DRS Nov 3: Rahul Dravid on Sanju Samson IPL 2025 retention, quirky Ishan Kishan & Shreyas Iyer to DC

It was another scintillating day of Test cricket at the Wankhede Stadium. If we leave aside what transpired in the last ten minutes on Day 1, India have been dominating in the third Test, somthing that wasn’t the case in the first two games. Shubman Gill missed out on a well-deserved hundred, while Rishabh Pant did what do does best – smash fifties in quick time. What’s the most heartening part of the day was the return of Ravichandran Ashwin, who went wicketless in the first innings. However, he applied pressure and claimed three wickets. Not to forget his incredible catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell. Apart from this, the IPL 2025 rumours didn’t stop following a superb IPL 2025 retention day on October 31. On that note, here are the top six headline-worthy stories from Saturday, November 2.

Shreyas Iyer’s release from KKR, perhaps due to a price disagreement, has piqued interest from his former franchise DC. With Rishabh Pant out, Iyer, their former captain and IPL 2024 winner, is a prime candidate. DC’s substantial purse of INR 73 Cr could fuel a bidding war for Iyer, even though his T20 value might not justify such a high price. However, DC’s eagerness to secure a strong leader could drive up the cost, potentially leading to a massive investment in Shreyas Iyer.

Hilarious but Smart Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan’s cheeky banter behind the stumps added a humorous touch to the India A vs Australia A clash. The wicket-keeper suggested a straightforward delivery to entice Marcus Harris into a loose shot, a plan that ultimately worked. Suthar followed Kishan’s advice and delivered a quicker one, trapping Harris LBW. This entertaining incident, captured on the stump mic, where Ishan was heard saying ““Bhai Kasam se seedha wala phek de. Edge kha jayega. Agar aata hai toh seedha wala phek de edge kha jayega ye (Marcus Harris).”

Rahul Dravid on Sanju Samson IPL 2025 retention

Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that Sanju Samson played a pivotal role in the team’s retention strategy for IPL 2025. Samson, along with key players like Jaiswal and Parag, was retained, while big names like Buttler and Chahal were released. Dravid acknowledged the difficult decisions Samson faced, given his strong relationships with many players. The captain, in consultation with the team management, carefully considered the pros and cons of each retention, ultimately arriving at a decision that the team is satisfied with. Apart from them, RR have also kept Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer and Sandeep Sharma.

Why was Babar Azam dropped?

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood defended the decision to rest Babar Azam midway through the England Test series. He believes the break will rejuvenate the star batter, allowing him to return stronger. Despite initial reports suggesting Masood’s disagreement with the decision, he expressed support for the move, emphasizing the importance of rest for high-performance athletes. Masood remains confident in Azam’s ability to continue contributing massively for Pakistan cricket. Babar Azam is yet to hit a hundred this year.

Ravichandran Ashwin is back!

Ravichandran Ashwin stole the show on Day 2 of the India-New Zealand third Test. After a wicketless first innings, he returned with vengeance, showcasing his mastery of spin. His crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra, coupled with a brilliant catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell, turned the tide in India’s favor. Ashwin’s magical carrom ball also accounted for the dangerous Glenn Phillips. While Will Young’s resolute batting performance kept New Zealand in the game, India’s bowlers, led by Ashwin and Jadeja, dominated the day, leaving the visitors on the brink of defeat.

Mohammed Shami again not available for selection!

Mohammed Shami’s hopes of making a comeback to the Indian Test team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been dashed. Despite not being selected for the 18-man squad, he had a chance to impress in the Ranji Trophy. However, his exclusion from Bengal’s next two matches effectively rules out any possibility of a return to the national team in the near future. Shami’s absence from competitive cricket since the World Cup final further compounds the situation. We, as fans, are still unsure about his fitness and recovery status.