The Times of India

Playing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener went past Rohit Sharma to take his total against CSK to 1,174 runs. Kohli needed just two runs at the start of the match to break Rohits record of 1,161 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders, and reached the mark in the first over.

Mohammed Shami's exceptional opening spell choked Sunrisers Hyderabad, but a strong recovery led by Klaasen and Reddy set a competitive target. Rishabh Pant anchored Lucknow Super Giants' chase, guiding them to a thrilling five-wicket victory with a composed unbeaten half-century in the final over.

India BJK Cup team on loneliness on tour, street food, and social media abuse

MS Dhoni will miss CSKs IPL 2026 clash against RCB due to a calf strain, with the team struggling after two losses. While RCB enter confidently, CSK feel his absence. The franchise said hell miss two weeks, though coach Stephen Fleming stressed his strong off-field influence. Dhoni could return against KKR on April 14, or later fixtures if recovery takes longer.

Seven out of 25 directors have already stepped down, including four who resigned after Saturdays board meeting. The exits have increased uncertainty around the future of the current administration.

Abhishek has had a slow start to IPL 2026, scoring 55 runs in three innings, with 48 of those coming against Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous match.

At the Grenke Freestyle Open, Harika Dronavali offered a handshake while resigning, but Nodirbek Yakubboev responded with a respectful Namaste, both smiling. Meanwhile, Keymer and Niemann lead the event. Yakubboev earlier avoided shaking hands with Vaishali, later apologising with gifts. He clarified his actions were due to religious reasons, while expressing respect for her and Indian players.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bowl against Sunrisers Hyderabad. LSG made one change, bringing in Manimaran Siddharth for Anrich Nortje. SRH also introduced Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel into their lineup, aiming for a crucial win after a mixed start to the season.

Rajasthan Royals secured a thrilling six-run victory over Gujarat Titans, thanks to Riyan Parag's bold bowling decisions at the death. Parag's trust in Tushar Deshpande for the final over, after Jofra Archer's crucial 19th, paid off, boosting his confidence as a leader. Archer's economical over set the stage for Deshpande to defend 10 runs, securing the win.

Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu has lauded Riyan Parag's early captaincy for Rajasthan Royals, noting the immense respect he commands from teammates. Rayudu believes Parag is doing a fantastic job, fostering a positive environment. Aaron Finch added that the absence of an overshadowing senior figure has aided Parag's smooth transition into leading a team of young superstars.

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Sai Sudharsan's mature 73 against Rajasthan Royals, highlighting his game understanding and ability to handle pressure in Shubman Gill's absence. Ashwin believes the opening partnership of Gill and Sudharsan will be crucial for Gujarat Titans' future success. Rajasthan Royals secured a narrow victory, defending 210 thanks to crucial death bowling from Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande.

Bangladesh Cricket Board announces leadership continuity for ODIs and T20Is until 2027 and 2028 respectively, alongside appointing a new spin coach. However, administrative turmoil escalates with multiple director resignations, prompting speculation of a potential board dissolution. Meanwhile, the BCB seeks to mend strained relations with the BCCI following recent disputes.

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is on the cusp of a historic 200 IPL wickets milestone, potentially becoming the first fast bowler to achieve this feat. Having evolved into a complete T20 bowler, he has been a crucial asset for RCB, especially in death overs. His consistent performances and recent resurgence highlight his enduring impact in the league.

Aakash Chopra lauded Ravi Bishnoi's match-winning 4/41 spell in Rajasthan Royals' narrow IPL 2026 victory over Gujarat Titans, deeming the leg-spinner undervalued at the auction. He also praised Tushar Deshpande's composed final over and Dhruv Jurel's stellar 75, while noting Gujarat's batting lacked construction.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, fresh off a win, face a struggling Chennai Super Kings in a southern derby. CSK's woes are compounded by the absence of MS Dhoni, who is sidelined for the first two weeks with a calf strain. Despite his physical absence, head coach Stephen Fleming insists Dhoni's influence on the team remains strong.

Hardik Pandya is set to return for Mumbai Indians (MI) clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) after missing the Delhi game due to a viral illness. The all-rounder travelled with the squad and is expected to resume training soon. MI, coming off their first defeat, will be keen to bounce back against an in-form RR side led by Riyan Parag.

Rajasthan Royals secured a thrilling six-run victory over Gujarat Titans, thanks to skipper Riyan Parag's astute captaincy. Parag's bold decision to hand Jofra Archer the crucial penultimate over, influenced by Dhruv Jurel, proved pivotal. Archer's disciplined bowling restricted Gujarat, allowing Tushar Deshpande to seal the win in the final over. Former stars lauded Parag's composure and leadership.

Young talents Priyansh Arya and Ayush Mhatre showcased impressive batting prowess in the IPL. Mhatre's 73 powered CSK's score, while Arya's explosive 39 off 11 balls set up Punjab Kings' chase. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lauded their 'Gen Z' approach, highlighting Mhatre as a potential long-term asset for CSK.

The Southern Derby sees RCB, fresh off a dominant win, host a struggling CSK. RCB, rebuilt and title-winning, faces a transitional CSK that has faltered in recent seasons. With contrasting preparation times and a more settled RCB lineup, the match presents a significant challenge for the visitors.

Chennai Super Kings face a crucial Sunday clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a disappointing loss. Despite a strong batting performance, their bowling unit struggled significantly, leaking runs. CSK's batting, particularly Sanju Samson, needs to find form against a confident and balanced RCB side, whose bowling has shown marked improvement. A turnaround is essential for the home team.

Gujarat Titans' Ashok Sharma unleashed a blistering 154.2 kmph yorker, the fastest of IPL 2026, against Rajasthan Royals. While Sharma impressed, Shaun Tait's 2011 record of 157.71 kmph remains the IPL's ultimate pace benchmark. Other speedsters like Ferguson, Malik, and Yadav have also pushed the limits, showcasing the league's enduring love for raw pace.

India's cricket board is rebuilding its Test team. A new plan focuses on young players for the future. A four-day competition will feature 64 players under 25. This aims to create a strong pipeline of red-ball cricketers. Coaches and selectors will prioritize Test development. Emerging and India A teams will tour Sri Lanka for four-day games.

Javokhir Sindarov continues his dominant run in the FIDE Candidates Open section, widening his lead. In the Women's category, Indian players Vaishali Rameshbabu and Divya Deshmukh secured crucial wins, though their victories relied heavily on opponent errors. The Indian challenge in the Open section, led by Praggnanandhaa, lags significantly behind the leader.

Parag said he had a different plan initially but changed it after Jurels input. I was actually going to switch the order but credit to Jurel - he asked me to go with Jofra for the 19th. Wanted to go as fast as possible and as straight as possible, Parag said after the match.

Rohit Sharma scored 35 but made history by hitting his 51st six against Delhi Capitals, the most by an Indian against one IPL team, surpassing MS Dhoni. The milestone highlights his dominance despite a modest knock. He also neared 6000 runs for Mumbai Indians, while Chris Gayle still holds the overall record globally.

Rashid Khan said Shubman Gill is recovering well from a muscle spasm and could return soon after Gujarat Titans narrow loss to Rajasthan Royals. He admitted GT lost momentum with back-to-back wickets despite a strong start. Chasing 211, they fell short in the final over, with Rashid praising Tushar Deshpandes exceptional yorkers for sealing the game.

Rajasthan Royals edged Gujarat Titans by 6 runs in a last-ball thriller after posting 210/6. Tushar Deshpande held his nerve in the final over, sealing the win. Sai Sudharsans 73 kept Gujarat in the chase, but Ravi Bishnois four wickets proved crucial. Royals moved to the top of the table with a strong net run rate.

Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final, powered by Erling Haalands hat-trick. Antoine Semenyo also scored, while Mohamed Salah missed a penalty. The defeat deepens Liverpools poor run and increases pressure on Arne Slot. City advance in strong form, while Liverpool must regroup quickly with their season and Champions League hopes under threat.

Ashok Sharma stole the show with a 154.2 kmph delivery, the fastest of IPL 2026, surpassing Anrich Nortje. The Gujarat Titans pacer impressed with consistent pace. Despite this, Rajasthan Royals posted 210/6, powered by Yashasvi Jaiswals fifty and Dhruv Jurels 75. Gujarat, missing Shubman Gill, faced a tough chase against a confident Rajasthan side.

Delhi Capitals batter Sameer Rizvi powered his team to a six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. Rizvi scored a match-winning 90 off 51 balls. He attributed his success to intense self-improvement and adapting to match situations. This victory marks a significant moment for Rizvi and Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Rizvi currently holds the Orange Cap.

Indian boxer Vishvanath Suresh shocked world No. 1 Sanzhar Tashkenbay with a knockout at the Asian Championships, reaching the semifinals. The Chennai-born national champion has risen quickly through strong youth and senior performances. With multiple medals and sharp skills, he has emerged as a promising contender, signaling a bright future for Indian boxing on the global stage.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the fastest Indian pair to 500 IPL partnership runs, reaching the mark in just 248 balls and breaking Sehwag-Gambhirs record. Rajasthan Royals, batting first after winning the toss, looked strong. Gujarat Titans, led by Rashid Khan in Shubman Gills absence, faced added pressure against the in-form opening duo.

Sameer Rizvis explosive 90 powered Delhi Capitals to a five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, sealing their second straight victory. Despite early struggles, 22-year-old Rizvi. who came out to bat as Impact Sub dominated the chase, overshadowing Suryakumar Yadavs fifty and guiding Delhi home comfortably.

Gujarat Titans missed captain Shubman Gill due to a muscle spasm, with Rashid Khan leading in his absence. Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, chose to bat first on a high-scoring pitch. While Rajasthan entered with momentum, Gujarat aimed to recover from a poor start, with added pressure on their batting lineup without Gill.

Delhi Capitals were 39/2 after five overs when a mix-up led to Nitish Ranas run-out. Tapping Bumrah to mid-wicket, Rana hesitated mid-run and was caught short by a sharp direct hit. Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted 162/6, led by Suryakumar Yadavs 51, but Delhis bowlers kept things tight to restrict the total.

Indian-origin chess talent Bodhana Sivanandan, 11, is now Englands top-rated female chess player with a 2366 FIDE rating, surpassing Lan Yao. She began during lockdown, now ranks 72nd globally, and is a Woman International Master. She beat Mariya Muzychuk and earned praise from former UK Prime Minister and chess officials.

At the Grenke Chess Festival, Alua Nurman took a selfie with Magnus Carlsen before their match. Though he agreed, Carlsen reported it, leading officials to confiscate her phone under strict anti-cheating rules. The game continued normally, with Carlsen winning. A similar incident happened last year, highlighting how strictly chess authorities enforce rules, even in harmless situations like selfies.

Suryakumar Yadav led Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals. Hardik Pandya was unwell and missed the match. Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl. Mumbai Indians made several changes to their playing eleven. The match took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both teams announced their playing XIs and impact substitutes.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Pat Cummins has flown back to Australia for a scheduled scan on his injured back, a condition that previously ruled him out of the T20 World Cup. The pacer had a brief stint with the SRH camp for light training. Cricket Australia will oversee the assessment, with Ishan Kishan continuing as captain in Cummins' absence.

KL Rahul is on the verge of IPL history, needing just 24 runs to become the first player to score 1,000 runs against a single franchise. His exceptional record against Mumbai Indians, averaging nearly 70, includes three centuries. Now with Delhi Capitals, Rahul aims to overcome a recent golden duck and continue his dominance.

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl against Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians faced a setback as captain Hardik Pandya was absent due to illness, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the team. Changes were made to Mumbai's lineup, including the inclusion of Deepak Chahar and Bosch.

Jos Buttler, now with Gujarat Titans, shared a heartwarming moment with young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him the best batter he's seen at his age. Rajasthan Royals, fresh off a win, face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Key battles include Archer vs. Gill and Rabada vs. Sooryavanshi, who impressed with a rapid fifty.

Despite being benched for most of the T20 World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav maintained a positive attitude, staying involved and prepared. He emphasized the importance of consistent preparation and sticking to his strengths as an attacking spinner. Kuldeep is now eager to make an impact in IPL 2026, having already shown good form.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reached out to the BCCI to explore new avenues of cricketing cooperation, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. This comes after a period of strained relations, but recent diplomatic improvements suggest a positive outlook for future engagements between the two nations.

All eyes are on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as Rajasthan Royals face Gujarat Titans. Aakash Chopra predicts bowlers will target the young star with short balls and wide lines. Rajasthan, with a winning start, is unlikely to change their lineup. Gujarat's top order must perform, while questions linger over their middle order and bowling options.

Despite Sanju Samson's sluggish start for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, coach Stephen Fleming remains confident, highlighting the batter's proven match-winning ability and good form in training. Samson's early scores of 6 and 7 have raised eyebrows, especially given his stellar T20 World Cup performance. Fleming urged patience, emphasizing that two innings don't define a player's concern.