Australia pacer Mitchell Starc can be released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, as it was reported. Furthermore, there are multiple claims, indicating multiple IPL franchises can show interest in the star pacer, including Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

According to the latest claims on social media, LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka has a deep interest in the speed star, and he can take a vital role in deciding Starc's IPL future. Other than LSG, several other clubs may have interest in bringing in the fast bowler. 

Media reports suggested that Delhi Capitals is all set to release Mitchell Starc. Last season, his performance was not enough to match the expectations of him. There were instances of his bowling brilliance, but that was not in a consistent manner. Expectations were naturally high for a world-class bowler like him. In 11 IPL 2025 matches for Delhi Capitals, he took 14 wickets at an expensive economy rate of 10.16, which clearly did not live up to the expectations. 

Read More: [WATCH] IND vs WI 2nd Test: Jaffa from Jasprit Bumrah takes Khary Pierre's off-stump for cartwheel

Mitchell Starc can join Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals started off the IPL 2025 strongly but soon struggled to maintain the momentum. They were one of the favorites to qualify for the round of four as well. But because of the lack of consistency, they were unable to get a ticket to the next round. DC concluded the season as the 5th team of the points table with 7 wins in 14 matches. 

On the other side, Lucknow Super Giants built a strong, well-rounded team on paper. Because of the multiple injury crisis, they lacked in their bowling department. They managed to register only 6 wins in 14 matches and finished the season as the seventh team of the points table. Apart from repeated setbacks in back-to-back seasons, they have enough reason to spend a big chunk of money for a proven bowler like Mitchell Starc.

In a surprising development, Zaheer Khan decided to part ways with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He served the team for one season and decided to leave the job ahead of IPL 2026.

The former India pacer was appointed as the mentor of the team before the 2025 season league when Lucknow Super Giants was unable to qualify for the knockout phase. The future of Zaheer in IPL, as of now, is surrounded by uncertainty. The reason behind his departure from LSG—that too is not anywhere mentioned officially, but according to a report published by ESPNcricinfo, "The main reason for Zaheer quitting, it is understood, is that his vision for the franchise did not align with that of head coach Justin Langer and team owner Sanjeev Goenka."

It is further claimed that in the franchise, there could be multiple theories, which ultimately let the team down. Lucknow Super Giants captured the headlines when they spent a record-breaking INR 27 crore only to secure the service of Rishabh Pant. Rishabh came in place of KL Rahul, who left the team before IPL 2025. LSG started their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note but eventually lost their momentum and crashed out of the playoff contention.

Read More: Statement-making hundred for Dhruv Jurel ahead of India vs West Indies Test series

Zaheer Khan's shocking decision ahead of IPL 2026

In the first eight matches of IPL 2025, LSG had five wins, but they managed just one more win in their last six games. They concluded the season as the seventh team of the points table with six wins, which played a role behind the move. Though, there is no such clarity in the theory.

It will be interesting to see whether the former India cricketer finds his next destination in the league before the upcoming season. On the other side, after repeated failures and controversies around the club, how the LSG franchise will prepare themselves for another season will be interesting to see. 

The India and Lucknow Super Giants’ spinner, Ravi Bishnoi, has shared his views on the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both took retirement in a span of a week before the five-match Test series against England away from home. Both also made the same decision after winning the T20 World Cup 2024.

Bishnoi, who appeared on the podcast Game Changers on YouTube, released a video where the spinner shared his reaction to the retirement of the legendary veteran duo. Virat Kohli finished with 9230 runs in Tests at an average of 46.85, while Rohit ended with 4301 Test runs in 116 innings at an average of 40.57.

See Also: [WATCH] Fan breaches security to chase and kiss Babar Azam during invitational T20 match in Pakistan

“It is actually shocking, because you always want to see them retire from the field. For such big legends, you want them to leave while still being on the field; that looks much better. And what both of them have done for India, in my view, there is no one even close.” Ravi Bishnoi expressed on the YouTube channel.

Watch: Ravi Bishnoi aims to see farewell match for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Rohit and Kohli have been playing the 50-over format for the national side. Their last competitive game came in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as they eye a feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia down under. Both are trying to stay available for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“You want them to get a good farewell, but maybe they will get that in ODIs as well, whenever they leave, whenever they want to. Because no one can tell you when you will retire. But it was shocking when both of them retired, because suddenly you feel like two spots have become empty, who will come and fulfill that?” Ravi Bishnoi addressed.

Bishnoi also shed light on the young RR batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who impressed the spectators and the fans with a fine century. “It is challenging against everyone now, but his talent really deserves appreciation. Right now, he is doing really, really well. You must have seen in England also, he broke the age-group record by scoring the fastest 100, and in the IPL also, he scored a 100 in 34–35 balls.” Bishnoi concluded.

When Chandrakant Pandit decided to part ways with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on July 31, the reports claimed that the former bowling coach of the Indian side, Bharat Arun, would work for the new franchise. Many reported that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will get the chance, but it has been confirmed that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have earned his services.

He had a successful stint with the IPL 2024 champions, including four years for the franchise, starting from 2022. None of the parties involved, KKR, LSG, and Arun, decided to comment on the development as Cricbuzz reported the fresh news. He has signed a two-year deal with the Sajiv Goenka-owned side for a role that will require him to work with the players throughout the year.

See Also: [WATCH] Eoin Morgan analyzes MS Dhoni's superb captaincy during 2013 Champions Trophy

The induction of Arun in the side means that Lucknow is unlikely to continue with the former left-arm pacer, Zaheer Khan, the mentor of the Rishabh Pant-led side last season. It was reported in the past that Zaheer had a one-year contract with the side, and the management is reviewing the deal. Justin Langer is also expected not to stretch his time.

Lucknow Super Giants hire Bharat Arun as bowling coach before IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders have taken huge pride in their coaching staff getting promoted to the national side in some shape or form. Gautam Gambhir, Ryan Ten Doeschate, and Abhishek Nayar got the contract for the Indian side, while Brandon McCullum, Trevor Bayliss, and physio Kamlesh Jain were among others to join the England side.   

Bharat Arun and KKR have parted ways amicably. Dwayne Bravo, the mentor of the side, is also expected to end his tenure before the new season. The former West Indies captain is also among the coaching management of the Knight Riders’ family in the Major League Cricket for the Los Angeles side. It had been reported that the principle was conveyed to Arun, who asked the franchise for getting released.

Kolkata finished in the eighth position in the points table of the IPL 2025. They played 14 games in the group stage of the competition with five victories and seven defeats at a net run rate of -0.305.  

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might be close to making a smart move ahead of IPL 2026. According to early reports, LSG are interested in bringing in former Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Bharat Arun, who recently left the team after working with them for four years. This could be a big boost for Lucknow’s struggling fast-bowling department.

Bharat Arun Likely to Join LSG Support Staff

Bharat Arun joined KKR in 2022 and was part of their coaching team when the team won the IPL title in 2024.

Now, with Zaheer Khan already in the Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) support staff, the franchise wants to bring Arun on board to improve their fast bowling unit. LSG struggled with their pace attack during the 2025 season, especially in the final overs of matches. They leaked too many runs, and fixing this issue is a key goal before IPL 2026.

Also Read -[Watch]: Rishabh Pant Returns to Wicketkeeping Practice Ahead of Crucial 4th Test vs England

If this deal happens, it could be one of the most important support staff moves of the season. Arun’s experience with Team India and other IPL teams can help LSG build a stronger and more balanced bowling attack. His calm nature and process-based style have helped many fast bowlers improve over time.

Bharat Arun has parted ways with Kolkata Knight Riders.

LSG have shown interest in roping him in to work alongside Zaheer Khan

- Cricxtasy pic.twitter.com/FF1Gf2hE0C

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) July 21, 2025

Arun’s Coaching Journey So Far

Bharat Arun began his coaching career with Tamil Nadu’s Ranji team in 2002. Under his guidance, the team reached the final twice before he stepped down in 2006. He also served as the chief bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy and later coached India’s Under-19 team. In 2012, his Under-19 team won the World Cup.

Arun joined Kings XI Punjab as an assistant coach for IPL 2014 and later became the bowling coach of the Indian national team in the same year. His experience and success at various levels make him a strong candidate for LSG’s new coaching setup.

Leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi, who made headlines with his performances for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025, has again captured the attention of the cricketing world after going viral for his unbelievable bowling achievement of taking five wickets on five consecutive balls during a local T20 league match. The clip of this rare feat circulated quickly on social media and was even shared on LSG's official page, increasing the young bowler’s popularity.

Rathi is from Delhi and had a very successful IPL 2025 season with 14 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 30.64. Though his figures were good, it was his aggressive "notebook celebration" that took the spotlight away from everything else. Mimicking a writing gesture after taking wickets, the celebration became a talking point across cricketing circles and led to penalties from match officials. Still, Rathi’s flair and talent were evident, even though LSG failed to make the playoffs for the second year in a row.

The five-in-five performance only adds to the excitement surrounding Rathi, who appears to be generating genuine traction following the IPL. Cricket fans and analysts alike are speculating if these regular performances—in leagues and domestic tournaments—could put him on an even bigger stage, potentially a national cap.

Yograj Singh Backs Rathi’s Celebration, Urges BCCI to Go Easy

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has spoken out in support of Rathi’s much-debated notebook celebration. Speaking to InsideSport, Yograj criticized the penalties imposed on young players for expressive gestures and urged the authorities to take a more understanding approach.

Watch the video here

DIGVESH RATHI PICKED 5 WICKETS IN 5 DELIVERIES. 🤯pic.twitter.com/zXbgmSkXnG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 16, 2025

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

"Come on, man, don’t fine them. It’s okay. You are still friends with the bowlers. Everybody is not the same. Emotions go. Forgive them. Obviously, at the end of the day, you’re friends; if you say sorry, the matter is over. Have a big heart and don’t get into these petty things. "What is this nonsense going on, fining kids?" Yograj said passionately. As Rathi continues to thrive in local leagues, his supporters hope the BCCI and franchises give him the space to shine without curbing his personality.

The 2025 IPL season produced some of the most thrilling batting performances from some of the finest batters from across the cricketing circles. It witnessed some of the most exciting partnerships from some of the class performers that laid the platform for their respective teams to perform to their highest level, whether it was chasing big targets or putting big totals on the scoreboard. In this piece, we discuss five partnerships of the 2025 IPL season that lit up the entire tournament.

The partnerships mentioned in the piece highlighted batting standards that differed in terms of technique and acceleration through aggressive batting, but these partnerships attracted a lot of attention and raised the excitement levels. We discuss these partnerships in detail:  

5. Nicolas Pooran & Mitchell Marsh -121 runs LSG vs GT-22nd May 2025

Lucknow Super Giants produced a dominating performance, scoring 235/2 in 20 overs. Gujarat Titans won the toss and chose to field first on a flat batting wicket at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Mitchell Marsh and Nicolas Pooran compiled a 121-run partnership for the second wicket, helping the team win by 33 runs.

Marsh scored a brilliant 117 while Pooran contributed with a crucial 56 runs. The partnership was a treat to watch for the fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Both batters hit some powerful shots all around the wicket.

4.Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Marsh-152 runs LSG vs RCB-27th May 2025

RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium. Lucknow Super Giants scored 227/3 in 20 overs. Although LSG lost the game as RCB chased the target with 8 balls remaining, the partnership between Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Marsh was the centre of attraction as both players compiled a 152-run partnership.

Pant scored 118, including 11 fours and 8 sixes, while Marsh scored a vital 67 while opening the batting. Both batters ran well between the wickets and played some wonderful cricketing shots. The partnership gave the fan moments of a lifetime. 

3.Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashaswi Jaiswal-166 runs RR vs GT- 28th April 2025

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Gujarat Titans scored 209/4 in 20 overs. Rajasthan Royals won the match comfortably by chasing the target with 25 balls remaining. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed the Gujarat Titans bowlers all around the park effortlessly as the excitement levels were at an all-time high. 

The 14-year-old left-hander scored 101 in 38 balls and was well supported by Yashaswi Jaiswal from the other end as both batters played some cracking shots on the up and used the pace of the wicket quite well. Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 70 in 40 balls, and both batters scored 166 runs for the opening wicket.

See Also: WTC Final 2025: Top 5 knocks of World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle ft Marnus Labuschagne

2.Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma-171 runs Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings-12th April 2025

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field first at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad. The wicket was a bit helpful for the spinners, but as the game progressed, it assisted the batters. Punjab Kings scored 245/6 in 20 overs, but SRH managed to chase the target with 9 balls remaining on the back of a magnificent partnership from Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, as the duo scored 171 runs for the 1st wicket.

Abhishek Sharma scored 141 runs in 55 balls, hitting 14 fours and 10 sixes, while Travis Head scored 66 runs in 37 balls. Both left-handers showcased positive intent and accelerated when needed. Both batters built their innings well and hit the big shots depending on the required run rate.

1.Shubhman Gill & Sai Sudarshan 205* runs Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals- 18th May 2025

Gujarat Titans captain Shubhman Gill won the toss and chose to field first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Delhi Capitals scored 199/3 in 20 overs. GT openers showed an aggressive intent right from the word go, as both Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan showed calm temperament while chasing a big total. Sudarshan scored a classy unbeaten 108 in 61 balls while Gill scored an unbeaten 93 in 53 balls. Both batters played some cracking drives on both sides of the wicket and hit the ball cleanly down the ground as Gujarat Titans chased the total without losing a wicket, and with 1 over remaining.

In IPL 2025 Match no 70, played between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) . Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finished their league stage of IPL 2025 on a strong note with a thrilling six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 70. With this win, RCB moved to second place on the points table and fixed a spot in the playoffs.

LSG were asked to bat first and lost Matthew Breetzke early for 14 runs. But Rishabh Pant came in and changed the tempo right away, smashing 18 runs in one over off Yash Dayal. Pant continued his attacking approach and brought up his second fifty of the season. At the halfway stage, LSG were cruising at 100 for 1.

Pant found great support from Mitchell Marsh, who scored a quick 67 off just 37 balls. The duo added 152 runs for the second wicket before Marsh got out in the 16th over. Pant, however, carried on and remained unbeaten on a brilliant 118 off 61 balls. It was one of the best knocks of the season. For RCB, Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara, playing his first game of the season, bowled well and picked up 1 for 26 in his four overs.

Chasing a big target, RCB got off to a fast start but lost Phil Salt for 30 in the first over of the powerplay. Then, Will O’Rourke struck twice in the same over to dismiss Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone, putting RCB under pressure.

Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a well-made 54 off 30 balls, but once he got out, RCB still needed a strong finish. That’s when Jitesh Sharma rose to the occasion. He smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls his highest IPL score and got great support from Mayank Agarwal, who stayed not out on 41 from 23 balls. The pair guided RCB home with a few balls to spare in what became the third-highest run chase in IPL history. With this win, RCB head into the playoffs with momentum and high confidence.

ALSO READ: Team India retains key backroom star ahead of ENG vs IND series

Twitter reactions after RCB wins 70th match of IPL 2025

RCB Won! ❤️‍🩹
I’m giving ₹1000 to everyone who likes and retweets this tweet!
Let’s celebrate together! 🤗#LSGvsRCB #LSGvRCB #RCBvsLSG #Jiteshsharma pic.twitter.com/jUkuZ8Ips2

— HINDUTVA 🇮🇳 (@cryptoHolder09) May 27, 2025

He said it, he did it THAT'S THE TWEET.. #RCBvsLSG pic.twitter.com/E7SNI2nMnM

— Abhi (@CRICKET81700202) May 27, 2025

Biggest joker of the IPL😂🤡🤡

#RCBvsLSG pic.twitter.com/a0bPolGyzE

— Anjali Shilpa (@AnjaliGoud_) May 27, 2025

RCB Win!
I’m giving FOLLOW BACK to everyone who likes and retweets this tweet!
Let’s celebrate together! 🤗#LSGvsRCB #RCBvsLSG #Jiteshsharma

pic.twitter.com/uJsjZQtOcL

— मीनाक्षी 🇮🇳 (@__JayHind) May 27, 2025

Joker of the day who?
One & only Digvesh Rathee 🤡#RCBvsLSG pic.twitter.com/UnS13kiXBa

— 𝑺𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒚𝒂 🇮🇳 (@Simplyy__Me) May 27, 2025

#LSGvsRCB
Jitesh Sharma made a mistake in giving the team. But he made a request, and LSG showed the spirit of the game. LSG did a great job; they may not win the trophy, but they surely won hearts. pic.twitter.com/A6VcCm03zZ

— PC 6 OG (@ForFun351001) May 27, 2025

pic.twitter.com/brRzMdEOdE

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 27, 2025

Krunal Pandya 😂 pic.twitter.com/Kz3DJaY1y1

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 27, 2025

Ashwin to Digvesh Rathi pic.twitter.com/tvgPsNsWDY

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 27, 2025

pic.twitter.com/yL1Y5eplaa

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 27, 2025

Lucknow Super Giants are playing their last match of the IPL 2025, where they are facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow in the last league stage game of the tournament on Tuesday evening (May 27). While South African cricketer Aiden Markram is absent from the game, here we are going through the reason for his absence.

Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants lost the toss in their last game of the season, while RCB sent them to bat first. Talking about the squad, LSG skipper revealed two changes. While Digvesh Rathi obviously joined the playing squad after completing his one-match suspension, South African Matthew Breetzke replaced his native Aiden Markram for the match. With this match, Breetzke makes his IPL debut.

Aiden Markram is the third leading run-scorer for LSG in the IPL 2025. The right-handed batter scored 445 runs in 13 innings this season with an average of 34.23 and a strike rate of 148.82, including five half-centuries, the joint second most 50+ scores for the team this season. He smashed 38 fours and 22 sixes this season, the third most sixes by a LSG batter in the IPL 2025. Moreover, Markram has also taken four wickets this IPL season. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Why are Tim David and Lungi Ngidi not playing in today's LSG vs RCB clash?

Why is Aiden Markram not playing today?

Due to his national duty, Markram has left his IPL franchise and is ready to join the national team. Markram is one of the important players for South Africa, who will face the defending champions Australia in the upcoming third ICC World Test Championship Final. 

IPL 2025, LSG vs RCB: Still an important match for RCB

As LSG have already been eliminated from the tournament, there is no replacement requirement for Markram. It is still an important match for LSG, just like RCB, who are battling to secure the top-two finish in the IPL 2025 points table. Before the match, LSG are in the seventh position in the points table with 12 points in 13 games. By ending the season with a victory, LSG will finish the season in the sixth position after surpassing the IPL 2024 runners-up SunRisers Hyderabad (13 points in 14 matches). 

As part of the IPL 2025 league stage, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 70, the last match of the league stage. RCB is in a very good position with 17 points from 13 matches and aims for a top-two finish for a direct route to Qualifier 1. A win could see them reach 19 points, guaranteeing a top-two spot. LSG is playing for pride and would like to spoil things for RCB. The mixed-soil pitch at Ekana Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, with long boundaries favoring spinners and teams likely preferring to chase.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 5
• RCB Wins: 3
• LSG Wins: 2
• No Result: 0
• Win %: RCB leads with a 60% win percentage (3/5), while LSG has a 40% win percentage (2/5)

LSG vs RCB: Significant Matches

IPL 2024, Match 15 - April 2, in Bengaluru

• LSG: 181/5 (20 Overs)
• RCB: 153/10 (19.4 Overs)
• Result: LSG won by 28 runs

LSG made 181, with Quinton de Kock's 81 (56) and Nicholas Pooran's 40* (21) driving the scoring. RCB's chase faltered despite Virat Kohli's 77 (49). RCB's middle order was blown away with Mayank Yadav's tremendous 3/14 and a superfast ball, the fastest in the 2024 IPL to date at 156.7 kmph. Naveen-ul-Haq (2/25) & Marcus Stoinis (1 wicket) supported as RCB faltered. 

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Mumbai Indians Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 69

IPL 2023, Match 43 - May 1, in Lucknow

• RCB: 126/9 (20 Overs)
• LSG: 108/10 (19.5 Overs)
• Result: RCB won by 18 runs

RCB scrambled to get only 126 runs, with only Faf du Plessis scoring 44 (40). LSG couldn't sustain chasing the target; Josh Hazlewood tore through the batting in the face of pressure to take 3/25, and Karn Sharma 2/20 at the other end, with Josh able to stay down the order much longer. KL Rahul scored 31 (24), the best score for LSG as they succumbed under pressure. Josh Hazlewood took the Player of the Match for his discipline with the ball and, importantly, for taking wickets also.

IPL 2022, Eliminator - May 25, in Kolkata.

• LSG: 193/6 (20 Overs)
• RCB: 207/4 (20 Overs)
• Result: RCB won by 14 runs

RCB scored a total of 207, with Rajat Patidar 112* (54) and Dinesh Karthik contributing a valuable 37* at 23. LSG made a valiant chase following on KL Rahul's back, scoring 79 (58), but Harshal Patel (1/25) and Josh Hazlewood (1/43) restricted further runs, and the best LSG could do was to make 193/10. Rajat Patidar was awarded Player of the Match.