DRS Apr 4: Rohit Sharma higher chief than Virat Kohli, CSK to signal new participant for IPL & SRH’s wasteful Rs 39.25cr

A “pitch-perfect” win for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday night in the repeat of last year’s IPL 2024 final clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The hosts read the conditions superbly, beating SRH for the fifth consecutive time. Superbly, Rs 23.75 crore all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer sizzled his first IPL 2025 fifty, and so did Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Elsewhere, we got a news regarding the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are looking to sign players midway in the IPL. Meanwhile, InsideSport asked Chris Gayle about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Fascinatingly, Gayle chose Rohit as a better leader than Kohli. On that note, let us look at the top cricketing stories from Thursday, April 3.

New CSK signing at IPL 2025?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have called 17-year-old Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre for trials amid IPL 2025. Mhatre impressed in the domestic circuit, scoring 504 runs in 9 first-class matches and 458 runs in 7 List A games. He can join CSK only if a player is unavailable or injured. CSK’s MD confirmed the trials, stating they’re impressed with Mhatre’s performance. The teenager had a phenomenal 2024, becoming the youngest to score 150+ runs in List A cricket, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record. Read more here: CSK ask Ayush Mhatre to attend mid-season trial

Rohit a better leader than Kohli?

Chris Gayle, in an interview with InsideSport, chose Rohit Sharma as a better leader than Virat Kohli. Despite sharing a dressing room with Kohli and admiring him, Gayle preferred Rohit’s decision-making skills, citing his six IPL titles, including five as Mumbai Indians’ captain. However, Gayle chose Kohli over Rohit in nine other aspects, including fitness, popularity, and IPL legacy. Gayle’s choices highlighted the unique strengths of both Indian cricket legends. Read more here: Rohit Sharma better “leader” than Virat Kohli

Struggling Rs 39.25cr for SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) top-order batters, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan, have failed miserably, despite being paid a combined Rs 39.25 crore. This is almost 33% of the total purse of SRH. In three consecutive matches, they’ve lost early wickets, putting pressure on the middle order. With the loss against KKR, SRH have dropped down to the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. The team desperately needs its top-order batters to step up. Read more here: Struggling Rs 39.25cr for SRH

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MI back struggling Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians are standing by their former captain Rohit Sharma despite his poor start to IPL 2025. Rohit has scored just 21 runs in three games, but MI’s batting coach Kieron Pollard insists he’s earned the right not to feel pressured. Pollard believes Rohit will bounce back and deliver a big score. The franchise has a history of trusting its stalwarts, and Rohit is no exception. Read more here: Mis-firing Rohit Sharma not a problem for Mumbai Indians

Akash Deep fit for LSG vs MI game

Akash Deep, the Indian pacer, has declared himself fit for the LSG vs MI game in IPL 2025. He had been out of action for three months due to a back injury sustained during the Australia tour. Despite playing only one T20 match since October-November 2023, Deep expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he’s enjoying his time with LSG and feels ready to perform. His return significantly boosts LSG, who have struggled with injuries to their pace attack. Read more here: Akash Deep most likely in LSG XI for MI clash

Hardik Pandya’s words of wisdom

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya shared words of wisdom with young players Ashwani Kumar and Satyanarayan Raju. In a pep talk, Pandya shared the importance of staying grounded, blocking out pressure and negativity, and focusing on executing their plans. He encouraged them to stay confident, even in tough times, and to maintain discipline in their bowling. Both Ashwani and Raju have been the finds of MI at the IPL 2025. Despite not having much T20 experience, the Mumbai management has done a phenomenal job in slotting them into the side. Read more here: Hardik Pandya, the true Mumbai Indians captain