The Times of India

Earlier, Harshit Rana was also ruled out of the season due to the injury that he had sustained during a warm-up match ahead of the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson's humility shone as he joined MS Dhoni at a CSK event, declining to sign a bat until Dhoni encouraged him. Fresh off a T20 World Cup win, Samson expressed excitement about learning from Dhoni and playing for CSK, anticipating an emotional opening match against his former team, Rajasthan Royals.

Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub will fuel a stellar IPL 2026, urging him to boost his strike rate. Pujara hails Gujarat Titans' formidable top order, featuring Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler, as key to their title aspirations. He also highlights the team's all-round depth and potent pace attack.

Despite a shaky start with three consecutive ducks at the T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek Sharma found support from childhood friend Shubman Gill. Sharma humorously recounted seeking Gill's bat after his struggles. He later bounced back spectacularly, scoring a match-winning 52 in the final, helping India secure their third T20 World Cup title.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru kick off their IPL 2026 title defence on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli, fresh from practice, urged his team to maintain intensity for another successful campaign. Head coach Andy Flower expressed confidence in the squad, while Kohli eyes becoming the first to score 9,000 IPL runs.

Hardik Pandya once again named domestic legend Wasim Jaffer as his idol at the Naman Awards, recalling their first meeting at an Irfan Pathan dinner in 2014-15. Pandya, then an emerging talent, expressed his admiration for Jaffer's batting style. Jaffer, who amassed nearly 20,000 first-class runs, acknowledged Pandya's continued respect.

Cristiano Ronaldo misses Portugal's pre-World Cup friendlies due to a hamstring injury, though coach Roberto Martinez assures his World Cup participation is not at risk. Bernardo Silva is also absent for technical reasons. Portugal prepares for upcoming matches against Mexico and the USA, with Ronaldo aiming for his sixth World Cup appearance.

Former Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten cited excessive interference from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the primary reason for his abrupt departure after just six months. He described the constant external noise and punitive actions around poor performance as a significant challenge, making it difficult to implement plans or build relationships with players.

India is set to tour Ireland for a two-match T20I series in June 2026. Both matches will be held in Belfast, with the first game on June 26 and the second on June 28. This marks India's return to the Belfast venue after a significant gap.

India's sporting elite converges in Lucknow for the Times of India Sports Awards, honouring a decade of excellence and the past year's achievements. The prestigious event, attended by legends and led by a distinguished jury, celebrates athletes across over 45 categories, including a significant focus on para-sports, recognizing outstanding performances and emerging talents who have made the nation proud.

Kolkata Knight Riders' new head coach Abhishek Nayar anticipates a season of opportunities, leveraging a strong leadership group including Dwayne Bravo and Shane Watson. The team aims to finalize combinations, with Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh expected to step up. KKR awaits medical updates on pacer Harshit Rana and Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from the BCCI commentary panel. He cited a lack of opportunities for toss and presentation ceremonies over two decades. Sivaramakrishnan indicated this was a long-standing pattern. He also suggested colour discrimination might be a factor. His retirement highlights issues within TV production. Sivaramakrishnan was a prominent leg-spinner in the 1980s.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face a crucial IPL season, their most visible audition for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With shrinking game-time and increasing selector pragmatism, this tournament is a fitness and form test. They must prove their present-day relevance and endurance to secure a spot, as reputation alone won't suffice for the demanding ODI format.

Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi's blistering 103* in a KKR intra-squad match has created a selection headache for the team. With a revamped squad featuring new overseas stars, head coach Abhishek Nayar faces the challenge of finalising combinations for their IPL 2026 campaign opener against Mumbai Indians on March 29.

At an IPL 2026 press event, Dwayne Bravo made a joking remark caught on live mic, creating an awkward moment. Ajinkya Rahane quickly intervened, warning about the recording. The clip went viral, amusing fans, while Kolkata Knight Riders removed the video to avoid controversy ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians.

Batter Shreyas Iyer overcame a severe spleen injury that caused major weight loss, working hard to regain fitness and return to cricket. Now leading Punjab Kings, he is focused on winning the IPL 2026 title. Emphasising teamwork and bonding, Iyer and Arshdeep Singh remain confident about delivering a strong season.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have retained a strong core of 17 players for IPL 2026, entering the season as titleholders for the first time. The predicted playing XI features a blend of established stars and new additions, with Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar (C) leading the charge.

As IPL 2026 approaches, AB de Villiers reflected on his early impressions of Virat Kohli. Initially put off by Kohlis cockiness, De Villiers realised it mirrored his own competitive drive. Over time, mutual respect grew, and a chance encounter during a Test match laid the foundation for their legendary RCB partnership, turning initial tension into one of crickets most iconic bromances.

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave ranked R Praggnanandhaa in B tier for the Candidates, calling it a hot take based on recent form. Despite strong 2025 performances, he cited six months of inconsistent results, saying, Its harsh Pragg would have been at S tier. He added, Its been 6 months and his form has really not been great.

Kolkata Knight Riders face an early IPL 2026 challenge with pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Harshit Rana sidelined by injuries. Coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed Pathirana's absence for the initial phase. Mentor Dwayne Bravo, however, expressed confidence in India's fast-bowling depth, mentioning Umran Malik as a potential replacement, and lauded the team's formidable spin attack.

Andre Russell's IPL journey with KKR has concluded after he went unsold in the 2026 mini-auction. Head coach Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence in Indian talents Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh to fill the void left by the explosive all-rounder. Russell leaves behind a remarkable legacy of match-winning performances for the franchise.

Kolkata Knight Riders will be without Matheesha Pathirana for the initial phase of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain and ongoing rehabilitation. Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed the pacer is expected to be match-fit by mid-April, acknowledging the significant blow to the team. The franchise is actively evaluating replacement options to fill the void.

RCB have begun IPL 2026 preparations, but Yash Dayals absence has raised concerns. The bowler hasnt joined the squad or appeared in team updates, despite being retained. Last seen in the 2025 IPL final, he has been out of action since, with even officials reportedly unable to contact him, leaving his participation uncertain.

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal's upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Coach Roberto Martinez confirmed a minor hamstring injury. Ronaldo is expected back in one to two weeks. This is Portugal's final chance to experiment before naming the World Cup squad. The team will face Mexico and the United States in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Irfan Pathan feels Virat Kohlis shift to fewer formats after retiring from Tests could affect his T20 rhythm, especially after breaks. While Kohli remains in top form, adapting to an aggressive T20 role may be challenging. Pathan also noted Kohlis attacking approach was key to RCBs 2025 title and will be crucial again.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will now issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for IPL 2026 participation solely based on players passing mandatory physical performance tests. Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have received their NOCs after clearing the tests. Others, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, will undergo testing post-rehabilitation from injuries.

KKR face a major setback as Harshit Rana is ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury, with coach Abhishek Nayar admitting hell be hard to replace. Matheesha Pathiranas fitness is also uncertain. However, captain Ajinkya Rahane backed Varun Chakravarthy to bounce back, as KKR test bowling options ahead of the new season.

AB de Villiers expressed frustration with IPL batting comparisons, particularly between middle-order players and openers. He argued that openers have a significant advantage due to fielding restrictions and favorable conditions, making their stats unfairly inflated. De Villiers believes this setup is tough on bowlers and even leads to lucky boundaries for batters.

Irfan Pathan left MS Dhoni out of his CSK XI for IPL 2026, saying his limited lower-order role doesnt benefit the team. He suggested Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6 instead, unless Dhoni bats more. Pathans squad includes new faces, reflecting CSKs rebuild after poor seasons, with the upcoming campaign crucial for defining Dhonis future role.

Former India international Aditi Chauhan calls Indias Asia Cup campaign a mix of promise and reality check, praising emerging talent while highlighting structural flaws. She stresses better preparation, a stronger league and overseas exposure as key to bridging the gap with Asias best and turning World Cup qualification from ambition into a realistic goal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show in Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 practice, smashing Ravindra Jadeja for a six off his first ball despite saying he hadnt slept well. Jadejas amused reaction went viral. After a poor 2025 season, RR hope such moments signal a turnaround, with new additions and young talents boosting confidence ahead of the campaign.

India Women are set for a challenging tour of South Africa, featuring a one-off Test from December 20-23 in Gqeberha and a three-match ODI series from December 9-15. This rare Test encounter, only the fourth between the sides, follows a T20I series earlier in the year. The tour aims to boost women's cricket growth.

The IPL 2026 season kicks off on March 28, with franchises finalizing their overseas player combinations. Teams are strategically selecting key international talents to bolster their squads, aiming for strong starts amidst injury concerns and last-minute withdrawals. Overseas stars will be pivotal in shaping team performances throughout the tournament.

New Zealand beat South Africa by eight wickets in the third T20, chasing 137 with ease. Tom Lathams unbeaten 63 and Devon Conways 39 led the way after bowlers restricted South Africa to 136. The visitors struggled despite a late fightback, while New Zealands calm approach secured a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

For over a decade, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were RCBs heartbeat, yet an IPL trophy eluded them. De Villiers reflected that their shared naughty trait, wanting to win too much, was both their strength and downfall, making losses feel personal. Their intense competitiveness forged legendary partnerships but came with heavy emotional tolls, highlighting the fine line between passion and pressure.

Bangladesh cricketers' participation in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is uncertain, awaiting government approval due to regional tensions. Six players were initially cleared by the BCB, but safety concerns have prompted a mandatory government consultation. The final decision rests with authorities, potentially impacting player availability for national duty.

Kolkata Knight Riders received a significant boost as Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Matheesha Pathirana is fit and ready for the IPL. This eases concerns over KKR's depleted pace attack, with the young pacer cleared after recovering from a calf strain. His availability, especially as a death-over specialist, is crucial for the franchise's title aspirations.

Former CSK batter S Badrinath has expressed significant concerns for KKR ahead of IPL 2026, labeling captain Ajinkya Rahane a weak link and questioning the team's leadership and costly squad decisions. Badrinath also criticized the record Rs 25.20 crore signing of Cameron Green, citing his recent poor form and questioning his value.

Uttar Pradesh is significantly enhancing its sports infrastructure, from village grounds to international stadiums, under CM Yogi Adityanath's leadership. The state is expanding cricket venues, developing local facilities, and hosting major events to foster a vibrant sporting culture and nurture athletes from grassroots to global levels.

Despite clear long-term ambitions from coaching and selection staff, uncertainty looms over the ODI futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While both superstars are performing well, the Indian cricket board needs to initiate direct dialogue regarding their inclusion in the 2027 World Cup plans. This lack of clarity, in the current scenario, hurts the dressing room more than it helps promote competitiveness.

Uttar Pradesh is transforming into a sports powerhouse with a comprehensive plan focusing on world-class infrastructure, education, and grassroots development. The upcoming Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University in Meerut is central to this vision, alongside a growing network of sports colleges and private academies.

Rajasthan Royals face a significant blow for IPL 2026 as all-rounder Sam Curran is ruled out due to injury. His absence creates a void in batting and bowling, prompting the Royals to explore options like Jimmy Neesham, Josh Tongue, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, and Daryl Mitchell to fill the crucial all-rounder role.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan urges caution around teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 hype, acknowledging his potential while highlighting upcoming challenges. Pathan believes Vaibhav's consistent scoring across formats proves his 'dum,' suggesting this season could be his breakout. Mental resilience and adaptation will be key for the 15-year-old prodigy.

Sanju Samson's long-held dream of playing alongside MS Dhoni has materialized as he joins Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026. This move follows Samson's stellar performance, earning him Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he set new Indian batting records. Fans eagerly anticipate this exciting new chapter.

Uttar Pradesh is bolstering its sports sector with an ambitious incentive structure, offering substantial monetary rewards for medal winners at international and national events. The state is also prioritising job security for athletes, with over 500 securing government positions, fostering a robust sporting ecosystem.

Chennai Super Kings face a major blow as Australian pacer Nathan Ellis is ruled out of IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury. Ellis was expected to be CSK's primary death bowler, leaving a significant void. The franchise is now exploring replacements like Ottneil Baartman, Sean Abbott, Gerald Coetzee, Shamar Joseph, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

IPL 2026 faces a challenge with numerous player injuries. Key bowlers like Harshit Rana and Nathan Ellis are out for the season. Sam Curran and Jack Edwards will also miss the entire tournament. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will be absent for initial matches. Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Starc's early availability is uncertain. Matheesha Pathirana is also sidelined.

It took 2,587 days for top-tier club football to return to Delhi. And then it took a while for the stands to get occupied. But when they did -- for SC Delhi vs Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium -- by 6,372 fans, it was met by loud chants, dhol beats, and deafening celebrations despite rain in the air.

Pakistan cricket faces renewed criticism after a T20 World Cup exit and ODI series loss. Former opener Ahmed Shehzad alleges the PCB built up a select group of players, now failing to deliver, while neglecting accountability and player development. He claims the board's weakness empowers these stars, hindering genuine progress and leaving fans disillusioned.