In a recent conversation, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz revealed how Virat Kohli helped him to regain his form. Gurbaz stated that whenever he needs some help, without any hesitation, he used to dial Virat Kohli's number. And he gets tips from the Indian batting maestro. 

The Indian Premier League not only became a stage for emerging Indian players but also a platform for overseas cricketers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Afghan keeper-batter played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from the IPL 2023 to the IPL 2025 season. Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, the Kolkata-based franchise released him. Virat and Gurbaz never played for the same team. But as they played in the same league, which is IPL, they got the opportunity to connect with each other easily, which has benefited the Afghanistan batter in a good way. 

During the interview, Gurbaz said that whenever he called or messaged Virat Kohli, he got replies. The 24-year-old is mesmerized to get such fluent replies from a legend like Virat Kohli. 

Read More: Watch: Who is Ashok Kumar who took hat-trick in SMAT 2025?

"Whenever I call or message Virat bhai, he always picks up my call & replies to my messages. He is such a down-to-earth person; you don't expect this from legends of such stature," Rahmanullah Gurbaz said. 

For example, Gurbaz said about his recent '90-run' knock for Afghanistan. Before the match, he was having a tough time. To revive the form, he called Virat, and on the next day, he found his form again. 

Virat Kohli's pep-talk revived Gurbaz's form

🚨🚨Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Virat Kohli brought me back from bad form!!

- Whenever I call or message Virat bhai, he always picks my call & replies to my messages. He is such a down to earth person, you don't expect this from legends of such stature.

- I recently called Virat bhai,… pic.twitter.com/Eu9WqOy0VE

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 2, 2025

"I recently called Virat Bhai when I was going through a slump, then I called him & I scored 90 odd the very next day. We talk so often," Gurbaz added. 

On November 2, this year, Afghanistan was up against Zimbabwe in Harare for a T20I match. In this game, Gurbaz played a 92-run knock. During this 48-ball innings, the opener smashed eight 4s and five 6s. Batting first, Afghanistan registered 210 runs, and Zimbabwe scored 201 runs in the second innings of the match. With Gurbaz as the man of the match, Afghanistan won the match by 9 runs.  

In the previous match, Ibrahim Zadran played well for Afghanistan and finished the innings with the top score of 95 runs off 140 balls with the help of three fours and one six. Besides Ibrahim, Ghazanfar scored 22 runs off 18 balls with the help of two fours and one six, whereas Mohammad Nabi chipped in with 22 runs off 30 balls. In the bowling department, Rashid Khan picked up five wickets and successfully defended the target.

On the other hand, Bangladesh struggled to get going in their innings and were dismissed for 109 runs in 28.3 overs. Towhid Hridoy scored 24 runs off 34 balls with the help of four boundaries, whereas Saif Hassan chipped in with 22 runs off 33 balls.

AFG vs BAN Match Details

Date: 14th October, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

AFG vs BAN Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report - 

• Avg 1st innings score: 200-225

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: SA-W vs BAN-W Today Match Prediction– 14th Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters to Watch in AFG vs BAN

• Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) - 115 runs in this Series 

• Towhid Hridoy (BAN) - 80 runs in this Series 

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) – 64 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in AFG vs BAN

• Rashid Khan (AFG) - 8 wickets in this Series 

• Tanzim Hasan (BAN) - 5 wickets in this Series 

• Azmatullah Omerzai (AFG) - 6 wickets in this Series 

AFG vs BAN Recent Form

AFG vs BAN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AFG bats first

• Powerplay prediction- 45-50 Runs 

• First Innings score prediction- AFG is expected to score 220-240 Runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 25-40 Runs 

Scenario 2- If BAN bats first

• Powerplay prediction- 40-45 Runs 

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 190-215 Runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 6 wickets 

Who will hit the Most Sixes?

Who will hit the most sixes for Afghanistan in the match: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai

Who will hit the most sixes for Bangladesh in the match: Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan

Who will hit the Most Fours?

Who will hit the most fours for Afghanistan in the match: Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi 

Who will hit the most fours for Bangladesh in the match: Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz

AFG vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

Afghanistan (AFG) Playing XI 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darvish Rasooli, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Bashir Ahmad.

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI

Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Saif Hassan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

AFG vs BAN Complete Squad

Afghanistan - 

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullag Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and Mohammad Saleem.

Bangladesh -

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (WK), Nurul Hasan (WK), Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam and Taskin Ahmed

AFG vs BAN Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

Afghanistan to win

We predict that Afghanistan will win the 3rd ODI match. The likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan will be key players to watch out for.

AFG vs BAN 3rd ODI FAQ

1. What is the venue for the AFG vs BAN 3rd ODI 2025?

The 3rd ODI will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

2. What time does the AFG vs BAN 2nd ODI start?

The match will start at 5:30 PM IST on October 14, 2025.

3. Who won the 2nd ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh?

Afghanistan won the 2nd ODI convincingly to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI series has started on an unexpected note, where Afghanistan has come out as the winner in the 1st fixture. In the 1st ODI, Afghanistan bowlers controlled the game, and their top order batters helped to gain an advantage, with the middle order completing the chase. Afghanistan’s key bowlers played an important role in the 1st ODI. Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai each took three wickets and restricted the opponents to a below-par total. Afghanistan’s batting looks very strong with the likes of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi at 4 and 5.

AFG vs BAN Match Details

Date: 11th October, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM IST

Venue:Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

AFG vs BAN Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report - 

• Avg 1st innings score: 230-250

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: ENG-W vs SL-W Today Match Prediction– 12th Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters to Watch in AFG vs BAN

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) - 60 runs in this Series 

• Towhid Hridoy (BAN) - 56 runs in this Series 

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) – 50 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in AFG vs BAN

• Rashid Khan (AFG) - 3 wickets in this Series 

• Tanzim Hasan (BAN) - 3 wickets in this Series 

• Azmatullah Omerzai (AFG) - 3 wicket in this Series 

AFG vs BAN Recent Form

AFG vs BAN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AFG bats first

• Powerplay prediction- 45-50 Runs 

• First Innings score prediction- AFG is expected to score 250-260 Runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 20-30 Runs 

Scenario 2- If BAN bats first

• Powerplay prediction- 40-45 Runs 

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 215-225 Runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 4 wickets 

Who will hit the Most Sixes?

Who will hit the most sixes for Afghanistan in the match: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai

Who will hit the most sixes for Bangladesh in the match: Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan

Who will hit the Most Fours?

Who will hit the most fours for Afghanistan in the match: Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi 

Who will hit the most fours for Bangladesh in the match: Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz

AFG vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

Afghanistan (AFG) Playing XI 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Bashir Ahmad.

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI

Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Saif Hassan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

AFG vs BAN Complete Squad

Afghanistan - 

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullag Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and Mohammad Saleem.

Bangladesh -

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (WK), Nurul Hasan (WK), Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam and Taskin Ahmed

AFG vs BAN Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

Afghanistan to win

We predict that Afghanistan will win the 2nd ODI match. The likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan will be key players to watch out for.

AFG vs BAN 2nd ODI FAQ

1. What is the venue for the AFG vs BAN 2nd ODI 2025?

The 2nd ODI will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

2. What time does the AFG vs BAN 2nd ODI start?

The match will start at 5:30 PM IST on October 11, 2025.

3. Who won the 1st ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh?

Afghanistan won the 1st ODI convincingly to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

4. Who will win today’s AFG vs BAN match?

As per the today match prediction, Afghanistan are favourites to win the 2nd ODI.

After struggling in the Asia Cup, there is no place for any of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmad but the batting looks particularly strong and secure with Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captains the side in ODIs, a very consistent player in this format. Afghanistan won four out of their last five ODI matches.

On the other hand, before Bangladesh arrived in the UAE for this tour, even their highest expectations would not have been to win all three of their T20Is, but following a 3-0 whitewash, they will now be looking to make it two series wins out of two. Their recent form in the ODI format is not good, having won just one out of the last five matches.

AFG vs BAN Match Details

Date: 8th October, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

AFG vs BAN Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 235-250

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: AFG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction 1st ODI match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters to Watch in AFG vs BAN

• Tanzid Hasan (BAN) - 86 runs in this Series 

• Saif Hasan (BAN) - 82 runs in this Series 

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) – 82 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in AFG vs BAN

• Rashid Khan (AFG) - 6 wickets in this Series 

• Nasum Ahmed (BAN) - 5 wickets in this Series 

• Azmatullah Omerzai (AUS) - 5 wicket in this Series 

AFG vs BAN Recent Form

AFG vs BAN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AFG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AFG is expected to score 250-260 runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 25-30 Runs 

Scenario 2- If BAN bats first

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 215-230 runs.

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 5 wickets 

AFG vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

Afghanistan (AFG) Playing XI 

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, A. M. Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem, Abdollah Ahmadzai.

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI

Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.

AFG vs BAN Complete Squad

Afghanistan - 

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullag Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and Mohammad Saleem.

Bangladesh -

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (WK), Nurul Hasan (WK), Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam and Taskin Ahmed

AFG vs BAN Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

Afghanistan to win

We predict that Afghanistan will win the 1st ODI match. The likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan will be key players to watch out for.

In the 9th fixture of the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh will meet Afghanistan on Tuesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The two teams have a dynamic and newly built rivalry. They have produced some of the best thrilling matches in the past, and we expect a similar performance on Tuesday. 

Bangladesh currently ranks 3rd in the Group B point table. They have managed to score a single win and have lost a single fixture. Their net run rate stands at -0.650. Afghanistan is currently at the top of the point table with a single win, and their net run rate stands at +4.700. 

BAN vs AFG Match Details

Date: 16th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium

Live Streaming: Fancode  

BAN vs AFG Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BAN vs AFG Dream11 Prediction 9th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters BAN vs AFG

• Litton Das (BAN) - 87 runs in this tournament 

• Sediqullah Atal (AFG) - 73 runs in this tournament 

• Azmatullah Omerzai (BAN) - 55 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler BAN vs AFG

• Tanzim Hasan (BAN) - 3 wickets in this tournament 

• Gulbadin (AFG) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

BAN vs AFG Recent Performance

BAN vs AFG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AFG bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AFG is expected to score 165-175 runs

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2- If the BAN bats first

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 130-145 runs.

• Result prediction- AFG will win the match by 2 wickets 

BAN vs AFG Predicted Playing XI

Bangladesh (SL) Playing XI 

Litton Das (c & wk), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Afghanistan (AFG) Playing XI 

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

BAN vs AFG Complete Squad

Bangladesh - 

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

Afghanistan -

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

BAN vs AFG Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Afghanistan to win

We predict that Afghanistan will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Rashid Khan will be key players to watch out for.

The Asia Cup 2025 is all set to get underway on September 9 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening Group B clash. Afghanistan enter the tournament after a narrow defeat to Pakistan in the UAE Tri-Series final but showed plenty of positives during the competition. Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, the team will look to bounce back strongly, banking on the batting firepower of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, along with the experience of Mohammad Nabi, to begin their campaign confidently.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, return to international action after their recent participation in the Asia Pacific Cricket Championship Trophy 2025, where they finished as runners-up to Malaysia. Though considered underdogs in this competition, the team will be eager to showcase their potential on the continental stage. With limited exposure against top-ranked sides, Hong Kong will aim to put their best foot forward, test Afghanistan’s depth, and create a memorable impact in the Asia Cup.

See Also: Saudi Arabia set to stage World Cricket Festival 2025

Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Match 1: Live Streaming Details

Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Match 1: Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan (Probable Playing XI):

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Hong Kong (Probable Playing XI):

Yasim Murtaza (c), Anshy Rath, Martin Coetzee, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Zeeshan Ali (wk), Aizaz Khan, Nizakat Khan, Ateeq Iqbal, Ali Hassan, Ehsan Khan

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.

See Also: Sony Network puts heavy advertisement price for India's matches ahead of Asia Cup 2025

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.

In IPL 2025 Match No. 39 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT), an important missing face on KKR playing XI was Quinton de Kock. Instead of de Kock and Anrich Nortje, the team decided to add Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Moeen Ali to the playing field.

Non-availability of de Kock is a glaringly evident strategic decision of the KKR management. While he has played a match-winning 97 not out against Rajasthan Royals in the last season, his overall performance in other games has been streaky with scores of 4, 1, 1, 15, 23, and 2. This inconsistency would have most likely made the team seek alternatives at the top of the batting order.

Hard-hitting batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz was included to give a new perspective to KKR's opening pair. Moeen Ali's addition provides depth to the batting and bowling units, and there is also flexibility in strategy.

A look at Quinton De Kock’s performance throughout IPL 2025

As of April 21, 2025, Quinton de Kock has appeared in four matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 competition. In these matches, he has scored 143 runs, 35.75 runs per match and 152.2 runs per strike. His highest score was an unbeaten 97 against the Rajasthan Royals, his season-high score and a deciding factor in KKR's eight-wicket win.

Apart from his batting, de Kock has been keeping himself busy behind the wickets, taking a couple of catches and continuing to consolidate himself as a solid wicketkeeper. His recent exclusion from the playing XI in Match 39 against Gujarat Titans, though, indicates tactical rotation or rest, as there has been no mention of any injury reports. Overall, de Kock's performance in IPL 2025 has been a mix of brilliance and strategic management, reflecting both his experience and the team's tactical decisions.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: A review of his IPL 2025 campaigns and impact in previous seasons

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the flamboyant Afghan wicket-keeper batsman, has hogged the Indian Premier League (IPL) limelight since his entry in 2023. With his aggressive batting and quick wicket-keeping capabilities, Gurbaz has proven to be an outstanding asset to his franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

IPL 2025 performance

In the current season of IPL 2025, Gurbaz has remained a force to be reckoned with as an opening batsman for KKR. Although match-by-match records of the season concerned are not being discussed here, his availability in the playing XI and consistent contributions have remained paramount to the side's schemes. His ability to provide explosive opening has remained essential to achieving competitive scores and pursuing difficult targets.

Earlier IPL Seasons

Gurbaz's IPL career began in 2023 when he was traded from Gujarat Titans to KKR. In 13 games in his first season, he made 289 runs at a strike rate of 22.23, with two half-centuries. He made a personal best of 81 runs against Gujarat Titans, which indicates that he can also perform against good teams as well. In the 2024 season too, Gurbaz was an integral part of KKR's team, contributing runs with the bat and behind the wickets. Not only did his performances give depth to KKR's batting, but solidity to the wicketkeeping as well.

Also read: IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals provide major update on skipper Sanju Samson , Know all about it

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are preparing to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) tomorrow (April 15) at Mullanpur Stadium. KKR and PBKS, both with 6 points, are currently in fifth and sixth place, respectively. KKR, with a slightly better net run rate, holds its spot over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 points table. Though PBKS played a game less than KKR— KKR with 6 points after playing 6, and PBKS with 6 points after playing 5. A win over the defending champion will take the Punjab-based team to a higher position on the ladder.

Read More: Which team used the impact player rule best in IPL 2025?

KKR have so far experienced a bumpy road with 3 defeats. To hoist the trophy in back-to-back seasons, they need to show their team bonding and a performance as a unit on the field. KKR, on their social media platforms, shared some moments from their practice session. A video with the caption "Gurbaz: Making of a Mystery Spinner" shows Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz teaming up with Sunil Narine and bowling in the net.

Narine started his cricket career as a mystery spinner. Later, he developed his batting skills, and now he is a regular opening batter for KKR. But his aura as a spinner still lives on. New generation players try to replicate the West Indian cricketer's bowling action, the same we can see in the video with Gurbaz.

Watch the video here;

Gurbaz: Making of a Mystery Spinner 😅 pic.twitter.com/U6ZiB5JeJS

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 14, 2025

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is waiting for his turn in the first XI

Afghanistan's star opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has recently been seen honing his spin bowling skills in the nets, drawing inspiration from none other than Sunil Narine. Observing Narine’s unique grip and bowling action closely, Gurbaz decided to experiment with his own version of spin, adding a new dimension to his cricketing skillset. Although yet to make his first appearance in IPL 2025 for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the young batter is making the most of his time in training sessions.

Gurbaz has been a part of the KKR setup since 2023. That season marked his best IPL performance so far, where he amassed 227 runs across 11 innings. However, the following year saw limited opportunities, with the Afghan opener getting to play just two innings and scoring 62 runs. Across his IPL journey with KKR, Gurbaz has accumulated 289 runs from 13 innings—a promising record that he’ll look to build upon in the current season.