The Times of India

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer emphasizes a present-focused approach, aiming to win the IPL 2026 trophy by taking one game at a time. The team, currently unbeaten in four matches, prioritizes self-improvement over external pressure. Following last season's final loss, PBKS displayed a dominant performance against Mumbai Indians, chasing down 195 with Prabhsimran Singh and Iyer leading the charge.

Ajinkya Rahane press conference: On another defeat, Cameron Green and more

Kagiso Rabada press conference: On Shubman Gill, GT win and net run-rate

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi displayed visible anger after being dismissed for a duck against Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2026. His frustration, shown by slamming his bat, highlights the defending champions' inconsistent campaign and mounting pressure as they fight for playoff contention.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's young pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain aim to replicate their stellar performance against Chennai Super Kings. Key battles include Sanju Samson vs. Hinge, Travis Head vs. Anshul Kamboj, Heinrich Klaasen vs. Noor Ahmad, Abhishek Sharma vs. Mukesh Choudhary, and Ruturaj Gaikwad vs. Eshan Malinga, promising an exciting IPL encounter.

Pakistan have announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, led by captain Shan Masood. The revamped side includes four uncapped players, aiming to improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship. The series begins May 8, with a new coaching setup also in place.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, enjoying a strong IPL 2026 season, host Delhi Capitals on April 18th. RCB's potent batting and balanced bowling face a mixed DC side aiming to rebound. Key player battles, including Kohli vs. Axar Patel and Rahul vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, are set to ignite this crucial encounter.

Cricket star Virat Kohli's recent 'like' on German model LizLaz's photo has gone viral, sparking social media buzz. Laz, surprised by the attention, expressed gratitude and admitted to being an RCB fan. This incident echoes a similar past event involving another influencer, prompting Kohli to issue a clarification about algorithmic errors.

A bizarre selection mix-up in the Pakistan Super League saw a replacement player feature alongside the one he was meant to replace. Quetta Gladiators mistakenly included both Dinesh Chandimal and Bevon Jacobs in their Playing XI due to a late illness to Tom Curran, causing social media outrage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces Delhi Capitals with a key question surrounding Virat Kohli's role. After an ankle injury, Kohli played as an Impact Player against LSG, scoring 49. While expected to be fit, his workload management could see him reprise the Impact Player role. RCB, in strong form, aims for a top spot.

MS Dhoni will not play today against Sunrisers Hyderabad as he continues to recover from a calf strain. While his rehabilitation is progressing well, CSK is taking a cautious approach. He is expected to return for upcoming matches against Mumbai Indians or Gujarat Titans.

Shubman Gill has taken the lead in the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race with 251 runs after a match-winning 86. Virat Kohli follows closely in second with 228 runs, while Heinrich Klaasen, Rajat Patidar, and Ishan Kishan round out the top five in a tightly contested batting battle.

Pakistan's T20 captain, Salman Ali Agha, is considering a break from the shortest format to focus on the upcoming ODI World Cup and Test Championship. Despite captaining the T20 side, his batting form has been inconsistent, leading to this strategic consideration for future tournaments.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali will play in the 2026 Pakistan Super League instead of the Indian Premier League. At 38, Ali seeks more playing time and stability. He previously had limited opportunities in the IPL. Ali has signed with Karachi Kings for PSL 2026. This move highlights a trend of players prioritizing regular game time and career extension.

Shubman Gill expressed satisfaction after Gujarat Titans secured a thrilling five-wicket IPL victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the win, Gill admitted a desire to finish the chase sooner and was disappointed with his dismissal. He highlighted his improved fitness and mental game as key to his stellar 86-run performance, emphasizing staying present to enhance his batting.

Jasprit Bumrah is experiencing an uncharacteristic lean patch in IPL 2026, failing to pick up a wicket in five matches. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests Bumrah's excessive use of slower deliveries, accounting for 44% of his bowling, is impacting his effectiveness. Pathan advises increasing pace and reducing slower ball percentage for better results.

Kolkata Knight Riders are in a deep slump, losing their fifth match and sitting at the bottom of the IPL 2026 table. Despite a coaching change, results remain elusive. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has predicted a return for ex-coach Brendon McCullum next season. Captain Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the tough losses but highlighted positive individual performances.

Varun Chakaravarthy achieved a historic 100 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders, becoming the first Indian to do so for the franchise. Despite his personal milestone, KKR suffered another defeat against Gujarat Titans, who chased down 181 thanks to Shubman Gill's unbeaten 86. KKR remains winless, struggling at the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings.

Kolkata Knight Riders faced another defeat in IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans. Cameron Green's strong batting performance was a lone highlight for KKR. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the team's fight with the bat. He also clarified Cameron Green's absence from bowling due to cramps. KKR's winless run continues as they remain at the bottom of the table.

Lokesh Sathyanathans 8.21m jump in Fayetteville last month broke his own national record and made him the fourth Indian to win an NCAA Division I title. Now third on Indias all-time list, the feat follows years of injuries and personal loss, with his journey driven by his mothers last words and his fathers constant presence.

Gujarat Titans showcased exceptional fielding, taking nine catches and a run-out to dismiss Kolkata Knight Riders for 180. Mohammed Siraj, instrumental with 2/23 and two catches, credited rediscovered rhythm and self-analysis for his resurgence. He emphasised the importance of mental clarity and sticking to successful processes, highlighting the team's positive environment.

Gujarat Titans secured a five-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders. Shubman Gill played a key role with an unbeaten 86. Earlier, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj's bowling restricted KKR. Cameron Green fought back with 79 runs for KKR. Gill's innings guided Gujarat Titans to the target with ease.

Gujarat Titans continued their strong IPL 2026 run with a five-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders. This marks their third consecutive victory, lifting them to fourth in the standings. KKR remain winless and at the bottom. Punjab Kings lead the table, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. The mid-table is competitive.

KL Rahul returns to his familiar M Chinnaswamy Stadium, aiming to regain form against his former team, RCB. Delhi Capitals face a formidable RCB unit, strong at home, and need significant improvements in both their bowling and batting to compete. RCB, led by a resurgent Rajat Patidar, are in dominant form.

Virat Kohli, nursing knee and ankle issues, surprisingly started as a reserve against Lucknow Super Giants. He then made a significant impact as an Impact Player, scoring 49 off 34 balls. Teammate Josh Hazlewood confirmed Kohli will play against Delhi Capitals, potentially continuing as an Impact Player due to his injuries.

Ramadoss fainted during a campaign in Salem on Sunday (April 12) and was admitted to Apollo Hospitals. He was discharged on Thursday.

New Zealand kicked off their ODI series against Bangladesh with a solid 26-run victory. Despite challenging heat, their bowlers, led by Tickner, Smith, and O'Rourke, effectively defended 248. Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft provided the backbone of New Zealand's batting effort. Bangladesh showed fight but ultimately faltered under sustained pressure, leaving them trailing 1-0.

Paralympic medallist Sumit Antil has accused javelin coach Naval Singh of severe mental harassment and abusive behaviour, including drunken tirades targeting athletes and their families. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has backed the complaint filed with the Sports Authority of India, demanding strict action against the coach for his disgraceful conduct.

Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani expressed confidence in his team's ability to address recent losses, stating they have identified and are working on their concerns. Despite two successive defeats, Badani backed the batters to deliver competitive totals and reaffirmed faith in young pacer Auqib Nabi ahead of their clash with a strong Royal Challengers Bengaluru side.

Under pressure after four losses, Kolkata Knight Riders have replaced Finn Allen with Tim Seifert, opting to bat first against Gujarat Titans. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane emphasised playing fearless cricket and resetting their approach. Gujarat Titans, unchanged, aim to continue their strong run, while KKR desperately seek their maiden victory.

Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh by the BCCI for breaching match-day regulations by using a mobile phone in the team dugout during an IPL fixture. The Anti-Corruption Unit found his response to a showcause notice unsatisfactory, leading to the penalty and a warning for the first-time offense.

India is set to witness a historic chess moment as young prodigies Dommaraju Gukesh and Vaishali Rameshbabu vie for World Championship titles. Gukesh is the reigning champion, while Vaishali faces the formidable Ju Wenjun. FIDE is now seeking bids for host cities, with a potential for both matches to be held concurrently, creating an unprecedented dual championship event.

Gujarat Titans have signed South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as a replacement for the injured Tom Banton. Esterhuizen impressed in his recent T20I debut series, earning Player of the Series honours. The young talent, acquired at his base price, adds depth to the Titans' squad as they aim to build momentum in the IPL 2026 season.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open due to injury, disappointing fans hoping to see the three-time champion. The Serbian star has not competed since March, citing a right shoulder issue. Djokovic is continuing his recovery and aims to return for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in May.

Mumbai Indians suffered their fourth consecutive IPL loss, falling to Punjab Kings despite Quinton de Kock's century. Amidst the team's struggles, debutant Mayank Rawat entered the playing XI but had a quiet entry, not facing a ball or bowling. His inclusion marks the culmination of years of domestic perseverance for the young all-rounder.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will don their signature green jerseys, made from recycled materials, against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. This move reinforces RCB's commitment to sustainability, as they remain the world's only carbon-neutral T20 franchise. The team also boasts an excellent start to IPL 2026, currently sitting second in the standings.

New Zealand tennis player Erin Routliffe, born in Auckland to Canadian parents, switched national allegiance after turning pro in 2017. Despite a modest singles career, she thrived in doubles, reaching World No. 1 and winning two US Open titles with Gabriela Dabrowski. Now navigating a new partnership after splitting with Dabrowski, Routliffe remains focused on staying among the world's elite doubles players.

Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder has been let off with just a fine and warning for using mobile phone in the dugout. It can be confirmed that the BCCI ACSU decision has been communicated to the franchise.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Shreyas Iyer for a remarkable boundary catch in an IPL 2026 match. Iyer's athletic and intelligent effort saved a boundary and led to a dismissal. Tendulkar highlighted Iyer's exceptional awareness, timing, fitness, and composure in executing the difficult play. The incident impressed players and fans alike.

Reports about Vinod Kambli's deteriorating health, including claims of a brain clot affecting his memory, have circulated widely. However, his wife Andrea Hewitt has dismissed these as false, stating he is fine. While Kambli has been seen using a walking stick, his family asserts he is recovering.

Gujarat Titans, riding a two-match winning streak, face a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders side yet to secure a win. GT's strong bowling and top-order form, bolstered by Buttler, contrast with KKR's batting woes and injury concerns. Key battles include Gill vs. Narine and Buttler vs. Chakravarthy, promising an intriguing contest.

Shreyas Iyer's spectacular mid-air relay catch wowed fans and drew viral reactions from teammates. Despite a strong century from Quinton de Kock, Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh's consecutive half-centuries powered Punjab Kings to a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, propelling PBKS to the top of the table.

Shreyas Iyer masterclass & Arshdeep Singh's comeback! PBKS reveal winning formula

Mahela Jayawardene on poor bowling, combinations & team issues

Prabhsimran Singh has been part of Punjab Kings, earlier Kings XI Punjab, since 2019, when the IPL franchise splurged Rs 4.8 crore on the youngster. Over the last few seasons, the hard-hitting batter has found consistency, with Ricky Ponting playing a big role in it.

Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings' coach, attributes their IPL 2026 success to trust and a strong team environment. The Kings remain unbeaten after a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, thanks to Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer's partnership. Ponting emphasizes player support and clear roles as crucial for performance and culture.

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is enduring a rare wicketless streak in IPL 2026, going five matches without success. Despite this, coach Mahela Jayawardene backs his bowler, citing a minor World Cup niggle and a need for luck. The Mumbai Indians bowling unit, however, admits to lacking penetration this season, contributing to their current ninth-place standing.