The Times of India

Indian badminton prodigy Ayush Shetty is set to face China's Shi Yu Qi in the Asia Championships final. The 20-year-old stunned world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling semifinal. Shetty aims for a historic title, a significant milestone for Indian badminton, despite a 0-2 head-to-head record against Shi Yu Qi.

Shuttler Sets Up BAC Summit Clash With Reigning World Champion Shi Yu Qi

Mumbai Indians host Royal Challengers Bengaluru tonight at Wankhede Stadium in a highly anticipated clash. Despite Mumbai's historical dominance, RCB has won four of their last six encounters. Both Rohit and Kohli have started the season well, and a high-scoring game with potential for over 200 runs is expected, with dew likely to influence the second innings.

The 23-run win over Delhi Capitals on Saturday CSKs first of this season did have its share of scares, especially when Tristan Stubbs was going great guns towards the end and had got the target down to 32 off the last two overs. But medium-pacer Jamie Overton (4/18) carried on with his superb work for the day to remove Stubbs at the right moment, ensuring CSK got home.

Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans clash today in a high-stakes IPL 2026 encounter. Both teams are coming off thrilling last-ball victories, with LSG aiming for their third consecutive win while GT seeks to build momentum. The match promises a balanced contest on a sporting pitch, with the heat expected to play a role.

Playing with the black pieces in Round 11 on Saturday, she claimed a jaw-dropping win over the former World Championship challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina.

Sanju Samson's magnificent unbeaten 115 powered Chennai Super Kings to a commanding 212/2, setting up a 23-run victory over Delhi Capitals. Jamie Overton's crucial four-wicket haul then dismantled the Capitals' chase, securing CSK's first win of IPL 2026 at Chepauk.

Mendis, who was signed by Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL player auction in February for PKR 4.2 crore, was speaking after his teams 76-run win over Lahore Qalandars in Karachi. The 31-year-old scored 74 off 48 balls and was named Player of the Match.

Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians' batting coach, voiced his disapproval of the IPL's Impact Player rule, stating it underutilizes all-rounders' skills and could negatively impact international cricket. His concerns align with other cricketers like Axar Patel and Shubman Gill, who believe the rule makes the game less competitive. Despite widespread criticism, the rule is expected to continue for another season.

Tristan Stubbs (60) kept Delhi Capitals in the chase with a half-century.

Sanju Samson ended his early-season slump with a match-winning unbeaten 115 for Chennai Super Kings against Delhi Capitals. His century, coupled with Ayush Mhatre's 59, powered CSK to 212 and secured their first win of IPL 2026. Samson expressed gratitude for the team's trust and support after the crucial performance.

Kieron Pollard praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshis fearless IPL rise but urged caution around hype, warning young players shouldnt be discarded after failures. He highlighted how perceptions change quickly in cricket. Pollard also backed experienced stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saying veterans should be respected and allowed to decide their own future in the game.

Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a phone in the dugout during an IPL match, violating PMOA rules that ban such use outside the dressing room. The incident, noticed during the chase, has drawn scrutiny, with potential action from officials. IPL authorities stress strict phone-use guidelines to prevent corruption risks, and an investigation may follow.

Sanju Samsons unbeaten 115 powered Chennai Super Kings to their first IPL 2026 win, beating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs. He shared a 113-run stand with Ayush Mhatre (59) to post 212/2. Delhi started strong but lost momentum after early wickets. Jamie Overtons 4/18 ensured CSK sealed a comfortable victory despite Tristan Stubbs fighting 60.

India beat Korea 2-1 to win their fifth and final tie in the Billie Jean King Cup. India had to win 3-0 and needed other result to go their way, but neither worked out. India finished third in the group and will not qualify for the playoffs.

A captain's trust in a part-timer, Shashank Singh, proved pivotal as he dismissed both Sunrisers openers, shifting the game's momentum. Sunrisers bowling coach acknowledged the absence of Pat Cummins and admitted their innings fell short of expectations, despite a strong start, crediting Punjab's bowlers for their effective middle-overs performance.

Chennai Super Kings sparked controversy by retiring out Ayush Mhatre on 59 during their IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals. Despite his strong knock and partnership with Sanju Samson (115*), CSK opted for Shivam Dube to accelerate late scoring. While the move worked, fans called it very odd, questioning the rare tactical decision to remove a well-set batter.

Sanju Samson silenced critics with a magnificent century for Chennai Super Kings against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. After a shaky start to his CSK career, Samson anchored the innings with a brilliant 102*, including a vital partnership with Ayush Mhatre. This commanding knock, his fourth IPL ton, also saw him cross 400 T20 sixes, cementing his return to form.

Punjab Kings made T20 history by becoming the first team to chase 200-plus totals 10 times, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh gave a strong start, while Shreyas Iyers unbeaten 69 guided the chase. Despite SRHs 219, powered by Abhishek Sharmas 74, Punjab stayed unbeaten this season.

Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations suffered a significant blow as they were defeated 2-1 by Bournemouth at the Emirates. Despite equalizing through a Viktor Gykeres penalty, Bournemouth secured victory with goals from Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, handing Manchester City renewed hope.

The Athletics Federation of India faces backlash after a man walked onto the track during a junior 200m race in New Delhi, forcing a runner to avoid collision. The viral incident raised safety concerns and drew criticism online, with fans calling it a shocking lapse. The episode has sparked wider doubts about event management as India eyes hosting global sporting events.

Punjab Kings secured a six-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match. Shreyas Iyer led the chase with an unbeaten 69. Earlier, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a strong opening stand. Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 219 for six, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 74. Punjab Kings successfully chased the target with seven deliveries remaining.

MS Dhoni's return to the Chennai Super Kings jersey remains uncertain due to a calf strain, with fans eagerly awaiting updates. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed Dhoni is supporting the team from the hotel and will be back on the field soon. The team aims for their first win of the season.

Shivang Kumars IPL journey is shaped by bold choices and setbacks. Converted into a left-arm wrist spinner by his father, he quit cricket briefly before returning inspired by MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Strong domestic performances, including a five-wicket haul, earned him an SRH contract. Like Usman Tariq, Dhonis story played a key role in his comeback.

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam survived a helmet blow from Ubaid Shah but continued batting after checks. He later scored 43 and shared a 109-run stand with Kusal Mendis to steady the innings. Babar also became the first player to reach 4000 PSL runs. He noted changing conditions but backed his teams strong spin attack.

Mukul Choudhary, a 21-year-old, became an overnight sensation after a stunning last-ball victory for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders. He smashed seven sixes in a fearless display, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to chase down 182. Choudhary credited captain Rishabh Pant for his composure under pressure.

The IPL 2026 is gaining momentum as teams settle in, with Rajasthan Royals, RCB, PBKS, and Delhi Capitals looking strongest. Rivalry Week promises key clashes, including MI vs RCB, CSK vs KKR, and SRH vs CSK. With historic rivalries, balanced head-to-heads, and rising young stars, experts expect thrilling, high-stakes encounters that could shape the seasons direction.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, unleashed an unprecedented Powerplay assault against Punjab Kings, smashing 105 runs without loss. Abhishek recorded a blistering half-century in 18 balls and equaled the record for most sixes in a Powerplay with seven, highlighting SRH's dominance.

Dawid Malan has proposed legalising limited, controlled ball tampering to restore balance in cricket. He argues it already happens and should be regulated, not ignored. Malan believes allowing minor changes could revive reverse swing and help bowlers, especially in death overs. With batters dominating modern cricket, he sees this as a practical tweak to make matches tighter and more competitive without completely breaking existing rules.

Rajasthan Royals secured a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 78 off 26 balls and Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 81 off 43 deliveries were instrumental. Earlier, Rajat Patidar's 63 had guided RCB to 201. Virat Kohli's pre-match dance entertained the crowd. Rajasthan remains unbeaten.

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Daryl Mitchell's stance against Usman Tariq's unusual bowling pause in the PSL. Ashwin asserts batters can step away if the bowler's rhythm is disrupted, urging umpires to monitor consistency. He believes such tactics should be addressed pre-game, commending Mitchell for highlighting the issue.

Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov is on the cusp of winning the FIDE Candidates 2026, poised to challenge World Champion D Gukesh. His rapid play and impressive unbeaten streak have captivated the chess world. Managed by Tom Guilbaud, Sindarov's career has transformed from obscurity to a top contender, aided by strategic social media promotion and newfound sponsorships.

Ravindra Jadeja achieved a significant T20 milestone, becoming the second Indian to bag 4000 runs and 200 wickets. His crucial unbeaten partnership with Dhruv Jurel secured Rajasthan Royals' victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jurel shone with the bat, Jadeja's all-round prowess proved vital in the successful chase, underscoring his consistent value.

India's Ayush Shetty achieved a career-defining victory at the Badminton Asia Championships, defeating top seed and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling three-game match. This remarkable comeback win secures Shetty at least a silver medal, making him the first Indian men's singles player to reach the final since Dinesh Khanna in 1965.

Chennai Super Kings face mounting pressure against Delhi Capitals due to struggling batting and bowling. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are yet to find form, while DC boasts a settled squad with KL Rahul in form. Key battles like Rahul vs. Khaleel and Dube vs. Kuldeep will be crucial.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old, is making waves in IPL 2026. His exceptional batting has led to calls for his inclusion in the Indian senior team. He could become India's youngest international debutant. The BCCI is reportedly considering him for upcoming T20 series. His eligibility under ICC rules is confirmed. Opportunities exist to test new talent.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at 15, is taking the worlds best bowlers to the cleaners. After taking on Mumbai Indians' Jasprit Bumrah a few days ago, he tore apart Royal Challengers Bengaluru seamers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well. Sooryavanshi does not bother with reputations or resumes. The youngster bats with rare clarity and shows intent from ball one, and his personal side-arm thrower back in Tajpur, Samastipur, is not surprised at all.

Chennai Super Kings face a crucial home fixture against Delhi Capitals, desperately seeking their first win after three consecutive losses. CSK's batting and bowling have struggled, while DC, in fourth place, appear more settled and confident, especially after ending their Chepauk losing streak last season.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 78 off 26 balls powered Rajasthan Royals to a stunning chase against RCB in Guwahati. His innings, featuring 8 fours and 7 sixes, secured the Orange Cap and a memorable win. Virat Kohli also gifted the young prodigy an autographed cap with a congratulatory message.

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan revealed his taunt to Ricky Ponting during their 2010 Mohali Test spat. Khan jokingly asked Ponting if he thought he was Usain Bolt after a failed quick single. This exchange occurred during a dramatic Test match where India secured a thrilling one-wicket victory.

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming downplayed personal credit for the franchise's success, emphasizing player contributions and MS Dhoni's leadership. Fleming acknowledged recent scrutiny but defended his T20 approach, citing year-round involvement in global leagues and a current transition phase for CSK. He also praised Dewald Brevis's potential impact.

Chasing 182 runs to win, Lucknow Super Giants were tottering at 128/7 in the 16th over. It was then that Mukul decided to stamp his presence on the big stage. When Ayush bhai (Badoni) got out, I knew I was the one who had to do whatever needed to be done. I wanted to take the game close and wasnt thinking about winning or losing, he said.

Mukul Choudharys 27-ball 57 at Eden Gardens was years in the making - from 500-km bus rides across Rajasthan to practicing on red-soil and once smashing 36 sixes in an innings. Inspired by MS Dhoni, the 21-year-old is making a mark with his hitting ability and team-first mindset.

Punjab Kings, unbeaten and second on the table, host an inconsistent Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 17 of IPL 2026. SRH historically dominate this fixture, winning 17 of 24 encounters. Key matchups include Shreyas Iyer vs Harshal Patel and Abhishek Sharma vs Arshdeep Singh, which could significantly influence the game's outcome.

Punjab Kings, in strong form, face an inconsistent Sunrisers Hyderabad in their upcoming IPL clash. PBKS have shown balance with impressive batting and bowling performances, while SRH's top order and bowling unit have struggled for consistency. The match is expected to be a high-scoring affair on a batting-friendly pitch with no rain expected.

Sooryavanshi scored 78 off 26 balls as Rajasthan Royals (RR) chased down Royal Challengers Bengalurus (RCB) total of 201 with two overs remaining.