The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Talking about his bowling, Jadeja said the ball was holding a bit, which helped him change his pace.
MS Dhoni, recovering from a calf strain, was seen practicing and playfully interacting with a robot dog at the Wankhede Stadium. His return to the field for Chennai Super Kings' clash against Mumbai Indians is highly anticipated, with former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin confident in his fitness and ability to bolster CSK's finishing power.
Chennai Super Kings face a significant blow as top-order batsman Ayush Mhatre is out with a hamstring tear. His absence at number three creates a void ahead of their clash with Mumbai Indians. The team is now considering options like Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, or Kartik Sharma to fill the crucial batting position.
Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has ended his legal dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket. He withdrew his case against the board regarding his participation in IPL 2026. Thushara had challenged the denial of a No Objection Certificate due to fitness standards. The case was dismissed after his request. Thushara has also apologized to SLC.
Inter Kashi manager Antonio Habas expressed frustration after a 0-3 loss to Punjab FC in the ISL, citing deep club issues and potential unpaid salaries. Club insiders denied financial trouble, pointing instead to ongoing legal battles with Churchill Brothers over last years I-League title. Inter Kashi currently sit eighth in the ISL standings.
Kevin Pietersen has hit back at Alastair Cook's suggestion that Jacob Bethell should leave the IPL for county cricket. Cook argued Bethell is losing development time on the bench, but Pietersen countered that the IPL environment offers invaluable learning from top players, even without playing.
ISL Full Highlights: Punjab FC vs Inter Kashi on April 20
Mitchell Starc is set to join Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 on Friday after Cricket Australia clearances, targeting a May 1 return against Rajasthan Royals. The injured fast bowler's arrival presents a selection dilemma for the Axar Patel-led side, which needs strong performances in upcoming matches to boost playoff hopes. Starc's gradual return will be managed carefully.
Justin Langer on LSG batting failure and opens up on the team's bowling
Ravindra Jadeja picks the key turning point in Rajasthan Royals win
This Is What My Mother Wanted: The Story Behind Lokesh Sathyanathans 8.21m Leap
Jofra Archer has made history for Rajasthan Royals, becoming their top wicket-taker. He joins an elite group of bowlers who have achieved significant milestones for their franchises. Sunil Narine is nearing a historic 200 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders. Jasprit Bumrah also features prominently for Mumbai Indians. Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar lead the overall IPL wicket charts.
Rohit Sharma's availability for Mumbai Indians' clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 23, 2026, remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury. While seen batting in nets, his participation will be a last-minute decision. If fit to bat only, he could feature as an Impact Player, given his significant record against CSK.
Chelsea FC has sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after less than four months following a historic run of five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring. The decision comes after a 3-0 loss to Brighton, with the club citing performances falling below necessary standards. Assistant coach Calum McFarlane takes interim charge as Chelsea seeks to salvage European qualification.
Rajasthan Royals pacer Nandre Burger has been fined 10% of his match fees and received one demerit point for a send-off gesture towards Rishabh Pant. This disciplinary action occurred during RR's dominant 40-run victory over LSG, where their bowling attack restricted the opposition to 119.
MS Dhoni's return for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians on April 23, 2026, hinges on his fitness after a calf strain. He has been training intensely, showing progress, with a final decision to be made before the toss. If fit, he's likely to feature as an Impact Player, bringing crucial experience to the struggling CSK side.
Venkatesh Iyer, now with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a significant price drop, embraces a team-first approach despite limited game time. He understands the settled combination of the defending champions and credits the coaching staff for clarity on his role. Iyer remains mentally prepared, focusing on improving his red-ball bowling with the ambition of winning the Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh.
Indian women's boxing sees a surge of young talent alongside concerns over seasoned stars Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain's form. Head coach Santiago Nieva highlights the team's strong Asian Championship performance, emphasizing quality wins and composure, while acknowledging the need for faster progress ahead of major events like the CWG and Asian Games.
Abhishek Sharma's explosive 135 not out against Delhi Capitals showcased a significant tactical shift. Instead of forcing square shots, he unleashed a powerful straight-bat game, reclaiming the long-on and long-off corridors. This recalibration, marked by improved footwork and a more patient approach, dismantled opposition plans and powered SRH to a commanding victory.
Mumbai Indians' Hardik Pandya and Chennai Super Kings' Ruturaj Gaikwad face immense pressure captaining their respective franchises, stepping into the shoes of legends Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. Both captains are struggling for form, with Pandya's batting and bowling effectiveness declining, while Gaikwad navigates leadership challenges. Their performances are under scrutiny as their teams seek to revive their IPL campaigns.
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz faces an anti-doping probe after a reported positive test for a banned recreational substance during the T20 World Cup. The ICC has tasked the PCB with a swift investigation, with potential consequences ranging from a warning to a six-month ban. The outcome hinges on substance quantity and usage circumstances.
Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, was seen smiling warmly while interacting with captain Rishabh Pant after their 40-run loss to Rajasthan Royals. This contrasts with his previous intense post-match demeanor, sparking varied reactions online. Despite the defeat, Goenka's calmer approach was noted, though some speculated he was suppressing his true emotions.
Rishabh Pant expressed deep disappointment after Lucknow Super Giants' batting collapse, admitting his team had no answers in their 40-run IPL 2026 defeat. He called for introspection, stating the batting unit, including himself, failed to adapt to the challenging pitch. Rajasthan Royals, anchored by Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 43, successfully defended their modest total.
Following their T20 World Cup win, selectors are prioritising the World Test Championship and 2027 ODI World Cup, focusing on managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload. Bumrah is expected to play all nine upcoming WTC Tests, with potential rest from ODIs. Middle-order prospects like Padikkal, Jurel, and Gaikwad are also being considered.
Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer admits his team struggles with the Ekana Stadium's pace and bounce, comparing it to Perth's WACA. Despite a brilliant surface, LSG batters haven't adapted, leading to three home losses. Langer praised his bowlers, highlighting Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav as future India stars.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to reach 500 IPL runs, achieving the milestone in just 227 balls. Despite a quiet 8 runs against Lucknow Super Giants, his record-breaking feat and admission of watching cartoons before matches captivated fans. Rajasthan Royals secured a 40-run victory, with Ravindra Jadeja earning Player of the Match.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history by becoming the youngest player to reach 500 Indian Premier League runs and the fastest by balls faced. Despite a quiet 8 runs, his achievement came during Rajasthan Royals' 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Ravindra Jadeja's all-round performance secured the win for RR.
Jofra Archer achieved a historic milestone for Rajasthan Royals. He became the franchise's leading IPL wicket-taker with a stellar bowling performance. Archer's spell secured a crucial victory for his team. Rajasthan bowlers defended a low total successfully. This win highlights the team's bowling strength. Archer's achievement marks his significant impact.
Chennai Super Kings face uncertainty regarding MS Dhoni's return for IPL 2026 due to a persistent calf injury. Despite recent training, his comeback remains unconfirmed, with the team also grappling with other player injuries. This has impacted CSK's performance, placing them eighth on the table ahead of a crucial match against a confident Mumbai Indians.
Ravindra Jadeja's stellar all-round display powered Rajasthan Royals to a 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants. His unbeaten 43 and crucial wickets, including Nicholas Pooran, earned him Player of the Match. Jadeja credited patience on a tricky wicket and strategic bowling variations for his impactful performance, highlighting his vital contribution to the team's success.
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant admitted their batting collapse is the main reason for their poor IPL 2026 run after a 40-run loss to Rajasthan Royals, their fifth defeat in seven games. He said the team must look for answers inside and improve shot selection and partnerships after being bowled out for 119 chasing 160, despite a strong bowling effort earlier.
Lucknow Super Giants suffered a shocking 40-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals after collapsing to 119 while chasing 160. Despite a strong bowling effort led by Mohammed Shami, LSG failed to handle pressure with poor shot selection. Mitchell Marshs 55 went in vain as wickets fell rapidly, triggered by Rishabh Pants dismissal. Rajasthans Ravindra Jadeja (43*) and Jofra Archer (3/20) played key roles in a clinical all-round win.
Lucknow Super Giants' disciplined bowling was marred by a chaotic run-out attempt involving Rishabh Pant. A mix-up between Jadeja and Ferreira saw the latter stranded, but Pant fumbled the ball twice, allowing Ferreira to survive. This costly lapse, despite a strong bowling performance, highlights T20 cricket's unpredictable nature and the impact of missed opportunities.
Rishabh Pant's disappointing outing continued as he was dismissed for a three-ball duck against Rajasthan Royals, falling early in the chase. This early setback, coupled with a run-out in the first over, put immense pressure on Lucknow Super Giants. Despite a strong bowling performance restricting Rajasthan to 159, Pant's form remains a concern for LSG.
Rajasthan Royals faced a dramatic early collapse against Lucknow Super Giants, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enduring a rare failure. Mohammed Shami's early strikes and a brilliant catch by Digvesh Singh Rathi dismantled the top order. This puts immense pressure on captain Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer to salvage the innings.
Rajasthan Royals batters have a peculiar knack for centuries on April 22, with Watson, Rahane, Buttler, and Jaiswal all achieving the feat. Today, against Lucknow Super Giants, all eyes are on Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi to see if this remarkable trend continues. Both teams are under pressure after recent losses, making this a crucial encounter.
Teen pacer Ali Raza etched his name in PSL history, becoming the youngest to claim a hat-trick. The 18-year-old achieved the feat for Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings, finishing with 4/41. His spell dismantled Karachis lower order, restricting them despite Jason Roys 85. The milestone, first for Zalmi this season, highlights Razas immense promise and adds his name to an elite list of PSL hat-trick takers.
Former selector Kris Srikkanth regrets omitting Rohit Sharma from Indias 2011 World Cup squad, saying he apologised for the decision. He explained it was due to team balance and preference for all-rounders. India, led by MS Dhoni, won the title, with Yuvraj Singh starring, while Rohit later became a top white-ball batter.
Former England captain Alastair Cook urges young batter Jacob Bethell to leave the IPL and return to Warwickshire. Cook believes Bethell, despite his T20 World Cup heroics, is wasting crucial development time on the bench with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Consistent game time is vital for his progression, Cook argued, suggesting he could open for his county and aid England's future.
Chennai Super Kings' campaign suffers a major blow as U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre is ruled out of IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury. Mhatre, CSK's leading scorer with 201 runs, expressed disappointment but vowed to return stronger. The franchise confirmed his absence, adding to their growing injury list.
A childhood viewing of Saajan inspired Sri Lankan actor Shehan Malik to learn Hindi and chase Bollywood dreams. Now in India for IPL 2026, the Kegalle-born content creator reflects on discovering language through films, playing junior cricket with Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella, and experiencing Indias intense cricket fandom firsthand.
Legendary Australian cricketer Allan Border, currently in Mumbai, lauded Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, noting his exceptional power-hitting. Border sees glimpses of Brian Lara in the young talent but stresses the importance of developing a stronger defence for a successful career. Sooryavanshi's explosive stats, including a remarkable strike rate and numerous sixes, highlight his immense potential.
Teen star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to shine in IPL 2026, earning praise from Aiden Markram for his power-hitting. Nearing 500 runs, he remains key for Rajasthan Royals ahead of their clash with Lucknow Super Giants. Both teams seek a comeback, with the Ekana pitch expected to produce a balanced, competitive contest.
Jofra Archer is on the cusp of becoming Rajasthan Royals' all-time leading wicket-taker, needing just three more wickets to surpass Shane Watson. Archer's potent pace and control, especially in the powerplay, have been crucial for the Royals this season. This milestone looms as RR faces an under-pressure Lucknow Super Giants at home.
Venugopal Rao explains where Delhi Capitals lost the game while chasing a big total
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation by the PCB after testing positive for recreational drugs during the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 32-year-old's participation in the tournament was modest, and this development has already led to his withdrawal from a county cricket contract. The outcome of the PCB's due process will determine his future.

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