RCB overcomes CSK to become the most valuable IPL team.

As a business entity, the IPL has increased in value by 12.9 percent to USD 18.5 billion. According to a study conducted by the US-based global investment firm Houlihan Lokey, Inc. The IPL’s standalone brand value has grown by 13.8 percent to USD 3.9 billion in the last 12 months.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost ground to first-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Who have a brand value of USD 269 million, up from USD 227 million a year earlier. This is another noteworthy development. With a brand worth of USD 235 million, up only slightly from USD 231 million the previous year, CSK fell to third place after a poor season. They had a poor season-ending record.

The Mumbai Indians (MI), valued at USD 242 million (USD 204 million in 2024) have moved up to second place from fourth place the previous year. With a 39.6% gain in brand value over 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) witnessed the largest year-over-year growth. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) came in second with a rise of over 34%.

RCB & CSK

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), with a brand value of USD 154 million, is in fifth place. While the two-time former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in fourth place with a brand worth of USD 222 million. The Delhi Capitals (DC), with a brand worth of USD 152 million, are placed sixth among the other teams. With a valuation of USD 142 million, Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT), whose ownership changed last season, came in eighth position, while the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in seventh place with USD 146 million.

Under new captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS performed well as runners-up with the highest increase of 39.6% to reach USD 141 million and rank ninth. With a brand worth of USD 122 million, the Lucknow Super Giants are, incidentally, the most expensive team, ranking 10th.

“In the sports industry, the IPL keeps setting standards. “Media rights contracts have hit all-time highs, franchise values have skyrocketed, and brand alliances have expanded across industries,” said Harsh Talikoti. Director of Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey.

Regarding Captain Cool Dhoni, Sanju Samson says he has always wanted to be close to him out of respect.

The captain and wicketkeeper-batter for the Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson, has shown his respect for MS Dhoni by saying that he has always wanted to learn from the great cricketer. Only after Dhoni’s retirement in 2020 did Samson, who made his debut for India in 2015, start to get regular opportunities. He revealed that he had the opportunity to ask for guidance and deepen their relationship while playing in the IPL against Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

An important turning point Their friendship began when Sanju Samson made 74 runs and won Player of the Match in an IPL 2020 match in Sharjah. He began a closer relationship with Dhoni after this performance, which began with an enlightening talk. After giving this some thought, Samson remarked, “Like all young Indian cricket players, I always wanted to be around MS Dhoni.” Sitting down to discuss his methods with him was a dream.

Samson went on to say that their relationship has strengthened over time and that he still gets to see Dhoni at events and photo shoots, calling it a “blessed feeling.” As the Rajasthan Royals get ready to play Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, Samson is preparing for the IPL 2025 season while recuperating from a finger injury he suffered in February.

RCB Star Yash Dayal Reveals Virat Kohli’s Master Plan To Counter MS Dhoni in IPL 2024

RCB star Yash Dayal revealed how Virat Kohli’s master strategy helped him get rid of MS Dhoni during an IPL 2024 match against CSK.

Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal was trolled and ridiculed when he first signed with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but he has done an excellent job of burying the ghosts of his Gujarat Titans days. Dayal was one of RCB’s standout players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) past season, and his domestic cricket performances have earned him his first call-up to India’s Test side. Recalling his journey, Dayal explained how Virat Kohli helped him settle in when he first arrived at RCB, especially when he faced the mighty MS Dhoni against the Chennai Super Kings

It was a simulated knockout match between RCB and CSK. With the Bengaluru team needing a win by at least 18 runs to advance to the playoffs. CSK needed 17 runs from the last over to qualify. As Dayal bowled the opening ball of the penultimate over. Dhoni hit a six, putting the rookie bowler under intense pressure. This is when Kohli stepped in and planned the CSK stalwart’s demise.

Yash Dayal

Virat bhaiya warned me not to give Mahi bhai pace because he enjoys it. So Virat bhaiya calmed me down after the first ball six; a conversation with him helped me a lot, Dayal explained.

On the next delivery, Dayal removed Dhoni, putting RCB in control. Bengaluru won the match by 27 runs and advanced to the playoffs.

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During his discussion, Dayal also discussed how Virat is portrayed as extremely aggressive on social media. However, it is not the case in reality.

On social media, he is portrayed as a violent man, yet he is far from that. When I tried to talk to him, he came to me and explained everything.

Everyone knows what type of season I had with the Gujarat Titans. My health deteriorated following that. I had a lot of doubts, but when the season began, I did not miss a single training session, he stated.

The left-arm bowler also revealed that Kohli provided him assurances about his spot in the team, regardless of performance. Virat relieved my anxiety before the first match by telling me that RCB will support me throughout the season, regardless of how I performed.

“Whatever occurred has happened, just concentrate on the future,” he replied. He advised me to always have a smile on my face and to be excited when playing for the Royal Bengals. I recognized the characteristics of his personality. I just continued staring at him at first since I could not understand what he was saying.”

BCCI Will Continue With IPL Mega Auction Starting in 2025, Retaining Up to 6 Players.

The most recent information on IPL 2025 indicates that, in spite of opposition from multiple clubs, BCCI intends to proceed with the massive auction.

The Roger Binny-led board is reportedly considering expanding the retention list to six players, including Right to Match (RTM). However, they do not support canceling the mega-auction, unlike some teams that proposed doing so during the recently concluded meeting at BCCI headquarters on July 31.

The mega-auction has become the subject of discussion. Some clubs have long complained that they had to start over and replace the players they scouted because of the mega-auctions. The BCCI, on the other hand, seems unfazed by the demands and does not wish to break with IPL history. The BCCI had previously only permitted four retentions in 2022 without an RTM clause.