The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
India's Palak and Mukesh Nelavalli secured a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Granada, Spain. The duo achieved a world record score of 487.7, also setting a junior world record. This victory marks a strong start for India in the competition.
The current president of BCB, Aminul Islam Bulbul was removed by the country's National Sports Council (NSC), which formed an ad-hoc committee to run the day-to-day affairs till fresh elections are held.
Australian cricketer David Warner faces serious charges after being apprehended for drunk-driving in Sydney. Pulled over by police, the 39-year-old's breath test allegedly registered a reading of 0.104, significantly exceeding the legal limit. He is now scheduled to appear in court next month following his arrest.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has called for stricter BCCI action against IPL players not performing their roles. He questions workload management excuses for all-rounders not bowling. Gavaskar also revealed foreign cricket boards earn significant revenue from player No Objection Certificates for the IPL. This system is unique to the IPL globally.
Heinrich Klaasen identifies batting execution lapses and poor fielding as Sunrisers Hyderabad's main issues in IPL 2026. Despite a slow start, he believes the team can recover, emphasising the need for bigger totals and better catching. Klaasen himself is in good form, aiming to maintain his batting prowess.
Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Heinrich Klaasen believes Chennai Super Kings remain a formidable force despite the absence of MS Dhoni as a player. Klaasen suggested Dhoni's impact is more in leadership than his limited batting contributions, emphasising CSK's overall strength. He expressed confidence in SRH's ability to perform despite a slow start to IPL 2026.
Plans are underway for a major upgrade of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka State Cricket Association aims to increase seating capacity by 20,000. The renovation will improve spectator facilities, crowd movement, and parking. This ambitious project seeks to modernize the iconic venue to meet global standards. The transformation is expected to take considerable time.
Mukesh Kumar has emerged as an unlikely yet vital weapon for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, silencing doubters with discipline and control. Backed by the team management, the Bengal pacer has relied on hard lengths and consistency to deliver.
Rain looms over the Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians IPL clash in Guwahati. While evening conditions are expected to improve, a significant afternoon shower threat could lead to delays. A minimum five-overs-a-side match requires play to start by 10:56 pm. A washout would see both teams share points, a scenario no side desires early in the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals face Mumbai Indians in Guwahati. Rajasthan seeks a third win to top the table. Mumbai, with Hardik Pandya back, aims to bounce back. Key battles between players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah, and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Hardik Pandya will be crucial. Sandeep Sharma's bowling against Mumbai's top batters is also a vital contest.
Arjun Tendulkar is impressing Lucknow Super Giants' net sessions with his accurate yorkers, troubling top batters like Rishabh Pant. Videos of his disciplined bowling have gone viral, fueling fan calls for his inclusion. After two seasons with Mumbai Indians, the young pacer is making a strong case for selection at LSG with his consistent performance, despite limited match opportunities so far.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag has urged Ajinkya Rahane to respond to criticism with composure. Rahane recently reacted strongly to questions about his strike rate and Cameron Green's bowling. Sehwag believes players should remain neutral to praise and criticism. He cited legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar as examples of handling scrutiny without public reactions.
Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mohsin Khan found strength to return to cricket after a lengthy injury layoff, drawing inspiration from his late mother. Her unwavering belief fueled his recovery, especially after she passed away just as he rejoined the LSG camp. Mohsin also credits the franchise's support staff and pacer Mohammed Shami for his comeback.
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi faces his ultimate T20 test against Jasprit Bumrah. After a sensational IPL debut, the 15-year-old, who skipped board exams for cricket, has impressed with explosive knocks. This clash against the world's best bowler could define his burgeoning career, with teams analyzing his game. Mumbai Indians remain unfazed, preparing as usual.
Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov, the youngest Candidate, is on the verge of winning the Cyprus tournament with an impressive halfway score. He needs just four more wins to secure the title. Meanwhile, in the women's section, Ukraine's Anna Muzychuk leads the pack, undefeated and aiming for victory.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is set to miss at least three more IPL games for Delhi Capitals due to shoulder and elbow injuries. He's unlikely to join the squad before April 20. Despite his absence, the Axar Patel-led Delhi side has secured two wins. Starc, however, remains committed to joining the team as soon as he recovers.
Mumbai Indians aim to rebound against an in-form Rajasthan Royals as skipper Hardik Pandya returns from illness. Pandya's absence impacted MI's balance in their previous loss, while RR boast a strong top order and effective bowling attack. The match in Guwahati could see early swing for pacers, with dew potentially aiding the chasing side later.
Cameron Green's struggles for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, with minimal runs and no bowling, are drawing criticism. Experts question his role at No. 3, suggesting he's a middle-order batter who bowls, not a specialist for that position. Team composition and overseas player choices are under scrutiny as KKR faces a crucial decision.
Chess is grappling with a cheating crisis, forcing stringent security at top tournaments. World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura sarcastically compared players to spies due to intense scanning. Indian Grandmasters like Koneru Humpy and Shyam Sundar M support these measures, emphasizing skill-based wins. Pravin Thipsay suggests delaying live broadcasts to curb cheating, arguing popularity doesn't hinge on instant updates.
Rajasthan Royals, on a two-match winning streak, face a Mumbai Indians side seeking consistency. Mumbai Indian anticipate the return of captain Hardik Pandya, who missed their last game due to illness. Rajasthan Royals' confident batting unit will challenge Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, setting up a clash of momentum against experience.
Rain halted the Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Punjab Kings match at Eden Gardens, with KKR at 25/2. A viral reel from Shreyas Iyer's sister humorously claimed Punjab 'gifted' a point. The washout saw Punjab top the table, while KKR opened their account but face pressure. KKR's batting struggled early before the downpour.
A tense moment in the PSL saw Steve Smith denied a single by Sahibzada Farhan, sparking comparisons to Smith's own controversial refusal of a run to Babar Azam in the BBL. While fans cried 'revenge,' Farhan's move seemed tactical, unlike Smith's earlier strategic play. Smith still anchored Multan's chase to victory.
Kolkata Knight Riders opened IPL 2026 account with a washout point against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens due to heavy rain. The match was abandoned after persistent downpours and strong winds made the outfield unplayable, resulting in both teams sharing a point. KKR, batting first, were 25 for 2 before the interruption.
Irfan Pathan has identified spinner Noor Ahmad's wicketless form and high economy rate as CSK's primary concern after their loss to RCB. He also criticized Matt Henry's ineffectiveness and pointed out tactical errors in bowling to Tim David, who capitalized on loose deliveries. CSK faces Delhi Capitals next, seeking to end a three-match losing streak.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane faced widespread criticism for batting first against Punjab Kings despite rain forecasts and a weakened bowling attack. Former cricketers like Anil Kumble and Saba Karim questioned the surprising decision. The match was eventually abandoned due to rain, with KKR struggling at 25/2, leaving both teams to share points.
Cricket star Virat Kohli lauded the recently released film Dhurandhar 2 as an unparalleled Indian cinematic experience, praising director Aditya Dhar and lead Ranveer Singh's brilliant performance. The blockbuster has achieved immense success, grossing over 1622 crore worldwide. Actor Anushka Sharma also commended the film's gripping storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship.
A local cricket umpire, Dola Ajith Babu, was tragically stabbed to death in Visakhapatnam following a dispute over a run-out decision. The incident escalated when a spectator, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attacked Babu and another umpire after an earlier argument was settled. Babu succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him.
Mohammed Shami delivered a sensational bowling performance, dismantling Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma early in the Powerplay. His masterful skill and deception earned him two crucial wickets, setting the stage for a dominant display. Despite past injury concerns, Shami's dedication to domestic cricket has revitalized his craft, proving his enduring class.
Kolkata Knight Riders secured their first point in IPL 2026 after their match against Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain. The game was called off after just 22 deliveries with KKR at 25 for 2. Punjab Kings now lead the table with five points from three games.
After choosing to bat first, KKR lost Finn Allen and Cameron Green early. They were 25 for 2 in 3.4 overs when rain stopped play, with captain Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane drew sharp criticism for choosing to bat first against Punjab Kings despite a rain forecast. Experts like Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the decision, especially with an inexperienced bowling attack. The move backfired as KKR lost two early wickets before rain halted play, leaving them struggling.
KKR, in search of their first win of the season, were rocked early as Xavier Bartlett struck twice in the space of three balls.
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has backed Yuvraj Singh's claims of receiving poor communication regarding his retirement from then captain Virat Kohli, coach Ravi Shastri, and selectors. Yuvraj revealed he sought clarity from MS Dhoni. Jaffer criticized the management, stating big players deserve respect and clear communication about their future in the sport.
Pakistan's star pacer Naseem Shah faces scrutiny from the cricket board due to mounting fitness concerns and recent off-field conduct. Having been fined a record amount for social media comments, his latest side strain has sidelined him from the PSL, raising questions about his career trajectory and dedication. He's now set for a medical evaluation and rehabilitation.
The comment came after Multan Sultans beat Quetta Gladiators on Sunday to register their third win of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. The team is set to return to the same venue on Monday for their next game against Rawalpindi Kings.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and decided to bat first at Eden Gardens.
He will be available; he had a good couple of hours of net session yesterday. He is fit and fine. Just to clarify Hardik wasnt injured, he was unwell, thats why he missed the game, Mambrey said in the pre-match press conference.
Kolkata Knight Riders' pacer Harshit Rana, sidelined for IPL 2026 due to knee surgery, is supporting his team from the stands. The young bowler, who also missed the T20 World Cup, was recently honored with a debutant award. KKR faces Punjab Kings amidst rain concerns and a search for their first win.
India's Billie Jean King Cup campaign faced setbacks with Shrivalli Bhamidipaty's back spasm and Vaidehee Chaudhari's ankle injury. Zeel Desai has joined the squad as cover, bringing depth to the team led by India No. 1 Vaishnavi Adkar. The team aims to qualify for the playoffs in this round-robin format.
The 28-year-old leg-spinner, bought at a base price of Rs 2 crore by LSG, has not undergone the mandatory fitness test required by Sri Lanka Cricket before issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players for the IPL. Without clearing this process, his participation in the league remains uncertain.
A techie lost Rs. 1.46 lakh to an Instagram scammer selling fake IPL tickets. The fraudster promised tickets and food coupons for the RCB vs CSK match. The techie made multiple payments, even using his mother's account. Meanwhile, RCB secured a victory over CSK, setting a new IPL record.
Kolkata Knight Riders seek their first win in IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings. Rain threatens the match at Eden Gardens. A low-pressure system brings Kalbaishakhi storms. If the match is washed out, both teams get one point. A shortened game requires play to start by 10:56 pm. This follows a similar rain interruption last season.
Kevin Pietersen claims his international career was cut short due to his insistence on playing in the Indian Premier League, a decision that clashed with the England and Wales Cricket Board's stance. He believes his sacrifices paved the way for current English players to participate in lucrative franchise leagues, despite a public fallout with the board.
Vishal Uppal on Indias BJK Cup chances, tennis growth & why doubles Is more exciting than singles
India's T20 World Cup triumph sees Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah nominated for ICC Player of the Month. Samson's explosive batting, including three crucial high scores, earned him Player of the Tournament. Bumrah's match-winning spells in the semi-final and final, with seven wickets in three games, also impressed. South Africa's Connor Esterhuizen completes the shortlist with a stellar T20I series.
MS Dhoni's potential return for Chennai Super Kings hinges on a crucial fitness test this week, following a calf strain. His comeback could bolster a struggling CSK side, especially with Dewald Brevis also nearing full recovery. Both players' availability for Saturday's clash against Delhi Capitals is eagerly awaited by fans.
Ambati Rayudu has slammed Chennai Super Kings' bowling strategy after their IPL 2026 defeat to RCB, citing a rigid approach and lack of adaptability. He believes CSK failed to adjust their plans when RCB posted a massive 250, particularly struggling at the death. Rayudu contrasted this with RCB's sharp control and decisive execution.
Sanju Samson is under fire from Chennai Super Kings fans amid a poor run in IPL 2026. His low scores and perceived lack of energy have drawn criticism. Coach Stephen Fleming has expressed confidence in Samson, highlighting his past success and the team's support. The team is working to integrate Samson and find winning form.

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