Beckenham, June 14 – India's highly anticipated intrasquad fixture between India and India A kicked off on a steady note, offering crucial match practice ahead of the five-Test series against England. The game, being the team's sole warm-up for the headline series, also heralded a new leadership era as Shubman Gill led the red-ball team for the first time after Rohit Sharma's Test retirement.

Batting first in favorable English conditions, the top order made maximum use. Skipper Shubman Gill appeared poised and classy, scoring a confident half-century characterized by classy shots and aggressive foot movement. KL Rahul, the other experienced player on the team, equaled Gill's contribution with a fluent fifty of his own, giving an indication of his role in India's changing middle-order strategy.

Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers on Day 1. While individual figures weren't made public, the BCCI confirmed that Thakur accounted for a couple of important wickets, taking maximum advantage of the conditions available. Jasprit Bumrah, who is likely to play a pivotal role in the series ahead, bowled an ultra-short but high-intensity spell, getting into the rhythm early.

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Teenagers Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal also had some time in the middle, although they were probably dismissed after making promising beginnings. In the absence of official scores being released, attention was on individual application and preparation for the England series. 

New Era Begins Amid Emotional Backdrop

This intrasquad match also signifies the opening of a new chapter in Indian cricket, with the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin redefining the identity of the team. The game is a make-or-break test for the next generation, especially considering India's traditional failure in English conditions.

📍 Beckenham

A solid Opening Day in the Intra-Squad game!

Half-centuries for KL Rahul & Captain Shubman Gill 👌 👌

Shardul Thakur amongst the wickets 👍 👍 pic.twitter.com/7lfEFoL4KE

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2025

See Also: MLC 2025, Match 2: MI New York vs Texas Super Kings Full Match Highlights

The players sported black armbands on Day 1 as a gesture of respect for victims of a recent calamity, with BCCI posting pictures in solidarity with mourning families. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was not present in the camp, having flown back to India because of a family crisis.

Despite the emotional undertone, the Indian team remained focused as the match continued until June 16 — a crucial opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills before the opening Test at Leeds.

India The team experienced an overall decent run against England Lions in two unofficial Test matches. Both of the matches resulted in draws. With multiple centuries, half-centuries, and some good bowling spells, players in India A playing combination mostly dealt with a pragmatic approach. But, as we know, every coin has two different sides. India A team performance contains some drawbacks also. 

Three negatives for India from the 2nd unofficial Test match:

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yashasvi Jaiswal, against England Lions, was unable to fulfill the expectations in both unofficial matches. After an impressive IPL campaign and the excellent numbers in the Whites the opener contains, naturally he has to carry high expectations. Jaiswal, 23, needs to perform as steadily as possible if he wants to be the next big thing in the cricket world in the next few years. 

• 2nd multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 17 and 5
• 1st multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 24 and 64

Read More: Three Positives India can take away from 2nd unofficial Test match

Shardul Thakur: While all-rounders like Anshul Kamboj and Tanush Kotian were making runs and contributing with the ball by taking wickets, Shardul Thakur continued his below-par performance for two unofficial tests against the England Lions. The 33-year-old cricketer, hailing from Palghar, showcased his all-around skills in domestic cricket and then got a chance to shine in IPL 2025. From there he caught a flight to the UK. But there, he produced barely any numbers justifying his talent. 

• 2nd multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 19 & 34, 0/40
• 1st multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 27, 2/105

Jasprit Bumrah's absence: An Indian bowling line-up with Jasprit Bumrah, as for now, is unthinkable and an eye-shooting sight for Indian cricket fans. The X-factor and spark he carries into the team are simply unmatchable. Khaleel Ahmed, Tanush Kotian, Anshul Kamboj, and Tushar Deshpande took wickets for India. A team against England Lions, but the surprising elements, the speed and the deadly yorkers, were missing from the arsenal. 

In a surprising turn of events before the much-awaited England Test series, the India A team announcement has left people wondering with the comeback of some veteran players, indicating possible support for the main team. The India A team is scheduled to face the visiting England Lions in two four-day games. The fixtures are to be held between June 26 and July 6, and the matches will be played at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, respectively.

The chosen India A team comprises a combination of bright young prospects and veteran campaigners, which implies that the selectors are interested in keeping tabs on form and fitness in the lead-up to the five-Test home series against England this year. As performances in these matches will likely determine senior team selections, all eyes will be on the returnees who have displayed grit in the domestic scene.

The complete India The team is Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, KS Bharat (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Saurabh Kumar, Arzan Nagwaswalla, and Tilak Varma.

Also read: List of IPL players who have stand or pavilion in their name

Comeback Trail: Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini Among Returnees

One of the picks of the comebacks is Karun Nair, who hadn't played a Test since 2017 even though he had scored a triple-century against England the previous year. His comeback is a result of a reassessment of his red-ball performances in domestic cricket. Shardul Thakur, an established Test performer with the ball and useful bat, also makes it back after a short layoff, retaining the selectors' interest in his all-round ability.

Navdeep Saini, who has been battling injuries, is another interesting name. Once considered among India’s fastest bowlers, Saini’s inclusion shows he is back in the mix for red-ball cricket. KS Bharat, despite mixed outings in the senior team, retains the backing of selectors and will aim to cement his role as a long-term wicketkeeping option.

Also back from their previous flirtations with senior squad call-ups are Washington Sundar and Arzan Nagwaswalla. These returns indicate the management is looking to throw a wide net and capture the best talent in order to develop depth and preparedness before the high-pressure Test series against England.

As the T20 Mumbai League 2025 Auction played out amidst intense bidding and drama, the anticipation of one of Mumbai's most prestigious domestic cricket events was palpable. The franchises were aggressive in their pursuit to acquire the best cricketing talents in Mumbai; therefore, many of the young, emerging stars cost a pretty penny.

Auction Highlights and Top Bids

The auction was a testament to the wealth of Mumbai cricket talent, with franchises competing to acquire both proven names and young prospects. The day's biggest acquisition was Atharva Ankolekar, who went for ₹16.25 lakh to Eagle Thane Strikers, a confirmation of his increasing reputation as an all-rounder with utility value. Hot on his heels were Musheer Khan and Sairaj Patil, both signed up for ₹15 lakh by ARCS Andheri and Eagle Thane Strikers, respectively, underlining the value placed on young, dynamic players.

The other big purchases were Ayush Mhatre (₹14.75 lakh, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (₹14 lakh, SoBo Mumbai Falcons), and Shams Mulani (₹14 lakh, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs), all of whom have already caused ripples in domestic and IPL circuits. The bidding duels highlighted the franchises' intention to mix experience with youth to build competitive teams.

Also Read: Shocking Update: Will IPL 2025 be cancelled due to Operation Sindhoor?

Team-wise Player Breakdown

Triumph Knights Mumbai Northeast

• Icon Player: Suryakumar Yadav (₹20 lakh)
• Top Buys: Ayush Mhatre (₹14.75 lakh), Suryansh Shedge (₹13.75 lakh)
• Other Notables: Sidhaant Aadhhathrao (₹7.75 lakh), Parikshit Valsangkar (₹7.25 lakh), Jay Jain (₹4 lakh)

Bandra Blasters

• Icon Player: Ajinkya Rahane (₹20 lakh)
• Top Buys: Suved Parkar (₹8.50 lakh), Akash Anand (₹8.25 lakh)
• Other Picks: Royston Dias, Karsh Kothari, Dhanit Raut
  

North Mumbai Panthers

• Icon Player: Prithvi Shaw (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Mohit Avasthi (₹10.50 lakh), Tanush Kotian (₹10 lakh)
  
• Talented Additions: Divyansh Saxena, Khizar Dafedar, Harshal Jadhav
  

SoBo Mumbai Falcons

• Icon Player: Shreyas Iyer (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Angkrish Raghuvanshi (₹14 lakh), Siddharth Raut (₹7 lakh)
  
• Supporting Cast: Vinayak Bhoir, Harsh Aghav, Kush Kariya
  

ARCS Andheri

• Icon Player: Shivam Dube (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Musheer Khan (₹15 lakh), Prasad Pawar (₹13 lakh)
  
• Other Signings: Himanshu Singh, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddid Tiwari
  

Eagle Thane Strikers

• Icon Player: Shardul Thakur (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Atharva Ankolekar (₹16.25 lakh), Sairaj Patil (₹15 lakh)
  
• Emerging Talents: Shashank Attarde, Harsh Tanna, Varun Lavande
  

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC Match 58 - A Head to Head breakdown

Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs

• Icon Player: Sarfaraz Khan (₹20 lakh)
• Top Buys: Shams Mulani (₹14 lakh), Jay Bista (₹12 lakh)
  
• Strong Lineup: Hardik Tamore, Ayaz Ahmed, Siddharth Akre
  

Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals

• Icon Player: Tushar Deshpande (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Siddhesh Lad (₹10.25 lakh), Aditya Dhumal (₹7.25 lakh)
  
• Promising Selections: Sachin Yadav, Khan Awais Naushad, Rohan Ghag
  

The T20 Mumbai League 2025 is returning after six years with a bang. The thrilling competition will be played between May 26 and June 8 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Promoted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the league is famous for providing opportunities for young cricketers to establish themselves and gain experience from stars.

Eight icon players have been signed by the MCA this year, and they have all played for India. They are among the best and most successful Mumbai cricketers. They include Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande.

Coming back with such stalwart names, the league will inspire budding cricketers and thrill the audience, says MCA President Ajinkya Naik. He is confident that these legends are the real ambassadors of and pass on the true spirit and legacy of Mumbai cricket and will guide young talent through the tournament.

🚨 THE ICON PLAYERS OF MUMBAI T20 LEAGUE 🚨

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Prithvi Shaw. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/8HXRFNn8Gj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 28, 2025

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Eight Franchises, Mentorship, and Huge Player Response

 There will be eight teams in the ongoing season, two of which will be new. All the teams are North Mumbai Panthers, ARCS Andheri, Triumph Knights, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers, Aakash Tigers, and new teams SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals. Each team can select one icon player to strengthen their team. The auction will take place on a date to be announced in the near future.

Besides the star players, veteran mentors such as Abhishek Nayar and Paras Mhambrey have also joined to ensure there is player development. The league has received more than 2800 registrations, which indicates the massive level of excitement among the players to be on the platform. The T20 Mumbai League 2025 will certainly be an exciting and memorable cricket carnival with the right blend of experience and young guns.

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) will host the 30th match of the IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings (LSG vs CSK) on Monday evening (April 14). Before this fixture, let's check its Dream11 top captains and vice-captains. 

IPL 2025, Match 30: LSG vs CSK Probable XIs

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain and wk), Ayush Badoni/Shamar Joseph (Impact Subs), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Digvesh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi

Chennai Super Kings Predicted Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway/Khaleel Ahmed (Impact Player Sub), Rahul Tripathi/Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (Captain and wk), Ravichandran Ashwin/Anshul Kamboj, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Kamlesh Nagarkoti

See Also: Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings (LSG vs CSK): Match 30, IPL 2025, Match Preview

IPL 2025, Match 30: LSG vs CSK Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: Orange Cap holder Nicholas Pooran is in great batting form as he has scored 349 runs in six innings with an average of 69.80 and a strike rate of 215.43, including four half-centuries. His scores in this tournament are 75, 70, 44, 12, 87*, and 61 runs, respectively. 

Shardul Thakur: Shardul Thakur is the second most wicket-taker in the IPL 2025. The right-arm pacer took 11 wickets in six games, including one four-fer, which was also his best bowling figures in his IPL career (4/34).

Khaleel Ahmed: CSK left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has taken 10 wickets in six matches. He has started this IPL season impressively. 

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Aiden Markram: Aiden Markram is returning to form strongly as he scored 45+ scores in the last three innings (53, 47, and 58 runs). He has scored 202 runs in six innings with an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of 153.03, including two half-centuries. 

Noor Ahmad: CSK Afghan left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad is holding the IPL 2025 Purple Cap with 12 wickets in six matches. Although Lucknow isn't a spin bowling-friendly venue, the in-form spinner still has to play a key role for his struggling team.  

Vijay Shankar: All-rounder Vijay Shankar is a big hope for CSK to turn around the situation. During the match against Delhi Capitals, while CSK were struggling at 74/5 in their chase of 184 runs, Vijay scored a fighting 69 off 54 balls. Also, in their last game against Kolkata Knight Riders, while CSK scored 103/9, Vijay's 29-run knock was the second-highest score for his team. 

On Tuesday afternoon (April 8), the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which has been scheduled for the 21st match of the IPL 2025. Let's check the KKR vs LSG Dream11 top captains and vice-captains.  

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Probable XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub)

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh/Digvesh Rathi (Impact Sub), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep

See Also: KKR vs LSG: Match 21 Weather and Pitch Report IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran has proven himself one of the most dangerous batters with his strong six-hitting abilities. He has scored 75, 70, 44, and 12 runs this season and also holds the record for most sixes in this IPL season with 16 sixes. 

Mitchell Marsh: In the ongoing IPL season, Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh scored 72, 52, 0, and 60 runs, respectively. He is providing fiery starts with a strike rate of 160+. 

Varun Chakravarthy: Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is a key name in the KKR squad, who is currently in dream form with the ball. He has taken six wickets in four matches this IPL season, including taking three wickets in their last game against SunRisers Hyderabad. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Sunil Narine: Caribbean cricketer Sunil Narine is still fighting hard to find his form. In this IPL season, his best performance is a 44-run knock as an opener in the first match of the tournament. He has also picked up two wickets in three matches this season. 

Andre Russell: Another KKR all-rounder Andre Russell hasn't produced his fiery batting performance yet as he hasn't managed double-digit scores in three innings of this tournament. However, in the last two games, Russell picked up two wickets each. 

Shardul Thakur: While KKR's top-order batting is struggling, LSG pacer Shardul Thakur will have an important role with the new ball. He has already taken seven wickets in four matches in the IPL 2025, including picking up two wickets in his first over of their first two matches of the season. 

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face off against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 16th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 . Both teams have had similar starts to the season, with one win and two losses each from their three matches so far. Mumbai Indians come into this game on a high, having defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in their last outing. In contrast, LSG will be aiming for a strong comeback after suffering a loss to Punjab Kings in their previous match.

Here, we are going through the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains for the LSG vs MI match. 

IPL 2025, Match 16: LSG vs MI Probable XIs

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep

Mumbai Indians Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma/Vignesh Puthur (Impact Players), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks/Bevon Jacobs, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar

See Also: LSG VS MI: Match 16 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 16: LSG vs MI Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: There is no shock that Nicholas Pooran is leading the Orange Cap battle with 189 runs in three innings after scoring 75, 70, and 44 runs, respectively. His incredible six-hitting ability can destroy any bowling line-up.

Hardik Pandya: MI captain Hardik Pandya has to take important roles for his team. While the MI skipper is yet to perform strongly with the bat, he has taken three wickets in two matches. He can play strong finisher roles both as a batter and a bowler. 

Mitchell Marsh: Although Mitchell Marsh scored a golden duck in their last game against Punjab Kings, he previously scored 72 and 52 runs against Delhi Capitals and SunRisers Hyderabad, respectively. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Shardul Thakur: Although Shardul Thakur went wicketless in their last game, he started well in the previous two matches by picking up a total of two and four wickets, including his best bowling figures in his IPL career (4/34).

Deepak Chahar: Indian pacer Deepak Chahar has a strong experience and started well in the IPL 2025 with four wickets in three matches, including three wickets in the powerplay. 

Trent Boult: Although New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult is mostly silent in the early IPL 2025, he is improving well with every game. 

Rohit Sharma is known for his cheerful and friendly nature, both on and off the field. His warm personality makes him popular among both young and experienced players, whether from India or abroad.

Ahead of the IPL 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, a light-hearted moment grabbed attention. MI shared a delightful video of their former captain, Rohit Sharma, reconnecting with LSG's all-rounder Shardul Thakur and mentor Zaheer Khan.

As Rohit walked in, Shardul, known for his playful nature, cheekily declared, "Rohit Sharma ek hi jan ko milne aata hai ground me - The Lord."

Rohit, amused, responded with a grin, "Khudko 'The Lord' bol raha hain."

Without missing a beat, Shardul quipped, "Aur kya? Tune hi rakha hai naam."

Rohit then turned to Zaheer, greeting him with a warm hug, "Mr Khan, how are you man?"

Watch the video here;

Lovely to meet 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙙 & 𝙈𝙧. 𝙆𝙝𝙖𝙣 😂💙#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #LSGvMI [Rohit Sharma] pic.twitter.com/pTDdh0Uwh1

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 3, 2025

Mumbai Indians clash with Lucknow Super Giants in Mumbai

The MI vs. LSG clash on Friday is a crucial matchup, as both teams have struggled with consistency, winning just one of their three games. MI, led by Hardik Pandya, have faced challenges with form, especially in their batting lineup. While Ryan Rickelton stood out in their victory against KKR, Rohit Sharma's lack of big scores and the absence of Jasprit Bumrah continue to be key concerns.

LSG, sitting just below  Mumbai Indians in the standings, have depended on Nicholas Pooran’s powerful batting, with Mitchell Marsh offering valuable support. However, Shardul Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi will need to deliver stronger performances with the ball. With LSG leading the head-to-head record 5-1, MI will be determined to turn things around and break their dominance.

Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings (LSG vs PBKS) has been scheduled for the 13th match of the IPL 2025 on Tuesday evening (April 1), while Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) will host it. Let's check the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains of the match. 

IPL 2025, Match 13: LSG vs PBKS Probable XIs