In what could turn out to be one of the most high-profile transfers in recent IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have shown clear interest in acquiring Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson. The buzz had been growing steadily on social media, but now it carries serious weight following confirmation from a senior CSK official, who told Cricbuzz that the franchise is “definitely looking at Sanju.”

The CSK official acknowledged that while there has been no formal approach made to the Royals, Samson’s qualities as a top-order batter, wicketkeeper, and an experienced Indian player make him an attractive proposition. “He is an Indian batter who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold,” the official stated, adding that any discussion around a trade counterpart was premature.

Strategic Fit and Potential Trade Conundrum

Samson, who has been part of the Royals' setup for over a decade and was their first retention at a premium price of ₹18 crore, would be a major acquisition for CSK. The five-time champions, now led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, may have to make a significant offer in return if a trade is to be realized. With head coach Stephen Fleming openly supporting his leadership, Gaikwad himself has the same retention value and is still selected as CSK's long-term captain.

Gaikwad's status and CSK's investment in his captaincy make a direct trade seem unlikely, but the team would still need to provide a desirable player or package in return. Historically, CSK has rarely indulged in trades, the last notable instance being the acquisition of Robin Uthappa from RR ahead of the 2021 season.

ALSO SEE: Corbin Bosch Creates History: Century and Five-Wicket Haul in the Same Test

Royals’ Position: Open to Offers, But Cautious

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals completed a review of their underwhelming 2025 campaign, where they finished ninth during a recent meeting in London. New head coach Rahul Dravid was also in attendance. The franchise reportedly discussed trade inquiries not just for Samson but for up to six of their players.

A Royals source told PTI, “There have been multiple approaches by multiple franchises for about six of our players. Similarly, we have approached multiple franchises for multiple options.” However, no formal communication has been acknowledged, and lead owner Manoj Badale is expected to take the final call.

With Indian keeper-batters being one of the most sought-after assets in IPL squads, RR are sitting on a goldmine in the form of Samson and Dhruv Jurel, who also showed promise during the season. Any trade involving Samson will likely require a near-equal or greater value in return.

The Trade Window and Rules

The IPL's official trade window opened at 9:00 am IST on June 10, 2025, and will remain open until seven days before the 2026 auction. Trade negotiations must comply with several rules laid down by the BCCI:

• Players cannot be traded in the season immediately after being bought in an auction.
• A traded player may only be traded once per season.
• Trades involving overseas players require NOCs from relevant cricket boards.
• League fees are central to the trade, but player contracts cannot be altered beyond negotiated fee adjustments, which require BCCI approval.
• If a "negotiated increase" or "decrease" in league fees is reached, the purchasing and selling teams are required to split the associated costs.

Since the trading window is still open and franchises are actively seeking opportunities, everyone will be watching to see if CSK formally expresses interest in Samson. Given the complexity of the move and the player's stature, any possible trade would necessitate patience, cautious negotiation, and strategic foresight. Although it is still in the early phases of development, the potential Sanju Samson transfer to CSK has all the makings of one of the most intriguing offseason IPL moves.

Team India and Chennai Super Kings star all-rounder Shivam Dube just turned 32 on Thursday, June 26. On this special occasion, his wife, Anjum Khan, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram. Anjum shared three photos of them with an encouraging caption for his husband.

Shivam and Anjum got married on July 16, 2021. Now, they have two kids. They welcomed their first child, Ayaan, in 2022 and their daughter, Mehwish, on January 3, 2025. Anjum on the Instagram post wrote, "Tum khoob qamiyab ho."

Despite some amazing stints in white-ball cricket, Dube has been experiencing an underwhelming season in the ongoing year. Chennai Super Kings finished their IPL 2025 campaign as the last team on the points table, while the all-rounder individually played well enough. During the 2025 Indian Premier League campaign, he scored 357 runs in 14 innings at an average of 32.45 and a strike rate of 132.22, including a half-century. The 32-year-old represented India in both T20I and ODI formats.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Anjum Khan (@anjum1786)

Read More: SL vs BAN 2nd Test, Day 1: Key moments and match highlights

Shivam faced a couple of setbacks in recent times 

In 35 T20 International matches and 26 innings, he bagged 531 runs with a 31.23 batting average, including four half centuries. But his ODI career so far is far away from eye-catching. He contributed in only 4 matches and 4 innings to score a total of 43 runs, including a highest score of 25. 

This year, he last featured in the T20 Mumbai 2025 tournament with ARCS Andheri. There also Dube faced a rock-bottom situation in the franchise cricket. The team finished at the bottom of the points table with just one win in five matches, and the all-rounder himself got only 10 runs in 2 innings. 

The IPL 2025 season proved to be a forgettable one for Chennai Super Kings, with the five-time title winners finishing bottom of the table. CSK managed only 4 victories in 14 games and did not make it to the playoffs, showing neither consistency nor fire across departments. The franchise also failed to find the right combination under a new leadership era after MS Dhoni.

Though some young players and old-timers gave glimpses of promise, some members of the squad were woefully short. In the build-up to the IPL 2026 auction, a drastic overhaul is on the cards, and the following six players are expected to be released:

1. Rachin Ravindra

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra played 8 games, making 191 runs at an average of 27.29 and a strike rate of 128.19 with two half-centuries. He lacked consistency, though, and more often than not failed to make an impression from his starts. His left-arm spin was not properly utilized, having very little effect. With CSK looking for a more attacking and multi-faceted top-order player, Ravindra will probably be let go.

2. Sam Curran

Sam Curran featured in 5 matches, scoring 114 runs with an average of 22.80 and a strike rate of 135.71. With the ball, he scalped 5 wickets but conceded runs in plenty, ending with an economy of 11.08. He was bought by CSK in the IPL 2025 auction for INR 2.40 Cr. Even though he has had past CSK experiences, he did not contribute much in either form in 2025. As his price is high and he didn't yield much return, CSK might unload him to accommodate more effective overseas players.

3. Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar scored 118 runs from 5 games at an average of 39.33 and a strike rate of 129.67, including one half-century. He was acquired by CSK for ₹1.2 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. But his contribution did not have any match-winning value, and he wasn't given a chance to bowl. His existence as a reserve Indian all-rounder is redundant in CSK's new team dynamic. With younger options present, his chances of being retained are less.

4. Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda's season was not good, with just 31 runs in 6 games at a woeful average of 6.20 and a strike rate of 75.61. He was acquired by CSK at the 2025 IPL Auction for INR 1.7 crore. Despite being experimented with in the middle order, he couldn't push the game along or steady the ship in crisis situations. He did not get a bowl and exerted no impact in any match. With his form not being good and no single good performance, he is sure to be released.

See Also: Big Breaking! RCB list for player releasing out ahead of IPL 2026

5.  Jamie Overton

Jamie Overton was signed by CSK during the IPL 2025 auction. jamie Overton played only 2 matches in IPL 2025, conceding runs at a very high economy rate of 13.83 with the bat scoring 15 at a strike rate of 214.29. He was picked as a pace-bowling all-rounder but never earned the trust of the management for his services in the big matches. With so little contribution and overseas spots being precious, Overton is expected to be one of the first few to be let go of releases.

6. Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi was acquired by CSK for INR 3.40 crore at the 2025 IPL Auction. He played 5 games and managed just 55 runs at an average of 11.00 and a strike rate of 96.49. As brought in for adding depth to the top order, he could not get into rhythm or contribute at all. His failure put more pressure on a batting lineup already fragile. With form and confidence being lacking, his retention also looks extremely unlikely.

After enduring a tough Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign as Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) stand-in captain, MS Dhoni has stepped away from the game's spotlight. Replacing injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni captained a struggling CSK team that eventually concluded at the bottom of the points table. Following the taxing campaign, the iconic former India skipper has maintained a low profile.

However, "Captain Cool" is back in the headlines—not for cricket, but for a heartwarming reason. A video recently went viral on social media showing Dhoni in a cheerful mood as he celebrated the birthday of his long-time friend and tennis coach, Surender Kumar. The celebration took place in Ranchi, Dhoni’s hometown, and was attended by close friends and family.

In the clip shared by his tennis partner, Sumeet Kumar Bajaj, Dhoni can be seen cutting a tennis-themed cake and feeding a piece to Surender Kumar. An emotional Surender broke down in tears of joy after Dhoni made the evening a special occasion for him. The act further showcased Dhoni's down-to-earth personality and the incredible friendships he has built off the pitch.

Dhoni’s Love for Tennis and Future in IPL

MS Dhoni is not only a cricketing legend but also a passionate tennis player and has played in several local tennis events in Jharkhand, actually winning men's doubles titles (3 consecutive titles in 2020, 2021, and 2022) alongside Sumeet Bajaj.

Watch the video here

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sumeet Kumar Bajaj (@bajaj.sumeetkumar)

See Also: Rohit Sharma: From debut to record-breaking icon of Indian cricket

While fans continue to speculate about Dhoni’s return to IPL 2026, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has kept something on ice. He has often stated that his participation will depend on his fitness levels and how his body responds in the lead-up to the next edition. Until then, fans are left enjoying these glimpses of their beloved "Thala" off the field.

A large crowd of fans was recently seen assembling outside MS Dhoni’s farmhouse in Ranchi, days after the conclusion of IPL 2025. Dhoni, who has a great fan following throughout the country, made a short appearance, and it was enough to excite his fans. In some clips shared online, Dhoni was shown riding one of his miscellaneous superbikes, and he emerged from the fans.

Dressed in a black T-shirt, track pants, and a helmet, Dhoni, aged 43, rode a pink superbike as fans took the moment on their cellphones. The moment again brought out the popularity of Dhoni, particularly in his hometown of Ranchi, where fans tend to congregate outside his house expecting to catch a glimpse of cricketing legend Dhoni. The video of the bike ride went viral on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

Dhoni had last played on the cricket field during the IPL 2025 season when he was playing for the Chennai Super Kings. Midway through the season, Dhoni had to take over as the skipper due to Ruturaj Gaikwad being injured. The CSK had a poor season and finished in last position with a mere four wins and eight points.

Dhoni’s Future in IPL Remains Uncertain

Despite being retained for ₹4 crore in the uncapped player category prior to the IPL 2025 mega auction, Dhoni did not have an impressive season with the bat. He scored 196 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17 and an average of 24.50. Since there has been no official word on him playing for IPL 2026, fans are left wondering if the Ranchi superstar will play one more season.

Watch the video here

Fans outside MS Dhoni's farmhouse on a normal day 😯🔥 pic.twitter.com/TgVpqedZyd

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) June 17, 2025

See Also: Sachin Tendulkar joins social media platform Reddit as brand ambassador

Known as one of the most successful IPL captains, Dhoni has guided CSK to five IPL titles, the latest being in 2023. As his playing career inches towards a potential closure, instances such as these go on to show fans the affection and regard he still enjoys across the country.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been one of the most successful franchises in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Now, they are in the spotlight with a well-thought-out strategy to help them regain their past dominance in IPL 2026. CSK has five IPL titles to its name and a passionate following. In IPL 2026, CSK will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, and there will be several changes to the squad and the roles of players. Here is an in-depth analysis of the franchise's bold roster for IPL 2026, probable recruitment of Sanju Samson, Gaikwad confirmed to be captain, MS Dhoni's future role, and agreement by Samson to be vice-captain. 

Sanju Samson Set to Join CSK

Sanju Samson's possible transfer from Rajasthan Royals to CSK is dominating the headlines. Driven by social media cues and insider reports, the deal seems more probable as CSK targets a dynamic middle-order batsman. With more than 4,000 IPL runs, Samson brings experience along with explosiveness.

His 285-run IPL 2025 season, even with injuries, maintained his worth. But RR's poor performance and change in leadership might have paved the way for this exchange. CSK supporters are already dreaming of Samson as the perfect No. 3 or opener, particularly with regional connect and his laid-back nature.

Ruturaj Gaikwad to Lead CSK in IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad will officially captain CSK in IPL 2026, even though he stepped in as captain in IPL 2024. With the runs he scored in IPL 2024 (583 runs) and a decent domestic record, it was an easy choice. Gaikwad will lead CSK with their complete faith, even though he missed parts of IPL 2025 because of injury in the 2025 season.

MS Dhoni publicly endorsing Gaikwad's leadership is key and a clear indication of an important support system. With previous captaining experience for Maharashtra and culminating in an Asian Games victory, Gaikwad is now ready to lead CSK into the future. He will be supported in the leadership group by veterans and emerging star players. 

MS Dhoni to Play but Not as Wicketkeeper

MS Dhoni will return to play for IPL 2026 for the first time, and for the first time not as wicketkeeper. At 43, managing his physical load is very important, and we suspect he has been experiencing knee issues in recent IPL seasons. After his massive contribution as a finisher over the years, he has been an important part of the team even this season as a mentor.

Dhoni's departure opens the possibility for a new keeper—and possibly Samson—to take the gloves. With 196 runs in IPL 2025 and a great tactical brain, he is still useful. For now, Dhoni's brand and influence may have shaped CSK's identity.

See Also: R Ashwin may face ban after ball-tampering allegations in TNPL

Sanju Samson as Vice-Captain

reports indicate that Sanju Samson has been said to agree to be CSK's vice-captain for IPL 2026. His leadership experience with RR, including an IPL final in 2022, will be an asset to CSK's decision-making panel. Samson's temperament and adaptability are looked upon as ideal matches for Gaikwad.

This signing also points towards CSK's overall leadership plan—developing a solid, young core. With Dhoni and Jadeja covering their backs, the Gaikwad-Samson combination might decide CSK's destiny in the future. The stability this two-leadership duo presents already gets the fans excited.

CSK is evidently working towards equipping itself with a mix of veterans and youth. Having come last in 2025, the franchise is working to address critical holes—particularly in bat depth and leadership. Samson's addition and Gaikwad's captaincy are a sign of proactive rejigging. The foundation of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad continues to provide CSK a spin-dominated boost at Chepauk. Rising stars such as Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis bring in new energy. Judicious releases prior to the 2026 auction can also pave the way for crucial reinforcements.

Major League Cricket (MLC) is amongst those franchise leagues that is fast gaining attraction as some of the finest performers are showcasing their cricketing skills in this tournament. The third edition began on the 13th of June, and already we are witnessing some exciting contests.

The tournament is slowly gaining popularity in the USA and internationally. The tournament consists of some class performers. In this piece, we discuss 3 Texas Super Kings players who were earlier part of the Chennai Super Kings team in the IPL. we discuss these players in detail: 

1.Faf Du Plessis

Faf Du Plessis played a big role for Chennai Super Kings, helping the team win IPL trophies in 2018 & 2021, and now the former South African captain is the skipper of TSK. The former right-handed batter could score just 46 runs in 7 innings during the first MLC season, but during the 2024 season, he scored 420 runs in 8 innings with an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 171.42.

He represented CSK in 7 seasons (2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020/21 & 2021, scoring 398, 303, 380, 162, 396, 449 & 663 runs respectively) for CSK. During the 2021 season, he scored 633 runs with an average of 45.21 and a strike rate of 138.20.

2.Adam Milne

Milne's debut for TSK against MI New York was quite impressive during the first game of the 2025 MLC season, where he claimed 3/22 on the 14th of June 2025 helping his team to win by 3 runs.

The New Zealand pacer played for RCB in the IPL during the 2016 & 2017 seasons while he played for Mumbai Indians in 2021 and CSK in 2022, when he could play just 1 game against KKR. Milne's career has been affected by injuries, due to which he could play limited IPL games.

See Also : MLC 2025, Match 7: TEX vs SEA Dream11 Top Captain And Vice-captain Choices

3. Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell has been amongst the most consistent performers for New Zealand in white ball cricket in the last 3- 4 years. The right-hander scored 351 runs for CSK in 15 innings during the 2024 season, registering 2 half-centuries with a strike rate of 142.60 as he was a crucial cog for CSK.

Mitchell didn't play the 2025 IPL season as he was released just before the tournament. The 34-year-old is playing his first MLC, and in his first TSK game, he scored just 8 runs against MI New York on the 13th of June 2025. 

The tough sport of Cricket has a rich and glorious history, and its legacy has become eternal ever since it was first played scores of years ago. The game and its stakeholders have witnessed several memorable moments over time. This tryst with destiny has aided the British game to come of age and solidify its heritage towards greatness. Fans have grown and stayed loyal courtesy of the positive incidents and the love for their idols, whom they look up to. The players have signified more than just a living being playing the game. They have been ambassadors for the sport and are responsible for its goodwill, brand identity, and authentic image. 

However, richness comes with a price, and just like a coin has two sides, Cricket has dealt with severe moments as well. The second most loved sport in the world has had its share of black days, too. Those distasteful and shocking episodes have hampered and created a massive hole in the glittering history of the game. They are oppositely but equally remembered as the finest moments, and instead threaten the ethics to a great extent. These ignominiously dark sides are a disgrace, and their anchors deserve justice to save the health of the game. 

See Also: Cricketers Who Made History with Guinness World Records

Here is a look at some of the biggest and most significant match-fixing incidents that shook the cricketing world, their history, protagonists, and deep-scale consequences. 

Cronje and Azharuddin: The Match-Fixing Scandal of 2000

The most infamous of all cricket match-fixing scandals dates back to 2000. The Delhi Police charged Hansie Cronje, the then South African skipper, with fixing his side's One Day International (ODI) matches against India in March of that year. Cronje initially denied his wrongdoing, but as evidence accumulated, all the allegations proved true, and he eventually confessed to his part. The other Proteas teammates testified that they had received lucrative offers from their captain to throw the match, bow down to the bookies, and get involved in fixing the game.

Hansie, later, accused Mohammad Azharuddin of introducing the former to the associated bookmaker, and further investigations found the former Indian cricketer guilty as well. Both were banned for life by the ICC and their respective national boards. This uncovered a chain of players involved. Herschelle Gibbs, a prominent former South African player, received a six-month ban for his part in this scandal. Ajay Sharma, a former Indian domestic cricketer and Delhi player, was also banned for life as he was named in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report alongside Azharuddin for having links with bookies and manipulating matches. In September 2014, his ban was lifted by the Delhi district court. Cronje died in a plane crash in 2002, and ever since his death, suspicions of malicious acts and links with the fixing saga loom large over his demise to date.

Pakistan's Spot-Fixing in the UK, 2010

In 2010, Pakistan's cricket team toured England for a test series. During the Lord's match, three players from the touring side, namely Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, were accused of receiving bribes from a bookmaker, and then organising and deliberately performing feats to affect the moments in the match. This included intentional no-balls to hamper the outcome of the game, and the act was categorised as 'spot-fixing'. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the British Crown Court found them guilty and, as punishment, sentenced the trio to jail terms of variable lengths in the UK. The Pakistani players' on-field actions were condemned by everyone from all quarters, and this entire saga took the sporting world by storm. It called for immediate measures to uphold the integrity of the sport.

IPL 2013 Spot-Fixing

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013, a major scandal erupted when the Delhi Police arrested Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on charges of spot-fixing. They were believed to be involved in a syndicate having a history of organising such criminal acts in sports and consequently altering several matches in the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on its part, handed the trio life bans and ensured free and fair trials to confirm justice for everyone involved.

This incident sent ripple waves across the Indian Cricketing circuit and raised serious questions. Fans subsequently lost faith in the tournament, and the game was frowned upon by many. The Rajasthan franchise was banned for a couple of seasons in 2016 and 2017, following this ominous run of events. IPL cricket regained its credibility gradually over time. A few years back, the Court gave the culprits a clean chit, and that helped them to resume professional cricket.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Fixing Scandal 2013

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were banned from competing in the IPL for two seasons - 2016 and 2017. Gurunath Meiyappan, one of their high-profile team officials, was involved in betting and leaking team information during IPL 2013. He was also the son-in-law of the then BCCI president N. Srinivasan. This scandal was the major stepping stone towards institutional reforms in cricket. Various committees were set up and designated to safeguard the integrity of the sport. The Lodha Committee was the primary one among all. An Anti-Corruption Security Unit (ACSU) in cricket was also set up by the BCCI to remove any cases of graft from the game. 

Marlon Samuels' Match-Fixing Case 2007

Ahead of an ODI series involving the teams of India and the West Indies in 2007, the Caribbean batter was accused of several dealings with the bookmakers. Recordings of his telephonic conversations with the bookie before the Nagpur ODI were found, and he was charged with sharing the details of the match. This was confirmed after an investigation initiated by the West Indies Cricket Board. Allegations of bribery and match-fixing were levelled against him, and Marlon was handed a two-year ban by the ICC.

John - 'The Bookmaker' 

In 1998, Australian cricketers Steve Waugh and Shane Warne went through a turbulent phase when their names got embroiled in match-fixing. It was discovered that the duo had accepted money from an Indian bookmaker named John to share the pitch and weather information during the 1994-95 season. The news was initially kept reserved within the Australian Cricket fraternity, and when it eventually broke out during the 1998 Ashes series, the players and the Board were reprimanded for their heinous actions. However, the controversy didn't escalate much. The ICC took no further action, and the players were let go after just being fined by Cricket Australia (CA). 

Manoj Prabhakar, 1999, and Ajay Jadeja, 2000

Manoj Prabhakar, a former all-rounder, was banned in 1999 after he showed up at an event organised by the Tehelka News Group. It was on exposing match-fixing events in Cricket. He, however, ended up getting accused himself and banned from playing for the national side by the BCCI. A decade later, in 2011, he was also dismissed from his role as the coach of the Delhi domestic cricket team after he publicly criticised and pulled up the players and selectors.

Also, in the year 2000, Ajay Jadeja, a former stylish Indian all-rounder, was banned by the BCCI for five years for his involvement in match-fixing. The Delhi High Court, though, lifted his ban in 2003, but his cricketing career could never revive. He instead took up commentary and is currently a one.

Former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, along with several Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, shared their sorrow following the tragic crash of Air India just outside Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crashed at approximately 1:38 PM local time into the Meghani Nagar residential area just five minutes after takeoff and was headed to London. Disaster struck with approximately 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Such news sent tremors around the country.

Social media went abuzz with pictures of thick plumes of smoke billowing from the wreckage area and a dire picture of the disastrous crash. Cricketers and teams took to the platforms to extend condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Harbhajan Singh, in a heartfelt post on X, wrote, “I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss.”

Irfan Pathan, who is a Lok Sabha MP and former cricketer, also shared his condolences on X, writing, "Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. And several IPL franchises, such as Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings, also released condolence messages online, emphasizing their thoughts are with those affected.

Official Response and Support

Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran responded to the tragedy, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he wrote on X, noting that an emergency center and support group is established for those looking for information on the issues that arise from this incident.

I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss. In moments like these, words feel so inadequate, but I hope…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 12, 2025

pic.twitter.com/lQwoW0W2l6

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 12, 2025

Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. 🙏#PlaneCrash #Ahmedabad

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) June 12, 2025

Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew and the families impacted by the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash.
You are in our hearts and prayers.💔🙏

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) June 12, 2025

See Also: WATCH: KL Rahul's special message for Karun Nair ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

The crash, which marked the first hull loss of a Boeing 787, prompted swift action from authorities. Emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, were deployed, and Ahmedabad airport suspended operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The crash occurred after the pilots sent a mayday call indicating a life-or-death emergency situation had developed.

Ravichandran Ashwin has made a comeback to domestic cricket in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) after a disappointing season of IPL 2025. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin could not make any difference, taking only seven wickets and scoring 33 runs in nine games. Now captaining the Dindigul Dragons, the 38-year-old all-rounder seemed keen to rectify the situation in the TNPL, but his latest outing was controversial.

During the game against IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans on Sunday, Ashwin exchanged heated words with an umpire. This happened in the 5th over of the Dragons' innings, after the captain of Tiruppur, R. Sai Kishore, decided to bowl first. On the fifth delivery of the over, Ashwin was given LBW by the on-field umpire. Yet, the veteran cricketer refuted the decision vehemently, claiming that the ball had pitched outside leg-stump.

Although he protested, the umpire did not waver, and Ashwin was forced to return to the dugout after scoring 18 runs. Clearly agitated, he expressed his displeasure by banging his pads with the bat while walking towards the dugout. The Dragons were never able to get back on their feet after the early troubles and were bowled out for a paltry 93 runs, as Tiruppur bowlers ruled the roost.

Tiruppur Clinch First Win Amid Ashwin's Frustration

Tiruppur Tamizhans made light work of the modest target, chasing down 94 runs in 11.5 overs. Tushar Raheja starred with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 65 off just 39 balls. The emphatic win gave Tiruppur their first points of the season after their loss to Chepauk Super Gillies at the start of the season.

Watch the video here

Ash anna vs TNPL umpires never ending love story

Please bring DRS in TNPL also !pic.twitter.com/iTBpQwaqkh

— Sekar 𝕏 (@itzSekar) June 8, 2025

Also Read: 'I don't think it'll take off in Australia' - Josh Hazlewood on his new nickname given by Indian fans

The loss for Ashwin and the Dragons was a contrast to their season opener against the Lyca Kovai Kings. Ashwin's form has persisted from the IPL, where he and CSK had a disastrous season, ending last at the points table with a mere four victories from 14 games. The episode and performance again raise doubts over the veteran player's form and leadership before the season's big challenges.