captain, he will also have to make key decisions to guide his team.
Deepak Chahar (MI): Chahar has a great record against GT’s Shubman Gill, dismissing him four times in 10 IPL meetings. His swing bowling in the powerplay will be crucial for MI.
Predicted playing XIs
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sherfane Rutherford.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayan Raju.
What to look for
With both teams eager to secure their maiden win of IPL 2025, the match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians is set to be a thrilling contest. The return of Hardik Pandya adds another layer of excitement to the fixture, and both sides will be looking to put their best foot forward as they seek to establish momentum in the early stages of the tournament.
INDIAN cricket faces a scramble to find a new main sponsor after Dream11 pulled out of its three-year partnership worth £33 million ($43.6m) following the government's sweeping ban on online gambling platforms.
Representatives from Dream11, India's biggest fantasy sports platform, visited the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters on Monday (25) to inform chief executive Hemang Amin they could no longer continue the sponsorship deal. The company's logo currently appears on jerseys worn by both the men's and women's national teams.
The withdrawal comes after parliament last week passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which criminalises the offering and financing of real-money online games. The new law carries severe penalties, with offenders facing up to five years in prison and hefty fines.
"As a result, they won't be the team's sponsors for the Asia Cup. The BCCI will float a new tender soon," a BCCI official said. The timing creates significant pressure for cricket bosses, with the T20 Asia Cup beginning on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.
Dream11 originally signed the three-year agreement in July 2023, taking over as jersey sponsor in a deal worth £31m. The fantasy sports giant, valued at $8 billion (£6.1bn), also sponsors several Indian Premier League franchises and international competitions including Australia's Big Bash League and the Caribbean Premier League.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had indicated the board's position last week, "The BCCI will not violate any of the laws enforced in the country. That's very clear. The BCCI will not do anything that is not permitted by the government or by any law of the country."
Industry sources suggest the exit wasn't straightforward, with one telling Reuters: "These are watertight agreements and cannot be exited unilaterally. It will have to be a mutual decision since the law of the land doesn't permit advertising of banned games."
The new legislation prohibits advertising, promotion and sponsorship of online gaming platforms, making Dream11's continued association with Indian cricket legally impossible. The ban affects a wide range of platforms including card games, poker and fantasy sports apps that have become hugely popular across India.
Government officials justified the crackdown by citing concerns over widespread financial distress, addiction and even suicide among young people. Authorities also linked online gambling to fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing, prompting the decisive legislative action.
"There's not much time left for the Asia Cup, but we are exploring options," a board official said, highlighting the urgency facing cricket administrators.
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Afghanistan, who have not played a T20 international in 2025, will face Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series on Friday. (Photo: Getty Images)
AFGHANISTAN on Sunday named a spin-heavy squad led by Rashid Khan for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Sharjah and the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The squad includes spinners Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar and Mohammad Nabi alongside captain Rashid Khan.
Nineteen-year-old Ghazanfar has yet to play a T20I but has featured in domestic cricket and one-day internationals.
Fazlhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib are the pace options.
Afghanistan, who have not played a T20 international in 2025, will face Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series on Friday.
The six-team Asia Cup begins on September 9, where Afghanistan are in Group B with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. They will face Hong Kong in their first match in Abu Dhabi.
Defending champions India, Oman, Pakistan and the UAE are in Group A. After the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh in the UAE in October.
Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh also announced their 16-member squad for the Asia Cup, leaving out Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Allrounder Saif Hassan and wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan have been picked. The squad will be led by Litton Das.
Mehidy, who was appointed Bangladesh’s ODI captain in June, and opener Saif Hassan were both part of the team that defeated Pakistan 2-1 last month but did not retain their spots for the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh will play three T20 internationals against the Netherlands before opening their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on September 11.
CHETESHWAR PUJARA on Sunday (August 24) announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing to a close an international career that lasted more than a decade.
Pujara played 103 Test matches and five One Day Internationals for India. His last appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023.
He made his Test debut in 2010 and went on to score 7,195 runs in the format at an average of 43.60.
The 37-year-old said it was time to end his playing career. "Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field -- it's impossible to put into words what it truly meant," Pujara said in a post on social media.
"But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket."
Pujara recalled his early journey in the game. "As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team," he wrote.
"Little did I know then that this game would give me so much -- invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation."
Known for his Test match focus in an era dominated by T20 cricket, Pujara had often spoken about the routines that helped him sustain his career.
"I have certain routines, fitness, little bit of meditation, yoga and pranayama (a breathing technique) because it is necessary to shut the outside noise, even if it is positive," he told reporters in 2023.
"We play nine Tests on an average, and when you go back home, unless you have domestic cricket, you are not in touch with the game. Keep challenging yourself, keep training, looking forward."
(With inputs from agencies)
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The tournament begins on September 30 and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures - including the tournament opener, a semifinal and potentially the final on November 2. (Photo: Getty Images)
MUMBAI will host next month’s Women's ODI World Cup, instead of Bengaluru, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Friday (22), citing "unforeseen circumstances".
Eleven people died on June 4 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations in the Indian Premier League.
"While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women's game," ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement.
"The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans," he added.
The tournament begins on September 30 and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures - including the tournament opener, a semifinal and potentially the final on November 2.
Though no reason was cited, the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru failed to secure the required administrative and security clearances.
The ICC Women's ODI World Cup returns to India after a 12-year hiatus.
Shah noted Navi Mumbai's reputation as a hub for women's cricket.
"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women's cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women's Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans.
"I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," Shah said.
The other confirmed venues for the eight-team tournament include Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo.
Colombo is a neutral venue to host the India-Pakistan clash.
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Harry Brook leads his team off the field during the 2nd ODI between England and the West Indies at Sophia Gardens on June 01, 2025 in Cardiff. (Photo: Getty Images)
ENGLAND on Wednesday confirmed the dates for their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and February next year, which will form part of their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Harry Brook’s side will begin the tour with the first of three one-day internationals on January 22, two weeks after the scheduled fifth day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Brook, who is now England’s white-ball captain, is expected to feature in that match.
The ODI series will conclude on January 27, followed by three T20 internationals starting on January 30 and finishing on February 3.
Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to confirm the venues for the fixtures.
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.