The Times of India

Despite another loss in IPL 2026, Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer backed captain Rishabh Pant, highlighting a recent practice innings of 95 off 30 balls as proof he's close to his best. Langer defended Pant's decision to bat lower in the order, calling it a selfless move for the team's benefit.

Internet personality IShowSpeed has gone viral again, this time with a cricket bat, calling out to Virat Kohli in a high-energy video. The clip shows Speed hitting the stumps and expressing his desire for Kohli and the ICC to notice him. This latest stunt further highlights his growing fascination with cricket and the Indian superstar.

Jasprit Bumrah is experiencing a difficult IPL 2026 season, having taken only three wickets in ten matches, contributing to Mumbai Indians' struggles. Despite a recent win, Bumrah's performance against Lucknow Super Giants, including multiple no-balls, drew criticism from Sunil Gavaskar. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton's partnership secured Mumbai's victory.

Manchester City suffered a significant blow in the Premier League title race, drawing 3-3 with Everton after a second-half collapse. Despite a late equalizer from Jeremy Doku, defensive errors allowed Everton to take a commanding lead, handing the initiative to Arsenal. The result leaves City five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

MS Dhoni's absence due to a calf injury continues to be a major talking point for CSK fans, with the star player not travelling for the Delhi Capitals clash. Bowling coach Eric Simons confirmed Dhoni is improving but offered no timeline for his return. The team, currently in a must-win situation, remains confident about their playoff chances.

Sanju Samson returns to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a venue where his international career once teetered. Now a CSK superstar, his high stock is a testament to his T20 World Cup turnaround. He faces a crucial test against Delhi Capitals, needing to replicate his form to secure a spot in India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Mumbai Indians' Raghu Sharma celebrated his maiden IPL wicket with an emotional message, marking the end of a grueling 15-year journey. The leg-spinner, who overcame injuries and career setbacks, dedicated his breakthrough moment to his faith and the franchise that gave him a second chance. This personal triumph overshadowed even a vintage Rohit Sharma performance.

Salil Aroras fearless no-look six off Bumrah was no fluke but the result of relentless preparation. From facing 600700 tennis-ball deliveries daily to simulating high pace in training, his power-hitting was built with precision. Backed by strong domestic performances and belief from teammates, the youngsters calculated approach and fearless mindset are now translating into impactful moments on the IPL stage.

Mumbai Indians kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, powered by Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton's explosive opening stand. Despite the win, MI remains in ninth place, needing a perfect four wins from their remaining matches to have any chance of qualifying. Every match from here is effectively an elimination game. Net Run Rate could come into play, but only if they win all four.

The two openers added 143 runs for the first wicket, their third century stand in the IPL, and set up the chase. Mumbai Indians chased down 229 after LSG had scored 228 for five, finishing at 229 for four in 18.4 overs.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant admitted his side fell short despite posting a huge total against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, saying his struggling team now needs some good luck to turn things around in IPL 2026.

Mumbai Indians may have found their most destructive opening combination since the glory days of the franchise. On a run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, opener Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton scripted yet another record partnership to put Mumbai in complete control against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.

Nottingham Forest boosted their chances of staying in the Premier League with a convincing 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday. The defeat badly hurt Chelseas hopes of qualifying for next seasons UEFA Champions League.

Ngidi had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and was hospitalised after the incident. It happened in the third over of Punjab Kings innings, bowled by Axar Patel, when Ngidi tried to take a catch off a shot by Priyansh Arya.

Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre is likely to be out of action for the next couple of months due to a hamstring injury as well as a wrist injury, TOI has learnt.

Nicholas Pooran smashed a 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, overtaking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with five IPL fifties in under 20 balls second only to Abhishek Sharmas six. Batting at No. 3 for Lucknow Super Giants, Pooran blasted 63 off 21 balls, underlining his growing dominance as one of IPL 2026s most destructive batters.

At a time when teenage prodigies are grabbing headlines with their cricketing skills, a quieter story is taking shape in the narrow lanes of Saharanpur, far from the glare of stadium lights.

Vincent Keymer Exclusive: Becoming Germany No. 1, Magnus Carlsen intimidation, and more

Manas Dhamne finished runner-up in his first-ever ATP Challenger final in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The 18-year-old has had two quarter-final runs at this level this year while clinching an M15 title and playing the qualifying rounds of two Masters tournaments. His progress has many parties, chief, perhaps, is his own mature head.

Punjab Kings suffered a second straight IPL 2026 defeat after losing a thriller to Gujarat Titans. The big talking point was Yuzvendra Chahal bowling just one over. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioned the decision, saying Punjab should trust the IPLs highest wicket-taker more despite pitch conditions favoring pacers.

The clay-court tournament at Roland Garros is set to begin later this month in Paris. While organisers announced an increase of about 10% in total prize money to 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), players said key issues remain unresolved. These include better representation, as well as concerns related to health and pensions.

It turned into a memorable evening for several Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) players before their IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his son Arjun Tendulkar hosted the team for dinner. Photos from the dinner quickly went viral on social media. Mohsin Khan later shared pictures from the evening on Instagram.

During a Mumbai Indians training session, Rohit Sharma paused his practice to check on a ground staff member hit by a ball. He ensured the injured staffer received an ice pack and medicine, showcasing his compassionate nature. This incident occurred as MI faces playoff pressure with Rohit's return from injury uncertain.

Mark Wood recounted a bizarre IPL offer: a franchise owner proposed a private jet flight for a match despite Wood being seriously ill. The owner insisted on Wood playing, even suggesting a quick flight out and back. Wood, though tempted by the novelty, ultimately declined, prioritizing his health over the surreal proposition.

Arvid Lindblad interview: Playing cricket in Mumbai, Indian roots and the F1 journey

Chennai Super Kings face a significant blow as MS Dhoni misses their IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday due to delay in injury recovery. He remains in Chennai for rehabilitation, raising concerns about his availability. This absence impacts CSK's playoff aspirations as they navigate a crucial phase of the tournament.

The ILT20 league is experiencing significant global growth, attracting nearly 400 million viewers and expanding its reach across the UK, US, Pakistan, and MENA regions, explained the competition's Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra. Brands are increasingly engaging beyond mere visibility, integrating campaigns for measurable business outcomes. The league aims to deepen fan engagement and international partnerships for Season 5, building a sustainable premium sports property.

Babar Azam captained Peshawar Zalmi to their second PSL title, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. A light-hearted attempt to recreate Rohit Sharma's iconic walk during celebrations became a viral meme. All-rounder Aaron Hardie was the star, excelling with both bat and ball in the final.

Jacob Bethell is making the most of his IPL 2026 opportunity with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He is learning from Virat Kohli and other senior players. Bethell's role has increased due to Phil Salt's absence. He is adapting to the high tempo of the league. Bethell's development could be crucial for RCB's playoff push.

England opener Phil Salt has returned home for scans on a finger injury sustained during an IPL 2026 match, casting doubt on his immediate availability for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Salt, who had been in impressive form, is hopeful of a swift recovery and a return later this month as RCB push for the playoffs.

Gujarat Titans secured their third consecutive IPL victory, edging past Punjab Kings. Jason Holder emphasised the team's collective effort and belief that they haven't yet reached their peak performance. The pace attack, led by Rabada and Siraj, has been instrumental in their resurgence, setting a strong tone for the team's playoff push.

Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both struggling at the bottom of the IPL 2026 table, face off at Wankhede Stadium. With playoff hopes fading, both teams are desperate for a win. Mumbai's campaign has been hampered by inconsistent performances and the uncertain availability of Rohit Sharma due to injury.

IPL 2026 enters a crucial 'Revenge Week' with tightly packed standings. Punjab Kings lead, but top four spots are fiercely contested. Key rematches, including Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians, promise high drama and could significantly impact the playoff race. Old scores are set to be settled.

Gujarat Titans secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, marking their third consecutive win and reigniting playoff hopes. Sai Sudharsan's steady fifty and Washington Sundar's crucial late hitting guided them home. Despite the wins, a negative Net Run Rate and tough upcoming fixtures mean Gujarat must secure at least two more victories to guarantee qualification.

IPL 2026 is witnessing a surge in disciplinary actions alongside thrilling cricket. Eight players and staff have faced penalties, from fines to demerit points, for offenses like audible obscenities, mobile phone use in the dugout, and aggressive send-offs. Captains are also being fined for slow over-rates, highlighting a growing concern over player conduct.

Shah Rukh Khan celebrated Sunil Narine's historic 200th IPL wicket, a milestone achieved exclusively for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Narine, the first player to reach this mark for a single franchise, also became the leading overseas bowler in the 200-wicket club. His exceptional consistency and crucial role in KKR's success were highlighted.

Babar Azam captained Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 2026 title, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. Azam emphatically declared his commitment to playing all three formats, silencing T20 relevance debates. He was the tournament's leading scorer with 588 runs. Aaron Hardie shone in the final with a stellar all-round performance, securing the victory for Zalmi.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat revealed she is one of six women accusing former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Her statement comes before her return to competition at a tournament held in Singh's stronghold, raising concerns about fairness and safety.

Baranica Elangovan of Tamil Nadu set a new national pole vault record of 4.23m at the Indian Indoor Open competition. She improved her previous mark by 0.01m, expressing satisfaction with her performance despite failing to clear 4.30m. Her coach is now focusing on upcoming national events and technical improvements for the Asian Games.

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan has rewritten IPL history, surpassing Chris Gayle for the most runs after 50 matches with 2178 runs. He also recently became the fastest to 2000 runs in just 47 innings. Sudharsan's consistent performances, including a century and three fifties in his last four innings, highlight his remarkable rise.

Fresh from their ODI World Cup victory, India's women's cricket team is intensely focused on clinching the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. Batter Jemimah Rodrigues emphasized the team's heightened hunger for success, stating preparations began immediately after their last triumph.

Anshul Kamboj is emerging as Chennai Super Kings' standout bowler this season, leading their attack with 17 wickets in nine matches. He's particularly effective in death overs, becoming the first to claim 10 wickets in that phase. Coach Stephen Fleming credits Kamboj's dedication to mastering death bowling, highlighting his improved angles and execution.

Shivang Kumar made his name in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League as an opener. His exploits with the bat helped him become a marquee player for Bundelkhand Bulls, who picked him for Rs 13 lakh for the 2026 season. But within a year, he learnt the art of wrist-spin from his father, a former Bengal U-19 cricketer, and made instant impact. The IPL franchises noticed and multiple trials later, he was roped in by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Gujarat Titans secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, successfully chasing down 164 with just one ball remaining. Washington Sundar's unbeaten 40 off 23 balls, including a match-winning six, guided the Titans to a crucial win in a tense finish. Despite the loss, Punjab Kings maintain a strong position on the points table.

Peshawar Zalmi secured their second PSL title, their first since 2017, by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final. Captain Babar Azam finally lifted a trophy as leader, while Aaron Hardie starred with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 56 and taking 4 wickets to guide Zalmi to victory.

Jasprit Bumrah is shouldering a heavy workload for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, struggling to deliver wickets while bowling defensively and attacking. Despite MI's dismal performance and Bumrah's fatigue, coach Mahela Jayawardene is reluctant to rest him, citing mathematical possibilities. This approach echoes past decisions that led to Bumrah's injury and significant absences for India.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill expressed satisfaction with his team's hard-fought four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, despite a challenging chase. Gill acknowledged the slow pitch made scoring difficult, highlighting Sai Sudharsan's anchoring innings and Washington Sundar's finishing prowess as crucial to securing two vital points and strengthening their playoff hopes.

Despite consecutive defeats, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer remains optimistic, highlighting the team's fighting spirit and resilience. He acknowledged execution as a key factor in their loss to Gujarat Titans but emphasized that the team is still in a strong position at the top of the table and will focus on basics to bounce back.