DRS Nov 6: IPL 2025 Auction players list out, Paul Pogba wishes Virat Kohli & Gambhir to be sacked?

It was a quiet day as far as the cricketing action is concerned. However, November 5 will always be remembered for one man only, and that is who else but Virat Kohli. The modern-day master celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday, with innumerable wishes pouring down on him. Incredibly, Paul Pogba, a Juventus footballer, wished him as well. Late in the day, the BCCI dropped a big breaking, announcing the IPL 2025 Auction date and venue. The IPL 2025 mega auction will be a two-day affair, on November 24-25, and will be hosted in Jeddah. As many as 1574 players have registered themselves for the auction. On that note, here are six of the most headline making stories from November 05, Tuesday.

The IPL 2025 Auction is set to take place in Jeddah on November 24-25. A record-breaking 1,574 players have registered, including 1,165 Indians and 409 overseas cricketers. This surge in registrations highlights the IPL’s ever-growing appeal. Last season, 1,166 players registered themselves. Franchises will have 204 slots to fill in their 25-player squads. This diverse pool includes 1,165 Indian players and 409 international cricketers from 16 countries. Among the international participants, Australia leads with 76 registrations, followed by South Africa with 91, and England with 52. There are 10 USA players and one Italian player too!

Paul Pogba wishes Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, a global cricket icon, celebrated his birthday on November 5th. The occasion was marked by numerous well-wishers, including renowned footballer Paul Pogba. Pogba, currently sidelined due to a FIFA suspension, expressed his admiration for Kohli during a YouTube live stream. He said, ““Happy Birthday Virat Kohli bro.. long life.” Pogba eagerly awaits his return to football in March 2025 after his suspension was cut short to 18 months.

Gautam Gambhir to be sacked?

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir faces criticism after the team’s 3-0 Test series loss to New Zealand, their first home series defeat in 12 years. The BCCI has taken note and plans to question Gambhir about his vision for the team’s future. Despite going against policy, Gambhir’s demands for support staff, including Morne Morkel, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Abhishek Nayar, were accepted. The board may reassess decisions and ask Gambhir for a roadmap. A source stated, “The BCCI has agreed to every demand… He has to provide a clear plan to take the team forward.”

Dhawan believes India can win BGT 24/25

Despite India’s embarrassing Test series loss to New Zealand, Shikhar Dhawan believes Rohit Sharma’s team is “well-prepared” for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Dhawan expressed confidence in the young team, filled with exuberance. He even highlighted that the experienced campaigners like Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah would be everything under their to guide India to a hat-trick. “I believe we have a solid chance to bag a hat-trick of title wins… The team will go to Australia with a positive mindset.” Dhawan praised the new generation’s confidence and motivation, but acknowledged Australia’s revenge tour and pace challenge. Can India overcome recent struggles and secure a historic hat-trick?

India to host 2036 Olympics?

India has officially expressed its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This ambitious move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging the Games to boost the nation. To enhance India’s bid, there’s a push to include indigenous sports like yoga, kho kho, and kabaddi in the Games program. The Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympics Cell is actively working on a detailed plan for a successful bid.

Virat Kohli to regain his form in BGT?

India’s star batter Virat Kohli has been struggling with form recently. Despite his poor performance in the recent IND vs NZ Test series, former captain Sunil Gavaskar remains confident in Kohli’s ability to regain his form, especially in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. India needs a strong performance from Kohli to secure a 4-0 series win and qualify for the WTC Final. Kohli certainly has done superbly well in the past, making 1,352 runs an average of 54.08, including 6 centuries in Australia.