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Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Shreyas Iyer etched his name in IPL history with his third consecutive 50+ score against Delhi Capitals, joining Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid. His unbeaten 59 anchored Punjab Kings, building a vital partnership and showcasing his consistent dominance over his former franchise. Iyer's stellar form against DC continues to impress.
Delhi Capitals faced a penalty for slow over-rate against Punjab Kings, allowing PBKS to post a massive 210/5. Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer starred for Punjab, while Mitchell Starc endured his most expensive IPL spell. Notably, Delhi Capitals employed an all-pace attack throughout the innings.
Young batting sensations Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are electrifying the IPL with their aggressive T20 style. Sooryavanshi, the youngest IPL centurion, and Arya, known for his rapid centuries, are leading a new generation of fearless batsmen, dominating powerplay overs and setting new benchmarks for strike rates and quick-fire fifties.
Priyansh Arya made IPL history by hitting Mitchell Starc for six off the first ball in Dharamsala, marking his third such feat. This places him second behind Yashasvi Jaiswal, who also hit Starc for an opening ball six earlier this season. The match saw Delhi Capitals opt to field after winning the toss.
Harbhajan Singh supports Jasprit Bumrah amidst a quiet IPL 2026. He points to the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack lacking confidence and relying too heavily on Bumrah. The team's overall belief and body language have also dropped significantly this season. A leader is needed to inspire the squad and change their fortunes on the field.
Delhi Capitals, desperate for a win, made five changes for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, opting to field first. Young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, retained for his pace and batting, is among the new faces. Punjab Kings, currently fourth, aim for a victory to potentially top the table.
Sunil Gavaskar proposes rewarding bowlers with an extra over for taking three or more wickets in their spell, aiming to rebalance T20 cricket heavily favouring batters. He believes this encourages attacking bowling, citing recent high-scoring IPL matches as evidence of the need for change. Gavaskar suggests testing the idea in domestic tournaments first.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's stellar IPL 2026 form, leading the Purple Cap race with 21 wickets at an impressive average, has reignited calls for his India T20I return. The 36-year-old's consistent match-winning spells and economical bowling, highlighted by a 4/23 against Mumbai Indians, have caught the attention of experts like Aakash Chopra, pushing selectors to reconsider his international future.
Krunal Pandya battled severe cramps to anchor Royal Challengers Bengaluru's thrilling IPL 2026 chase against Mumbai Indians in Raipur. His resilient 73, despite immense pain, kept RCB alive. While fans lauded his grit, former cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath's controversial remark about 'letting him die' drew criticism. Pandya emphasized sheer willpower and courage in overcoming the painful cramps.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has formally responded to the Wrestling Federation of India's notice. She asserts her eligibility to return to competitive wrestling from January 1, 2026. Phogat claims she has official confirmation from the International Testing Agency. She intends to compete in the ongoing Senior Open Ranking Tournament. Phogat denies anti-doping rule violations and allegations regarding selection trials.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a back issue, missing consecutive IPL 2026 matches. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the ongoing treatment, stating his return is day-to-day. This setback comes as MI, already eliminated from playoff contention, suffered another defeat, highlighting their disappointing season.
Krunal Pandya battled severe cramps to score a match-winning 73 off 46 balls, powering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thrilling last-ball victory against his former franchise, Mumbai Indians. Despite immense physical pain, Pandya's resilience and crucial partnerships revived RCB's chase, securing a vital win that knocked MI out of playoff contention.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat asserts her eligibility for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, despite the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) stance. WFI claims she must complete disciplinary proceedings and adhere to a mandatory notice period for retired athletes. Phogat argues she informed United World Wrestling of her intent to resume competition, but the federation remains unconvinced.
Dinesh Karthik's high praise for Bhuvneshwar Kumar has resurfaced after the pacer's match-winning IPL 2026 performance. Kumar's stellar 4/23 against Mumbai Indians, followed by a crucial batting cameo, has reignited calls for his T20I return, with Ravichandran Ashwin backing the 'BringBackBhuvi' campaign. He currently leads the Purple Cap race.
Urvil Patel credited MS Dhoni for helping him overcome self-doubt before his stunning 65 off 23 balls for Chennai Super Kings against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. Urvil equalled the IPLs fastest fifty record in 13 balls, dedicated the emotional milestone to his father, and also thanked skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for guidance on pitch conditions.
Mumbai Indians crashed out of the IPL after a loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking their sixth consecutive season without a trophy. Inconsistent performances from the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma and a lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah have plagued the team. Yet, Head coach Mahela Jayawardene continues to back the 'core group' despite the struggles.
Ravichandran Ashwin advocates for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to India's T20I squad following his stellar all-round display for RCB. Kumar's exceptional bowling, and a crucial six in the final over, impressed Ashwin, who highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Kumar currently leads the Purple Cap race, showcasing consistent wicket-taking prowess.
Mahela Jayawardene reflects on MIs disappointing IPL 2026 campaign
Krunal Pandya opens up on match-winning knock and RCBs playoffs push
Jamie Overton opens up on CSK comeback & bowling role
Tom Moody blames LSGs batting failures after CSK defeat
Antonio Habas has departed Inter Kashi with immediate effect, citing unfulfilled commitments. The Spanish manager, who led the club to the I-League title, expressed disappointment over the club's complicated situation and potential salary issues. Assistant coach Abhijit will take charge for the remaining two matches.
Sanju Samson has clarified his commitment to Chennai Super Kings, emphasising his dedication to playing under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite trade speculation, Samson expressed his desire to contribute to the team and highlighted his strong bond with Gaikwad. He also shared his admiration for MS Dhoni, cherishing moments spent with the CSK legend.
Mumbai Indians were knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race after a heartbreaking last-ball loss to RCB. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted MI were not good enough and lacked consistency throughout the season. He defended youngster Raj Angad Bawa for bowling the tense final over and said injuries and forced team changes hurt Mumbais campaign as RCB climbed to the top of the table.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a fun mid-match chat during RCBs thrilling last-ball win over Mumbai Indians, with Rohit seen laughing during the viral moment. Amid playoff pressure, the friendly exchange delighted fans online. On the field, Krunal Pandya scored 73 while Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with bat and ball as RCB chased 167 to knock MI out of IPL 2026 playoff contention.
The BCCI medical team is clearing players for the Afghanistan Test, with a full-strength batting lineup expected. However, workload management will likely see changes in the bowling department, potentially giving opportunities to new faces. The No. 3 batting position remains a concern ahead of upcoming tours.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's thrilling win over Mumbai Indians was marred by a setback as head coach Andy Flower was fined for using audible obscenity during a tense moment. The incident occurred during a controversial boundary call, leading to a heated exchange. Despite this, RCB secured a crucial victory, while Mumbai Indians were eliminated from the playoff race.
The IPL 2026 playoff race intensifies as Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are eliminated. This week, eight teams vie for four spots. Punjab Kings face Delhi Capitals, while Gujarat Titans meet Sunrisers Hyderabad. Table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Kolkata Knight Riders, with crucial clashes shaping the final standings.
Australian tennis legend Mal Anderson has died aged 91. Anderson made history in 1957 as the first unseeded player to win the US Open mens singles title and also won three Grand Slam doubles titles plus two Davis Cups. After retiring, he mentored young Australian players, including Pat Rafter, who called him a true legend of the game and a generous mentor.
Punjab Kings aim to end a three-match losing streak against a struggling Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala. PBKS seek to reignite their campaign amidst fielding woes and bowling concerns. Meanwhile, DC, facing a disappointing season, are likely to experiment with their lineup. The high-scoring HPCA Stadium promises an exciting contest.
Australia rested Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan and Bangladesh to manage workloads ahead of future Tests and the T20 World Cup. Mitchell Marsh will captain a squad featuring several young players, including Ollie Peake and Liam Scott. Glenn Maxwell was dropped from the Bangladesh T20 squad as Australia continue testing fresh talent and squad depth.
Indian boxing faces administrative chaos as the Sports Authority of India (SAI) halts selection trials for upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games. A dispute over transparency in evaluation criteria, selection committees, and coach appointments has stalled preparations. Boxers who excelled in the unrecognised COAS Cup are now seeking legal recourse for a fair chance.
Urvil Patel smashed a sensational 65 off just 23 balls, including a record 13-ball half-century, stunning the crowd. Teammate Jamie Overton described it as typical Urvil, highlighting his fearless approach. Patel credited skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for the freedom to play his natural game, a knock that overshadowed Josh Inglis' brilliant innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred in RCBs thrilling two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, taking four wickets and smashing a crucial six in the final over his first IPL six since 2016. Krunal Pandyas gritty 73 also proved vital. Bhuvi later credited discipline, not motivation, for his success. The dramatic victory lifted RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
Punjab Kings, seeking to revive their season, face Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala's picturesque HPCA Stadium. Punjab's recent slide has exposed cracks, while Delhi appears drained, struggling with batting uncertainty and fielding. Both teams need a strong performance to salvage their campaigns.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru became IPL 2026s strongest playoff favourites after their last-ball win over Mumbai Indians, reaching a 94.82% qualification probability and 63.41% chance of a top-two finish. SRH, GT and PBKS also remain strong contenders, while CSK revived their campaign. Rajasthan Royals and KKR still have hope, but Delhi Capitals face slim chances. Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are officially out of playoff contention.
Barcelona won their 29th La Liga title after defeating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico at Camp Nou. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres scored early to secure back-to-back league titles for Hansi Flicks side. Frenkie de Jong called the victory extra special against Madrid at home. Meanwhile, Real Madrid finished the season without a major trophy and now face uncertainty ahead of summer changes.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a last-ball IPL 2026 thriller in Raipur. Krunal Pandya starred with a gritty 73 despite severe cramps, rescuing RCB from 39/3 with key partnerships. Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished the chase with a crucial six. After the match, an emotional Krunal praised former MI teammate Kieron Pollard, calling him his big brother.
Urvil Patels explosive 65 off 23 balls against Lucknow Super Giants announced the arrival of CSKs newest six-hitting sensation. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed six sixes within his first eight balls, rewrote IPL records. Backed by advice, and even a specially weighted bat from MS Dhoni, Urvils power-hitting philosophy is shaped by a gruelling routine of 200 practice sixes a day.
Virat Kohli watched Urvil Patel's explosive innings for Chennai Super Kings. Patel hit the joint-fastest IPL fifty in just 13 balls. He smashed six sixes in his first eight balls, a new IPL record. Patel scored 65 off 23 balls. Chennai Super Kings won the match by five wickets. Lucknow Super Giants had earlier scored 203/8.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians on the final ball, eliminating MI from IPL 2026. Krunal Pandya's resilient 73 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's match-winning six off the last delivery propelled RCB to a thrilling chase of 167.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru snatched a dramatic victory from Mumbai Indians on the final ball in Raipur. Krunal Pandya's valiant 73 was ended by a spectacular catch, but RCB still needed 18 from 12. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's tight penultimate over, Raj Bawa couldn't defend the target, leading to a thrilling last-ball win for Bengaluru.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a stellar 4/23 spell against Mumbai Indians, propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory. His performance, including the wickets of Rickelton, Rohit, Suryakumar, and Tilak Varma, secured him the IPL 2026 Purple Cap with 21 wickets. This marks his sixth three-wicket haul this season, highlighting his consistent impact for RCB.
Virat Kohli's IPL 2026 campaign hit a new low with a golden duck against Mumbai Indians, his second consecutive failure. Deepak Chahar claimed the crucial wicket, adding to Kohli's struggles against MI. Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted 166/7 despite a poor start, thanks to Tilak Varma's fifty and Naman Dhir's contribution.
Urvil Patel's explosive 65 off 23 balls, including a 13-ball fifty, powered Chennai Super Kings to a memorable victory. Simple instructions from coaches and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, focusing on a stable base and hitting, were key to his record-equalling power-hitting display. Patel's fearless approach shattered records and set a new benchmark for batting at Chepauk.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted to bowl against Mumbai Indians, seeking to improve their playoff standing after recent losses. The return of Phil Salt offers a significant boost for RCB. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians, struggling in ninth, face potential elimination. MI skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed confidence in batting first, aiming to put pressure on the chasing side.