The Economic Times

Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik lauded Devdutt Padikkal's batting and leadership qualities. Meanwhile, former India captain Anil Kumble voiced concerns over Chennai Super Kings' batting lineup. Padikkal's performance in the IPL has drawn praise. CSK faces early season challenges with key batters yet to fire. The article highlights individual performances and team concerns.

IPL 2026 KKR vs PBKS Pitch Report: Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders face an in-form Punjab Kings today, a stark contrast to their previous season's performance. Punjab, led by Shreyas Iyer, has started strong with two wins, while KKR finished eighth last year. The match is expected to be high-scoring at Eden Gardens, known for its batting-friendly pitch.

Delhi Capitals bowler Kyle Jamieson has voiced his disapproval of the IPL's Impact Player rule. He believes it reduces the skill element in cricket. Jamieson highlighted that this rule is not present in international cricket or other major leagues. He also discussed his return from injury and his current form.

IPL 2026: Former India spinner R Ashwin has revealed his IPL retirement was due to a difficult period with Chennai Super Kings. He found the experience mentally disturbing and painful. Ashwin decided to quit to save the franchise the dilemma of his retention. He felt his departure also freed up purse space for CSK to acquire new talent.

The International Cricket Council announced the Women's Player of the Month nominees for March. Melie Kerr, Beth Mooney, and Ayabonga Khaka are in contention. Kerr showcased exceptional all-round skills in ODIs and T20Is. Mooney anchored Australia's batting with strong performances. Khaka led South Africa's bowling attack with key wickets.

IPL 2026 KKR vs PBKS head-to-head stats: Kolkata Knight Riders face a crucial IPL 2026 encounter against a confident Punjab Kings after losing their opening two matches. The Knights, seeking their first win, host the Kings at Eden Gardens on April 6th. Punjab Kings enter the match on a high after defeating Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings.

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming expressed confidence in Sanju Samson's ability to connect with the team. He acknowledged Samson's current form but highlighted his desperation to perform. Fleming also spoke about the need for patience with young players like Ayush Mhatre. The team faced a tough loss due to Tim David's powerful hitting and bowling execution issues.

Chennai Super Kings faces a tough challenge after three straight defeats in the IPL. Team management must focus on lifting the spirits of a disheartened dressing room. Experts suggest supporting young players and fostering a positive atmosphere. This difficult phase is seen as an opportunity for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to grow as a leader.

Mumbai Indians face Rajasthan Royals today. Skipper Hardik Pandya's fitness is key for Mumbai after a recent loss. Rajasthan Royals are in good form with their openers performing well. The match is crucial for Mumbai to bounce back. Rajasthan seeks to continue their winning momentum. The contest promises an exciting encounter.

Devdutt Padikkal credits his improved white ball game to hard work and self-belief. He consciously changed his batting approach with RCB's guidance. Padikkal believes T20 batting is evolving, with bowlers set to adapt. He praised Tim David's power-hitting, attributing it to consistent practice and clarity. RCB's team strategy focuses on aggression with prudence, ensuring wickets in hand.

A shocking 2-1 loss at St. Mary's stadium left Arsenal with just the Premier League and Champions League as trophy targets. A knee injury to Gabriel Magalhaes, which forced off the Brazil center back in the second half, added more misery for Arteta, who suggested there were players who took the field against Southampton despite having fitness problems of their own.

Pace bowler Mohammed Shami delivered a stellar performance for Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL victory. He highlighted the importance of domestic cricket and fitness for his match readiness. Shami's economical bowling, including crucial wickets, secured the win. He emphasized adapting to pitch conditions and using slower deliveries effectively.

Rishabh Pant led Lucknow Super Giants to a thrilling five-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pant remained unbeaten on 68, anchoring the chase. He emphasized the importance of internal team recognition over external criticism. The bowlers set up the victory with disciplined efforts. The team aims to learn and improve with each match.

MS Dhoni is currently out of action for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. He is recovering from a calf strain. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stated Dhoni is progressing slowly. The team is taking a cautious approach to his return. Fans eagerly await his comeback. Dhoni's influence remains strong within the squad.

Lucknow Super Giants secured a five-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rishabh Pant played a captain's knock with an unbeaten 68. Mohammed Shami's early bowling spell proved effective. Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy provided resistance for Hyderabad. Pant's responsible batting guided Lucknow to the target in the final over.

Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, celebrated his team's dominant bowling performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad by offering prayers. LSG's bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, ripped through SRH's top order, restricting them to 156/9. Goenka's animated reaction to the dismissals quickly went viral online.

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma faced a tough time with the bat. He was dismissed for a duck against Lucknow Super Giants. This marked his sixth duck in T20s this year. He now shares an Indian record for most ducks in a calendar year. Abhishek has struggled for consistency in IPL 2026.

SRH vs LSG, Hyderabad Weather: Sunrisers Hyderabad will aim for a home win against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday. SRH had a mixed start, winning one and losing one. Lucknow Super Giants are still searching for their first win of the season. The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to favor fast bowlers early, but batting conditions will improve. High scores are anticipated.

Bhuvneshwar played a crucial supporting role in RCB's title-winning campaign last season. While Josh Hazlewood grabbed the headlines, Bhuvneshwar quietly delivered with 17 wickets in 14 matches. Notably, his impact in the death overs stood out, where he picked up seven wickets, including a decisive spell in the final against the Punjab Kings.

A struggling Kolkata Knight Riders face an in-form Punjab Kings, grappling with strategic flaws and player selection issues. Despite a strong squad on paper, KKR's team combination and coaching decisions have led to early defeats. In contrast, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, have started strongly with two wins.

SRH vs LSG Playing 11, Head to Head: Sunrisers Hyderabad will host Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. This match, scheduled for April 5th, will be played under challenging afternoon heat. LSG holds a 4-2 advantage in their head-to-head record against SRH.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar economic engine, contributing significantly to India's economy and redefining the business of sport, according to a recent report by Kotak Mutual Fund. The report noted that the IPL ecosystem is currently valued at around USD 18 billion as of FY25, placing it among the world's leading sporting leagues. Remarkably, a tournament spanning just two months now generates economic value comparable to India's entire sports industry,

Ravi Bishnoi showcased a match-winning performance for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. He transformed a past weakness into a strength, claiming crucial wickets. His efforts set up Rajasthan's victory in a tense chase. Rajasthan Royals lead the IPL standings after this win.

Rajasthan Royals clinched a thrilling six-run win against Gujarat Titans. A strategic bowling change in the death overs proved decisive. Tushar Deshpande defended a low total in the final over. Ravi Bishnoi's four wickets earlier set up the victory. This win propels Rajasthan Royals to the top of the IPL 2026 table. Gujarat Titans face their second consecutive loss.

Rory McIlroy achieved a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters. He now returns to Augusta National to defend his title. McIlroy has a deep understanding of the course. Despite recent mixed form, his past experiences at Augusta are crucial. He carries the weight of expectation as a champion. The Masters will test his greatness once more.

Rajasthan Royals secured a six-run victory over Gujarat Titans in an Indian Premier League encounter. Rajasthan Royals posted 210 for six, with Dhruv Jurel scoring 75 and Yashasvi Jaiswal contributing 55. Gujarat Titans chased 211 but fell short, reaching 204 for eight. Sai Sudharsan scored 73 for Gujarat Titans. Ravi Bishnoi took four wickets for Rajasthan Royals.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup faces major hurdles. Many popular teams will not participate. Ticket prices have surged dramatically, making attendance unaffordable for many fans. Concerns are also raised about human rights and immigration risks for attendees. Despite these issues, the tournament is expected to generate record-breaking revenues.

Indian boxer Vishvanath Suresh has achieved a significant victory at the Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar. He defeated Kazakhstan's reigning world champion and World No. 1, Sanzhar Tashkenbay, in the men's 50kg class. This win propels Suresh into the semifinals. Earlier, he secured a unanimous decision against Bekzat Ergeshov of Kyrgyzstan. Suresh is a rapidly emerging talent in Indian boxing.

Manchester City dominated Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Erling Haaland scored a brilliant hat-trick. The team secured a commanding 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. This win propels Manchester City into the last four of the prestigious tournament. Other quarter-final matches are scheduled for later.

Delhi Capitals secured a six-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in their opening home match of the 2026 IPL season. Impact substitute Sameer Rizvi starred with a brilliant 90. Delhi's bowlers restricted Mumbai to 162 for six. Rizvi's aggressive batting guided Delhi to the target with 11 balls remaining. This win marks a strong start for Delhi at home.

Gujarat Titans will be without Shubman Gill for their next IPL match due to a muscle spasm. Rashid Khan confirmed Gill's absence and expressed anticipation for Kumar Kushagra's debut. The team aims to deliver their best performance after a close opening game defeat.

A costly run-out involving Nitish Rana disrupted Delhi Capitals' chase after a promising start. Jasprit Bumrah's sharp fielding and direct hit sent Rana back to the pavilion, shifting momentum to Mumbai Indians. Despite this setback, Delhi aimed to build on a competitive target set by Mumbai, who were powered by Suryakumar Yadav's fifty.

Gujarat Titans will play Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Gujarat Titans seek their first win after a close loss. Rajasthan Royals are confident after a strong victory. Historically, Gujarat Titans have a good record against Rajasthan Royals. The last encounter was won by Rajasthan Royals.

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel chose to bowl first against Mumbai Indians. Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians as Hardik Pandya is unwell. Mumbai Indians made several changes to their lineup. Delhi Capitals are fielding an unchanged team for this IPL match.

GT vs RR Playing 11, Head to Head: Gujarat Titans face Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad after mixed starts. GT lost narrowly, while RR secured a dominant win. The match analysis suggests Ahmedabad's pitch may favour GT's bowling, but RR's pace attack poses an early threat. Both teams boast strong middle orders, making crucial runs and quick scoring vital for victory.

Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, both victorious in their opening IPL 2026 matches, are set for a high-intensity clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC secured a gritty six-wicket win against LSG, while MI chased down a formidable 200+ score against KKR, marking their first opening win since 2012. The head-to-head record slightly favors Mumbai Indians.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer faces a Rs 24 lakh fine. His team maintained a slow over-rate during the IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings. This is the team's second offense this season. The rest of the playing XI also received penalties. Despite the fine, Punjab Kings secured a convincing five-wicket victory chasing 210 runs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are confident ahead of their match against Chennai Super Kings. RCB boasts a strong batting order and has significantly improved its bowling attack. In contrast, CSK faces challenges with its bowling options and a slow start from Sanju Samson. The match promises an exciting contest as RCB aims for another win.

Speaking to reporters after CSK's second match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chennai on Friday, Fleming said that while multiple options were discussed, he could not clearly recall the exact dynamics behind the final decisions, emphasising that the team had thoroughly evaluated all possibilities at the time.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar points to Chennai Super Kings' bowling as a major worry for the season. He suggests the team might need to score over 225 runs consistently to compensate. Gavaskar also praises young Ayush Mhatre's batting potential and Rohit Sharma's improved fitness and form. Cheteshwar Pujara commends Priyansh Arya's aggressive batting for Punjab Kings.

Lucknow Super Giants aim for their first IPL win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH enters their home game with strong batting momentum. LSG's batting lineup faces scrutiny after a collapse in their opener. Tactical changes are being debated for LSG's batting order. SRH's batting depth presents a challenge for LSG. The match starts at 3.30pm.

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming states the traditional finisher role is outdated in T20 cricket. He notes teams now play aggressively from the start. Fleming is confident in his team's batting depth despite recent struggles. He also highlighted the Impact Player rule's influence on the game, favoring batting. The team is focused on adapting to the evolving game.

Bangladesh Cricket Board has reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India seeking new avenues for cricket collaboration. This comes as the Indian national team is set to visit Bangladesh in September. Bangladesh's women's team will also travel to India. The move signals improving relations between the two nations.

Punjab Kings continued their strong IPL 2026 start with a five-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings. Chennai posted 209/5, powered by Ayush Mhatre's 73 and Shivam Dube's unbeaten 45. Punjab chased the target effectively, with Priyansh Arya's rapid 39 and Shreyas Iyer's composed 50 guiding them to victory. This marks Chennai's second loss, while Punjab remains undefeated.

Indian Premier League CSK vs PBKS: Chennai Super Kings lost to Punjab Kings by five wickets. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad cited bowling as the reason for the defeat. Despite scoring 209, Chennai's bowlers could not restrict Punjab. Punjab chased the target with ease. Shreyas Iyer praised his team's batting start. The win boosts Punjab's confidence.