Mayank Agarwal, who won the IPL 2025 trophy with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is likely to be a key player in the 2026 auction. Notably, the senior player had joined the Bengaluru-based franchise mid-season as Devdutt Padikkal sustained an injury. The right-handed batter scored 95 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 148. 43 with the best score of an unbeaten 41 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). RCB paid INR 1 crore for his services in the 2025 season. Notably, Agarwal couldn’t be retained by the franchise because the defending champions signed him as a temporary injury replacement. As a result, RCB released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Mayank boasts an impressive record with 2756 runs in 131 IPL matches at a strike rate of 133. 52, hitting one ton and 13 half-centuries. Overall, the 34-year-old has amassed 5012 runs in 215 T20s, including two centuries and 28 fifties. The right-handed batter is known for his anchor role at the top of the batting order. Several teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gujarat Titans (GT), LSG, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be looking to buy him at the IPL 2026 auction. Let’s take a look below: #1 RR Despite having the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the Royals don’t have a backup Indian opener. Notably, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Donovan Ferreira have emerged as the first four overseas choices among seven available players. As a result, the inaugural champions might have to sit out South Africa opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius. In such a scenario, Mayank could be a like-for-like replacement for Jaiswal or Suryavanshi in case of an injury. In addition, the senior batter would offer experience to the young side, which is yet to finalise a captain for the next season. Having led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 14 games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he can offer some valuable input to a young captain like Riyan Parag. #2 CSK Chennai Super Kings will be in search of a backup opener for Ayush Mhatre. With Sanju Samson likely to cement his spot as an opener from game one, Mayank Agarwal can serve as a cover for Mhatre and No. 3 batter Urvil Patel. With INR 43. 4 crores in their kitty, the Super Kings would be more than happy to buy Agarwal for his base price of INR 1 crore. Additionally, Agarwal would be looking to find some stability after a downward trend in IPL over the last couple of years. Notably, senior players love playing at CSK, and Agarwal could be the next Ajinkya Rahane from the franchise. Rahane had three poor IPL seasons before he found his rhythm back with the Chennai-based franchise during the 2023 season, when the yellow army lifted their fifth trophy. #3 KKR With the highest purse (INR 64. 30) ahead of IPL 2026 Auction, KKR can buy Mayank Agarwal even if other franchises engage in a small bidding war for the opening batter. After releasing Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mayank could be a specialist opener for the Knight Riders. With Sunil Narine set to get all guns blazing from ball one, if he opens, Agarwal can provide stability when the former flops. Apart from that, he also sorts out the playing XI issue as an Indian player. Unlike CSK or RR, KKR could provide Mayank an opportunity to bat as the first-choice opener. The right-handed batter could use the opportunity to bounce back in the T20 league.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-3-teams-target-mayank-agarwal-ipl-2026-auction-ft-rr
Tag: half-centuries
Harmanpreet Kaur vs Rohit Sharma – Comparing their stats for MI after 27 matches
India’s World Cup 2025 winning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, will once again feature for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. She was retained for ₹2.5 crore ahead of the auction and continues to captain MI in the WPL.
Having led MI to two WPL titles in the three editions so far—victories coming in the inaugural season in 2023 and again in 2025—Harmanpreet Kaur and her team are the defending champions heading into the next season.
On the men’s side, Rohit Sharma began his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers in 2008 before joining MI in 2011. Since then, he has been a pivotal figure in the franchise, captaining them to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Rohit’s leadership and performance have played a massive role in establishing MI as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
With that background, let’s compare the statistics of Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma after their first 27 matches for Mumbai Indians in their respective leagues—the WPL for Harmanpreet and the IPL for Rohit.
### 1. Most Runs
Harmanpreet Kaur has captained MI across all three WPL seasons, featuring in 27 matches and scoring 851 runs in 26 innings. Her standout performance came in the 2025 season, where she amassed 302 runs in ten matches to help secure the title.
In comparison, Rohit Sharma has played a total of 227 matches for MI in the IPL, scoring 5,876 runs. During his first 27 IPL matches for MI, he scored 665 runs in 24 innings.
### 2. Batting Average and Strike Rate
In her 27 WPL matches, Harmanpreet Kaur has maintained an impressive batting average of 40.52 with a strike rate of 143.50.
Rohit Sharma’s overall IPL record with MI features an average of 29.53 and a strike rate of 132.22 across 227 matches. During his initial 27 games for MI, Rohit had a batting average of 33.25 and a strike rate of 126.42.
### 3. Number of 50-plus Scores
Harmanpreet has scored eight half-centuries so far in her WPL career. While she is yet to hit a century, her best innings came in the 2024 season when she scored an unbeaten 95 off 48 balls against Gujarat Giants, including 10 fours and five sixes.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, boasts two centuries and 39 half-centuries for MI in the IPL. In his first 27 matches, he had six half-centuries, with a top score of 87 off 48 balls against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
### 4. Performance in Winning Causes
MI have won 19 of the 27 WPL matches in which Harmanpreet Kaur has played. In these victories, she scored 680 runs at an average of 52.31 and an exceptional strike rate of 150.44. Notably, all eight of her half-centuries have come in matches that MI won.
During Rohit Sharma’s first 27 matches for MI, the team won 16. In these games, Rohit scored 528 runs at an average of 52.8 and a strike rate of 134.01, including five half-centuries in winning causes.
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In summary, both Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma have had impactful starts to their Mumbai Indians careers, playing crucial roles in their team’s successes. Harmanpreet’s explosive batting and leadership in the WPL parallel Rohit’s consistent performances and multiple title wins in the IPL, cementing their statuses as iconic captains of the franchise.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/harmanpreet-kaur-vs-rohit-sharma-comparing-stats-mi-27-matches
Women’s WC: Mandhana, Rawal register record-breaking opening stand against Australia
**Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Set New Record for Highest-Ever Opening Partnership Against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 12, 2025, 06:17 PM*
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have set a new record for the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups. The remarkable feat was achieved during India’s group stage match against Australia on Sunday in Visakhapatnam.
The duo surpassed the previous record held by England’s E Bakewell and D Thomas, who had put together 101 runs in the inaugural World Cup of 1973. Mandhana and Rawal are now the only pair to have registered a century stand against Australia in Women’s World Cup history.
### Record-Breaking Feat: Highest Opening Stand Against Australia
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mandhana and Rawal also set a new record for the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). Together, they constructed an impressive 155-run stand before Mandhana was dismissed for 80 runs.
Starting their innings cautiously, the duo gradually took control and unleashed some brilliant strokes, particularly against two of Australia’s premier bowlers, Sophie Molineux and Ashleigh Gardner. Their partnership was highlighted by a series of well-timed boundaries that thrilled fans.
### Milestone Achievement: Second ODI Partnership for Mandhana and Rawal
The ninth over of the match was a turning point when Rawal struck a six followed by a four off Gardner, pushing their partnership past the 50-run mark. This marked their 14th 50-plus stand in ODIs, placing them second only to Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj, who have 18 such partnerships for India.
This partnership was also their sixth opening stand across 21 WODI innings, with only Mithali Raj and Punam Raut having more century stands for India in this format (7 each).
### Partnership Progress: Fourth Century-Plus Stand of 2025 for the Duo
At 93 runs in the 18th over, Rawal was given a reprieve after being dropped. The partnership quickly climbed to surpass the 100-run milestone, marking their fourth century-plus stand in 2025 alone. This achievement is second only to Australia’s Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley, who had five such stands in 2000, and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Rachel Priest with four in 2015.
### Smriti Mandhana Surpasses 5,000 WODI Runs
Mandhana was eventually dismissed for 80 runs off 66 balls, which included 9 fours and 3 sixes. During this innings, she crossed the significant milestone of 5,000 WODI runs, becoming the fastest woman to do so, achieving it in just 112 innings.
Her career tally now includes 13 centuries and 33 half-centuries. Additionally, with her 18th run in the game, Mandhana became the first-ever batter to complete 1,000 runs in a calendar year in WODIs.
### Pratika Rawal Scores Seventh WODI Fifty
Rawal contributed a solid 75 runs off 96 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six. The 25-year-old now has eight scores of 50 or more across 21 WODI appearances, including one century.
ESPNcricinfo reports that her seventh WODI fifty has taken her overall run tally to 982 runs at an impressive average of 49.10. This was her second fifty against Australia in just four outings and also marked her maiden fifty in the Women’s World Cup.
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This landmark partnership by Mandhana and Rawal not only highlights the depth and talent in the Indian women’s cricket team but also sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead in the World Cup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mandhana-rawal-record-highest-ever-opening-partnership-against-australia-wodis/story
Women’s WC: Mandhana, Rawal register record-breaking opening stand against Australia
**Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Set New Record for Highest Opening Partnership Against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 12, 2025 | 06:17 pm*
In an enthralling group stage match against Australia in Visakhapatnam, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal scripted history by setting a new record for the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups. The dynamic duo surpassed the previous mark of 101 runs held by England’s E Bakewell and D Thomas, which was set during the inaugural World Cup in 1973. Interestingly, no other pair had managed a century stand against Australia in Women’s World Cups until now.
### Record-Breaking Feat: Highest Opening Stand Against Australia
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mandhana and Rawal also rewrote the record books by registering the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). The pair compiled an impressive 155-run stand before Mandhana was dismissed for 80 runs.
The innings began cautiously, with both players taking their time to assess the conditions. However, as the partnership blossomed, they took on Australia’s premier bowlers, Sophie Molineux and Ashleigh Gardner, dispatching them with crisply timed boundaries and well-calculated aggression.
### Milestone Achievement: Second ODI Partnership for Mandhana and Rawal
The partnership gained momentum in the ninth over when Rawal showcased her power-hitting prowess by smashing a six and a four off Ashleigh Gardner, pushing their stand beyond 50 runs. This marked their 14th 50-plus partnership in ODIs, putting them second only to the formidable duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj, who have registered 18 such stands for India.
Furthermore, this stand was their sixth successful opening partnership across 21 Women’s ODI innings. When it comes to century stands for India in the format, only Mithali Raj and Punam Raut have more with seven such partnerships.
### Partnership Progress: Fourth Century-Plus Stand of 2025 for the Duo
At 93 runs in the 18th over, Rawal was dropped on the field but quickly recovered as they crossed the 100-run milestone. This marked their fourth century-plus partnership in 2025 alone, a feat only rivaled by Australia’s Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley, who achieved five century stands in 2000, and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Rachel Priest, who recorded four in 2015.
### Smriti Mandhana’s Personal Milestones
Mandhana’s innings was a fine display of skill and power. She scored 80 runs off just 66 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. During her stay at the crease, she passed the significant milestone of 5,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, taking only 112 innings to reach this mark — the fastest ever to do so. Her career tally now includes 13 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
Additionally, with her 18th run in the match, Mandhana became the first-ever batter in Women’s ODIs to complete 1,000 runs in a calendar year, underscoring her consistent brilliance.
### Pratika Rawal’s Impressive Performance
Rawal contributed a well-made 75 off 96 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and a six. The 25-year-old now boasts eight 50-plus scores in 21 WODI appearances, including one century. According to ESPNcricinfo, her seventh WODI fifty brought her total runs to 982 at an excellent average of 49.10.
This innings marked her second fifty in just four outings against Australia and her maiden half-century in the ICC Women’s World Cup, highlighting her emergence as a dependable middle-order batter for India.
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The record-breaking opening stand by Mandhana and Rawal not only set the tone for India’s innings but also added a memorable chapter to the history of Women’s cricket. Their combination of resilience, skill, and aggression promises exciting times ahead for Indian cricket fans.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mandhana-rawal-record-highest-ever-opening-partnership-against-australia-wodis/story
Heather Knight slams her 27th WODI half-century
**WODI World Cup: Heather Knight’s Unbeaten 79 Guides England to Victory Over Bangladesh**
*By Parth Dhall | October 7, 2025 | 10:37 PM*
In a thrilling encounter at the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, England secured a hard-fought victory against Bangladesh at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Chasing a target of 179, what seemed like a modest total proved challenging as England faced a middle-order collapse before rallying to victory.
Bangladesh got off to a strong start with Marufa Akter making early breakthroughs, dismissing England’s openers Amy Jones (1) and Tammy Beaumont (2) as the visitors found themselves struggling at 29 for 2. However, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight steadied the innings, putting together an important 40-run partnership.
The tide turned quickly when Fahima Khatun struck twice in quick succession, removing Sciver-Brunt for 32 and Sophie Dunkley for a duck, leaving England in deep trouble at 78 for 5. It was then left to Heather Knight to single-handedly guide her team to victory.
Knight remained unbeaten on 79 runs off 111 balls, a patient and composed innings featuring 8 fours and a six. Alongside a resilient Charlotte Dean, who supported with an unbeaten 27*, Knight anchored the chase, eventually bringing England home in 46.1 overs.
**Milestone Achievement for Heather Knight**
This impressive knock not only sealed the win but also marked a personal milestone for Heather Knight. She surpassed Claire Taylor’s run tally of 4,101 runs, becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer for England in Women’s ODIs. Knight now boasts 4,116 runs in 151 WODI matches at an average of 35.79, including two centuries and 27 half-centuries.
Only Charlotte Edwards (5,992), Tammy Beaumont (4,562), and Nat Sciver-Brunt (4,124) sit ahead of her on England’s all-time WODI run-scoring list.
England will look to build on this hard-earned victory as the tournament progresses, while Bangladesh can take heart from a spirited bowling effort and early breakthroughs that challenged a strong English batting line-up.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/heather-knight-helps-england-beat-bangladesh-in-wodi-wc/story
1st Test: India dominate Day 2 proceedings against West Indies
**1st Test: India Dominate Day 2 Proceedings Against West Indies**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025 | 05:10 pm*
The Indian cricket team ended Day 2 on a strong note against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Resuming the day at 121/2, KL Rahul (53*) and Shubman Gill (18*) were at the crease, providing India with a solid platform. The duo handed India a good start before Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja took over to dominate the proceedings.
### Summary of the Day
Rahul and Gill had added an unbeaten 31 runs on Day 1, and on Day 2, they stitched another 67 runs together. Gill was the first to fall for 50, followed by Rahul, who departed for a defiant 100 runs. Since then, Jurel and Jadeja have built a strong partnership, adding 200 runs to the scoreboard, with Jurel hitting a century and Jadeja firing in all cylinders.
### Shubman Gill’s Milestone
Gill fell prey to opposition skipper and off-spinner Roston Chase right after completing his fifty. Notably, Gill equaled a record held by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. According to Cricbuzz, the last Indian captain to score 50+ in their debut home Test innings was Gavaskar, who had made a stunning 205 against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 1978.
Playing his sixth Test as captain, Gill currently boasts 804 runs at an outstanding average of 73.09 from 11 innings.
### Gill’s Batting Stats
– This fifty was Gill’s 8th in Test cricket, taking his total to 2,697 runs from 38 Tests at an average of 41.49.
– He has scored nine Test centuries and eight fifties.
– This was his maiden fifty in four Test innings against the West Indies.
– Across 18 home Tests, Gill has accumulated 1,227 runs at an average of 42.31, including 10 scores of 50+ and four tons.
### KL Rahul’s 11th Test Century
Rahul reached his 11th Test hundred with a well-crafted 100 off 197 balls, including 12 fours. Playing his 64th Test, Rahul now has 3,889 runs at an average of 36.00. Against West Indies, he has scored 474 runs at a healthy average of 47.40, including two centuries and three 50+ scores. This hundred marked his 10th as an opener.
### Additional Highlights for Rahul
– This was Rahul’s second Test century on home soil, where he has amassed 1,249 runs at an average of 41.63.
– Overall, he boasts 12 scores of 50+ in India.
– In First-Class cricket, Rahul has played 112 matches, scoring 8,317 runs at an average of around 45. He now has 23 centuries and 39 fifties, as per ESPNcricinfo.
As Day 2 concludes, India’s dominance continues, with strong performances from their top order and middle order all but setting the tone in this Test match against West Indies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-2-report/story