The action continued in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League on Wednesday, March 15 as Royal Challengers Bangalore were up against UP Warriorz in match 13 of the tournament at Dr. Dy patil sports academy, Navi Mumbai. RCB did win their first match of the campaign but skipper Smriti Mandhana hasn't lived up to her worth. Kanika Ahuja's brilliant inning helped RCB to win the match of WPL 2023.
Smriti Mandhana against Mumbai Indians Image - BCCI
Mandhana couldn't vindicate her decision as she was once again dismissed too soon. The RCB skipper departed for a duck in the match against UP Warriorz. She hasn't been able to give a good start to her team except in the first match where she showed positive intent, although she made 35 runs. In six matches, she was dismissed by right-handed off spinners Alice Capsey, Hayley Matthews, and Ashleigh Gardner respectively, whereas, in the fourth game, left-arm orthodox bowler Rajeshwari Gayakwad claimed her wicket. In the 5th match, national teammate Shikha Pandey dismissed Smriti. Deepti Sharma removed her from the crease for a golden duck in the last match.
After six innings in WPL 2023, the RCB captain only has 88 runs to her name and has failed miserably in justifying her reputation and the price tag. If RCB want to finish somewhere fine at the table, Smriti has to step up. As a Captain & as a batter, it is very important for Smriti Mandhana to lead the Bangalore women's side to victories in the remaining 2 matches.
India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?
From playing careers to coaching, commentary, and other ventures, where are the 2011 WC winning heroes? Explore the present status of India's 2011 World Cup winning squad and where are they now, 14 years after historic victory.
It's been 14 years since India lifted the 2011 World Cup, a moment etched in every fan's memory. That legendary squad brought joy to millions on that unforgettable night in Mumbai, but where are they now?
While many retired, some explored new paths in cricket, and others found different callings, one key player continues to represent India in ODIs.
Explore the current status of India's 2011 World Cup winning squad and know their journeys since the victory and where are they now.
The unforgettable 2011 World Cup Winning squad
India's 2011 World Cup winning squad members. Image | sportzpoint.com
Here's the overview of squad members:
MS Dhoni (C & WK), Virender Sehwag (VC), Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel, S Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin.
Coach: Gary Kirsten
Find out the updates on each one of them below:
1. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni with the World Cup in 2011. Image | SportsCafe
MS Dhoni is the winning captain of 2011 World Cup, who finished off in style with a six to seal the victory for India. He also led India to victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, becoming the first captain to claim all ICC limited-overs trophies.
He continued to captain India for several years and played a crucial role as a finisher in white-ball cricket. He also led CSK to win four IPL titles from 2011-2023.
Retirement: Dhoni retired from test cricket in December 2014, and announced his retirement from international cricket (ODIs and T20Is) on August 15, 2020. However, he continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Currently doing: Continues to captain Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He is involved in various business ventures and endorsements.
Virender Sehwag with the World Cup in 2011. Image | TOI
Virender Sehwag was the vice-captain of India's 2011 WC-winning squad and provided explosive starts at the top of the order, including a stunning knock of 175 runs against Bangladesh in the opening match.
He continued his attacking batting in Test and ODI formats for a few more years.
Retirement: Sehwag retired from all forms of international cricket in October 2015.
Currently doing: He is a prominent cricket analyst and commentator, and a member of the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel of the National Anti-Doping Agency under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. He also runs the Sehwag International School in Haryana and has ventured into the sports gear and organic farming business.
3. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir in World Cup final against Sri Lanka in 2011. Image | Facebook
Gautam Gambhir was an integral part of India's success in the 2011 WC, especially with his knock of 97 runs in the final. He continued to play a key role in India's top order for a period. He also led Kolkata Knight Riders to 2 IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.
Later, he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants and then KKR, guiding them to their third title in 2024.
Retirement: Announced retirement from all formats in December 2018.
Currently doing: In July 2024, Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of India for three years until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He got his first major ICC title in a coaching role by leading India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as the head coach.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar after the World Cup win in 2011. Image | DNA India
Sachin Tendulkar was the leading run-scorer for India and the second overall in the tournament (482 runs in 9 innings), including two centuries.
He scored his record-setting 100th international century in March 2012 and became a member of the Rajya Sabha in the same year. Additionally, he was a part of Mumbai Indians team that won the IPL in 2013.
Retirement: Retired from ODI cricket in December 2012, and from tests in November 2013. He also retired from the IPL in 2013.
Currently doing: Sachin continues to be involved in cricketing and social initiatives, and remains a global ambassador for the sport.
Yuvraj Singh after the World Cup win in 2011. Image | India Today
The "Player of the tournament," Yuvraj Singh, delivered an exceptional all-rounder performance throughout the World Cup. He successfully battled germ-cell cancer in 2011 and returned to cricket the next year (2012).
Yuvraj continued to play white ball cricket for India occasionally and played in various IPL teams, winning twice with SRH in 2016 and MI in 2019.
Retirement: Formally retired from international cricket in June 2019.
Currently doing: He is involved in various cricketing leagues and charitable initiatives. He also mentored India's emerging star, Abhishek Sharma, and has a significant role in shaping his career.
6. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina in action for India in 2011 World Cup. Image | Instagram
Suresh Raina played an attacking role in the lower middle order, particularly in the quarter-final against Australia (unbeaten 34), and the semi-final against Pakistan (unbeaten 36).
He continued to be a significant part of India's white-ball setup for several years and was a key player for CSK in the IPL.
Retirement: Announced retirement from all forms on August 15, 2020, on the same day as Dhoni. However, he continued to play domestic cricket and in various T20 leagues for a period.
Currently doing: Raina has been involved in commentary and various cricket-related activities.
7. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli after the 2011 World Cup win. Image | AI Jazeera
As the youngest batsman in the squad (22 years 95 days), Virat Kohli showed glimpses of his future greatness by performing well in the 2011 World Cup, including a century against Bangladesh.
Kohli rose to be one of the world's premier batsmen and captained India across all formats. He became the most successful test captain in history for India. He led India to numerous victories and broke several batting records.
He is the only player from India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad who is still actively playing international cricket (ODI format).
Retirement: He retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in 2024, and also retired from Test Cricket in 2025.
Currently doing: He won the IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 and had a phenomenal season. He is also expected to play in the 2027 World Cup.
Yusuf Pathan with the WC trophy in 2011. Image | Twitter
Yusuf Pathan was a part of India's World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and played as a batting all-rounder, primarily in the lower middle order. He continued to play in domestic cricket and the IPL, playing for various franchises, including KKR and SRH.
Pathan was also a part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup winning squad.
Retirement: Retired from all formats in February 2021.
Currently doing: He became a member of parliament from the Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency of West Bengal, and has been seen participating in the Legends League Cricket.
9. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan holding the WC trophy in the final in 2011. Image | Getty Images
The shepherd of India's pace attack, Zaheer Khan, was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2011 World Cup with 21 wickets in 9 matches. His contributions to the bowling unit were phenomenal.
He continued to represent India in internationals for a few more years.
Retirement: Khan retired from international cricket in October 2015.
Currently doing: He has been involved in commentary and coaching roles. He is also a cricket expert and analyst.
10. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh celebrating the 2011 World Cup Win. Image | Sportstar
Harbhajan Singh proved to be crucial for the team in the WC 2011, with the kind of experience he had in the game. He continued to play for India occasionally after the World Cup, but his international appearances became less frequent.
He continued to play IPL for franchises like MI, CSK and KKR.
Retirement: Retired from all formats in December 2021.
Currently doing: He is a cricket commentator and an analyst. He has also ventured into politics, serving as a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Ashish Nehra in 2011 World Cup. Image | TV9 Bharatvarsh
Ashish Nehra played three matches in the 2011 World Cup and was particularly effective in the semi-final against Pakistan, where he took 2 wickets for 33 runs.
He faced injuries but made a remarkable comeback to the Indian T20I team and played the T20 World Cup that year.
Retirement: Nehra retired from all forms of international cricket in November 2017.
Currently doing: He has been involved in coaching in the IPL (head coach: Gujarat Titans) and won the 2022 season.
12. Munaf Patel
Munaf Patel in 2011 World Cup. Image | IBTimes India
Munaf Patel played a significant role as a consistent medium-pacer in the 2011 WC winning squad, picking 11 wickets in 8 matches. He continued to play domestic cricket and in various T20 leagues after the World Cup.
Retirement: He retired from all formats in December 2018.
Currently doing: Served as the bowling coach for Delhi Capitals since the 2024 season and has been seen participating in Legends League Cricket.
13. S Sreesanth
Sreesanth in 2011 World Cup. Image | Circle of Cricket
S Sreesanth came in as a replacement for Praveen Kumar (ruled out due to injury) in India's 2011 WC squad. He played 2 matches, including the final.
His career was significantly impacted by a spot-fixing scandal in the 2013 IPL, which led to a ban from cricket.
Retirement: He made a comeback in domestic cricket after the ban was reduced, and retired from all domestic forms in March 2022.
Currently doing: Sreesanth is the co-owner of the Kollam Aeries team in the Kerala Cricket League. He also participated in reality shows like Big Boss and was involved in acting and other ventures.
14. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla in 2011 World Cup. Image | Instagram
The youngest player in India's 2011 World Cup winning squad, Piyush Chawla (22 yrs 46 days), picked 4 wickets in the three matches he played. He continued to play domestic cricket and IPL for various franchises and won.
Retirement: Chawla announced from all forms of cricket in June 2025. His last international appearance for India was in 2012.
Currently doing: He has been associated with the sport as an analyst and was seen giving inputs in per-match shows in IPL and other leagues.
Ravichandran Ashwin in 2011 World Cup. Image | The SportsRush
The spin master, Ravichandran Ashwin, played only 2 matches in the tournament, picking up 4 wickets. He turned out to be one of the most successful Test bowlers for India, with 537 Test wickets.
Ashwin later developed into a useful all-rounder and could bat well. He was also named ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
Retirement: Announced retirement from international cricket in December 2024.
Currently doing: He is actively involved in playing cricket in IPL and played in the TNPL as well. Ashwin is also an active YouTuber, who analyses and shares cricketing stories on his channel, which currently has 1.71M subscribers.
The celebration of Royal Challengers Bangaluru's (RCB) first title win in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has now become a cause of crisis. 11 people died and about 50 people were injured in a Bengaluru stampede during the celebration held outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In connection with this tragic incident, Bangaluru Police has arrested four people including a senior RCB official, while some top officials of Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) are still absconding.
Police arrested RCB employee
Among those arrested by the police, the prominent name is that of Nikhil Sosale, who is the marketing head of RCB. Nikhil is considered close to Virat Kohli and was seen actively in every match of the team.
He led the team's branding and marketing strategy and has been associated with the franchise for many years. This year, a picture of a woman sitting next to Anushka Sharma in the stadium during every RCB match went viral on social media. Later it was revealed that this woman was none other than Nikhil Sosale's wife Malvika Nayak.
Arrest comes after Senior IPS officer took charge
The police, on Thursday, had booked RCB, event management company DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administration over the Bengaluru stampede with CM Siddaramaiah asking the police to arrest the representatives. The KSCA officials have been absconding since Thursday night, the police said.
The arrest comes moments after Senior IPS officer Seemant Kumar Singh took charge as the new Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police, replacing B Dayananda, who was among senior officers suspended over the stampede.
After taking charge, Singh had vowed to uphold the work of his predecessors and act swiftly on the stampede. “I will immediately meet with my officers and take necessary steps regarding the incident,” he said.
Bengaluru Stampede case: What happened actually?
What was meant to be a day of celebration for cricket fans in Karnataka turned chaotic on Wednesday, as a hastily cancelled victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team gave way to confusion, swelling crowds, and a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The morning began with an announcement from team management: a victory parade would be held on an open bus, traveling the short distance from the iconic Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. Free passes for a post-parade celebration at the stadium were to be made available online. But by 11:56 am, the Bengaluru Traffic Police said that the parade was off.
However, by the time the RCB team arrived at HAL airport around 1:30 pm and travelled to their hotel before heading to Vidhana Soudha, thousands had already assembled along the intended parade route. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was slated to felicitate the players at a brief public ceremony.
Some spectators perched on treetops and building ledges, including the roof of the nearby Karnataka High Court. Meanwhile, large crowds also began to cluster outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Namma Metro announced that it would bypass Cubbon Park and Dr B.R. Ambedkar metro stations due to overcrowding.
By 3 pm, police estimated that over 50,000 people were gathered within a one-kilometre radius of the stadium. Tragedy struck around 4 pm, when Gate 3 of the stadium partially opened. The mix of ticket-holders and those without passes surged toward the entrance, triggering the stampede.
ENG vs IND: England announce squad for the first Test against India
England have named a 14-member squad for the first Test of ENG vs IND starting 20 June at Headingley, Leeds, with experienced pacer Chris Woakes making a return to red-ball cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.
Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.
Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Carse, Woakes included in the squad
Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.
Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.
Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.
Ben Stokes to lead the team
England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.
Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.
23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval
ENG vs IND | England full squad
Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
IPL 2025 concluded with a highly competitive final and gave us a new champion franchise. RCB lifted the trophy after waiting for 18-long years and finally etched their name in the prestigious IPL history. This win is expected to further enhance their brand value significantly.
When IPL started back in 2008 the combined cost of eight frachises was rupees 3000 crore. It marks a huge difference as compared to the recent years, as IPL is the second-richest sports league in the world by per-match value.
The value of the IPL franchises is different from team to team. And this is a detailed list of the value of the IPL Franchises from 2008 to the present.
Chennai Super Kings | ₹1012.6 crore
CSK in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
Consistently at the top, Chennai Super Kings maintains its position as the most valuable IPL franchise, with a value ₹1012.6 crore (USD: $122M.
Apart from being the five-time IPL champions, their value is heavily influenced by performances, loyalty, huge fan base, and one of the pivotal members behind their success, none other than MS Dhoni.
Mumbai Indians | ₹987.7 crore
MI in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
It seems like Mumbai Indians have a knack for being at the top of everything. The five-time IPL champions have not only won IPL the most number of times but also have the second-highest brand value among all the teams, which is ₹987.7 crore (USD: $119M).
Backed by a strong corporate ownership of Mukesh Ambani, MI remain one of the most recognised and valuable brands, along with a massive fan following.
RCB celebrates their maiden IPL win in 2025. Image | Instagram
Since the beginning of IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore always had a star-studded lineup. With a brand value of ₹971.1 crore (USD: $117M), RCB has the third-highest team value in IPL.
Despite a history of not winning the IPL trophy until 2025, RCB has been one of the most popular teams due to its association with global icons like Virat Kohli, and its passionate fanbase.
Their recent IPL victory is expected to further solidify and exceed the 1000-cr mark in their already impressive brand value.
Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹904.7 crore
KKR celebrating their 3rd IPL win in 2024. Image | The Indian Express
The franchise with the fourth-highest brand value is the 3-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Owned by bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, KKR is a brand with glamour and strategic play.
Their value is approximately ₹904.7 crore (USD: $109M), and the 2024 victory has further strengthened their strong market position and fan engagement.
Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹705.5 crore
SRH in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
Sunrisers Hyderabad has shown impressive growth in brand value over the years, strongly because of their splendid performances and consistent playoffs presence. They have a value of ₹705.5 crore (USD: $81M).
SRH has also earned the love and support of their dedicated 'Orange Army' fanbase in their region that contribute to their valuation.
The inaugural IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, started their IPL journey with a bang but slowly things turned around and they lacked consistent good performance.
At the moment, their brand value amounts to ₹672.3 crore (USD: $81M), boosted by their strong digital presence, innovative team building and other strategies.
Delhi Capitals | ₹664 crore
DC in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Despite never having an IPL title to their name, Delhi Capitals have a steady brand value of ₹644 crore (USD: $80M).
They put up a good fight in the 2025 season and narrowly left behind a playoffs berth, which creates a space for a hopeful comeback next year and rise in value.
Gujarat Titans | ₹572.7 crore
GT in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
A new addition in IPL 2022, Gujarat Titans, is owned by CVC Capital (a private equity fund), and has made an immediate impact as a relatively new team.
They emerged as the IPL champions in their first season (IPL 2022), which plays a major role in their value of ₹572.7 crore (USD: $69M) at the moment.
Punjab Kings is one of the original IPL franchises, with a value of ₹564.4 crore (USD: $68M). They had an incredible season in IPL 2025 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. They fell short of 6 runs to secure their maiden IPL title this season, and ended up at the runners-up side.
PBKS were also the table toppers in IPL 2025, and their performance helped gain a lot of new fan following, which will reflect in the coming years and value.
Lucknow Super Giants | ₹498 crore
LSG in IPL 2024. Image | Facebook
Another new franchise formed in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants quickly established itself by making it to the playoffs twice in a row.
Backed by the Sanjiv Goenka-led RPSG group, LSG's brand value is currently ₹498 crore (USD: $60M) and is steadily increasing.
Value of defunct IPL franchises
Some now-defunct teams like Deccan Chargers and Pune Warriors India had a memorable IPL journey. Here we bring you their values:
Deccan Chargers | ₹428 crore
Deccan Chargers celebrating their IPL 2009 victory. Image | TOI
Deccan Chargers, based in the city of Hyderabad, is one of the 8 teams from the inaugural edition. They lifted their maiden IPL trophy in IPL 2009.
Unfortunately, the team washed out of existence in 2012. The brand value of the team was ₹428 crore.
With a brand value of ₹1533 crore, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, started its journey of IPL in 2011. It was one of the 2 teams that joined IPL in 2011, and they just lasted a year in the tournament.
The second franchise to join the Indian Premier League in 2011 is Pune Warriors India. The team was acquired by Sahada Adventure Sports Ltd for ₹17.02 billion. They withdrew from participating the next year due to future uncertainties.
Official statement from RCB after the tragic loss of 11 people during RCB's celebration
"We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us," an official press release from RCB stated.
"We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.
RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.
Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration.