DRS Feb 16: First 3 IPL 2025 matches confirmed, Rohit Sharma to be ignored from Tests & good news for Shami

The countdown for the release of the IPL 2025 schedule has begun. We are getting day-to-day updates on the opening week of the matches, and one could expect the official announcement anytime soon. On February 15, we had the reports coming in on what would be the first three matches of the IPL 2025, with the epic CSK vs MI clash to be played on March 23. Meanwhile, a huge report came in as well, stating that the BCCI might be looking to axe Rohit Sharma from Tests altogether. Apart from this, why would the ICC Champions Trophy be a great news for Mohammed Shami? Let us find out this and much more below as we skim through the top cricketing stories from February 15, Saturday.

Ever since his return after over 400 days, Mohammed Shami hasn’t been at his best. However, the tide could turn come the ICC Champions Trophy simply because he might be having favorable conditions in Dubai. Former India fielding coach, who was there in the UAE for the ILT20, feels that the conditions in Dubai could benefit Shami, who will execute his skills on decks that will have skiddy nature with dew incoming. Read more here: Why a good news for Shami at the ICC Champions Trophy?

Rohit Sharma to be axed from Tests?

Big changes might be coming to the Indian cricket team! According to a recent report, Rohit Sharma’s Test career could be coming to an end. The selectors allegedly don’t plan to pick him for the upcoming England series. Instead, Jasprit Bumrah might take over as captain once he recovers from his back injury. This news comes as a surprise, especially since Rohit had stated he had no plans to retire from Tests anytime soon. Read more here: Rohit Sharma unlikely to be picked for Tests again

First 3 IPL 2025 matches confirmed?

It was earlier reported that defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will kickstart IPL 2025 with a clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 23. Now, new developments have come, saying that the next day (March 24) will be a double-header day, with SRH taking on RR in the evening game followed by the fiercely competitive CSK vs MI game. Read more here: First 3 IPL 2025 matches confirmed?

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Dubai Delight for India!

Team India has arrived in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy! Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other key players like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul have landed safely. The team will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The remaining contingent will join soon. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, and Mohammed Siraj won’t be joining the team as they are non-travelling reserves. Read more here: Dubai Delight for India!

Last Champions Trophy for Rohit-Kohli?

Aakash Chopra thinks the upcoming Champions Trophy might be the last ICC event for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. He believes it’s a “strong possibility” that the trio will call it quits after the tournament. Chopra notes that the 2027 World Cup is too far away, and Indian cricket needs to think about life after these legends. He suggests that if better alternatives emerge, the selectors shouldn’t hesitate to move on. Read more here: Last Champions Trophy for Rohit-Kohli?

Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Schedule News

Mumbai Indians fans, mark your calendars! The five-time IPL champions will play their first home game of the 2025 season on March 31 at the Wankhede Stadium. Before that, they’ll play two away games. The IPL 2025 season kicks off on March 22, but the full schedule is yet to be announced. It’ll be interesting to see how the crowd reacts to new captain Hardik Pandya, and also how the team copes if Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable. Read more here: Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Schedule News