Hardik Pandya gets a one-match ban from slow over-rate

Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the 2024 IPL points table with just four wins from their campaign. The skipper, under scanner throughout the tournament, ended on a low as he copped a one-match ban for slow over-rate. It was his third such offence of the season, which earned him a fine of INR 30 lakh and a suspension for a game.

As Mumbai’s campaign has ended, Hardik will miss his team’s first game of the season in 2025. Even if the all-rounder switches teams and is not named the captain of a side in 2025, his suspension will still hold.

Jitesh Sharma to captain Punjab in the last game

Punjab Kings, who are already eliminated from IPL 2024, will play their last league game on Sunday (May 19) against Sunrisers Hyderabad and will be led by Jitesh Sharma, their third skipper of the season. Punjab began with Shikhar Dhawan at the helm but injury concerns coupled with indifferent form forced them to switch to Sam Curran. The Englishman has left the IPL for international commitments and the franchise has confirmed wicketkeeper Jitesh will lead the team for the last game.

KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir approached to be India’s next head coach

The BCCI, who are actively looking for the next head coach of the senior men’s team, have reportedly approached Gautam Gambhir to take over the reins from the outgoing Rahul Dravid. According to reports, Gambhir, who has helped KKR into Qualifier 1, is at the top of BCCI’s wishlist to take over the position that will be left vacant after Dravid’s departure following the T20 World Cup.

Shubman Gill to leave Gujarat Titans?

Shubman Gill, who led Gujarat this IPL following Hardik’s trade to Mumbai Indians, had an unimpressive season both as captain and batter. Following his team’s campaign, the opener posted a cryptic tweet, hinting that he could be leaving the franchise next season. He wrote: “Not the way we hoped it would end, but it’s been a season full of learning and some great memories. I’ve been a part of this beautiful family for three years, and it’s been a journey I will never forget. I want to thank all the fans who supported us and showed us love when times were tough. Aava De!”

Mark Boucher sheds light on Rohit Sharma’s future with Mumbai

Rohit, who Hardik replaced as the captain of Mumbai ahead of the season, might reportedly switch teams in 2025 but head coach Mark Boucher has said they have not discussed his future as of yet. “To be honest, there haven’t been many conversations about Rohit’s future. I spoke to him last night or the night before, just to do a little review of the season. And I said, ‘What’s next for Rohit Sharma?’ and he said to me ‘World Cup’. And that’s perfect.”

Virat Kohli’s views on the Impact Player rule

A few days after Rohit expressed his displeasure, Virat Kohli has criticised the Impact Player rule as well, saying it has taken away the “balance” from the game. “I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me. There is a beauty about having an equal balance between bat and ball.”