Latest Updates on Teams and Players Ahead of TATA IPL 2025: Rinku Singh Takes Up Captaincy for the First Time: Rinku Singh, known for his impactful performances in T20 cricket, has now set his sights on excelling in the ODI format to secure a spot in the Indian team. The upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy is crucial for Rinku, not just for Team India’s aspirations but also to strengthen his claim for IPL captaincy.
Rinku’s career graph has been on a consistent rise. His stellar IPL performances earned him a place in international cricket, where he has become a regular in India’s T20 team. Recently, Rinku was appointed captain of Uttar Pradesh for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, replacing veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
This is the first time Rinku will captain a senior state team in his career. The tournament begins on December 21, 2024, with Uttar Pradesh’s opening match against Jammu & Kashmir. The team’s group also includes strong opponents like Tamil Nadu and Vidarbha.
Could Rinku Singh Lead an IPL Team?
Rinku’s appointment as captain comes at a time when his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is in search of a new leader. KKR released Shreyas Iyer, their title-winning captain, raising speculation about the next skipper. While Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane are also in contention, a strong performance by Rinku in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could bolster his chances.
Rinku Singh Ventures into Bowling
In addition to his captaincy role, Rinku has started exploring bowling to enhance his all-round capabilities. During the UP T20 League, he bowled for the first time while captaining the Meerut Mavericks. With India’s T20 team focusing on multi-dimensional players, Rinku is determined to add bowling to his skill set.
Retired International Stars Ready to Shine in IPL 2025
R. Ashwin
Having recently retired from international cricket, Ashwin will feature in IPL 2025 with his old team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Purchased for ₹9.75 crore, Ashwin has an impressive IPL record with 180 wickets and 800 runs in 212 matches.
The former South African captain, now retired from international cricket, was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore. Faf has scored 4,571 runs in 145 IPL matches at an average of 35.99, including 37 half-centuries.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD)
Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni remains a key figure in IPL. Retained by CSK for ₹4 crore, Dhoni has amassed 5,243 runs in 264 IPL matches at an average of 39.12.
Sunil Narine
Narine, who retired from international cricket in November 2023, continues to impress in IPL. He has taken 180 wickets and scored 1,534 runs in 177 matches, making him a crucial asset for KKR.
Changes in RCB Leadership
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) might bring Virat Kohli back as captain after two years. Kohli stepped down in 2021 but led the team temporarily in 2023 during Faf du Plessis’s absence. If Kohli is reinstated as captain, Rajat Patidar is likely to be appointed as vice-captain, indicating significant changes in RCB’s leadership structure for IPL 2025.
