DRS Nov 23: IPL 2025 dates out, Deepak Hooda to be banned & mega auction time changed!

So, after months of anticipation we have finally embarked on a fresh chapter between India and Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25 series beckoned in Perth, where bowlers completely dominated, taking 17 wickets on Day 1 itself. Indian batters fared poorly but debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy shone brightly. The highest was India’s stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, who bamboozled Aussies. The hosts are currently floundering at 67/6. Apart from this, November 22 (Friday) also saw some key developments take place. We have the dates revealed for the IPL 2025 and also had a slight rejig in the mega auction time. Meanwhile, BCCI even suspected the bowling action of Deepak Hooda. On that note, here are the top six cricketing stories from November 22, Friday.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will commence on March 14 and conclude on May 25, featuring 74 matches. This is a slight contraction from the initially planned 84 matches. Interestingly, dates for the next two IPL seasons have also been revealed: IPL 2026 will run from March 15 to May 31 with 84 matches, while IPL 2027 will take place from March 14 to May 30 with 94 matches.

New IPL 2025 Auction timings

The IPL 2025 mega auction start time has been changed from 3 PM IST to 3:30 PM IST, just two days before the event in Jeddah. Broadcasters JioCinema and Disney Star requested the change to avoid a clash with the India vs Australia 1st Test, which could affect viewership. The auction was initially scheduled to coincide with the Test match’s end time, but the risk of delays prompted the time change to accommodate both events.

Deepak Hooda, Manish Pandey banned?

Deepak Hooda’s IPL 2025 prospects have taken a hit after the BCCI added his bowling action to the suspected list. This development may impact his value as an all-rounder ahead of the November 24-25 mega auction. Hooda was recently released by Lucknow Super Giants after a disappointing 2024 season. The BCCI has also banned Manish Pandey and Shrijith Krishnan from bowling in competitive cricket, while Saurabh Dubey, KC Cariappa, and Hooda are under scrutiny for their actions.

KL Rahul: Out or Not-out?

KL Rahul was controversially dismissed for 26 in the Perth Test against Australia, falling victim to poor third umpiring. Rahul, who looked in good touch, was given out caught behind off Mitchell Starc, despite initial doubts. The on-field umpire gave a not-out decision, but TV umpire Richard Illingworth overturned it without seeking additional angles. Snicko suggested an edge, but Rahul’s bat appeared to hit his pad, causing the noise that led to his dismissal.

Virat Kohli flop show in Perth

There has been a huge reception for Virat Kohli ever since he has landed in Australia. Every newspaper, every cricket expert and every local fan is just buzzing with Kohli’s presence. After all, he has done exceedingly well every time he has step onto the Australian shores. But now, this is a different Virat Kohli. He is enduring his worst-ever year in international cricket. The ex-India captain shot himself on the foot by playing “so much” outside the popping crease on a track that offered an extreme amount of bounce off the deck. The writing was on the wall. The tall Aussie bowlers banged in short to him and Kohli had no answers. He was out for 5 runs.

Nitish Kumar Reddy taking “bullets for India”

Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s debutant all-rounder, revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s advice on handling bouncers in the 1st Test against Australia in Perth. Gambhir told Reddy to treat a bouncer like “taking a bullet for the country” and play it over his shoulder. Reddy applied this advice effectively, scoring 41 off 59 deliveries, and showing solid defense and leaving technique. He, along with Rishabh Pant, helped stabilize India’s innings. In fact, Nitish turned out to be India’s highest run-getter in the first innings.