DRS Nov 21: Shreyas Iyer returns to KKR, David Warner to open with Virat Kohli & new addition to BGT squad

With each passing day, we are closer to the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). A fresh chapter will add to the already storied rivalry between India and Australia. Regarding the BGT, we had updates on the possible team combination for Team India, who might opt to go ahead with only spinner in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin. Talking about Ashwin, the premier off-spinner conducted his mock auction successfully, which saw various high-profile player switch allegiances. However, Shreyas Iyer went to KKR once again! On that note, let us take look at six of the top cricketing stories from November 19, Wednesday.

Shreyas Iyer is back with KKR! At least as per a mock auction. In Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock IPL 2025 auction, the franchise repurchased Iyer for a hefty Rs 9.5 crore, despite releasing him earlier. KKR retained key players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rinku Singh. England’s Liam Livingstone, previously with PBKS, became one of the most expensive overseas buys, fetching Rs 11 crore. It must be noted that this was just a mere auction and, in reality, it is highly unlikely that KKR would go for Shreyas Iyer again.

New BGT additions ft. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal and Yash Dayal have been added to India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Padikkal’s inclusion strengthens the batting lineup, depleted due to Rohit Sharma’s unavailability and Shubman Gill’s injury uncertainty. Padikkal’s impressive first-class average (58.57) and recent 88 against Australia A make him a valuable addition. Dayal, meanwhile, joins as a travelling reserve, alongside Mukesh Kumar, and Navdeep Saini. Apparently, Khaleel Ahmed, who is also part of the travelling reserves, has been injured. In Tuesday’s practice session, Padikkal stood at first slip, hinting at replacing Gill and potentially batting at three in the Perth Test.

Hardik Pandya to play domestic cricket!

Hardik Pandya will play for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, starting November 23. Although not initially named in the 17-man squad, Hardik will join the team in Indore for their match against Gujarat. His older brother, Krunal Pandya, will continue to captain the side. Hardik’s return after 8 years boosts Baroda’s chances, especially given his recent fabulous form with Team India. Hardik last played SMAT in 2016 and represented Baroda in the Ranji Trophy in 2018. Moreover, Pandya has now also become the highest rated all-rounder in T20Is!

Virat Kohli to partner with David Warner at RCB?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has secured notable replacements following Faf du Plessis’ release. During Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL 2025 mock auction, David Warner will join forces with Virat Kohli as the team’s opening batting duo. After RCB failed to get KL Rahul, Kohli will reassume captaincy duties. Additionally, RCB has acquired seasoned bowler Trent Boult for a staggering Rs 13.5 crore, bolstering their bowling lineup. It is hysterical to note that no other batter has scored more runs than David Warner against RCB. At number three, RCB bought back Will Jacks at Rs 7.5 crore, which is a steal deal. Rajat Patidar, RCB’s Rs 11 crore retention is at four, followed by RCB’s second-costliest mock auction buy – Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer was snapped for a figure of Rs 12 crore.

Kuldeep Yadav vs troller

A year after India’s 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia, Kuldeep Yadav faced online abuse for his performance. Despite being one of India’s top bowlers in the tournament, Kuldeep had an off-day in the final, conceding 56 runs in 10 wicketless overs. Trolls targeted him, prompting a fiery response. To one abusive comment, Kuldeep wrote: “Did you get paid to write such beautiful words, or do you have a personal hatred for me?”

R Ashwin over Jadeja, Sundar?

Ravichandran Ashwin may edge out Ravindra Jadeja as Team India’s sole spinner for the Perth Test against Australia. Coach Gautam Gambhir favors Ashwin due to Australia’s left-handed batters, including Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Alex Carey. Ashwin excels against southpaws, with the most left-handed dismissals in Test history. India plans to field three pacers, pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Ashwin. Ashwin’s experience in Australia (10 matches, 4 tours) and improved bowling average in the last two BGTs may give him an edge over Jadeja. Moreover, as per reports, India might also overlook Washington Sundar, who has done exceedingly well in the opportunities he has got.