The lower-order Indian batter, Rinku Singh, has been selected for the national side in the 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin from September 09 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the entire event will happen across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He has been a regular member of the T20Is for the last few years. 

Rinku has always shared a light-hearted moment with the co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, of his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The left-handed batter looked back at the time when he traveled with SRK in a chartered flight during the tournament.

See Also: [WATCH] Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives masterclass of swing bowling during UP T20 League 2025

“See, I knew that he was such a humble person from the very first season. Whenever we meet, he always comes to hug me. Whether you are a senior or junior, his bonding remains the same. That’s what makes him great, and everyone praises him. So, I wasn’t selected for the team and was in the standby, the entire team left, and I had to stay back.” Rinku revealed during the recent interaction with RevSportz.

Watch: Rinku Singh reveals travelling story with SRK during IPL days

Rinku has been a successful member of the national side with the bat as he has smashed 546 runs in 24 innings at an average of 42 and a strike rate of over 160, with the help of three half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 69 runs.

🚨 Rinku Singh Exclusive

Rinku Singh recalls travelling on a chartered flight with Shah Rukh Khan, where SRK’s warmth and humility left him speechless.

Full Episode airs at 12 noon. Stay Tuned.@rohitjuglan @rinkusingh235 @iamsrk @AgeasFederal @KKRiders #KKR #ShahRukhKhan… pic.twitter.com/RJwXzDAEnw

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 23, 2025

“Sir got to know that I was going the next day. So, they said to travel with (SRK), sir. I was scared of it at the start of how to handle the situation, or what I would even say. So, I refused several times. Now, because he told me, I had to go.” Rinku, who smashed 206 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 153.73 during the last IPL, addressed.

“The season wasn’t going well for me. So, he was giving me advice. He said that the number of people who know you is the same as the number who know me. I giggled at that. So, that was my first traveling moment on a chartered flight with him.” The left-handed batter shed light.

A pure carnage. Days after placing himself in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, Rinku Singh showed his true colors in the UP T20 league. For the Meerut Mavericks, Rinku played a breathtaking innings of 108 unbeaten runs against 48 deliveries. To create these innings, the middle-order batter smashed 8 over boundaries and 7 boundaries.

When he successfully accomplished the business, the strike rate was ticking at 225.00. To mark the occasion, Kolkata Knight Riders shared a short video to depict Rinku's ruthless batting, which took Mavericks safely to the finish line against Gorakhpur Lions. Gorakhpur bowlers were doing well to defend their first innings 167 runs by clinching 4 top-order wickets of Meerut. When Rinku stepped into the crease, their team was four down for only 38 runs. From there, the batter started carnage all over the ground.

Opponent team bowlers, who were looking at the top of their game, started to feel the pressure and made repeated mistakes. Whenever Rinku spotted a ball on the off stump or on the middle stump area, he did not hesitate to swing his blade.

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'The one and only Rinku Singh'

Bowlers of Gorakhpur Lions, under pressure, produced some well-wide-off-the-stump deliveries, which allowed Singh to open his arms. With the help of the hundred, Rinku is now at the fourth spot of the leading run scorers of the ongoing UP T20 League with 131 runs in 3 innings. And his team, Meerut Mavericks, is in the second position with 2 wins and one loss in 3 matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders, in their video, wrote, "Chasing a target of 168, Rinku walks in at 38-4. Scores unbeaten 108 off 48. Wins the game in the 19th over. The One. The Only. RINKU SINGH!" as the caption. 

Chasing a target of 168, Rinku walks in at 38-4. Scores unbeaten 108 off 48. Wins the game in the 19th over. 🤯

The One. The Only. RINKU SINGH! 🦁 💜

pic.twitter.com/YCjQcLMcaH

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 21, 2025

Prithvi Shaw made a strong start after moving to Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, scoring a century on his debut for his new state team in a one-man show during their Buchi Babu Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. Maharashtra could only score 217 in response to Chhattisgarh’s 242, with Shaw contributing 111 of those runs—an early performance of significance.

He recently obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to leave his former state, Mumbai, after being dropped from the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy squad. It was a tough period for him, as he also went unsold during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Shaw last played in the league in 2024, scoring 198 runs in eight games for Delhi Capitals (DC) at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 163.63. He made his IPL debut in 2018 with DC and spent seven seasons with them before being released and going unsold. So far, he has played 79 IPL matches, scoring 1,892 runs at an average of 23.94 with a strike rate of over 147. In T20s overall, he has scored 2,902 runs in 117 games at a strike rate of 151.54, including one century and 20 fifties.

As he returns to form, an IPL comeback could be possible if he continues scoring consistently. Here are three teams that should look to rope in Prithvi Shaw for IPL 2026.

Also Read -WATCH: Prasidh Krishna gets among wicket after Asia Cup snub in Maharaja Trophy T20 2025

3. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Prithvi Shaw’s former and only IPL team so far, Delhi Capitals (DC), could look to bring the opener back. DC failed to make the playoffs despite playing well for most of the season. They used four different players as openers: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel, and KL Rahul. Fraser-McGurk struggled at the top, scoring only 55 runs in six matches. Du Plessis made 202 runs in nine innings but was not consistent. KL Rahul (539 runs) and Porel (301 runs) were the successful openers. Overall, their top order averaged only 19.23 runs throughout the season. Delhi could look to add firepower at the top and bring back Prithvi Shaw for IPL 2026.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disappointing IPL 2025. They finished last in the league stage, winning only four out of 14 matches. CSK struggled with batting throughout the season and improved only towards the end. Their opening combinations failed to give solid starts. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad missed several games, which hurt the team. Players like Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway could not perform well at the top. CSK then tried young players such as Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre as openers. The former champions need someone who can attack the bowlers and bat aggressively in the powerplay, which was their weak point last season. Prithvi Shaw could fit the bill as an opener, while Gaikwad could move to number three for more stability.

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Three-time IPL winners and 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could not defend their title in 2025. They faced problems with their top order and opening combinations and need a solid opener for the next season. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane had a decent season, scoring 390 runs at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 147.72 with three fifties. However, the other openers struggled. Quinton de Kock made 152 runs in eight innings at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored only 74 runs in five games. KKR needs a young and explosive Indian opener, as their top order could not give solid starts consistently last season. This could be a great opportunity for Prithvi Shaw to join the team.

Shaw Shows Signs of a Comeback

Shaw’s struggles with discipline and fitness in recent years have been widely discussed, as one of India’s most promising talents faded from the spotlight. However, this innings shows that the 25-year-old can still build a career to be proud of. “I don’t mind starting from scratch again because I’ve seen many ups and downs in my life. I’m a very confident guy—confident in myself and my work ethics. I hope this season goes really well for me as well as for my team,” said Shaw after the close of day’s play.

Rinku Singh, known for his big hitting in T20 cricket, has been picked in India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup. The 27-year-old was named in the 15-member team announced by the BCCI on August 19.

But on the same evening, Rinku could not make his bat talk in the UP T20 League. Playing for Meerut Mavericks, he managed just a few runs with three boundaries as his team finished on 150/8 in 20 overs.

🚨| Rinku Singh in UP T20 League:

23(19) | 3 Fours pic.twitter.com/05S1wqn7k1

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) August 19, 2025

Rinku’s form has been shaky for some time now. In the IPL 2025 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he scored only 206 runs from 11 innings. Earlier this year, he also struggled in India’s T20I series against England, scoring only 39 runs in two matches.

#ICYMI: Rinku Singh pumped up after taking a wicket with his very first ball against Kanpur Superstars in the UP T20 League 2025.

📸: Sony LIV pic.twitter.com/PWC3ltEyfi

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) August 18, 2025

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Asia Cup coming up, Rinku’s form is a worry for both fans and the team. The selectors have shown faith in him, but he will need to find his form quickly to secure his place. For now, he has the biggest chance of his career, but the runs are still missing when it matters most.

With most of the talks around Sanju Samson's future in Rajasthan Royals (RR), few other RR cricketers also can change ships for the upcoming hurdle of IPL 2026. Nitish Rana, another player of the Rajasthan Royals, can leave the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL season, as suggested by some recent claims.

The experienced batter can reunite with his former club, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Rana had been with KKR from IPL 2018 to IPL 2024; for the 2025 season, he joined the Rajasthan-based franchise. After winning the IPL 2024 title, Knight Riders did not retain him before the mega auction, and then Rana joined RR, where he got to play 11 matches and scored a total of 217 runs at an average of 21.70, including a highest innings of 81. Surely, it was not one of his best Indian Premier League campaigns.

As per some latest reports, Nitish can rejoin KKR before the beginning of next season's IPL. Though, there is no clear evidence about this possible move. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders—both teams were unable to qualify for the playoffs of the previous campaign. To regain their momentum, both Francis can recreate their blueprint to avoid any kind of setbackon repeated occasions.

Read More: Shoaib Bashir responds strongly to Nathan Lyon’s ‘Okay’ comment ahead of Ashes 2025

Why KKR should sign Rana?

Last season, KKR's batting performance was not consistent enough to defend their title. If they think to bid for the left-handed batsman again, then this can be a significant strategic move. The 31-year-old not only can help the team with his experience but also can add variation in the squad. From the bench, Rana can be a trump card for the former champion side.

In terms of total runs in a single IPL season, IPL 2023 was his best with KKR. That season, in 14 matches, the southpaw scored a total of 413 runs for the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) delivered thrilling encounters between the 10 participating teams. With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, anticipation is building among cricket fans for another electrifying season of T20 cricket. The auction is expected to bring fresh changes as franchises strategise to strengthen their squads and address performance gaps from the previous season.

In IPL 2025, while some players maintained top form and others made strong comebacks, a few struggled to meet expectations. Their underwhelming performances have almost sealed their fate, making them likely candidates for release ahead of the IPL 2026 player auction.

Quinton de Kock (KKR)

Quinton de Kock, the dynamic South African opener, played a pivotal role for Mumbai Indians (MI) during his stint from 2019 to 2021, amassing 1,329 runs. His back-to-back 500+ run seasons in 2019 and 2020 were instrumental in MI’s consecutive title triumphs. Later, with Lucknow Super Giants, he continued his strong run, scoring 901 runs over three seasons, showcasing consistency at the top.

Ahead of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), fresh off their 2024 title win, sought a power-packed opener after releasing Phil Salt. They secured de Kock for INR 3.60 crore. However, he struggled to deliver, managing only 152 runs in eight matches at a modest strike rate of 129.91, falling short of expectations.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (KKR)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz earned his first IPL contract worth INR 50 lakh but could only muster 289 runs in 14 matches across two seasons for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite his modest returns, the franchise retained faith in his abilities, repurchasing him for INR 2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. Initially left out of the playing XI, Gurbaz was brought in mid-season to replace the struggling Quinton de Kock.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old Afghan opener couldn’t justify the management’s trust. His poor run continued as he managed just 74 runs in five matches, extending his lean patch and failing to make the desired impact at the top of the order.

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Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)

Venkatesh Iyer, the talented left-hander from Madhya Pradesh, became a standout discovery for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the second half of IPL 2021 in the UAE. Scoring 370 runs in just 10 matches, he quickly cemented his place as a key member of the squad. His impactful performances, including a vital role in KKR’s 2024 title win, convinced the franchise to bring him back for the latest season.

After a fierce bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), KKR secured Venkatesh for a staggering INR 23.75 crore. However, his 2025 campaign proved disappointing, with only 142 runs in 11 matches and a demotion from his usual No.3 spot. With RCB still keen to acquire him for the IPL 2026 auction, his departure from the KKR setup now appears almost certain.

Rahul Tripathi (CSK)

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rahul Tripathi was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 3.40 crore ahead of IPL 2025. Prior to that, Tripathi had an underwhelming three-year run with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he managed 165 runs in six appearances during IPL 2024 at an impressive strike rate of 143.48. His attacking intent had kept him in demand across franchises, but CSK expected him to deliver consistency as a middle-order option in their batting setup for the new season.

However, the move did not go as planned for either the player or the franchise. Tripathi failed to make any significant contributions, scoring just 55 runs in five matches for CSK at a modest strike rate of 96.49. His lack of form was one of many setbacks that troubled CSK during a difficult campaign. With the franchise already eyeing a revamp, it appears likely that Tripathi could be released before the IPL 2026 auction as the team looks to rebuild.

Mohammed Shami (SRH)

Mohammed Shami enjoyed a brilliant two-year stint with Gujarat Titans (GT), where he picked up 48 wickets and played a key role in their success. Unfortunately, an ankle injury forced him to miss the entire IPL 2024 season. Ahead of IPL 2025, GT decided to release the veteran pacer during the mega auction. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), however, showed immense faith in his abilities and bought him for a massive INR 10 crore, expecting him to strengthen their pace attack.

But Shami’s comeback did not go as planned. The experienced seamer struggled to find his rhythm and looked far from his best. In nine outings, he managed only six wickets while conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 11.23. Eventually, he was dropped from the playing XI as SRH sought better options. Given his lackluster returns and high price tag, Shami’s underwhelming season has almost confirmed his release from the Orange Army ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to drop some big names ahead of the IPL 2025 season. One of the big names that could be shown the exit door before the mega auction later this year is none other than Venkatesh Iyer. According to the latest reports, the Indore-based all-rounder is reportedly looking to leave the franchise, with whom he has been since the 2021 season. A hefty price tag of Rs 23.75 crore got too big on the all-rounder, as he could only manage one half-century across seven innings. 

It is worth mentioning that Iyer has not represented any other franchise apart from KKR. Many experts have started speculating that Iyer would be traded to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Ishan Kishan. But for the time being, such claims haven't been confirmed, with the all-rounder himself admitting that he hasn't been contacted by anyone regarding such a trade deal.

See also: Mohammad Kaif picks his India XI for Asia Cup 2025

KKR choosing Venky over Gill & Salt just to drop him later is the most KKR thing ever https://t.co/C1NCfq0ZbM

— s (@Snehaaahere) August 16, 2025

Nortje and De Kock amongst others to follow suit

According to sources from RevSportz, the 2024 IPL champions are also reportedly considering letting go of some other big names, such as Quinton de Kock, Spencer Johnson, and Anrich Nortje, ahead of the next IPL season. The South African southpaw endured a mediocre season, scoring at an average of just 21.1 with just one half-century to his name.

Spencer Johnson, on the other hand, had a poor outing across all four games he played as he could only muster a solitary wicket. Nortje also had very little impact with the ball, picking up just two wickets in the entire season. The South African quick has shown a tendency to succumb to injuries in the past. Bearing that fact in mind, the franchise will definitely look to part ways with him and replace him with someone who is less injury-prone. 

Australia’s versatile all-rounder Cameron Green played a key role for Mumbai Indians during the 2023 IPL season. His contributions with both bat and ball helped the team in several crucial moments, showcasing his all-around skills.

In 2024, Green made a switch to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he continued to impress. Throughout the season, he delivered some strong performances, proving to be an important asset for the RCB squad. His ability to adapt quickly to the new team environment highlighted his professionalism and cricketing intelligence.

Green’s consistent form with both bat and ball has made him a valuable player in the IPL. His experience in different roles, whether stabilizing the innings or taking crucial wickets, adds depth to his team’s lineup and makes him a vital figure for RCB moving forward.

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Cameron Green can be Valuable Player in Auction:

Cameron Green featured in 29 IPL matches over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, amassing 707 runs and taking 16 wickets. Unfortunately, injuries forced him to sit out the entire IPL 2025 season, and he did not enter the mega auction that year.

Looking ahead, Cameron Green is eligible for the IPL 2026 mini auction. Australian all-rounders have always been highly sought after in the IPL, and Green is no exception. His proven track record, combined with his ability to bowl fast and hit powerful shots, makes him a valuable player. Teams will likely be eager to secure his services as he brings both batting firepower and bowling versatility to any squad.

Green can be Choice for Various Teams:

Several IPL teams are on the lookout for a reliable all-rounder. Here are three franchises that should consider bidding for Cameron Green in the upcoming auction. His ability to contribute both with the bat and ball makes him a valuable asset, and these teams could benefit greatly from adding his skills to strengthen their lineup for the next season.

• Kolkata Knight Riders Eyeing Cameron Green as Key Target

At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) invested ₹23.75 crore to acquire Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. However, Iyer couldn’t live up to expectations, scoring just 142 runs in 11 matches during the season. His performance fell short of the high price paid, leaving the team searching for stronger contributions from their all-rounder lineup.

KKR may consider releasing Venkatesh Iyer and searching for a new all-rounder who can bat up front and bowl pace. Cameron Green fits perfectly. Known as a dependable match-winner, Green would thrive on the flat Eden Gardens pitch. Combining Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Cameron Green in the batting lineup would pose a serious challenge for any bowling attack, making Green a valuable addition for KKR.

• Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time IPL champions, had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing last with only four wins in 14 matches. The team backed players like Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Vijay Shankar, but they all failed to perform consistently. As a result, CSK is expected to release these players ahead of IPL 2026.

Additionally, Ravichandran Ashwin, who was signed for ₹9.75 crore, has reportedly requested to be released before the next season. This move could free up a significant portion of the budget, allowing CSK to target a top-quality all-rounder like Cameron Green. Known for his skills with both bat and ball, Green fits perfectly into MS Dhoni’s strategy of building a strong team around versatile all-rounders, making him a prime candidate to join CSK in IPL 2026.

• Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced backlash from fans for overlooking top all-rounders in the last auction. While the team invested heavily in specialist batsmen and bowlers, their squad included just one dedicated all-rounder. This lack of balance in the lineup raised concerns about their overall team composition and depth ahead of the upcoming IPL season.

Reports suggest that Sanju Samson has requested to be released by Rajasthan Royals. If true, this would free up significant funds for RR ahead of the mini auction. With the extra budget, they could target a top all-rounder like Cameron Green, who could fill the impactful role similar to Shane Watson’s tenure with the Royals from 2008 to 2015.

In a significant update, it has been reported that Sanju Samson has formally requested a release from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Reliable sources confirmed the development, which adds weight to ongoing speculation since the conclusion of IPL 2025. Samson has been a pillar of the RR setup for over 12 years, earning praise both for his performances as a batter and his leadership on the field. Under his captaincy, the Royals have been one of the most consistent and competitive teams in the tournament.

Despite his long-standing contribution, Samson endured a challenging 2025 season. He was plagued by injuries that forced him to miss several games during the campaign. Nevertheless, he managed to score 285 runs in nine innings, maintaining an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39, including a well-crafted half-century. Though the numbers are respectable, they were below expectations for a player of his caliber and may have influenced his decision.

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Following this development, several prominent cricket-focused accounts on X (formerly Twitter) have begun circulating updates regarding a potential trade. The two leading franchises reportedly in contention for his services are Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Both teams are in search of a seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batter and potential leader, making Samson an ideal candidate. Whether he enters the auction pool or is traded remains to be seen, but the move could significantly reshape the dynamics of IPL 2026.

A timeline on Sanju Samson, according to reports

• 7 June 2025: Sanju Samson’s Instagram post goes viral, with a caption, “Time to Move”.
• Mid-June 2025: Sanju Samson’s manager likes an Instagram post, reading, “Sanju Released… CSK ready”.
• July 2025: Rumours spread that the Chennai Super Kings are interested in him via a trade deal with RR. Several popular accounts confirm the update.
• Early August 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders are willing to get him in the trade window.
• 6 August 2025: Mumbai Mirror reports Samson to stay with RR.
• 7 August 2025: Samson asks the Rajasthan Royals to release him.

Which franchises are eyeing a move for Sanju Samson?

An experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter like Sanju Samson is a valuable asset for any IPL franchise, and if Rajasthan Royals decide to release or trade him, several teams are expected to show strong interest. Among the leading contenders are Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), both of whom are reportedly on the lookout for a reliable Indian wicketkeeper who can also play a leadership role. Rather than risking a bidding war in the IPL 2026 auction, these franchises are likely aiming to secure Samson’s services through a direct trade deal.

Chennai Super Kings can target Sanju Samson?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) currently rely on MS Dhoni as their wicketkeeper, but the legendary cricketer showed signs of decline during IPL 2025, both with the bat and behind the stumps. His performances were below his usual high standards, sparking the need for a long-term replacement. Sanju Samson, with his proven credentials and a strong rapport with Dhoni, could be an ideal successor. Although CSK have Urvil Patel in their ranks, they have a history of preferring experienced players, making Samson a suitable candidate for the wicketkeeper-batter role in the seasons ahead.

If Samson joins CSK, he could either open the innings alongside Ayush Mhatre or bat at No.3, a role Urvil Patel briefly excelled in during the latter half of the 2025 season. His inclusion would not only strengthen CSK’s top order but also bring leadership depth to the squad. With Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy viewed as average so far, Samson could emerge as a reliable alternative. Given CSK’s need for experience, batting stability, and future leadership, Samson fits well into their long-term plans.

Kolkata Knight Riders to acquire services of Sanju Samson?

One of Kolkata Knight Riders’ biggest weaknesses in IPL 2025 was the absence of a dependable Indian wicketkeeper-batter. While they had Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, both struggled for consistency and didn’t deliver the impact expected. This created a void that affected team balance and consumed valuable overseas slots. Acquiring Sanju Samson could be a game-changing move for KKR. Not only is he a reliable wicketkeeper, but he can also open the innings and even take up the leadership mantle if needed, offering the franchise a long-term, all-in-one solution.

With Samson in the squad, KKR could finally address multiple concerns at once, he could partner Sunil Narine at the top, provide stability with the gloves, and be groomed as a future captain. Letting go of their underperforming overseas wicketkeepers would free up an import slot for greater flexibility in team selection. While the trade isn't confirmed yet, several reputable sources have reported ongoing discussions. If the deal goes through, Samson could become the new face of the franchise, driving KKR forward in the coming seasons.

Abhishek Nayar, who had a tough time as the assistant coach of Team India, has returned to the IPL after being removed by the BCCI. Nayar has rejoined Kolkata Knight Riders and has also agreed to mentor the WPL team UP Warriorz. Surprisingly, the news about his return to KKR came out even before his removal from the Indian team was officially confirmed.

While he was unfortunately sacked, Nayar's contribution to the Indian team was not ignored. Batter KL Rahul credited him for helping improve his game in the white-ball format. However, even before Nayar's removal from the Indian team was officially confirmed, the news of him rejoining KKR became public.

Also Read -"Shubman Gill Has Done as Good as Virat Kohli Could Have" – Ex-India Coach Hails Young Star After ENG vs IND 2025 Series

Nayar Calls KKR His Family

Speaking about his return to the IPL, Abhishek Nayar said the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise feels like a family to him. That’s why he didn’t think twice before making a quick return. 

"KKR is family to me. Everyone talks a lot about teams being like family, but for me, it truly is. The speed at which I came back shows that this is where I belong," Nayar said.

"I've always seen everything as an opportunity. This is another one, and I'm very excited about it," he told PTI.

Excited to Mentor UP Warriorz in WPL

Nayar has also taken on a new role as a mentor for the Women's Premier League (WPL) team, UP Warriorz. He is looking forward to helping the team grow and build a winning culture.

"The goal is to create a strong culture where everyone understands that this team plays to win trophies. I want to bring that mindset into our system," he said.

Nayar added that the WPL has the power to change Indian women’s cricket in a big way.

"WPL will impact not just Indian cricket but also domestic cricket. In the first season, many players looked like touch players. But now, there’s more power in the game. The girls are diving, the throws are flatter and faster. There’s huge growth, and it’s only going to get better," he added.