aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dropped after a poor T20 World Cup 2022 showing, hasn't given up on an India comeback despite selectors overlooking his strong IPL 2025 performance with RCB. The 35-year-old pacer, currently playing in the Uttar Pradesh Premier League 2025, remains focused on fitness and performance.

Virat Kohli has addressed the tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium that resulted in 11 deaths and 75 injuries, calling it a heartbreaking event following RCB's IPL victory. RCB will provide Rs 25 lakh compensation to the victims' families and establish a memorial. A judicial report held organizers responsible for SOP violations, deeming the venue unsafe.

Dinesh Karthik praises Jitesh Sharma's mindset regarding national team selection. Karthik helped Jitesh refine his finishing skills while at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jitesh's IPL 2025 performance earned him a spot back on the Indian squad. He aims to solidify his position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Sanju Samson is currently the preferred wicketkeeper.

Despite their strong bond and memorable IPL partnerships for RCB, AB de Villiers didn't include Virat Kohli in his top five Test cricketers. De Villiers named Jacques Kallis, Andrew Flintoff, Mohammad Asif, Shane Warne, and Sachin Tendulkar. He praised Kallis as potentially the best cricketer ever and Asif as the best seamer he faced.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) broke their three-month social media silence to address the tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June, which resulted in 11 deaths and 75 injuries. RCB acknowledged their silence stemmed from grief over the incident that occurred during their homecoming celebration after winning their first IPL title.

Virat Kohli was recently spotted in London with Anushka Sharma, enjoying leisure time and engaging with fans. He balanced this with training sessions, preparing for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Kohli also attended a gala, reminiscing about his career and bonds with fellow cricketers, while also observing the pressures of Wimbledon and supporting Team India's achievements.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their first IPL title in 2025, marking a new era after a mega auction. Strategic signings like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bolstered their squad, leading to Mohammed Siraj's departure. Director Mo Bobat highlighted the tough decision to release Siraj, prioritizing Bhuvneshwar's versatility.

Wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma, after a period of self-reflection following his initial T20I appearances, has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team. His resurgence was fueled by a strong IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he showcased his finishing abilities and even captained the team in Rajat Patidar's absence.

Aakash Chopra has ignited controversy by questioning RCB's influence on Rajat Patidar's captaincy in domestic cricket. Mo Bobat revealed he encouraged Patidar to seek leadership roles at the state level, leading to his appointment as Madhya Pradesh captain. Chopra found it questionable for IPL franchises to 'nudge' players into domestic captaincy roles, sparking debate about the ethics of such influence.

Swastik Chikara, 20, recalled a chat with Virat Kohli during the IPL 2025 season, adding that the legendary batter is keen on prolonging his IPL career. Kohli shone with the bat in RCB's first-ever title-winning campaign in the T20 league earlier this year.