The Economic Times

Devdutt Padikkal displayed a new aggressive batting approach in the IPL 2026 opener. He hit the first ball for a six and maintained a high strike rate throughout his innings. Coaches Yere Goud and Daniel Vettori noted his preparation and confidence. Virat Kohli praised his timing and balance. This performance signals Padikkal's emergence as a significant white-ball talent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's sporting achievements, highlighting the T20 World Cup victory and the historic performances of Gulveer Singh in the New York City Half Marathon and Anahat Singh at the Squash on Fire Open. He also lauded the significant participation of women in the ASMITA Athletics League, emphasizing the growing role of 'Nari Shakti' in Indian sports.

Kimi Antonelli secured a dominant victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. The young Italian driver also became the youngest ever to lead the Formula One world championship standings. Antonelli capitalized on a mid-race safety car to take the lead. He now holds a nine-point advantage after three races. Oscar Piastri finished second, with Charles Leclerc in third.

Virat Kohli's batting approach in the IPL's initial overs has significantly evolved. His shot percentage has risen, reflecting greater intent and aggression during the powerplay. This tactical shift has helped him capitalize on fielding restrictions. Kohli recently guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a win, scoring 69 off 38 balls.

Jammu and Kashmir's cricket team secured its first Ranji Trophy title. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised this historic achievement. The region is now recognized as a center for major sports events. The Khelo India Winter Games were successfully hosted in Gulmarg and Leh. Football is also popular among the youth.

Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former teams in a significant IPL match. Samson leads Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals, the team he captained for years. Jadeja returns to Rajasthan Royals after playing for Chennai Super Kings. Both teams aim for a fresh start after challenging seasons. The match promises an exciting contest with new dynamics.

IPL 2026 KKR VS MI Match 2: Date, Time, Live Streaming, Predicted Playing XI, Head-to-Head, Pitch Report: The Indian Premier League 2026 kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Both teams, having undergone rebuilding phases, aim to make a strong early statement in this highly anticipated clash. The match is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST.

Virat Kohli feels refreshed and avoids burnout with regular breaks from cricket. He believes these pauses help him perform at his best. Kohli returned to T20 cricket after a break, scoring a half-century. He stated he always returns to the game at 120 percent. Recent one-day matches helped him maintain rhythm. He aims to keep performing for the team.

IPL 2026 MI vs KKR Head to Head Playing 11 Predication : Mumbai Indians begin their quest for a sixth IPL title against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Led by Hardik Pandya, MI aims for a strong start, while KKR faces challenges with player availability. Historically, Mumbai Indians have dominated this fixture, winning 24 out of 35 encounters.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar stated the team is focused on winning the IPL 2026 trophy, not defending their 2025 title. He praised Virat Kohli's batting and Jacob Duffy's bowling after their six-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team also observed a minute's silence for fans lost in a stampede last year.

Daniel Vettori, head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, couldn't hide his disappointment after the IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru where his bowlers faltered. He pointed out that allowing talented players like Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli ease in on the scoring was a significant misstep.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing 202, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal set a strong foundation, guiding RCB to the top of the points table with a swift chase. Earlier, IPL debutant Jacob Duffy impressed with three wickets as SRH posted 201/9.

Mitchell Starc has hit back at critics, clarifying his delayed IPL 2026 arrival is due to shoulder and elbow injury management, not a lack of commitment to Delhi Capitals. He apologized to the franchise and fans for missing early matches, assuring his dedication and ongoing communication with the team.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver, two weeks on from having scored his first pole and win, lit up the timing loops around the iconic 5.8 kilometer-long Suzuka racetrack with a one minute 28.778-second lap. Set on his first attempt, it was enough to beat teammate George Russell by a handy 0.298 seconds, with the Briton making it three out of three front-row lockouts for the team.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru started their IPL 2026 campaign with a win. They beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets. Virat Kohli led the chase with an unbeaten 69. Devdutt Padikkal also scored a quick 61. Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 201 for nine. Jacob Duffy took three wickets for Bengaluru. Ishan Kishan scored 80 for Hyderabad.

Last week in Miami, a 22-year-old young man was frustrated, fragile and enraged. That young man is the worlds best tennis player, the owner of seven major titles already and destined to take his place among the greatest ever to play the sport. Yet, in those fleeting moments, as he turned helplessly to his support staff, Carlos Alcaraz provided a glimpse of the loneliness of his chosen pursuit and the price it extracts.

Ravichandran Ashwin will make history as the first India international to play in Major League Cricket. He has signed with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. Ashwin retired from international cricket in 2024. He aims to help his new franchise win games and secure their first championship. The MLC's fourth season starts on June 18.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, aims to build on their maiden title, while Ishan Kishan captains SRH, who seek to rebound from a sixth-place finish last season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will honor eleven fans lost in a tragic stampede last year by wearing black armbands and leaving eleven seats vacant at their IPL 2026 opener. Following extensive safety upgrades and government clearance, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is now set to host matches at full capacity, welcoming back cricket enthusiasts after a period of suspension.

Jos Buttler emphasizes saying 'no' to T20 league offers for work-life balance. He manages his England white-ball career and IPL commitments. Players must prioritize and maintain energy. Dealing with outside noise is a major challenge. Buttler praises Shubman Gill's authentic leadership. He is ready to play under Gill again.

Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi prioritizes team success over individual scores. He is actively enhancing his skills as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper. Raghuvanshi views every match as crucial and is well-prepared for the upcoming season. He anticipates significant learning under his mentor Abhishek Nayar, now KKR's head coach. Raghuvanshi is eager to contribute to the team's victories.

Ravichandran Ashwin believes the 300-run mark will be crossed in the Indian Premier League 2026. He points to batting-friendly pitches, strong batting lineups, and weaker bowling attacks as reasons. The opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad features powerful batting units. The IPL has seen an increase in high scores in recent seasons.

Mumbai Indians aim to end a five-year title drought in the Indian Premier League. They face a weakened Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match. Mumbai Indians possess a strong squad, including key Indian T20 World Cup winners. Kolkata Knight Riders have bowling concerns due to player unavailability. The match is set to be an exciting contest.

As the IPL returns, illegal streaming persists despite official free streams, highlighting India's piracy paradox. While enforcement disrupts illegal viewing, piracy's organized, monetized ecosystem thrives on speed, scale, and user habit, posing a significant threat to the sports economy.

IPL 2026 RCB vs SRH Pitch Report, Weather Forecast: The 19th season of the Indian Premier League commences with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Expect a high-scoring affair on a batting-friendly pitch, with chasing likely to be the preferred strategy due to expected dew. Clear skies and favorable temperatures are predicted for the 7:30 PM IST start.

IPL 2026 RCB vs SRH: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin their IPL campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With Virat Kohli back in RCB colours and an explosive SRH batting lineup, the match promises excitement. Rajat Patidar will lead RCB, while Ishan Kishan is expected to captain SRH in the initial phase.

Restaurants and food delivery platforms are adopting a cautious hiring approach for the IPL season due to LPG supply disruptions impacting operations. While demand from cricket fans is expected, limited kitchen capacity and menu restrictions are leading to a more selective hiring process, with a notable shift towards quick commerce roles.

Gujarat Titans are poised for a strong IPL season, aiming for a second title. The team boasts a balanced squad with proven match-winners. Key players like Rashid Khan and Jos Buttler are expected to perform well. Rahul Tewatia remains a crucial finisher. Sai Sudharsan will anchor the batting, while captain Shubman Gill leads the charge.

JioStar has unveiled its extensive commentary team for IPL 2026. Fans can expect a star-studded panel featuring former champions and seasoned experts. Coverage will span multiple languages across television and digital platforms. A new digital watch-along feed will offer unique insights. Innovative features like MaxView and multi-cam options will enhance the viewing experience for the upcoming season.

The 2026 Indian Premier League season starts in Bangalore. A moment of silence will honor last year's tragedy. Despite past events, the IPL's popularity continues to grow. Franchise values have reached new heights. The tournament attracts top players and fans alike. It has become a summer tradition for millions across India.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters IPL 2026 ready to defend their championship. The team boasts a strong lineup with experienced players and new talent. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar will lead the batting. Phil Salt and Tim David provide power-hitting. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bolsters the bowling attack. RCB seeks consistent performances to remain title contenders.

Sandro Tonali scored a crucial goal and provided an assist for Gennaro Gattuso's Italy in the World Cup playoffs. This performance fulfilled a childhood dream for Tonali, who idolized Gattuso. Italy now faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the finals. A victory will secure their place in the World Cup. The team aims to avoid past qualifying disappointments.

IPL 2026 teams are focusing on wicketkeepers as key tactical players. MS Dhoni remains vital for CSK. Rishabh Pant anchors LSG's middle order. Quinton de Kock returns to MI as an aggressive opener. Jos Buttler provides top-order firepower for Gujarat Titans. Heinrich Klaasen is a dangerous finisher for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL records: RCB achieved their maiden IPL title last season. This victory ended years of near misses for the popular franchise. The team now aims for consistent performance and sustained success. They have assembled a balanced squad for the upcoming season. Off-field challenges and player injuries are being managed.

Punjab Kings' IPL story is one of potential and near misses. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency. Their 2014 season remains a highlight, reaching the final. Despite rebranding, the franchise continues to seek sustained success. Punjab Kings remains an intriguing paradox in the IPL.

In a disappointing turn of events, Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 opener following an unsuccessful fitness test mandated by Sri Lanka Cricket. This setback means that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will have to rethink their lineup without him for now. However, Thushara will get a second chance to prove his fitness soon.

Youngest Players in IPL 2026: The IPL 2026 season is headlined by a new generation of teenage cricketers, led by the 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Following India's Under-19 World Cup 2026 victory, franchises have heavily invested in youth, with Rajasthan Royals retaining Sooryavanshi for 1.10 crore and Chennai Super Kings securing Ayush Mhatre for 30 lakh.

5 all-rounders to watch out for in IPL 2026: IPL 2026 season is set to be defined by high-value all-rounders following a series of record-breaking auction bids and strategic player trades. Cameron Green headlines the list as the leagues most expensive overseas signing at 25.20 crore for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to Rajasthan Royals in a high-profile swap

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) enter the IPL 2026 season under significant pressure to move past consecutive mid-table finishes and establish a championship-winning identity. Led by Rishabh Pant, who was retained for a record 27 crore, the franchise has invested heavily in a balanced core featuring explosive international talent and raw domestic pace.

The 2026 IPL season commences Saturday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Sunrisers Hyderabad. Defending champions RCB navigate a somber mood after a past tragedy. Legacy teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders aim for redemption. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue their pursuit of relevance. New talents will emerge.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), introduced to the Indian Premier League in 2022, have maintained a consistent presence in the tournaments upper tier, though an IPL trophy remains elusive. Currently led by Rishabh Pant and coached by Justin Langer, the franchise reached the playoffs in its first two seasons (2022 and 2023) but faced consecutive exits in the Eliminator.

Gujarat Titans enter IPL 2026 with a strong top order led by Shubman Gill, but fielding frailties and a lack of middle-order depth were concerns last season. The addition of all-rounder Jason Holder aims to bolster their balance with his multi-phase bowling and batting contributions.

Irfan Pathan said the addition of Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings signals that MS Dhoni could be heading into his final Indian Premier League season in 2026. Pathan said Samsons inclusion provides a long-term wicketkeeper-batsman option around whom the team can rebuild, suggesting Dhoni may look to pass on leadership.

IPL 2026 RR players list: Rajasthan Royals are making significant moves in the player market. Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have joined the squad. Sanju Samson has moved to Chennai Super Kings. Donovan Ferreira also returns. The team has a strong lineup for the upcoming season. Riyan Parag will lead the side. The franchise is preparing for a competitive tournament.

IPL 2026 DC Players List: Delhi Capitals enter IPL 2026 with Axar Patel as captain. KL Rahul leads the batting, supported by Pathum Nissanka. Mitchell Starc heads the pace attack. The team boasts a strong mix of international stars and domestic talent. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs will provide finishing power. This balanced squad aims for success in the upcoming season.

IPL 2026 LSG Players List: Despite playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, Lucknow Super Giants missed the IPL 2024 and 2025 playoffs. Rishabh Pant's captaincy change last season didn't alter their trajectory. IPL 2026 presents Pant a crucial chance to establish a stronger identity for the team and make his mark.

The Indian Premier League has evolved into a massive sporting empire. This league generates billions in revenue and has reshaped global cricket. Its immense growth potential and entertainment value continue to redefine the sport. The IPL offers fans a spectacle and stakeholders a thriving ecosystem. It is a significant economic engine.

Google India and BCCI are joining forces for IPL 2026, integrating AI-powered Search Mode to revolutionize fan engagement. Cricket enthusiasts can now access real-time tactical analysis, historical data, and AI-generated summaries of key moments directly through Google Search and broadcasts. This partnership aims to offer a deeper, more interactive sports experience, moving beyond basic scores to detailed insights.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a prominent IPL team. They are recognized for their strong fan base and talented players. The team plays at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. They are known for their aggressive batting style. Rajat Patidar leads the team this season. The full squad includes many notable names.