Cricket is a sport where you must enhance your skills with sheer practice. To get perfection, you have to train and train hard. Professional players not only rely on practice but also take their training to the next level by including some drills. In this post, we have come up with 5 of some of the most intense drills that will help you enhance your game and take it to the next level. So without any further ado, let’s get on with 5 Essential Drills Every Cricketer Should Master.
Forward and Backward Defense Drill
One of the first and foremost drills every batter should perform is the forward and backward defense drill.
Purpose: To develop a proper defensive technique.
How to Perform: Have someone bowl at you or take the help of a bowling machine. While batting, try to reach the ball by stepping forward for a forward defense and moving backward for a backfoot defense. The bat should always be straight while meeting the ball. Try to play the ball close to the body.
Catching Drill
Fielding and catching is perhaps the most essential part of cricket. One should go for catching drills to perfect both flat and high catching.
Purpose: To improve hand-eye combination while catching.
How to perform: Use a leather ball and start with easy catches by throwing the ball against the wall from different angles.- This will help in improving flat catches. For high catching, go to an open ground and throw the ball up in the air as far as you can. Judge the ball and try to catch it.
Drill for Running between the Wickets
Running between the wickets is another important drill for every batter. Here’s how to perform this drill.
Purpose: Doing this will improve fitness, awareness, and communication with your partner.
How to Perform: To perform this drill, you need a 22-yard distance with stumps on either side. Now, practice a sprint with your partner and focus on quick calling, sharp turns, and calling ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ ‘wait,’ ‘two,’ etc.
This drill includes accurate throwing from the boundary line and hitting directly on the stumps from a certain fielding position.
Purpose: To hone direct hit accuracy and throws from the boundary line.
How to Perform: Place a stump or a target on the ground and try to throw the ball on the target from different angles. Focus on the body shape while throwing arm positioning and while doing so, the throw’s strength matters the most.
Target Bowling Drill
The target bowling drill is the most important drill for every bowler. Target bowling helps in bowling accuracy and consistency.
Purpose: To boost consistency, endurance, and accuracy in bowling.
How to Perform: To perform this drill, you need a set of stumps and try bowling on a consistent basis. Try bowling on the stumps or set up some marks where you are trying to improve and focus. For example: wide line yorkers, short-pitch bowling, good length deliveries, etc. Setting a marker on the pitch will help you a lot with your lengths.
Much like the USA experienced in the 90s and early 2000s, India is witnessing a string of many startups. If a problem exists in India, there probably is an app addressing it. Sports isn’t exempt from this phenomenon. Dream11 set the tone for sports startups with great success, with the company now a Fortune 500 entity.
There are numerous other start-ups with a vision of developing India’s sports ecosystem. Start-ups are making use of technology to enhance the performance of athletes, engage fans, and manage data. Solutions to grassroots problems are also being found through start-ups. Here is a glimpse of some of the top sports tech start-ups in India, which are transforming the sports ecsystem in India.
1. Sports Tech Startups – SportsApp
SportsApp was founded in 2018 with the sole aim of creating a platform for connecting athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts. Just like Twitter or other social media platform, this is a networking platform, specially designed for people with sports background.
This app allows aspiring athletes in finding opportunities, build portfolios, and get noticed by professional teams. The in-build suggestions feature for improvement is managed with the help of AI which helps players to work on their weakness.
Funding: So far, the company has raised over 3,47,000 dollars in seed funding across six rounds.
2. Sports Tech Startups – Hudle
Founded in 2015 by three sports enthusiasts – Suhail Narain, Arjun Singh Verma, and Sonam Taneja – Hudle is a sports tech startup that makes it easy for sports enthusiasts to book venues, find tournaments, and create local sports communities. This app aims to make sports more accessible and organized for general public, and urges a healthier lifestyle among urban populations.
Funding: Hudle has raised more than INR 7 Crores in funding up until now.
3. Sports Tech Startups – Fittr
Fittr offers in-depth progress tracking for its users, and keep track on metrics such as weight changes, body fat percentage, and workout performance.
Fittr, was originally launched as a fitness platform, but it has now expanded towards sports-specific training programs. The app offers AI-driven training plans, nutritional advice, and expert coaching for athletes across various disciplines. Fittr’s community-driven approach encourages users to share progress, challenges, and success stories, creating a close-knit environment for its users. What sets this app apart is its easy-to-use features which is helping even the most amateur person to achieve peak health.
Funding: The company has completed one round of seed funding, around ₹280,000,000.
4. Sports Tech Startups – KheloMore
KheloMore bridges the gap between grassroots and professional sports by directly associating a young athlete with a certified coach, academies, or sports infrastructure.
This network allows parents and students to find current, safe training programs in cricket, football, tennis, and many other sports. It also brings in data analytics to track the development of the athlete through app’s in-built features. KheloMore is thus solving much of India’s sports issues at the grassroots level. This app has more than 1 Lakh download on Android devices.
Funding: As per reports, KheloMore app has raised around $2 Million in Funding.
5. Sports Tech Startups – Sporjo
Sporjo has brought the limelight to the less-discussed off-field career opportunities in India. Beyond the playing field, there isn’t a clear pathway for the students about making a career in the sports. This is where Sporjo comes in.
They offer Career Guidance, mentorship, and placement services to the students seeking to make a career in the sports domain. The platform uses AI match making candidates with job opportunities in sports management, coaching, analytics, and other domains. Candidate preparation is done through the personalized assessments and training modules to be fit for roles in this competitive industry.
Funding: Sporjo is reportedly valued at INR 70 Crores and has raised around INR 14 crores so far.
6. Sports Tech Startups – Str8bat
Data-Driven Cricket Coaching Str8bat is an IoT (internet of things) based startup, catering to cricket lovers. Smart sensors attached to the cricket bats get data on batting angles, speed, power, and technique.
Str8bat really gives that real-time feedback that makes it possible for the players to understand their game better, along with analysis of their performance and identifying their weaknesses. Str8bat has made quite an impression as a result of its focus on balancing traditional sports with the advanced technology aspect. The company has created a lot of buzz across media for its innovative approach to involve tech into sports.
Funding: Till October 2024, sports tech startups, Str8bat, has raised around $3.5 Million in Series A Funding.
7. Sports Tech Startups – Playo
Playo is another notable sports tech startup in India that is creating a lot of waves. Playo is unique to some extent as it caters to almost every sport.
Be it for a tennis match, joining a local football team, or getting access to the nearby sports facilities, the app has something for almost everyone. In addition, the app also incorporates performance tracking, event management, as well as boasting social features that facilitate interactions amongst sports enthusaists. Being multi-sport in its orientation, Playo creates a feeling of community for players across India.
Funding: As per reports, sports tech startup Playo has raised around $500,000 in funding.
8. Sports Tech Startups – Rooter
Unlike other sports tech startups, which focuses strictly on athletes playing, Rooter is that one platform which has been built for fans. At its core, the idea behind the platform is to merge gaming and live sports interactions on one platform. Users get to enjoy live scores, match predictions, quizzes, and even streaming options on this platform. Rooter’s incentive-based approach-approach like rewards, leaderboards, and virtual trophies for customers helped the company grow a robust customer base. The innovative approach allows fans to stay connected beyond the traditional consumption of sports. Sports consumption has become interactive and joyful.
Funding: This sports tech startup has raised around a massive $16M in funding.
The Future of Sports Tech in India
This is the saga of India’s promised sports tech sector. Innovations in AI, IoT, big data, and blockchain are driving the increase in growth for this sector as these new-age startups bring about a new wave of entrepreneurship. The new-age startups are not just changing the way games are played, consumed, and governed but also impacting significantly upon the whole sports ecosystem, from grassroot to the very top level. For India to become a world sports giant, sports tech starts-ups will have to play an important role in developing talent, enhancing performance, and transforming fan experiences. These sports techs companies don’t just change the game – they have the power to rewrite its rules.
Pro Kabaddi League has been entertaining Kabaddi fans all around the globe since 2014. The league has been a favorite among all Kabaddi heads and has grown in stature. 10 seasons have been done and dusted, and we have witnessed 7 different winners. These seven winners include Jaipur Pink Panthers, U Mumba, Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriors, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi, and Puneri Paltan. However, out of these seven winners, only two teams have managed to get their hands on the title twice, i.e., Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers.
In this post, we will discuss the history and journey of the Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers, who have held the PKL title multiple times.
Patna Pirates are the most successful franchise in the history of Pro Kabaddi League. The Pirates won the elusive title in January 2016 for the first time by defeating the defending champions, U Mumba.
Later in the same year, Pirates defeated the inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers (June 2016) to claim the elusive title for the second time. They became the first-ever team to win the league twice in the same year.
Pirates carried their momentum to complete a hattrick of title wins by defeating Gujarat Fortune Giants in the following season in 2017.
Players like Manpreet Singh, Pardeep Narwal, Fazel Atrachali, etc., played a quintessential role in setting the legacy of Patna Pirates and were the prime architects of the team’s success.
Seasons
Total
Wins
Losses
Tied
% Win
Position
Season 1
16
8
6
2
56.25%
3rd place
Season 2
16
7
8
1
46.88%
4th place
Season 3
16
12
2
2
81.25%
Champions
Season 4
16
12
4
0
75.00%
Champions
Season 5
26
14
7
5
63.46%
Champions
Season 6
22
9
11
4
50.00%
Group stage
Season 7
22
8
13
1
38.64%
Group stage
Season 8
24
17
6
1
72.92%
Runners-up
Season 9
22
8
11
3
36.36%
Group stage
Season 10
24
12
9
3
50.00%
Semifinals
Jaipur Pink Panthers (2-time Champions)
Jaipur Pink Panthers is the second most successful team in PKL history. They have claimed the title twice in 2014 and 2022. Jaipur’s first PKL title win came in the inaugural season, i.e., 2014 under the leadership of experienced defender Navneet Gautam. Players like Jasvir Singh, Maninder Singh, Rajesh Narwal, Ran Singh, and skipper Navneet Gautam were pivotal in taking Jaipur Pink Panthers to title glory.
The Pink Panthers had to wait for 8 long seasons to claim their hands on the PKL title for the second time in PKL history. Under the inspirational leadership of Right Cover specialist Sunil Kumar, Jaipur Pink Panthers claimed the elusive title for the second time. Raider Arjun Deshwal was the lynchpin for the Pink Panthers in the season, as he ended the season with the most raid points. Besides Arjun, Ankush Rathee, Sunil Kumar, and Reza Mirbagheri also played a pivotal role in Jaipur’s success.
Pro Kabaddi League is a household name today. It is one of the most popular sporting leagues in the country and has grown its stature over the years. Pro Kabaddi has gained popularity due to its prolific Raiders and extraordinary Defenders.
Both facets of the game have their own significance in the game. However, when it comes to winning the league, Defenders are the ones who have to step up for good. In this post, we have come up with a list of 5 players who have the most tackle points in PKL history. So, let’s check out, which players have the most tackle points in the history of PKL?
The first name on this list is Iran’s National Kabaddi Team skipper Fazel Atrachali. Fazel is one of the most decorated defenders in PKL history. Having garnered 517 tackle points from 180 matches, the Iranian has been at the top of the mountain with no one nearing him and continues to grow with leaps and bounds. Having commenced his PKL career in 2015 with U Maumba, Fazel has gone on to represent teams like Gujarat Giants, Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, and Bengal Warriorz in a career spanning over 9 years. As of now, Fazel is leading the Bengal Warriorz in season 11 of PKL.
Matches
Total Tackles
Total Tackle Points
High 5s
180
899
517
31
PO Surjeet Singh (Right Cover)
Experienced Right Cover defender Surjeet Singh makes it to the second spot on this list. It was the 2016 season when Surjeet made his PKL debut for Puneri Paltan and made the league his own. After Puneri, Surjeet represented teams like U Mumba, Bengal Warriorz, Tamil Thalaivas, and Telugu Titans. Surjeet is currently trading his ploy for Jaipur Pink Panthers and has accumulated a total of 427 tackle points from 159 matches in PKL history. Check his PKL stats below.
Matches
Total Tackles
Total Tackle Points
High 5s
159
880
427
34
Manjeet Chhillar (All-rounder)
It’s a rare sight to see an all-rounder making the list of most tackles in PKL history, but Manjeet Chhillar is a different beast. Having played 132 PKL games, Chhillar has 392 tackle names to his name. He isn’t active today as he last represented Dabang Delhi in 2021-22 and played a pivotal role in helping Delhi claim their first-ever PKL trophy. Check Manjeet Chhillar’s PKL numbers below.
Matches
Total Tackles
Total Tackle Points
High 5s
135
746
391
25
Nitesh Kumar (Right Corner)
Standing at the 4th position on this list is Nitesh Kumar. Right Corner specialist Nitesh Kumar holds the record of being the only defender in the league’s history to claim 100 tackle points in a season. Nitesh achieved this feat in only his second season, i.e., the 2018 season, while playing for UP Yoddhas. Having commenced his career in 2017 for UP Yoddhas, Nitesh represented the side till 2023 and currently plays for Bengal Warriorz. The Right Corner specialist has 372 tackle points to his name from just 139 matches. Check his PKL numbers below.
Matches
Total Tackles
Total Tackle Points
High 5s
139
699
371
23
Sunil Kumar (Right Cover)
The final name on this list is the current U Mumba skipper Sunil Kumar. An experienced defender and a fabulous skipper, Sunil holds the record for most wins as a captain in PKL history. Sunil commenced his PKL journey with Patna Pirates in 2016 but featured in only a solitary game. The following year, Sunil was called up by Coach Manpreet Singh to Gujarat Giants where he gained all his accolades. Having featured for 8 consecutive years since his debut in PKL, Sunil has accumulated 364 tackle points from 149 games and currently leading U Mumba in season 11 of Pro Kabaddi League.
Besides practicing their sport, an athlete must include strength training in their daily routine to reach their maximum capacity. Good equipment aids in the improvement of performance and increases resilience which leads to less chance of picking up an injury. But picking up a good equipment could be a tedious task as every muscle require different equipment.
For example, adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells are excellent for strength-building versatility, Resistance bands and weighted jump ropes are necessary for endurance and flexibility. High quality workout bench and power cage are designed to ensure safe and effective lifting routines. Recovery tools such as foam rollers, among others, help in muscle recovery to prevent burnout.
Every equipment deals with the specific fitness aspect. While training with good equipment, an athlete can always be at peak performance. Here’s a list of Essential Strength Training Equipment Every Athlete Needs.
How adjustable dumbbells can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
The dumbbell can be transformed into a barbell using the connecting bar, while the push-up bars can convert it into a kettlebell. Its adjustable design allows the weights to range from 2 to 28 kg. The innovative adjustable weight system lets you gradually increase resistance over time, eliminating the need to purchase additional weights.
SportSutra Recommends: Burnlab 6 in 1 multifunctional weight training kit
Convertible Features: It can be converted into a barbell and the push-up bars can be turned into a kettlebell.
Adjustable Weight: Weight can be adjusted from 2 to 28 Kg.
Better Safety Measures: Diamond knurled and non-slip grip with thickened nuts ensure better safety.
Multifunctional: Multi weight options means, no need to buy additional weights.
How Kettlebells can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Adding Kettlebells into the training program, an athlete can gain strength, power, postural coordination and endurance. Kettlebell training is a versatile and effective method for enhancing athletes’ performance across various sports.
SportSutra Recommends: Flexnest The Flexikettle 7-In-1 Adjustable Weight Kettlebells
Adjustable Weight: 1 kettlebell with 7 different weights adjustments.
Easily adjustable plates: the FlexiKettle weighs 5 lbs without plates and reaches 20 lbs when all plates are added.
Better Grip: Comes with an ergonomic handle, allowing better safety.
How Resistance Bands can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Resistance bands are versatile. If used on a consistent basis, they can have a significant impact on an athlete’s fitness by improving strength, flexibility, and endurance. They target specific muscles, support recovery, and provide effective, low-impact training for all skill levels.
SportSutra Recommends: Fashnex Premium 11 pcs Resistance Band set
Portable: Comes with a convenient pouch, making it perfect for travel.
Versatility: Can be used independently or in any combination with a maximum resistance level of 100 lbs.
Suitability: From young athletes to experienced coaches, anyone can use it.
How Weighted Jump Ropes can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Weighted jump ropes can play a big role role in improving an athlete’s fitness. They can improve coordination, and build strength. They can increase agility, stamina, and can help in building muscles.
SportSutra Recommends: FittyFlux 1.2 Kg Weighted Jump Rope
Super Performance: Polyester weighted roped, engineered for superior durability and performance.
More output: 10 minutes of training with this rope equals 30 minutes of running.
Better Quality: Made with polymer synthetic fiber which is the perfect material for heavy jump ropes.
Versatility: Can be used anywhere – be it at home, the gym, or the office.
How Adjustable Workout Benches can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Adjustable workout benches can be game-changer for athletes, as they offer versatility in strength training. They can be adjusted for incline and decline positions. Using them can help in targeting different muscle groups, improving strength, stability, and overall fitness performance.
SportSutra Recommends: Flexnest Commercial Grade Adjustable And Foldable Gym Bench
Enhanced Exercise Options: Can be used with resistance bands.
Durable and Comfortable: Made with high-quality PU leather, offering both durability and comfort.
User-Friendly Setup: Easy to set up as it comes with clear assembly instructions.
Super Built Quality: Robust frame with a flat 250 kg weight capacity.
How Power Cages can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Power cages provide athletes with a safe and effective way to indulge in heavy lifts, such as squats and bench presses. Including power cages in training manual can improve strength, stability, and can also help in muscle development. They can also minimize injury risks.
SportSutra Recommends: BULLAR Power Squat Rack Heavy-Duty Adjustable Frame, Power Cages
High-Quality Material: Super built quality that provides extra stability and support for up to 500 lbs.
Anti Rust: Powder coated finish that prevents rusting.
Multi Functionality: Features 2 barbell storage racks and supports various exercises like squats, presses, and overhead lifts.
Better Safety: Provided better safety measures as it is made with high-quality metal nuts with non-slip washers.
How Form Rollers and Recovery tools can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Foam rollers are amongst the best recovery tools that an athlete can include in his post-match recovery. They can enhance an athlete’s fitness by improving muscle flexibility, reducing soreness and can minimize the risk of muscle cramp. They boost circulation and prevent injuries for optimal performance.
SportSutra Recommends: Adofys 5-in-1 18″ Large Size Foam Roller Kit with Muscle Roller
How Plyometric Boxes can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Plyometric Boxes can have multiple impact on an athlete’s body. They can help in building calves and thighs and boost lower-body strength, support high-intensity training. They can also develop quick reflexes essential for peak athletic performance.
SportSutra Recommends: Lifelong Polypropylene Adjustable Home Gym Exercise Fitness Stepper
Cardiovascular Health: Improves cardiovascular health. Work wonder in blood circulation.
Super Quality: Made with non-stick, non-slip material.
Weight Capacity: This stepper can absorb up to 200kg weight capacity.
How Sandbags can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Sandbags enhance an athlete’s fitness by improving strength, stability, and endurance. Athletes can use sandbags during running, or while doing workouts. They target core muscles, supports dynamic movements for versatile, effective training sessions.
SportSutra Recommends: De Jure Fitness Ankle Weight Set
Good Quality: Made from skin-friendly polyester material.
Better Cushioning: Comes with an additional layer of cushioning, providing comfort while working out.
Adjustable Straps: Straps can be adjusted to suit the athlete’s comfort.
Easy To Use: Incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of workouts.
How Battle Ropes can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Battle ropes are no ordinary jumping ropes. They can improve an athlete’s fitness, strength, and power. They engage multiple muscle groups, enhance coordination, and provide a high-intensity, full-body workout ideal for building stamina.
How Weighted Vests can help improve an athlete’s fitness?
Weighted vests enhance an athlete’s fitness by increasing workout intensity, building strength, and improving endurance. They add resistance to exercises, boost calorie burn, and enhance overall performance for advanced training results.
SportSutra Recommends: Nasmodo Weighted Vest 10 kg Adjustable for men.
Comfortable Material: The vest features breathable mesh, soft cotton lining, and sweat-absorbing comfort.
Adjustable Weight: Weighted vest with 32 pockets for adjustable weight and even distribution.
Multi exercise options: Improves strength training, stair climbing, running, and exercises, boosting strength and flexibility.
Conclusion
Besides practicing sports, an athlete also needs to build strength and stamina to withstand the demands of the sport. From lifting weights to swimming or using the equipment mentioned above, each exercise has a different impact on the athlete. The equipment we mentioned can have a significant impact only if used with discipline.
Delhi Capitals beats CSK to get KL Rahul for INR 14 crore! KL Rahul, with a base price of ₹2 crore, ignited a bidding war. KKR and RCB pushed the bid past ₹10 crore before backing out. Delhi Capitals and CSK then entered the fray, with the final bid soaring to ₹14 crore. LSG chose not to use their RTM, allowing Delhi Capitals to secure Rahul for IPL 2025.
Rahul ka naam bhi suna hai aur khel bhi dekha hai 😎
Royal Challengers Bengaluru sign Liam Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore
Mohammed Siraj SOLD to GT for 12.25 Crore! RCB don’t use the RTM for Mohammed Siraj. GT’s bowling attack now has Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj
PBKS get Yuzvendra Chahal for 18 crore! PBKS – with the biggest auction purse at the start – had spent 18 crore for Arshdeep and 26.75 for Shreays Iyer already.
David Miller is Lucknow Super Giants Player! Sold for INR 7.5 Crore
Mohammad Shami goes to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 10 Crore. Mohammed Shami, with a base price of ₹2 crore, sparked a competitive bidding war. KKR and CSK battled initially, followed by LSG raising the bid to ₹8.50 crore. KKR eventually bid ₹9.75 crore before SRH swooped in at ₹10 crore. Gujarat Titans chose not to use their RTM, securing Shami’s move to Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore.
Rishabh Pant becomes the most expensive player in IPL with 27cr!! The wicket-keeper batsman breaks the record that Shreyas Iyer had set earlier in the set.
Mitchell Starc goes to Delhi Capitals for 11.75 Crore. Mitchell Starc entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, triggering intense bidding. MI and KKR began the duel, with DC later entering to raise the stakes. The bid soared past ₹10 crore, with RCB stepping in briefly. DC eventually reclaimed the lead at ₹11.75 crore, sealing the deal for Starc. Despite his stellar performances in IPL 2024, the price marked a pay cut for the left-arm pacer. Starc will now play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.
FIRST BUY OF THE AUCTION 👌 #WelcomeToDilli, Mitchell Starc ⚡️
SHREYAS IYER has been sold to Punjab Kings for 26.75 crores. Shreyas Iyer shattered records at the IPL 2025 Auction, becoming the most expensive player ever. Starting with a base price of ₹2 crore, intense bidding between PBKS, KKR, and DC saw the price soar past ₹25 crore. PBKS finally secured Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore, marking a historic moment. The proven IPL-winning captain will now lead Punjab Kings, bringing both leadership and batting strength to the franchise.
𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 🔓
Say hello 👋 to the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 in the history of #TATAIPL 🔝
SHREYAS IYER BECOMES THE MOST EXPENSIVE INDIAN PLAYER IN IPL HISTORY!!! An EPIC bidding war for Shreyas Iyer as DD and PBKS break the IPL’s record bid!
GT snap Kagiso Rabada for 10.75 Crore Kagiso Rabada attracted bids starting at ₹2 crore, with RCB and GT locked in a heated contest. The price surged past ₹8 crore before RCB tapped out, leaving Gujarat Titans to secure the South African pacer for ₹10.75 crore. Although MI showed interest early on, they exited midway. PBKS, holding an RTM option, opted not to retain Rabada. The experienced bowler will now join the Titans, strengthening their pace attack for IPL 2025.
PBKS excercise RTM to get Arshdeep Singh back for IPL 2025! Arshdeep Singh, with a base price of ₹2 crore, ignited a fierce bidding war. CSK and DC opened the battle, followed by GT and RCB driving the price up to ₹10.75 crore. Rajasthan Royals and SRH entered next, pushing it to ₹15.75 crore. SRH looked set to secure him, but PBKS used their RTM option to bring back Arshdeep for a whopping ₹18 crore. The left-arm seamer will continue to strengthen PBKS’s bowling arsenal in IPL 2025.
Set M1: Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Buttler, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Starc Set M2: KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
IPL Mega Auction 2025 is scheduled for 24 November and 25November in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
In this two-day event, all 10 IPL teams would look to rebuild squads not just for IPL 2025 but for the next three IPL seasons.
With several high-profile names up for grabs and RTM cards to exercise, the action would be nothing short of exciting.
Date: November 24 and 25, 2024
Time:
Local Time: 1 PM to 8 PM
Indian Standard Time: 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM IST
Live Streaming: Available on Jio Cinema, Viacom18 and Star Sports.
IPL Auction Player List 2025
The IPL Mega Auction happens every three years and reshapes team rosters. With stars like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Shreyas Iyer in the mix, it will be the biggest auction ever. Check How is mega auction different from a mini auction
The auction will begin with marquee sets wherein sought-after players will go under the hammer first.
Set M1: Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Buttler, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Starc.
Set M2: KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
The player pool for IPL Mega Auction 2025 consists of 577 players. Here’s the breakdown
Indian Players: 367
Overseas Players: 210
Available Slots: 204 (70 for overseas players)
What are the reserve price categories for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
Players have registered under various reserve price categories:
Reserve Price (INR)
No. of Players
2 Crore
82
1.5 Crore
27
1.25 Crore
18
1 Crore
23
75 Lakh
92
50 Lakh
8
40 Lakh
5
30 Lakh
320
To save time, there will be an accelerated auction process and the auction list will be trimmed based on the interest of franchises. Check Players Who Will Skip IPL Mega Auction 2025
Mega IPL Auction 2025 will unfold in this order
Marquee Players: Two sets featuring high-profile players will be up for grabs first.
Capped Players: After marquees, capped players will go under the hammer. These will be categorized by roles like batters, bowlers, all-rounders and wicket-keepers.
Uncapped Players: The last will be uncapped players.
Accelerated Auction: Thereafter, franchise-nominated players will go under the hammer after the first 116 players are auctioned.
To check the Complete List of Players to go under the hammer, click here.
What’s New in IPL 2025?
Right-to-Match Cards (RTM)
RTM is what makes this IPL Mega Auction even more exciting! RTM rules have been revised this time around. Now, the teams can match the winning bid and then raise the bid without restrictions.
Teams
No. of RTMs Available
Type of player
CSK
1
Any
DC
2
1 uncapped & 1 capped, or both capped)
RCB
3
3 (1 uncapped & 2 capped players, or 3 capped)
LSG
1
Capped
PBKS
4
Capped
MI
1
Uncapped
SRH
1
Uncapped
GT
1
Capped
Retention Rules
This year, teams were given a choice to retain up to 6 players using RTM cards or direct retention. A maximum of 5 capped and 2 uncapped players can be retained.
Auction Purse for All 10 Teams
Team
Retained Players
Purse Spent (INR)
Purse Available (INR)
CSK
5
65
55
DC
4
47
73
GT
5
51
69
KKR
6
69
51
LSG
5
51
69
MI
5
75
45
PBKS
2
9.5
110.5
RCB
3
37
83
RR
6
79
41
SRH
5
75
45
IPL Auction 2025 RCB Players List
To be updated
RCB Retained Players 2025
RCB has retained three players – Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal – spending INR 37 crores.
Player
Salary (INR)
Virat Kohli
21 Crore
Rajat Patidar
11 Crore
Yash Dayal
5 Crore
IPL Auction 2025 KKR Players List
To be updated
KKR Retained Players 2025
KKR has retained six players –Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh – spending a total of INR 69 crores.
Player
Salary (INR)
Rinku Singh
13 Crore
Varun Chakaravarthy
12 Crore
Sunil Narine
12 Crore
Andre Russell
12 Crore
Harshit Rana
4 Crore
Ramandeep Singh
4 Crore
CSK Players Retained 2025
Player
Salary (INR)
Ruturaj Gaikwad
18 Crore
Matheesha Pathirana
13 Crore
Shivam Dube
12 Crore
Ravindra Jadeja
18 Crore
MS Dhoni
4 Crore
SRH Retained Players 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained their captain Pat Cummins for IPL 2025. The opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, middle order bat and keeper Heinrich Klaasen, and all-rounder Nitish Reddy are among others retained.
Player
Salary (INR)
Pat Cummins
18 Crore
Abhishek Sharma
14 Crore
Nitish Kumar Reddy
6 Crore
Travis Head
14 Crore
Heinrich Klaasen
23 Crore
PBKS Retained Players 2025
PBKS has retained two players – Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh – spending a total of INR 9.5 crores from the auction purse.
Player
Salary (INR)
Shashank Singh
5.50 Crore
Prabhsimran Singh
4 Crore
RR Retained Players 2025
RR has retained six players – Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma – spending a total of INR 79 crores from the auction purse.
Player
Salary (INR)
Sanju Samson
18 Crore
Yashasvi Jaiswal
18 Crore
Riyan Parag
14 Crore
Dhruv Jurel
14 Crore
Shimron Hetmyer
11 Crore
Sandeep Sharma
4 Crore
MI Retained Players 2025
Player
Salary (INR)
Jasprit Bumrah
18 Crore
Suryakumar Yadav
16.35 Crore
Hardik Pandya
16.35 Crore
Rohit Sharma
16.30 Crore
Tilak Varma
8 Crore
GT Retained Players 2025
GT has retained five players – Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan – spending a total of INR 51 crores from the auction purse.
Player
Salary (INR)
Rashid Khan
18 Crore
Shubman Gill
16.50 Crore
Sai Sudharsan
8.50 Crore
Rahul Tewatia
4 Crore
Shahrukh Khan
4 Crore
LSG Retained Players 2025
LSG has retained five players – Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni – spending a total of INR 51 crores from the auction purse.
Player
Salary (INR)
Nicholas Pooran
21 Crore
Ravi Bishnoi
11 Crore
Mayank Yadav
11 Crore
Mohsin Khan
4 Crore
Ayush Badoni
4 Crore
DC Retained Players 2025
DC has retained four players – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel – spending a total of INR 47 crores from the auction purse.
Player
Salary (INR)
Axar Patel
16.50 Crore
Kuldeep Yadav
13.25 Crore
Tristan Stubbs
10 Crore
Abhishek Porel
4 Crore
Stay tuned for real-time IPL 2025 Mega Auction updates and analysis as it unfolds.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are building the side from scratch after the least retentions for any team ahead of the IPL 2025 Auction. However, they have the biggest purse and four RTM cards (the most for any team) which presents an excellent opportunity to put together a strong IPL 2025 squad.
Here’s a possible IPL Auction Punjab Kings strategy and five players PBKS could target.
1. Sam Curran
Sam Curran was the stand-in skipper of PBKS in the last IPL edition. Since Punjab has a lot of RTM card options, one of the most sought-after all-rounders in the auction pool may head back to Punjab Kings. If not in the leadership role, the England all-rounder still has a lot to offer.
Kagiso Rabada is a proven match-winner in the IPL over the years. The knack for picking wickets at regular intervals – whether with the new ball, in middle overs, or at the death – makes him such a rare commodity. With his RTM card, Punjab Kings will have a bowling spearhead in their ranks.
Liam Livingstone is one of the most destructive T20 batsmen. There are not many players in the auction pool who offer power-hitting like his in the middle-overs of the game. Plus, he is an ambidextrous handy bowler. His RTM card would allow PBKS to plug a crucial gap.
Liam Livingstone IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
Wickets
Best Figures
39
939
94
28.45
11
3/27
4. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow’s ultra-aggressive at the top of the batting order worked well for PBKS in the last season of the Indian Premier League. He can be the second wicket-keeping option after retaining Prabhsimaran Singh. PBKS can retain him for sure.
Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images
Jonny Bairstow IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
100s
50
1589
114
34.54
2
5. Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Sharma took the cricketing world by storm in the last season with PBKS. For an Indian batsman to possess such a calm head and strong finishing skills is rare and that’s why Punjab Kings will think about getting him back.
Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images
Ashutosh Sharma IPL Stats
Matches
Strike Rate
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
Sixes
11
167.25
189
61
27.00
15
Punjab Kings have a lot to do on auction days. Punjab fans will be hoping that they use RTM cards wisely and on players who can make an impact in the upcoming 2025 IPL season.
PBKS has spent 9.5 crores out of the 120 crore IPL salary cap to retain two players ahead of the Mega Auction. They are now left with 110.5 crores in auction purse and four RTM cards.
Team
Retained Players
Purse Spent (INR)
Purse Available (INR)
CSK
5
65
55
DC
4
47
73
GT
5
51
69
KKR
6
69
51
LSG
5
51
69
MI
5
75
45
PBKS
2
9.5
110.5
RCB
3
37
83
RR
6
79
41
SRH
5
75
45
PBKS Retained Players ahead of IPL Mega Auction
PBKS has retained two players – Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh – spending a total of INR 9.5 crores from the auction purse.
The IPL auction for the 2025 IPL season is two days from now. Delhi Capitals (DC) have already made some major managerial changes, with Rishabh Pant and coach Ricky Ponting no longer running things. DC would look to make strategic decisions to bolster its squad for the forthcoming Indian Premier League edition. Here’s a possible IPL Auction Delhi Capitals strategy and five players who they could target.
1. Jake Fraser-McGurk
We witnessed Jake Fraser-McGurk’s explosive batting at the top of the batting order last year. Maybe the Australian batter wanted to go to the auction pool because of the price tag. Since DC has an RTM (Right to Match) card option up its sleeve, McGurk may possibly head back to the Delhi IPL Team.
Mitchell Marsh is another Delhi Capitals player who is a strong contender for the RTM option. First, the Australian T20 captain gives power at the top of the batting order. Second, he is captain material, and DC is looking for one. Third, he has proved his worth with the ball and gives balance to the side.
Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images
Mitchell Marsh IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Wickets
Best Figures
5-fer
42
665
89
37
4/25
0
3. Mohammed Shami
After retentions, Delhi Capitals are short on Indian fast bowler stocks. Mohammed Shami is up for grabs and DC can look at him as their bowling leader. The experienced wicket-taker fits the bill for the Delhi IPL team.
Khaleel Ahmed was among the best bowlers in the DC ranks in the last season of the Indian Premier League. His release has come as a surprise to many but there is still a chance that DC will repurchase him with one of the two RTM card options they possess.
Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
Khaleel Ahmed IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
57
74
3/21
25.41
0
5. Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh Kumar is another who will be on Delhi Capitals’ radar. He has raised his bowling stocks with superb performances in the 2024 edition. If not Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar is an RTM option that DC can exercise.
Photo by NOAH SEELAM/AFP via Getty Images
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
20
24
3/14
28.91
0
Delhi Capitals have decided on an overhaul and IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be crucial for the side. If they are able to pull off most of the aforementioned acquisitions, they will be in a comfortable position to look forward to the 2025 edition.
DC has spent 47 crores out of the 120 crore IPL salary cap to retain four players. They are now left with a 73 crores auction purse for the mega IPL 2025 auction and two RTM cards.
Team
Retained Players
Purse Spent (INR)
Purse Available (INR)
CSK
5
65
55
DC
4
47
73
GT
5
51
69
KKR
6
69
51
LSG
5
51
69
MI
5
75
45
PBKS
2
9.5
110.5
RCB
3
37
83
RR
6
79
41
SRH
5
75
45
DC Retained Players ahead of IPL Mega Auction
DC has retained four players – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel – spending a total of INR 47 crores from the auction purse.
Sports nutrition is an essential step in the life of an athlete. An athlete’s diet directly influences his on-field performance. Muscle recovery and overall health also depend on the nutrition an athlete receives from food. Let’s be honest: at the international stage, even a talented athlete can’t survive for long if they don’t show discipline in their food habits. Reaching the pinnacle of physical fitness requires careful attention to dietary habits. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the basics of sports nutrition.
What Is Sports Nutrition?
In 2010, Novak Djokovic was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and he did what was necessary to become the best – he removed gluten from his diet. Similarly, former Manchester United player Ji Sung Park used to drink a special drink made from frogs. There are many stories where athletes changed their food habits to get the most out of their bodies. This is what sports nutrition is all about – to eat food that enhance strength and help consume macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, including micronutrients vitamins and minerals. Adequate hydration is also one of the main components that supports an athlete’s performance in sporting activities.
What Macronutrients should be part of an Indian Athletes’ Sports Nutrition?
Macronutrients
1. Carbohydrates: These are energy-giving nutrients for sport persons. They are the body’s main fuel source. Right carbs can help athletes during extended practice sessions. Common sources of carbohydrates are rice, chapati, oats, sweet potatoes, and fruits. 2. Proteins: These are needed for repairing and constructing muscles. Protein are also important for growth and development. Main source of protein are: dals, paneer, eggs, chicken, fish, and tofu. 3. Fats: Human body need a certain amount of fat to stay healthy. They can be considered as source of secondary energy which helps in sustaining the body generally. Fats provide energy in the form of calories and play a crucial role in absorbing important vitamins – called fat-soluble vitamins – including vitamins A, D and E. Important source of fat include Nuts, seeds, avocado, and Indian ghee.
What Micronutrients should be part of an Indian Athletes’ Sports Nutrition?
Micronutrients
1. Iron: They are essential for oxygen to be carried around your body. Iron is also crucial in making hemoglobin. Sources of Iron include spinach, beetroot, lentils, and jaggery. 2. Calcium and Vitamin D: An athlete need to sustain healthy bones and good muscle movement. Calcium and Vitamin D help in that regard. Source are Milk, orange juice, infant formula, yogurt, margarine, butter, cheese and breakfast cereals. Natural source: sunlight. 2. Electrolytes: This micronutrient play a huge role in a life of an athlete. They help retain fluids and prevent cramping. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. Recommended foods are Bananas, Avocados, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Beans, Lentils, Pistachios, Orange and Yogurt.
Hydration
Dehydration has a huge impact on athletic performance. An athlete should drink water regularly and rehydrate before and after the exercise. In hotter environments, electrolyte drinks or home made drinks such as salted lassi or lemon water should serve as a good alternative.
How an athlete should prepare a balanced diet?
Preparation of Balanced Diet Plan: The diet of an athlete should be sport-specific and dependent on the intensity of training and curative goals. Also, an athlete should know which nutrient is harming his body and should exclude those foods from his diet chart completely. Regardless, here’s an example plan below for an Indian athlete:
Pre-Exercise Nutrition A meal or snack, eaten 1-2 hours before physical activity must have considerable amounts of easily digestible carbohydrates that will provide a boost of quick energy to their muscles, besides adequate amounts of protein.
Examples:
A banana with a spoonful of peanut butter.
Poha with vegetables.
Small bowl of oats with fruits.
Nutrition During Exercise Athletes sweat a lot during exercise or training drills and consume a significant amount of energy. Muscles also experience considerable stress during intense workouts and matches. Nutrition during exercise helps athletes sustain energy levels, preserve muscles, and stay hydrated, leading to improved performance in matches.
Coconut water
Energy bars
Homemade lemon water with salt and sugar
Post Training Nutrition Recovery nutrition is essential. After an intense workout or the match, an athlete should follow a nutrition that helps in restoring glycogen stores, repair the muscles, and keep the body fully hydrate. Examples include:
Protein shake with banana
Rice
Grilled chicken
Vegetables
Dal, roti, curd bowl
About Indian Food Please keep in mind that the Indian food can be a lot different. Most of the time, it is flavorful and nutritionally rich. Indians can easily include some famous dishes that can help meet their training requirements:
South Indian Diet: Idli, dosa, and sambar are very rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Put a boiled egg or paneer into the diet for extra protein.
North Indian Diet: Dal, roti, and sabzi is the most common thing. Add curd or lassi for probiotics and one glass of milk at night.
Snacks: Fried snacks are substituted by roasted chana, makhana, or dry fruits.
Supplements: Do You Need Them?
A well planned diet meets almost all the nutritional needs of an athlete. Still, sometime, due to the quality of the food, an athlete may need supplements such as:
Whey Protein: On-the-go intake after workout
Creatine: Strength and power sports
Multivitamins: Supplement wherever there is a gap in the diet
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-inflammatory properties. Take all supplements only with the advice of a sports nutritionist or a physician. Vegetarian diets for Indian athletes.
Most Indian athletes are vegetarians, which poses the difficulty of sufficient protein in the diet. In that case, an athlete should pair protein sources like dal with rice or chapati, to ensure that there is a complete amino acid intake. Add plant-based options like tofu, tempeh, and quinoa.
Learn From the Best: One of the simplest ways to inculcate good food habits is to follow global sports icons such as LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Virat Kohli, to name a few. All these players are close to 40, yet they continue to perform at a remarkably high level. LeBron, in particular, is still the best player for the Los Angeles Lakers in most games, which is unimaginable considering he is almost 40.
Indian athletes should learn from their habits, diet plans, and everything athletes like LeBron, Cristiano, and Virat do on a daily basis.
Conclusion
Nutrition is as important as training for an athlete’s success. Talent alone won’t take an athlete far without the discipline. Consistency is key, as nutrition isn’t a one-day fix. For long-term success, an athlete should be disciplined with their food habits and follow a rigid diet plan. Additionally, an athlete should listen to their body, as each individual is unique. Monitoring how the body reacts to different foods and adjusting accordingly is essential.
Kabaddi is a demanding sport. Apart from mental toughness, you need to be robust and flexible with your body to avoid injuries on the Kabaddi mat. Over the years, we have seen many players suffer injuries while playing in the Pro Kabaddi League, with muscle tears and hamstring injuries being the most common.
That being said, there are a handful of players who have featured in the league almost since the debut season and are still ruling the mat. The longevity of these players is something to be proud of, and maintaining their fitness for a long time in a physically demanding game like Kabaddi is nothing short of extraordinary.
In this post, we have compiled a list of three Pro Kabaddi players who have defied age and continue to rule PKL. So, without wasting any further time, let’s go deep down into this list.
1. PO Surjeet Singh (Defender)
The first name on this list is Right Cover Defender, PO Surjeet Singh. Surjeet is a veteran of Indian Kabaddi and has been a part of Pro Kabaddi League since 2016. Surjeet was born on 10th August 1990 and has been a part of several teams in PKL history. Surjeet’s first franchise was Puneri Paltan, and then he went on to represent teams like U Mumba, Bengal Warriorz, Tamil Thalaivas, Telegu Titans, and Bengaluru Bulls. He is currently representing Jaipur Pink Panthers in the ongoing PKL season. Surjeet has been a lynchpin of the league and holds the record for the most High 5s in PKL history. He is 34 now, and it would be interesting to see how many more seasons are left in him for Pro Kabaddi League.
Former Bengal Warriorz skipper Maninder Singh is the second name on the list of Pro Kabaddi players who have defied age and continue to rule PKL. Widely recognized as ‘Mighty’ Maninder Singh, the might of this phenomenal raider’s dominance is evident by the fact that he stands second on the list of most raiding points in PKL history, closing in on 1,500 raid points. Maninder made his PKL debut in the inaugural season, i.e., in 2014, but missed the next two due to injury. Despite not featuring in two seasons on the trot, Maninder is still the second most successful raider. Maninder is 34 right now and has been doing more than decent this season; it would be interesting to see how much ‘Might’ Maninder would be left in him for the upcoming PKL seasons.
3. Fazel Atrachali (Defender)
The third name on this list of Pro Kabaddi players who have defied age and continue to rule PKL is Iran and Bengal Warriorz’s current skipper, Fazel Atrachali. ‘Sultan’ Fazel Atrachali is one of the most decorated defenders in the league’s history. Fazel stands atop the ladder with the most tackle points in PKL history. Fazel is 32 right now and still remains one of the most lethal left-corner defenders in the league. With fitness by his side, we wish to see him doing his bit in the upcoming PKL seasons as well.
