Ashish Pant

Bangalore, India

Sub-Editor at ESPN Cricinfo

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Articles

No cricket, no cry - white 'Virat 18' tribute lifts the gloom at wet Chinnaswamy

2 weeks ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

The periphery of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on IPL match days is a hive of activity. The hawkers selling Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jerseys and caps and flags, fans looking for any last-minute tickets, those with tickets searching for their gates, and most wearing the RCB red and gold, invariably with "Virat 18" on the back. The vibe was pretty much the same when IPL 2025 resumed after a week-long break in Bengaluru, with RCB taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Heavy rain forecast could ruin IPL restart in Bengaluru

2 weeks ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

The resumption of IPL 2025 could take a hit with heavy rain forecast in Bengaluru when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) here on May 17. According to Accuweather, thunderstorms, sometimes heavy, are forecast for Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) website also predicted one or two spells of rain or thundershowers in the evening.
Indian Premier League

3 weeks ago | espn.in | Shashank Kishore |Ashish Pant

The Big PictureThe contest that launched IPL 2025 now returns to take center stage after an unexpected 10-day pause, caused by escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan. With the simmering tension having eased, and a ceasefire called by both countries, the stillness of the past week has slowly given way to a surge in anticipation as the IPL enters the business end.
Bobat: IPL suspension gave Patidar time to heal from hand injury

3 weeks ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enjoying one of their best seasons in recent times before IPL 2025's week-long suspension, their overseas players were "adamant" to "come back and finish the job", according to their team director Mo Bobat. RCB are currently second on the points table with eight wins and three losses. They have 16 points, the same as table-toppers Gujarat Titans, and one more win will guarantee a playoffs spot.
FAQs - How will the last leg of IPL 2025 play out?

3 weeks ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

IPL 2025 resumes on May 17 after it was suspended for just over a week following cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. As the franchises regroup, ESPNcricinfo answers queries about what to expect from the rest of the season. What is the situation on the points table? No team is yet to seal a playoffs spot, but a few are almost there, while Chennai Super (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are out of the race.
Greatest Test: Leeds thriller vs a Chennai classic

4 weeks ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

In the lead-up to the WTC final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's from June 11, ESPNcricinfo, Star Sports and JioHotstar are inviting you to help us pick the greatest Test of the 21st century. There are 32 contenders, with two Tests pitted against each other until we identify the winner.
Indian Premier League

4 weeks ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant |S Rajesh

Big picture: Top two target vs playoffs survivalAs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) make their way to Lucknow for their final away game of IPL 2025, they will be keen on ticking off two things. One, a record seventh away win of the season and two, a playoffs spot (along with the top position for now). It's been a clinical tournament so far for RCB. They have been excellent on the road and after two straight wins at the Chinnaswamy, they have bettered their home record as well.
Brevis wasn't out, but 'lack of awareness' cost him his wicket

1 month ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

On an evening where the contest ebbed and flowed all the way through, there was also a contentious decision, which led to a long argument in the middle at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The incident took place on the third ball of the 17th over of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) chase of 214 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Lungi Ngidi bowled a knee-high full toss on middle and leg stump. Dewald Brevis missed, and was hit on the pad. The umpire's finger went up in a jiffy.
Fleming: Mhatre has 'everything that we like about a modern-day T20 player'

1 month ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

Ayush Mhatre is all of 17 years and 292 days, but already has the makings of a top-drawer T20 cricketer. He looks pleasing to the eye, has shots all around the park, and the power game required for a modern-day T20 batter. But what impressed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming the most about Mhatre is the temperament and the composure he displayed at the trials and how he has backed it up at IPL 2025. "He's got talent. He's got hand-eye coordination.
Rain threat hangs over RCB-CSK game in Bengaluru

1 month ago | espn.in | Ashish Pant

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) bid to get to 16 points and strengthen their chances of a top-two finish in IPL 2025 might take a hit, with a rain threat hanging over their home game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday. There has been incessant rain in Bengaluru over the last two days, and it is likely to continue on match day as well.