In the match no 24 of up 2025,Gorakhpur Lions won a crazy match against Meerut Mavericks losing of 7 wickets, chasing 191 runs with just four balls remaining. The game had everything, big hits, classic batting, and some quick knock finishes, but the star of the game was Nishant Kushwah with his brilliant 92-runs knock.

The Day of the Lions! A dominant win against the Mavericks.

Watch live on SonyLIV and Sony Sports Network. #UPT20League #ANAXUPT20League #KhiladiYahanBantaHai #GGLvsMM pic.twitter.com/PsQifN0JL0

— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 29, 2025

Meerut Mavericks batted first and scored 190/5 in 20 overs. Swastik Chikara made 42 runs from 35 balls, and Madhav Kaushik supported with 32. The real game-changer for the game was Ritik Vats, who scored 44 runs in just 15 balls with five sixes. Divyansh Rajput scored quick fire knock of 21 runs in 8 balls, helping his team post a good total.

𝘕𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵’𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 against the Mavericks. #UPT20League #ANAXUPT20League #KhiladiYahanBantaHai #GGLvsMM pic.twitter.com/Yb955ef1MH

— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 29, 2025

ALSO READ: DPL 2025 : Updated points table and Key player stats after Eliminator
In reply, Gorakhpur Lions started confidently. Kushwah led from the front, hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes in his 92 from 61 balls. Captain Akshdeep Nath played an important knock of 44 runs in 29 balls. Kartik Tyagi picked two crucial wickets for Meerut, Gorakhpur stayed calm and kept the chase easy. In the final overs, Siddharth Yadav scored 14 runs in just 5 balls to finish the game in style. Meerut Mavericks fought hard, but Kushwah’s innings made the difference and took Gorakhpur Lions won the game.

Kashi Rudras won against Meerut Mavericks by 91 runs. It was a day game when their captain Karan Sharma played well with a superb unbeaten 107 runs in 54 balls, hitting 7 fours and 9 sixes. His fearless batting lifted the team to a massive 224/3 in 20 overs. Uvaish Ahmed, who scored 69 runs in 38 balls with 7 big sixes. Together, they built a good partnership that left the Mavericks' bowlers helpless.

Quick runs from Abhishek Goswami 18 runs and Saksham Rai 22 runs added to the total, scoring a strong target. Chasing 225 runs was always going to be tough for Meerut Mavericks, and their innings never really got going. Swastik Chikara played a fighting knock of 58 runs from 41 balls, while Rituraj Sharma tried to counterattack with 25 off 15. But apart from them, no other batter could stay long at the crease.

Swagstik’s stylish knock against the Rudras went down like this.

Watch live on @SonyLIV and @SonySportsNetwk. #UPT20League #ANAXUPT20League #KhiladiYahanBantaHai #KRvsMM pic.twitter.com/9wwwcXprPo

— UP T20 League (@t20uttarpradesh) August 23, 2025

Skipper Rinku Singh fell cheaply for just 1 run, and with that, the chase slipped out of their hands. The Rudras bowled well and were disciplined. Kartik Yadav took 3 wickets for just 10 runs, while Atal Bihari Vipin Rai took 3 wickets conceding 27 runs and Shivam Mavi 2 wickets 32 runs took important wickets when the team needed them.

ALSO READ: "Royals ne jeet ko banaya aur bhi khaas apne andaaz se"- Southern Brave Women against London Spirit Women by 8 wickets

The Mavericks could only manage 133/9 in 20 overs, falling way short of the target. It was a dominating performance from Kashi Rudras, with their captain leading from the front. The huge win not only gave them two important points but also showed that they are one of the strongest sides in the competition.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended the 17-year wait for an IPL title on Tuesday (June 3), making history at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad by beating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final of the IPL 2025. The win was a long-awaited breakthrough for the franchise, with several players coming on strong throughout the season.

But although the victory was theirs, not all members of their squad contributed meaningfully. Some players either did not convert their chances or did not even play, prompting very heavy speculation that RCB might let them go before the IPL 2026 auction, likely later this year or early next year.

1. Nuwan Thushara

Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Thushara was retained for ₹1.5 crore in the 2025 IPL auction. He played only one match, against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he bowled tightly and took 1 wicket for 26 runs from his four-over spell. Although he performed well, Thushara was kept on the bench because of the availability of senior overseas pacers. RCB can consider releasing him to create space for more cricket-balanced bowling personnel.

2. Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi appeared in two games for RCB in IPL 2025 and took four wickets. But he leaked runs at a costly economy rate of 10.12 and was not available for the playoffs because of international commitments. Though his strike power is a plus point, his inconsistency and injury record are an area of concern. RCB might release him to accommodate more reliable overseas bowlers.

3. Blessing Muzarabani

Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani played not a single match in IPL 2025 even after being in the squad. His function was to be a seamer on call, but he was never given the opportunity because of a settled bowling attack. With no contribution and with experience being limited for him in high-pressure leagues, the chances of his retention are bleak. RCB can release him to look for more energetic backup possibilities.

4. Rasikh Dar

J&K pacer Rasikh Dar was purchased at ₹6 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He featured in two games—against KKR and GT—but didn't make a mark, taking just one wicket while giving away runs at a rate of more than 11 runs per over. After sitting out the remainder of the tournament, it was evident he wasn't part of RCB's major schemes. Given his hefty price tag, release now appears a certainty.

See Also: Big Breaking! CSK list for player releasing out ahead of IPL 2026

5. Swastik Chikara

Swastik Chikara sat on the bench for the entire duration of IPL 2025. The young left-hand hitter could not find a place in RCB's potent top and middle order, which included consistent performers. Having no match minutes and minimal contribution to the team dynamics, his retention does not make sense. RCB could let him go and sign a more experienced domestic player.

6. Swapnil Singh

Swapnil Singh, the veteran left-arm spinner, did not find a game in RCB's championship-winning 2025 season. Though his experience is worth the bench, the team banked more on all-rounders and aggressive spinners throughout the season. With fresh and younger spin talent rising, Swapnil's chances of being retained seem thin. He could be released prior to the next auction.

The RCB camp is full of joy and euphoria following their scintillating win last night, which brought LSG down on their knees at the EKNA stadium. Jitesh Sharma led from the front and played a heroic knock of 85* to see his side over the line in an intense, high-scoring run chase. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt were the other two architects of the win. The duo compiled a well-constructed opening stand of 61 runs, which really helped RCB set the wheels in motion early on. Although Salt departed early, Kohli pushed on and played a pivotal cameo of 54 (30) to give Jitest a launchpad to power RCB over the finishing line.

See also: [WATCH]: Virat Kohli fumes as Digvesh Rathi mankads Jitesth Sharma

RCB's dominating six-wicket win has now placed them in the top two, meaning they will be locking horns with PBKS tomorrow in Qualifier 1. After the game, the RCB players were seen exchanging a light moment. Most notably, rookie RCB player Swastik Chikara was captured in a video alongside Virat Kohli, with the duo reportedly posing for a selfie. Both players smiled while clicking a selfie together. Chikara's happiness saw no bounds, and he expressed his delight almost instantly after clicking the picture. 

The 20-year-old commented by saying Kohli was his "bade bhaiya" meaning elder brother, and that he can click pictures with him anytime of the day. Kohli's reaction was swift and he hilariously laughed back at him and said "dimag kahta rehta hai" meaning he keeps bugging him all the time. 

Watch the entire video here:

pic.twitter.com/E3EYV6UTiO

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 28, 2025

This is not the first time Virat's jubilent expression has been observed from up close. In a few instances already this season, Virat was also spotted exchanging flying kisses with his better half, Anushka Sharma, which has mesmerized the fans and the cricketing pundits alike.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform where talent meets opportunity. However, with fierce competition and team combinations at play, several deserving players often find themselves warming the bench. As IPL 2025 progresses, a handful of skilled cricketers have yet to feature in the playing XI despite showing immense promise and consistent performances in domestic and previous IPL seasons. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 unused players in IPL 2025 who truly deserve a chance to showcase their potential on the big stage;

Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is an emerging young Indian cricketer who has already made a significant impact in domestic cricket. Known for his aggressive playing style and exceptional ability to score runs, he has quickly gained popularity among fans. Suryavanshi has become a valuable asset to his team and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.

His performances have garnered praise from both fans and analysts, and he is seen as a future star of Indian cricket. As he progresses in his career, his performances in the IPL will be closely followed by both fans and selectors.

Shaik Rashid

Shaik Rashid is a talented Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself as a reliable all-rounder. Known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, Rashid has earned the respect of both teammates and opponents. As a batter, he shows solid technique and consistency, often anchoring the innings when needed.

Additionally, the youngster can also contribute with the ball as a useful bowler and adds value in the field with his athleticism. His all-around capabilities make him a valuable asset to any team, and his balanced skill set continues to draw admiration across the cricketing circuit. With CSK struggling with poor form, the inclusion of Rasheed can be critical for the team's success.

Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell, the dynamic Jamaican cricketer, is widely known for his explosive batting and aggressive style at the crease. A fan-favorite in the T20 format, Powell’s ability to score quick runs and put pressure on the opposition makes him a key player in any lineup.

Renowned for his powerful hitting, he can change the course of a game within a few overs. In addition to his batting prowess, Powell is also a reliable fielder, adding value to his team with his athleticism. His all-around capabilities make him a vital asset in the fast-paced world of modern cricket.

Karun Nair

Karun Nair is a stylish Indian batter known for his elegant stroke play and ability to build big innings. With a calm and composed approach at the crease, he has played a crucial roles in many of his team’s victories. The talismanic right-hand batter has been in rich form leading up to IPL 2025, consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket. 

His performances have caught attention once again, and he is keen on making a strong case for a comeback to the Indian national side. Along with his sharp fielding, Nair’s experience and class make him a valuable asset in any playing XI.

Also Read:-IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans Lose Key Player Glenn Phillips to Injury

Swastik Chikara

Swastik Chikara is a promising young Indian cricketer, widely considered one of the nation’s brightest emerging talents. As a dynamic all-rounder, he has the ability to score quick runs and contribute with the ball, making him a valuable asset in the limited-overs format. With his skill set and determination, Chikara is poised to become a future star.

He possesses immense potential and is steadily building a reputation as both a dependable batter and a handy bowler. His all-round abilities make him a key player in any squad he represents. 

Alongside Chikara, there are several other standout cricketers who represent the elite class of global talent. These athletes are not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate and dedicated to the sport. With their relentless drive and talent, they are well on their way to reaching greater heights in the years to come.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s young talent, Swastik Chikara, turned 20 in style as the team came together to celebrate his special day. In a heartwarming video shared by RCB’s official Instagram page, the entire squad, including star players and coaching staff, joined in the birthday festivities, making it a memorable occasion for the youngster.

A Joyful Team Celebration

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@royalchallengers.bengaluru)

The video captures the vibrant atmosphere in the RCB camp, with players laughing, chatting, and cheering as Swastik cut his birthday cake.  Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of the team, took the honor of feeding Swastik a piece of cake, but what followed was an amusing moment that caught everyone’s attention.

Also read:  Take up IPL 2025: Who is Angkrish Raghuvanshi? Know all about it