As of the IPL 2025 playoffs on their way, Mumbai Indians (MI)  will be playing a crucial eliminator match in round 1 of the playoffs against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on 30 May 2025, Friday, at 7.30 PM IST. This is a crucial game, and pressure will be there. In an interview for Star Sports India, star Indian opener and MI's former captain, Rohit Sharma, elaborated on his mental preparations for this very important must-win match. The following highlights give us an insight into the mindset of a leading figure in cricket.

Rohit commented it was important to maintain a calm and focused approach, regardless of the stakes of the match. "Every game is important, but playoff games have something more to them," he said. "I try to keep it simple. I look at my recent performances, check for improvements, and look for strengths. It is simply a matter of being calm and trusting the process." This shows how Rohit handles pressure, which has been a hallmark of his leadership profile in cricket.

As part of his preparation for match day, Rohit described how he spends time reviewing his game. He stated that he watches the highlights of each match so he can review his dismissals and the deliveries he struggled against. "I always try to watch the highlights of every match," he said. "I can then see where I went wrong. Is it a delivery type, a bowler's plan, or my own mistake? I then noted where things went wrong and worked on them so I didn't repeat the same mistakes. It is about learning." Watching everything back in greater detail helps to improve his technique and execution.

Star Indian opener @ImRo45 opens up on how he analyzes his game ahead of the do-or-die #IPLPlayoffs clash vs #GT.

Will the #Hitman guide @mipaltan to victory? 💥🏏

Eliminator 👉 #GTvMI | 30 MAY, FRI, 6 PM on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/2vsQNQkcMy

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 30, 2025

Also read: RCB creates another record in IPL 2025 with unprecedented batting feat

Today's Match: GT vs MI

This match against GT carries greater emphasis. Both teams have been battling all season, where they both finished No. 3 and 4 and will be fighting in a knockout situation ahead of the final. Therefore, Rohit's invaluable experience and ability to direct or learn and subsequently adapt according to the exigencies of the match situation will be of great value to MI. Rohit's focus on building partnerships and rotating the strike at MI will be vital for MI meeting the challenge at the top of the order.

While fans and experts wait for the encounter with bated breath, Rohit's energetic preparation in his mind is a testament of strength and mental toughness. The eliminator match against GT is as much about grit as it is about talent - and Rohit Sharma's mindset may be the key that tips the scale in this pressure cooker.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have experienced yet another unfortunate happening as the IPL gets suspended for the second time in their dominant campaign history. RCB was on top of their game this season, currently positioned second on the points table with 16 points in 11 matches, before their next battle against Lucknow Super Giants, which was scheduled for May 9th and subsequently called off when BCCI suspended IPL 2025 due to the increasing conflict between India and Pakistan. 

As per media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been tempted to look into the possibility of rescheduling the outstanding matches. However, there is no timeframe that has been confirmed as of yet. The state of limbo has put fans and teams on edge leading up to only a handful of games before the playoffs; and RCB's success this season has been gracelessly disrupted. It is hoped that the situation can be resolved as safely and quickly as possible.

Read More: 'Salute our armed forces...' - Virat Kohli post after IPL 2025 gets suspended

Previously, when COVID-19 hit the globe, the Indian Premier League was forced to be suspended. RCB was doing well in that edition of the IPL too. After the game 29 (Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals) of IPL 2021, the Board postponed the tournament and resumed it on September 19 with a clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. 

IPL 2021 was harsh for RCB 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were in top form during IPL 2021 and had secured a playoff spot after a convincing 7-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. In the Eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), RCB batted first and managed just 138/7 in their 20 overs, with Virat Kohli contributing 39 runs. Batting conditions at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium were tough, but KKR managed to chase the target despite losing six wickets, knocking RCB out of the tournament.

The final of IPL 2021 saw Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on KKR. CSK delivered a commanding performance and defeated Kolkata by 27 runs to lift the trophy. RCB’s campaign ended with heartbreak, while CSK celebrated their fourth IPL title.

In a match that went down to the wire, Chennai Super Kings' narrow two-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday was marred by a controversial DRS incident involving Dewald Brevis, which head coach Stephen Fleming has labelled a decisive moment.

The drama unfolded in the 17th over of CSK’s high-octane chase of 214. Facing Lungi Ngidi, Dewald Brevis was struck on the pad by a full toss that was quickly adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire. However, instead of reviewing immediately, Brevis and Ravindra Jadeja set off for a single. By the time the run was completed and a brief discussion ensued, the 15 second review window had lapsed. Brevis attempted to signal for a DRS but was denied, prompting a visible disagreement with Jadeja and an animated exchange with umpires Nitin Menon and Mohit Krishnadas.

“It was a big moment,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference. “In talking to Jaddu and Brevis, there was a lot going on with the running. I think they saw the ball ricochet and actually thought it had gone for four. In all that, the timing of the review got lost.”

ALSO SEE:Virat Kohli destroys 5 records after his 62nd fifty: Know all about records broken

Fleming says missed DRS cost CSK the match in close loss to RCB

Fleming stressed the complexity of the moment, acknowledging the confusion but also the costly nature of the delay. “As soon as you’re given out, the timer starts. The play kept going with the run and the throw at the stumps. Whether Brevis ran out of time or not, in the umpire's view he did. And that cost us big time.”

Adding another layer to the moment, Fleming explained that since Brevis was given out, the single wouldn't have counted even if the decision was overturned. “We’d have kept the wicket, yes, but not the run. Still, five runs would’ve made a difference.”

RCB's imposing 213/5 was built on quickfire knocks from Romario Shepherd (53 off 14) and debutant Jacob Bethell (62), with Virat Kohli also contributing 55. Despite Ayush Mhatre’s explosive 94 and Jadeja’s unbeaten 77, CSK finished at 211/6 just two short.

CSK now shift focus to their upcoming clash against KKR in Kolkata, hoping to bounce back from a defeat that could have gone very differently.

Cricket fans traveling to Eden Gardens on Sunday for the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals  are in for more than the deciding clash  the very popular Super Sixes Challenge is back, infusing another dose of fun to the spectators.

A crowd-pleaser among supporters, the Super Sixes Challenge gives matchday celebrations an interactive twist, with fortunate fans having the opportunity to show off their big-hitting skills before the game. With sixes flying in the game and now in the stands as well, Eden Gardens is sure to be electric and charged with excitement.

This added excitement arrives at a pivotal juncture of KKR's season. Still competing for a playoff position, they need to win all their remaining games to draw level on 17 points  a challenge, but not a far-fetched one. Saturday's game is their second-last home game, and victory is not negotiable to continue their playoff hopes alive.

ALSO SEE:CSK VS RCB IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV.

High stakes and big hits await fans at Eden Gardens on Sunday

KKR gave us a glimpse of their best in the last match against Delhi Capitals. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell found their touch again, and Sunil Narine was back to his best in terms of wicket-taking. But consistency has been their biggest problem, and they will need Venkatesh Iyer and others to deliver if they are to make a serious playoff push.

For RR, now out, pride and planning for the future take center stage. Young guns such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal have burst onto the scene in moments, but the team has been unable to carry the momentum through. With Sanju Samson and Sandeep Sharma being rested, this is an opportunity for young players to make a claim for IPL 2026.

With big-stakes cricket on the pitch and the crowd-pleasing Super Sixes Challenge back off it, Sunday's game at Eden Gardens is set to be a thrilling spectacle. For spectators, it's an opportunity to see not only the heroes on the pitch  but perhaps even become one themselves, at least for a few adrenaline-fueled swings of the bat.

Seasoned commentator Harsha Bhogle has put to rest swirling rumors surrounding his absence from the commentary box during the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens. Rumors arose after reports indicated that Bhogle, as well as former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull, had been allegedly blacklisted by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) following their critical comments about the Kolkata pitch.

But Bhogle resorted to microblogging site X (previously Twitter) to set the record straight. He said there were "inappropriate conclusions" being made about his absence and clarified that he was only set to commentate on two Kolkata games this season. While he did the first one, personal reasons prevented him from attending the second.

There are some misplaced conclusions being drawn regarding the reasons why I was not present for yesterday's Kolkata game. Simply put, it wasn't on my list of games that I was agreeing to do! A simple question would have answered the problem. Rosters are completed prior to the tournament beginning. I was rostered for two games in Kolkata. I covered the first, and an unexpected illness within the family kept me away from the 2nd," Bhogle posted.

Harsha Bhogle clears air on his absence from #KKRvsGT match at Eden Gardens!#IPL2025 #EdenGardens #HarshaBhogle #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/4MPYP3VpNh

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) April 22, 2025

Also read: SRH vs MI : Match 41 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Clarification Amid Controversy: Bhogle Addresses Pitch Criticism Fallout

His explanation follows reports that the CAB had asked the BCCI to steer clear of giving Bhogle and Doull KKR's home games, allegedly following their public criticism of the Eden Gardens pitch, prepared by Sujan Mukherjee. On Cricbuzz, both commentators had questioned the surface in question, contending that it was not conducive to KKR's spin-oriented lineup. Doull even went so far as to recommend that the franchise think about shifting home games if the pitch conditions did not provide a strategic advantage.

KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane and coach Chandrakant Pandit have also complained about the Eden Gardens surface this season, specifically its failure to provide spin support.

The home woes of the defending champions continued with a 39-run loss against GT, where they found themselves at number seven on the points table with a mere three victories. KKR will seek a turnaround when they play Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26 at Eden Gardens.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 22, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This thrilling contest between two strong teams will be influenced by the weather and pitch conditions, which will play a crucial role in determining the result of the match.

Match Details 

• Date: April 22, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Win % Batting First: 47%
• Win % Bowling First: 53%

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

Weather Report:

Lucknow’s weather forecast for match day indicates a clear evening with no rain interruptions. The temperatures will hover around 27-30°C, making it comfortable for players and spectators. Humidity levels will be moderate, and there will be light winds throughout the match.

• Temperature: Ranging between 27°C and 30°C.
• Winds: Light breeze with no significant impact on gameplay.
• Precipitation: No rain is forecast, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels (around 70%), but not extreme.

Also read: KAR vs PES PSL 2025 Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Ekana Stadium is known for assisting both batsmen and bowlers. While the surface is generally batting-friendly, pacers may get early movement under lights. The pitch tends to slow down in the second inning, making chasing slightly difficult.

• Balanced Surface: The pitch offers an initial swing for pacers while supporting stroke play for batsmen.
• Spinners’ Role: Spinners might come into play in the latter part of the match as the pitch slows down.
• Boundary Dimensions: The stadium has large boundaries, making six-hitting slightly challenging.

Also read: GT VS KKR IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Venue Records:

• Highest Team Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders against Lucknow Super Giants.
• Lowest Team Total: 108/10 by Royal Challengers Bangalore against Lucknow Super Giants.
• Average First Innings Score: Around 165-170 runs.

Stay tuned for an exciting clash between LSG and GT in IPL 2025!

​The upcoming IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, promises an exciting contest, given the venue's batting-friendly conditions and the anticipated weather. 

MI vs CSK: Match Details

• Date: 20th April , 2025​
• Time: 7:30 PM IST​
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Win % Batting First: 49%
• Win % Bowling First: 51%

Also Read: Not just a bowler: Amir turns finisher in dramatic cameo

MI vs CSK: Weather Report  

• Temperature & Humidity: The weather in Mumbai will be warm, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 34°C and humidity levels around 60%, making conditions tough for players.
• 25% Rain Interruption: There is a forecast of rain, ensuring an interrupted match at Wankhede Stadium.
• Dew Factor: Dew is expected in the second innings, which might make gripping the ball difficult for bowlers, favoring the chasing team.

MI vs CSK: Pitch Report

• Wankhede Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly pitch, characterized by red soil and short boundaries, facilitating high-scoring encounters.
• Batsmen benefit from true bounce and carry, allowing for stroke play.
•  Fast bowlers may find initial assistance with movement and bounce, especially when the ball is new and hard. Spinners, however, often face challenges due to the minimal turn offered by the surface. Historically, the average first innings score in IPL matches here is around 169 runs, indicating the pitch's support for batsmen.

Also read: PBKS vs RCB : Match 37 weather and pitch report IPL 2025

Wankhede Station Records

• Highest Team Total: 235/1 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Mumbai Indians.​
• Lowest Team Total: 67/10 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians.​
• Average First Innings Score: 169 runs.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match is set to take place on April 20, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. This highly anticipated clash will be a key encounter as both teams look to gain momentum in the tournament.

Match Details:

• Date: April 20, 2025
• Time: 03:30 PM IST
• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
• Win% % Batting First: 20%
• Win% % Bowling First: 80%

Also read: Not just a bowler: Amir turns finisher in dramatic cameo

Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Weather:

• The weather is expected to be pleasant and clear, with temperatures around 32°C.
• Humidity: 26%
• Rain Probability: No rain is expected, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
• A light breeze may assist swing bowlers in the early overs.

Pitch:

• The Mullanpur pitch is known for its true bounce and pace, making it a batting-friendly surface.
• Fast bowlers enjoy good carry and movement under lights.
• Spinners might find some grip as the match progresses, but the pitch remains favorable for stroke play.
• Average Score Batting First in the Last Season: 178
• Average Score Batting Second in the Last Season: 185
• Wins Batting First in the Last Five Games: 2
• Wins Batting Second in the Last Five Games: 3

Also read: GT VS DC IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Venue Records: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

• Highest Team Total: 240/5 by Chennai Super Kings against Kings XI Punjab in 2008.
• Lowest Team Total: 67 all out by Delhi Daredevils against Kings XI Punjab in 2017.
• Average First Innings Score: Approximately 175 runs.

Ahead of the scheduled IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), there was a special encounter when KL Rahul connected with his former cricket player and current Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid. The teams showed mutual respect and camaraderie by enabling an emotional reunion, which occurred before the matches started during the pre-match warm-up.

As Rahul Dravid sat in a wheelchair due to his leg injury, he appeared in good spirits while exchanging greetings with KL Rahul. Through their brief conversation, Dravid delivered smiles and pleasant remarks to Delhi Capitals captain KL Rahul while displaying the strong connection shared by two cricket legends.

The meeting stood out because Dravid showed up with an obvious injury that has not prevented him from playing an active leadership role with his team members. Players of both teams witnessed him using leg braces as he communicated with them while focusing on the sports spirit above competitive efforts. Social media users gave their immediate approval to this sportsmanlike exchange, which they described as "classy and respectful sportsmanship."

RAHUL MEETS RAHUL. 💥

- KL Rahul meeting Rahul Dravid. ❤️pic.twitter.com/4U4Gy3H0vo

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 15, 2025

Also read: 'Udta hua gaya Punjab' - Fans react as Punjab Kings bundled out for 111 against KKR in IPL 2025

A Mentor’s Legacy Lives On

Through his roles as National Cricket Academy leader and then India's head coach, Rahul Dravid continued to guide numerous cricketers in their development. KL Rahul has revealed multiple times that Dravid has been instrumental in shaping his development as a cricketer. The field interaction between these former teammates on Monday displayed the lasting mentor-protégé bond that exists beyond their present team comparisons.

 The DC vs. RR match starts with great momentum because this off-field handshake already gained widespread approval for showing genuine sportsmanship in IPL 2025.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced its additional services during the IPL 2025 matches so as not to inconvenience train users. Cricket fans who travel by train will benefit from this new IPL initiative, and this will better manage the traffic on the roads and metro services.

DMRC plans to cover 76 extra train services for the home matches on April 13, 16, 27, 29, and May 11. The last trains on all lines and the Airport Express Line will leave at least one to two hours later. This is to ensure that there is less traffic congestion and fewer delays in the eastern and western regions of the city.

To facilitate the spectators during the T-20 matches of Indian Premier League scheduled to be played on 13th, 16th, 27th & 29thApril and 11th May 2025 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Feroz Shah KotlaGround, New Delhi, the Delhi Metro has made changes in its last train timings on all… pic.twitter.com/Yq7xvxC1Nt

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) April 11, 2025

DMRC was already overloaded with other plans to control the crowd expected at the gates, and now, with these changes, there is a slight shift in control. DMRC attempts to reduce the crowd buildup at the gates and the stations like ITO and Delhi Gate via the Violet Line, which seem to be the most crowded metro stations.

Also read:  LSG VS CSK : Match 30 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

As stated in their official statement, DMRC expects a large crowd at the match, and every hour trains leave to surrounding stations. A large number of passengers will use those trains, hence increasing the train traffic.

This development comes at the right time, with the Delhi Capitals performing exceptionally well in the tournament. Under the captaincy of Axar Patel, the team has notched up four consecutive victories and is currently leading the points table after convincingly defeating Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Bengaluru. With the home crowd set to support the team, they will be able to enjoy the game without any concerns regarding getting home after the match, thanks to the extended metro hours.

Also read: RR vs RCB IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

At the same time, the next match will be critical for the underperforming Mumbai Indians, for whom the pressure is on to generate some excitement in their IPL 2025 campaign.