The reason for Kagiso Rabada’s absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) is now clear. The fast bowler tested positive for a banned substance and was serving a provisional suspension. According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Rabada took the substance during the SA20. It has been confirmed that it was a recreational drug, not performance-enhancing.
In a statement issued through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada was apologetic for his actions. The fast bowler had returned home from the IPL for “personal reasons” back at the start of April.
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons,” Rabada said. “This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.
“I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing,” Rabada continued.
“I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.
“Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”
Could Kagiso Rabada miss the WTC 2025 Final due to his suspension?
A report from Fox Sports Australia suggests Rabada is at risk of missing next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. However, Rabada will be available for the WTC Final after serving a one-month ban, according to ESPNcricinfo.
South African Agency for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) said Rabada took part in an education and awareness program regarding drug use and abuse. He could return for GT in their blockbuster showdown against MI on Tuesday May 6.
Rabada’s availability and output is crucial to South Africa’s hopes of lifting the coveted WTC mace. Earlier this year, the fast bowler was bullish about his team’s chances of beating Australia.
“It’s actually quite some distance away, but a big occasion like the World Test Championship final gets you up for it,” Rabada said in January.
“South Africa versus Australia has always been an intense rivalry, because we play cricket quite similar. We play hard – and they’re going to come hard at us, and we know that,” he said.
Despite their inconsistent season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still in with a shot of making the playoffs. They play the three bottom teams in their final four games, starting with today against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens.
KKR come into the 53rd match of IPL 2025 off the back of a crucial win over Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 29. Sunil Narine was at his all-round best, and if he shows that same form here, we can expect RR to struggle further given their difficulties against spin this season.
Ajinkya Rahane’s team come up against a RR side with nothing to play for. It remains to be seen whether this enables RR to play with total freedom and try have a positive finish to what has been a very difficult season. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Jofra Archer have provided the highlights, with very little support from the rest. If that remains the case, then RR will be relying on individual brilliance once again.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Eden Gardens pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 53rd match of IPL 2025.
Eden Gardens has been a high-scoring ground this season. The last four games have seen first innings totals of 200/6, 238/3, 198/3 and 201/4. The team batting first has won three of the four completed matches in IPL 2025.
In this day game, there will be the temptation to bat first. LSG hammered 238 in the day game here on April 8. A very hot and humid afternoon is forecast with a chance of some rain, but hopefully the weather will be fine for the match.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for KKR vs RR: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz offers the most potential for fantasy points in this game as he opens the batting. He will be looking to build on his promising 26 (12) in the last game against DC.
Key batter picks:
Yashasvi Jaiswal has struck five fifties and a 49 in his past eight knocks. The left-hander has scored 19 runs off nine balls without dismissal against Harshit Rana.
Ajinkya Rahane is KKR’s leading run-scorer this season with 297 at an average of 37.12 and strike rate of 149.24.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi is a solid pick at number four. He scored a 32-ball 44 in his last outing vs DC and 22* (17) against RR earlier this season.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi can go big on his day, as he showed in his incredible display earlier this week. The KKR attack could look to bowl as full as possible early.
Top all-rounder picks:
Sunil Narine is a top Dream11 captaincy choice for this match. He scored 27 (16) and took 3/29 in the last game and faces a RR side that has had its problems against spin.
Riyan Parag has eight 20+ scores in his past ten innings. However, he has gone past 40 just once. The potential is there for the RR captain to make a bigger score. He also bowls and fields in the hotspot positions which can mean more fantasy points.
Key bowler picks:
Varun Chakravarthy will be key against RR’s batting lineup. He has taken 11 wickets in eight matches against RR, including 2/17 earlier this season. He has good numbers against Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer (see matchups below).
Jofra Archer has been RR’s biggest threat this season, although he has picked up just three wickets in his past four matches. He has a good record against Ajinkya Rahane (see matchups below).
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Andre Russell can be a handy pick if KKR bat first. Also, he can play a role with the ball, where he often picks up a wicket or two.
Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana have 10+ wickets this season. They both took two wickets against RR earlier in IPL 2025.
Stats and Other Important Matchups
Head-to-head: Matches 31, KKR 15, RR 14, N/R 2.
Sunil Narine vs Shimron Hetmyer in all T20s: 86 balls, 77 runs, one dismissal.
Jofra Archer vs Ajinkya Rahane in the IPL: Nine balls, one run, one dismissal.
Varun Chakravarthy vs Shimron Hetmyer in the IPL: 10 balls, seven runs, two dismissals.
Varun Chakravarthy vs Riyan Parag: four balls, seven runs, one dismissal.
IPL 2025 52nd Match: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 52nd Match: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 52nd Match: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 52nd Match: KKR vs RR Match Prediction – Who will win?
Barring some individual brilliance for RR, KKR should win this match well.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
It’s a case of a deja vu for Australia. Usman Khawaja’s opening partner was the big topic of conversation before the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), and it is the case again ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa at Lord’s starting June 11.
Sam Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in the fourth Test of the BGT. He made an immediate impression, ramping Jasprit Bumrah on an unforgettable first morning of the 2024 Boxing Day Test. However, it has been relatively lean pickings for Konstas since, with the 19-year-old unsure of the style he wants to implement at the top of the order.
Travis Head was shifted to opener for the two-match series in Sri Lanka in January and February, with Konstas left out. Now that Head will slot back to number five for Lord’s, Australia have a decision to make at the top. Konstas is tipped to open the batting, with journalist Ben Horne claiming the selectors have had a plan to bring him in.
“Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft… it’s good to see them in form over in English County Cricket, but I don’t think they’re in the frame. I don’t think they’re going to be in the squad,” said Horne on the Willow Talk podcast.
“To me, I think Sam Konstas will open the batting. I think they [the selectors] had a plan to bring him back [after leaving him out in Sri Lanka].”
The form of Marcus Harris could make him too difficult to ignore
However, if Australia want an in-form player for this one-off final, Marcus Harris is firmly in the frame. Even though he has been batting at four for Lancashire, Harris has been in prolific touch, making five 50+ scores in seven innings – including two hundreds – so far this season.
The left-hander has struck scores of 138 & 52 vs Middlesex, 43 & 50 vs Nothamptonshire, 77 & 34* vs Leicestershire, followed by 165* on day one against Gloucestershire in Manchester.
CLOSE DAY ONE: 342-5 (96)
A Marcus Harris (165*) century has created a strong foundation as we will look to build our score tomorrow morning with the overseas resuming alongside Luke Wells (3*).
— Lancashire Cricket Men (@lancscricket) May 2, 2025
That being said, it looks like a long shot that the 32-year-old will make his way into the Australia XI for the WTC Final. Harris has had a tough time of things in Test cricket, averaging just 25.29 from 14 matches, including 9.66 in three Tests in England. But, form and confidence can play a big role in such a match, and Harris has plenty of it at the moment.
Australia also have a decision to make on Cameron Green. The 25-year-old made a successful return to cricket as a specialist batsman, hitting 112 in his first knock back for Gloucestershire against Kent on April 18.
Green could come in for Beau Webster, although that would be harsh on the all-rounder who has enjoyed a superb start to his Test career, including scores of 57 and 39* on a very difficult SCG pitch on debut against India.
Marnus Labuschagne is the player under the most pressure in the Australian top six, but it seems unlikely Australia will make a change at number three for the WTC Final.
Australia are gunning for their second-straight WTC title after beating India by 209 runs in the 2023 Final.
The 52nd match of IPL 2025 the rematch of arguably the biggest rivalry in the league: RCB against CSK. Royal Challengers Bengaluruwon the first time when these two sides met earlier this season. Everything has gone downhill for Chennai Super Kings since that game. Despite that, it promises to be an exciting contest.
RCB are sitting pretty in the top two with seven wins and three defeats. They’ve been in excellent form with almost everyone contributing when needed. They have won their last three games in a row. The batters have been in great form while the bowlers have also bowled really well till now.
Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar’s form is a concern for RCB, especially towards the business end of the tournament. RCB is looking very confident as a side and they’ll be eager to do a double on CSK.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings are at the bottom of the points table with only two wins in 10 games. They are officially out of the playoff race. Nothing has gone right for CSK this season. They have now started giving opportunities to youngsters and players on the bench. The likes of Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Sam Curran have been the positives for them in the last couple of games.
CSK bowlers started well but they’ve lost track in the last few matches and the conditions have also been challenging for them. Matheesha Pathirana has been a big disappointment, and so has Shivam Dube. CSK will look to win this game and settle the score with RCB in IPL 2025.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Chinnaswamy pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 51st match of IPL 2025.
CSK may bring in Nathan Ellis or Jamie Overton for Matheesha Pathirana. Vansh Bedi can also make his IPL debut.
Chennai Super Kings: 1. Shaikh Rasheed, 2. Ayush Mhatre, 3. Sam Curran, 4. Dewald Brevis, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Vansh Bedi/Deepak Hooda, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 9. Nathan Ellis/Matheesha Pathirana, 10. Anshul Kamboj, 11. Noor Ahmad, 12. Khaleel Ahmed (Impact)
M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bengaluru Pitch Report and Weather
The pitch at Bengaluru has been a spicy one this season. There has been good pace, bounce and movement for the pacers, especially off the 6-8 meters length. The batters can also play their shots, trusting the wicket. Scores in the range of 180-200 are expected and teams are expected to prefer chasing. Batters and pace bowlers will enjoy playing on this wicket.
Rain is predicted for this game. Chinnaswamy has a world-class drainage system but expect a rain-interrupted encounter in this game. The temperature will be around 25 degrees Celsius at the start of the game.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for RCB vs CSK: Top Picks/Players to Watch
Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
MS Dhoni will be a top fantasy pick from the wicket-keeping section if Phil Salt is not playing for RCB. Dhoni has failed to get going in the last couple of games but he has a phenomenal record against RCB and he scored 30* off 16 in the first game against them.
Key batter picks:
Shivam Dube has 253 runs in 6 innings against RCB at an average of 63.20 and has struck at 155.20 including a couple of fifties. Dube hasn’t been at his best this season but he can be the game-changer in fantasy cricket for this match.
Virat Kohli has been in exceptional touch this season with 443 runs in 10 matches with six fifties in IPL 2025. Kohli last scored a fifty against CSK back in 2021 but he’s in terrific touch this season and will be a must in your fantasy teams.
Dewald Brevis has batted well in the middle order for CSK. He has been very intentful with the bat and will be a top fantasy pick, especially against RCB’s spin attack.
Top all-rounder picks:
Ravindra Jadeja has been consistently batting at number four in the last few matches. He looked to attack the bowlers from the first ball in the last game. Jadeja loves playing against RCB and he should bowl his full quota. He will be a top fantasy pick.
Sam Curran scored a brilliant 88 in the last game against Punjab. He will bat at three for CSK and should bowl 2-3 overs. Curran has looked in good touch and will fetch points from both bat and ball.
Key bowler picks:
Josh Hazlewood picked up three wickets in the last match against CSK. He will again trouble CSK’s top order and will be good C/VC option too for this match. Hazlewood has 18 wickets in 10 games this season and he’s currently the Purple Cap holder in IPL 2025.
Noor Ahmad has 15 wickets in 10 games this season. He picked up three wickets against RCB in their first meeting this season. Noor can trouble RCB’s middle order.
Khaleel Ahmed should enjoy the conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He has 14 wickets to his name and he will fancy his chances against RCB’s top three in this match.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team
Ayush Mhatre will face some serious threats against Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar but he will help you win games one-sided if he gets going in this match.
Rajat Patidar has been in poor form this season, and especially in the last few games. He scored a fifty against CSK earlier and will be a key batter for his side in the middle overs.
Jacob Bethell played a couple of solid shots in the last game. He looked in good touch and can score big on his day. Try him in the big leagues.
Virat Kohli vs Noor Ahmad: 44 deliveries, 63 runs, 2 dismissals.
Devdutt Padikkal vs Khaleel Ahmed (T20s): 4 deliveries, 0 runs, 2 dismissals.
IPL 2025 52nd Match: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
IPL 2025 52nd Match: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 52nd Match: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 52nd Match: RCB vs CSK Match Prediction: Who will win?
At the moment, RCB are the clear favourites to win this game. They are miles ahead of CSK on every front and it will take some effort from CSK to win this game. Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win this match.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
The 51st match of IPL 2025 sees Gujarat Titans (GT) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), with both sides needing a win for different reasons.
GT ran into a Vaibhav Suryavanshi storm a few nights ago, with the 14-year-old taking apart an experienced attack in incredible fashion. So, Shubman Gill’s team will be looking to bounce back to strengthen their hold on their top four position.
SRH travel to Ahmedabad in must-win mode, playing their first game in nearly a week. In their last outing, they prevailed over CSK on a tough Chepauk pitch, but they need a greater level of performance to knock off GT in Ahmedabad in this do-or-die match.
For SRH to prevail, they need more from their top three. Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan were expected to produce the kind of performances that GT’s top order have. Also, the SRH bowling attack must find a way to get through the strong GT top three. The time is now or never.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Ahmedabad pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 51st match of IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 51st Match: GT vs SRH Possible Playing XIIs
Kagiso Rabada could return for this match.
Gujarat Titans: 1. Sai Sudharsan, 2. Shubman Gill (c), 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. Washington Sundar, 5. M Shahrukh Khan, 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Karin Janat/Sherfane Rutherford, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. R Sai Kishore, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Mohammed Siraj, 12. Ishant Sharma/Arshad Khan
SRH could stick with the same team that beat CSK last week.
Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad Pitch Report and Weather
Ahmedabad has been a very high scoring ground this season. There have been three scores of 200+ batting first, with two 200+ scores in response as well. The other score batting first was 196/8.
The first few overs with the ball are key with movement available for the seamers. This is where teams need to strike. But, according to ESPNcricinfo, it will be a black soil pitch, so the spinners could have a say.
A hot and clear night is forecast with a top around 40 degrees at match time. Dew is a possibility in the second innings.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for GT vs SRH: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Jos Buttler is in excellent touch and can take down a struggling SRH attack. The GT keeper has smashed 97*, 41* and 50* in his past three innings.
Heinrich Klaasen is SRH’s top run scorer this season with 288 at an average of 36.00 and strike rate of 156.62. He has a great record against Rashid Khan (see matchups below).
Key batter picks:
Shubman Gill has made scores of 60, 90 and 84 in three of his past four knocks. He struck 61* (43) against SRH earlier this season. Getting through Mohammed Shami early (see matchups below) will be key.
Sai Sudharsan is a consistent force in the IPL. He has made a 30+ score in eight of his nine matches this season, including five fifties. Interestingly, the only time he missed out was against SRH.
Travis Head has enjoyed success on this ground across formats. His matchup against Mohammed Siraj (5 balls, 8 runs, 1 wicket) is an important one to get through.
Top all-rounder picks:
Abhishek Sharma remains the top all-rounder pick for this game despite his struggles away from home this season (1, 2, 40, 8, 0). If he gets through the powerplay, he can make a big score as he has great head-to-head numbers against Rashid Khan: 30 balls, 63 runs, one wicket.
Washington Sundar is currently owned by less than 50% of players in Dream11 for this match. He can be an excellent pick given SRH have a number of left-handers and he scored 49 (29) against them earlier this season.
Key bowler picks:
Prasidh Krishna is second in the Purple Cap race with 17 wickets. He took 2/25 against SRH earlier this season, where he dismissed Ishan Kishan and Kamindu Mendis.
SRH have lost plenty of wickets in the powerplay this season, so Mohammed Siraj can be a very good fantasy pick. The seamer has taken eight of his 12 wickets in the powerplay in IPL 2025. He took 4/17 against SRH earlier this campaign.
Pat Cummins dismissed Jos Buttler earlier this season and has a decent head-to-head record against him, with three dismissals in 61 balls in all T20s (83 runs).
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Kamindu Mendis offers value with the ball and batted nicely in the last game against CSK, especially against spin.
Sai Kishore can be a handy fantasy pick. He has been strong with the ball this season, and GT will look to use him against Heinrich Klaasen, who has been dismissed five times by left-arm orthodox since the start of IPL 2024.
Mohammed Shami took two wickets against GT earlier this season and knows this ground well. He has taken 20 wickets in 13 T20s at Narendra Modi Stadium at a strike rate of 14.60.
Harshal Patel is SRH’s top wicket-taker this season with 13. He offers fantasy value as he bowls in the crunch overs.
Stats and Other Important Matchups
Head-to-head: Matches 6, GT 4, SRH 1, N/R 1.
Rashid Khan vs Heinrich Klaasen in all T20s: 60 balls, 110 runs, three wickets.
Mohammed Siraj vs Abhishek Sharma in the IPL: 45 balls, 52 runs, one wicket.
Mohammed Siraj vs Ishan Kishan in the IPL: 50 balls, 75 runs, two wickets.
Mohammed Shami vs Shubman Gill in the IPL: 46 balls, 57 runs, two wickets.
IPL 2025 51st Match: GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 51st Match: GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 51st Match: GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 51st Match: GT vs SRH Match Prediction – Who will win?
GT will win this match.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will challenge the in-form Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 50th match of IPL 2025. The Royals are 8th in the points table with three wins in seven games. They won their last game thanks to the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored an incredible 101 runs off 38 deliveries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been the best and only consistent batter for the Royals this season. Jaiswal has five fifties and a score of 49 in his last seven innings.
The Royals have also been below average with the ball this season. Jofra Archer has been in good form but no other pacer has bowled well. The spinners have also been ineffective and have failed to pick wickets regularly in the middle overs.
On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians have been in sublime form as a side. They are 2nd in the points table with six wins and four defeats. MI has won their last five matches in a row and will be eyeing their sixth consecutive win in this game. Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have been the top performers for MI in the last few matches.
Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult have been brilliant and the other bowlers have assisted them quite well. MI has great depth in their squad with both bat and ball. In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Jaipur pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 50th match of IPL 2025 between RR and MI.
Sawai Mansingh Stadium Jaipur Pitch Report and Weather
The SMS stadium is not a very high-scoring venue, but we saw Rajasthan chase down 209 runs under 16 overs in the last game. Dew was a factor but it was more about Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exposive batting at the top. There will be little to no movement with the new ball for the pacers.
The low-bounce nature of the track here will assist the spinners. Scores in the range of 180-200 are expected in this game. Teams will prefer chasing.
It will be a partly cloudy day with no chance of rain. The temperature will be around 37 degrees Celsius at the start of the game. Cloudy means dew shouldn’t affect the game that badly.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for RR vs MI: Top Picks/Players to Watch
Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
Ryan Rickelton scored 58 in the last game against. He has looked in good touch and will be the best wicket-keeper option in fantasy cricket for this match.
Key batter picks:
Yashasvi Jaiswal has four fifties in his last five innings, with his lowest score being 49 in this period. Jaiswal scored a century against MI in the last season and he has 283 runs against them in seven innings at an average of 47.20 at a strike rate of 175.80 with 2 centuries.
Suryakumar Yadav has been in exceptional form this season. He has scored in every match and has been the best batter for his side this season. Surya has 427 runs in 10 games this season at an average of 61 with three fifties to his name.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi showed his class in the last game. He will look to attack from the first ball and can score big on his day. Vaibhav will face some threat with the new ball against the likes of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
Tilak Varma will be a top differential pick for this match. He averages 55.50 at a strike rate of 140.50 against Rajasthan for his 222 runs in five matches. Tilak has two fifties against the Royals.
Top all-rounder picks:
Riyan Paragwill be an important batter for his side. He has looked in good touch in the last few matches, and a big knock is due from him. Parag may also bowl an over or two if required. He will be a must in your fantasy teams.
Will Jacks scored 29 runs and picked up two wickets in the last game. He will be a top fantasy pick if Mumbai bowls first as he can bowl 2-3 overs when the conditions will be a bit tricky to bat on.
Key bowler picks:
Jasprit Bumrah picked up four wickets in the last game against LSG. He has 17 wickets against the Royals in just 14 matches. Bumrah has been in good form in the last few matches and will be a good C/VC option, especially if MI bowls first.
Jofra Archer has 12 wickets against MI in just six games. He has a positive matchup against Rohit Sharma and he can trouble MI’s top three in this match. Archer will be a must in your fantasy teams.
Trent Boult has been mainly used as a death overs specialist by MI in the last few matches. He will bowl one or two overs in the powerplay, one in the middle overs and then one to two towards the end. Boult will be a top fantasy pick considering Rajasthan’s form with the bat.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team
Rohit Sharma has been in good touch lately but he has struggled against Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer in the past. He will still be a good fantasy pick.
Hardik Pandya hasn’t been in the best of forms with the bat and if Corbin Bosch plays in this game then his bowling value will get affected. Pandya will be a top fantasy pick Santner plays instead of Bosch.
Sandeep Sharma has 24 wickets in 16 matches against the Mumbai Indians. He picked up a 5-wicket haul in the last season against MI. Sandeep can be a game-changer in fantasy cricket, especially if Rajasthan bowls first.
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 50th Match: RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 50th Match: RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 50th Match: RR vs MI Match Prediction: Who will win?
At the moment, the Mumbai Indians are arguably the best side in the tournament. Their batters have been in good form and the bowlers have done a great job till now. Rajasthan, meanwhile, has struggled to get gonig with both bat and ball. They are heavily dependent on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jofra Archer in both departments. Mumbai Indians to win this game.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will host Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 49th match of IPL 2025. CSK is already out of the playoffs race but it will be a crucial game for Punjab to strengthen their chances of qualifying.
CSK’s performance this season has been abysmal with the bat and it’s the key reason for their poor performance. None of the batters have scored consistently for the 5-time champions. Now they will look to give a chance to the youngsters, which we saw in the last game. Ayush Mhatre has been very impressive in the two games that he has played till now and Dewald Brevis was excellent in his first game in yellow.
The bowlers have been in decent form with Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed leading the pack. Ravindra Jadeja has been far from his best while Ravichandran Ashwin and Matheesha Pathirana have been poor with the ball. Anshul Kamboj has bowled well. CSK will now look to win their remaining games and end the season on a positive note.
Punjab Kings are 5th in the points table with five wins and three defeats in nine games. Their last game got washed out against KKR. Punjab has been in top form this season but there’s a tight competition for finishing in the top four so every game is an important one for them.
Priyansh Arya and Pabhsimran Singh have somewhat carried their batting in the last few games. Shreyas Iyer, who started the season with a bang, has failed to get going in the last few games. Glenn Maxwell has been horrible with the bat and Shashank Singh has also failed to make a consistent impact.
Their bowlers have done an excellent job with Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh doing well with the ball. Yuzvendra Chahal has regained his form just at the right time. Punjab will move to the top three if they win this game.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Chepauk pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 49th match of IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 49th Match: CSK vs PBKS Probable Playing XIIs
CSK may bring in Vansh Bedi and Nathan Ellis for Deepak Hooda and Matheesha Pathirana. Jamie Overton should be in the XII but CSK has decided not to utilise him properly, at all.
Chennai Super Kings: 1. Shaikh Rasheed, 2. Ayush Mhatre, 3. Vansh Bedi, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. Dewald Brevis, 6. Sam Curran, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Anshul Kamboj, 11. Noor Ahmad, 12. Khaleel Ahmed (Impact)
Marcus Stoinis should replace Azmatullah Omarzai for PBKS
MA Chidambaram Stadium Chepauk Chennai Pitch Report and Weather
The pitch in the last game at Chepauk was a two-paced one and run scoring was a demanding task, especially before the dew settled in. It’s expected to be somewhat similar in this game. It will be a good one for batting initially but will get difficult as the game progresses.
There will be some movement for the pacers with the new ball and the spinners will get ample assistance. Cutters and variations will be useful for the pacers. There was plenty of dew in the latter half of the last game. Scores in the range of 170-190 are expected. Teams will prefer chasing solely because of the dew factor.
It will be partly cloudy with no chance of rain. The temperature will be around 31 degrees Celsius at the start of the game. Humidity will be around 70-80%. Dew is expected but it may not be that intense if it stays cloudy throughout the night.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for CSK vs PBKS: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
Prabhsimran Singh will be the best wicket-keeper pick in fantasy cricket in this match. He likes to bat positively and can score big in the powerplay itself. He got out for a duck in the previous meeting against CSK.
Key batter picks:
Shreyas Iyeraverages 24.10 against CSK in 14 innings for his 299 runs. He has only one fifty against them which came way back in 2015. Iyer will be a must in your teams but you can take the risk of not selecting him as C/VC.
Priyansh Arya scored a magnificent hundred (103 runs) against CSK in the last game. He was the difference between the two sides in that game. Priyansh has been exceptional and will be a top C/VC option.
Dewald Brevis scored 25-ball 42 in the last match. He has been in excellent touch lately and will be a no-brainer in fantasy cricket. Try him as C/VC in the big leagues.
Shivam Dube scored 42 in the last match against Punjab. He has been in good touch in the last few matches and can fetch plenty of points in fantasy cricket on his day.
Ayush Mhatre has been impressive at the top for CSK. He has played his shots fearlessly and a big knock feels just around the corner for him. However, he may struggle against Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh.
Top all-rounder picks:
Ravindra Jadejahas been promoted to number 4 in the last couple of games. He looked to bat positively in the last game. Jadeja will be a top C/VC choice in this match as he has 403 runs and 20 wickets against PBKS in 27 games.
Marco Jansen has been in top form in the last few matches. He will bowl in the powerplay and then towards the end of the innings. He scored 34 in the last game against CSK but went wicketless in his 4 overs. Jansen can trouble Chennai’s batters with his extra bounce.
Key bowler picks:
Noor Ahmadhas 14 wickets in nine games this season. The conditions will suit him in this game and he can trouble Punjab, especially the left-hand batters in this match.
Khaleel Ahmed has 15 wickets in 11 games against Punjab. He has a good record against Shreyas Iyer (see matchupsbelow) and can trouble Punjab in this game.
Arshdeep Singh has 9 wickets in 8 games against CSK. He was wicketless in the last game against CSK. Arsdheep can pick up wickets in clusters with the new ball and he will fancy his chances against CSK’s inexperienced top order.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team
Yuzvendra Chahal has 19 wickets in 19 games against CSK. He bowled only one over in the last game. CSK has given a lot of wickets to spin this season and Chahal will be a good pick for this game.
MS Dhoni is a potential game-changer in fantasy cricket. He has been hot and cold but he can fetch good points in fantasy cricket if gets going in this match. He averages 38.70 against PBKS at a strike rate of 150.60. Dhoni scored a 12-ball 27 in the last game against them.
Marcus Stoinis vs Khaleel Ahmed: 15 deliveries, 10 runs, 2 dismissals.
IPL 2025 49th Match: CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 49th Match: CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 49th Match: CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 49th Match: CSK vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who will win?
Punjab Kings will start as the favourites but their batters don’t have a great record against CSK. CSK lacks experience in their top order but the youngsters have been pretty impressive. The conditions will suit CSK’s bowling unit in this match. Toss will be a crucial factor as well. Despite all this, Punjab Kings should win this game.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Step aside Hollywood celebrities. As much as you’ve tried to break the internet over the years, none have managed to do so quite like the sensation that is Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
No one could have imagined a 14-year-old would score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL), let alone the second-fastest in the tournament’s history off just 35 balls. No one could have imagined that this baby-faced teenager would make a mockery of an attack boasting 694 international caps. At 14, life is supposed to be about school, homework, friends and having dreams you’d like to achieve when you “grow up.”
For Suryavanshi, those dreams are being lived out right now. And how.
This incredible talent shattered both records and Gujarat Titans (GT) in one of the most memorable nights in IPL history. With Rajasthan Royals (RR) chasing 210 to keep their season alive, Suryavanshi took it upon himself to own the contest, smashing seven fours and 11 sixes to even raise Rahul Dravid off his wheelchair in celebration. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who reached 50 off 31 balls, looked like a snail in comparison.
Suryavanshi caught the attention of the cricketing world by smashing 104 off 62 balls for India Under-19s in a Youth Test against Australia last year. When RR purchased him in the auction, it seemed very much a case of investing in the future. For Suryavanshi, his time is now and his time could be for many, many years to come given a batter’s peak doesn’t typically eventuate until the age of around 30.
Suryavanshi’s hundred was a joy to watch. The high bat-lift and incredible bat swing. The audacious strokeplay that brings memories of legends gone by. However, those legends of yesteryear could have only dreamed themselves of producing such a performance at 14.
The stats are remarkable. Suryavanshi became the youngest player to ever score a century in a men’s T20 match, surpassing Vijay Zol (aged 18 years and 118 days) by more than four years. The left-hander’s 35-ball effort was the fastest hundred by an Indian in IPL history, and his 11 sixes were the joint-most by an Indian in a single IPL innings, equalling Murali Vijay’s effort in 2010.
If that wasn’t enough, 94 of his 101 came in boundaries, with the 93.06% boundary percentage the highest ever for any men’s T20 century.
Twitter Reactions to incredible Vaibhav Suryavanshi knock
It needs reminding that Suryavanshi is four years younger than the IPL league itself. Fans and pundits, including those who were fortunate enough to witness the greats of the game in their early years, put this effort right up there with the best ever seen in cricket history.
“Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings,” wrote Sachin Tendulkar on X (formerly Twitter).
Here are some of the reactions to a memorable innings. There is a mix of shock, awe, and humour to digest what was something truly extraordinary.
Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings.
Watched Tendulkar at 18. He had a far better technique. He could play shots off the back foot at the Waca. But this kind of a bat swing at 14 or 15… just mind-blowing.
And to put this second fastest IPL century into context, Vaibhav Suryavanshi was around 2 years old when @henrygayle smashed the fastest ton & that was in 2013, another way of saying this unbelievable kid is only 14 #IPL2025
This goes down as one of the greatest days in the IPL history. At par with that Baz's 158, Gayle's 175, and many more such moments that have made this league special.
Believe it or not. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has hit 10 sixes in the Powerplay of IPL 2025. Chennai Super Kings have managed to hit 5 sixes. Sunrisers Hyderabad have managed to hit 12. Vaibhav has played just 3 games this season till now
Suryavanshi’s incredible innings has kept RR alive in the race for the playoffs. Their victory with a mammoth 4.1 overs to spare moves them to six points, six points adrift of the top four with five games remaining.
With this 14-year-old sensation batting like this, anything is possible.
KKR need consistency. They have been up and down all season, mixing good moments with bad. That was on show against PBKS, fighting back well in their bowling effort to keep the Kings to 201/4 when a bigger total looked likely.
Now, they travel to Delhi to face the Delhi Capitals (DC) who are looking for their own bounceback. DC had visions of beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, but they weren’t able to execute in the key moments. The defeat has left them looking over their shoulder, with PBKS, LSG and KKR looking to take their spot.
On a tricky pitch, DC couldn’t quite get going in their batting innings with Tristan Stubbs providing some impetus. How they cope with the KKR spinners here will be key. Also, whether the DC attack can make early inroads will make for interesting viewing. The same applies to KKR, who will want their spinners to put pressure on DC’s middle order.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Delhi pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 48th match of IPL 2025.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Delhi Pitch Report and Weather
It was a tricky batting pitch in the DC-RCB game over the weekend. Variations were key, with the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya and Axar Patel performing well.
Delhi has been a true batting pitch dating back to last season. Earlier in IPL 2025, MI hit 205/5 and beat DC by 12 runs. A few days later, DC and RR played out a 188 vs 188 classic. Expect a score around 180 here with spinners and cutters the key.
A warm and clear evening is forecast with dew a possibility.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for DC vs KKR: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
KL Rahul is DC’s top run-scorer this season with 364 at an average of 60.66 and strike rate of 146.18. He has solid career numbers against KKR: 515 runs, avg. 39.62, SR 137.33, including 114 runs off 85 balls (two wickets) against Sunil Narine in the IPL.
Abishek Porel is having a solid season at the top. He has made scores of 33, 49, 18, 51 and 28 in his past five matches.
Key batter picks:
Ajinkya Rahane has been a shining light for KKR. The skipper is their top run-scorer this season with 271 at an average of 38.71 and strike rate of 146.48, with three fifties in eight innings.
Tristan Stubbs has been in fine form and is one of DC’s key middle and death overs batters. His 217 runs this season come at an average of 54.25 and strike rate of 164.39.
Top all-rounder picks:
Axar Patel is a must. Although he has just three wickets in nine games this season, Axar plays a key role with the bat which has contributed to his 591 Dream11 points in IPL 2025.
Sunil Narine should enjoy bowling on a Delhi track that may aid spin. He is the top wicket-taker in DC-KKR matches with 27 at an average of 22.67 and economy of 6.73.
Key bowler picks:
Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav will be crucial with their ability to spin the ball either way. Chakravarthy has 11 wickets this season, while Kuldeep is slightly ahead with 12. Both are conceding less than seven runs per over in IPL 2025.
Mitchell Starc has taken just three wickets in his past six matches. But, he bowls the powerplay and crunch overs which can fetch fantasy points.
Consider KKR seamers Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana. They both have 11 wickets this season, striking every 16.09 and 15.81 deliveries respectively. Harshit has taken five wickets in both the powerplay and middle overs. Arora has taken three in the powerplay and five at the death.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Faf du Plessis struggled to find his rhythm against RCB but he can go big. Since the start of 2024, du Plessis has scored 1,891 runs in all T20s at an average of 33.8 and strike rate of 151.4.
Andre Russell has strong head-to-head numbers against Mitchell Starc (see below). He can fetch fantasy points with his finishing. In fact, he has smashed 375 runs against Delhi at an average of 37.50 and strike rate of 172.81. He also has 15 wickets.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
Head-to-head: Matches 35, DC 16, KKR 18.
Both teams have won five games against each other on this ground.
Varun Chakravarthy vs KL Rahul: 46 balls, 45 runs, one wicket.
Axar Patel vs Ajinkya Rahane: 66 balls, 84 runs, one wicket.
Mitchell Starc vs Ajinkya Rahane in all T20s: 29 balls, 32 runs, one wicket.
Mitchell Starc vs Andre Russell in all T20s: 23 balls, 55 runs, no wickets.
IPL 2025 48th Match: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 48th Match: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 48th Match: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 48th Match: DC vs KKR Match Prediction – Who will win?
Holding nerves will be key. DC have performed better as a unit and I’ll back them to win this game.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Gujarat Titans (GT) have the chance to go back to the top of the table against struggling Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 47th match of IPL 2025. GT have been a consistent force, winning six of their eight games to sit comfortably in the top two despite playing fewer games than every other team so far.
With six wins in their past seven games, including a thumping 58-run win over RR on April 9, this looks a golden opportunity for GT to keep the run going. However, RR have shown that they can compete, but getting over the line has proven to be their biggest issue, failing to seal numerous run chases they were in control of.
Last game, RR were on track for victory against RCB, before the spinners and Josh Hazlewood got the better of the them. With just four points from nine games, RR need nothing short of a miracle to qualify for the playoffs, with a 100% win record from here the absolute minimum required to give themselves a chance.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Jaipur pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 47th match of IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 47th Match: RR vs GT Possible Playing XIIs
According to cricbuzz, Sanju Samson is still injured. In terms of the bowling attack, Akash Madhwal is a chance to replace the struggling Tushar Deshpande.
Gujarat Titans: 1. B Sai Sudharsan, 2. Shubman Gill (c), 3. Jos Buttler, 4. Sherfane Rutherford, 5. M Shahrukh Khan, 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Washington Sundar, 9. R Sai Kishore, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Prasidh Krishna, 12. Ishant Sharma
Sawai Mansingh Stadium Jaipur Pitch Report and Weather
The Jaipur track has something in it for the bowlers, especially for teams who field first. The surfaces have taken turn and been slightly two-paced on occasion. Chasing will be the way to go with the chasing teams winning four of the past seven matches here.
The average first innings score in these seven matches is 184. A similar score can be expected, with middle overs bowling key in restricting the scoring.
Another very hot evening is forecast after temperatures cross 40 degrees during the day.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for RR vs GT: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Jos Buttler is a must in your fantasy cricket teams. The former RR opener has been in outstanding form, thumping 97* and 41* in his past two matches.
Buttler has an average of 48 strike rate of 188.2 against Jofra Archer in all T20s (51 balls, 96 runs, two wickets).
Key batter picks:
Yashasvi Jaiswal has provided superb starts in the powerplay in recent games. The left-hander has struck four half-centuries and a 49 in his past six matches.
Sai Sudharsan is a consistent force. He has the third-most runs in IPL 2025 with 417 at an average of 52.12 and strike rate of 152.18. He was man of the match against RR earlier this season with 82 (53).
Shubman Gill, who scores 90 in his last match, has two fifties in five innings at Jaipur. He averages 59.33 overall here. He needs to overcome his poor matchup against Jofra Archer (see below).
Top all-rounder picks:
Despite his disappointing season, Riyan Parag remains the top all-rounder pick in Dream11 for this match. He has made plenty of starts this season, with seven 20+ scores in nine games. He has crossed 40 just once, but the starts and the fact he fields in hot spot positions can fetch you fantasy points.
Key bowler picks:
Prasidh Krishna is in top form. He is the second-highest wicket-taker this season with 16. His bowling in the middle overs has been superb and will target a shaky RR middle order. He took 3/24 against RR earlier in IPL 2025.
RR are relying a lot on Jofra Archer. He is a must-pick in fantasy cricket. He has dismissed Shubman Gill three times for 10 runs in 15 balls.
R Sai Kishore can be tricky to face on the Jaipur track. RR have struggled against spin at certain stages.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Dhruv Jurel has struggled against spin this season (SR 105), but RR hand him important responsibility in the batting lineup. His last four games include scores of 35*, 26 and 47.
Mohammed Siraj has picked up 12 wickets in eight matches this season. Eight of those have come in the powerplay.
Rashid Khan is slowly getting back to his usual self. He has taken at least one wicket in three of his past four matches.
Wanindu Hasaranga has taken at least one wicket in eight of his nine matches so far in IPL 2025.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
Head-to-head: Matches 7, RR 1, GT 6.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have scored the most partnership runs (448) of any pair this season.
Prasidh Krishna is conceding just 5.3 runs per over in the middle overs in IPL 2025. This is the best of any bowler who has delivered at least 15 overs in this phase.
Mohammed Siraj vs Yashasvi Jaiswal: 38 balls, 46 runs, one wicket.
Rashid Khan vs Shubman Gill: 38 balls, 32 runs, two wickets.
Rashid Khan vs Yashasvi Jaiswal: 9 balls, 13 runs, one wicket.
IPL 2025 47th Match: RR vs GT Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 47th Match: RR vs GT Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 47th Match: RR vs GT Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 47th Match: RR vs GT Match Prediction – Who will win?
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
