The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Sabastian Sawe becomes first runner to officially break two-hour marathon barrier
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a blistering 103 off 37 balls, his second IPL century, after a dressing-room pact with Yashasvi Jaiswal to attack. Despite his explosive knock, Rajasthan Royals' 228 was chased down. Sooryavanshi's performance earned praise from opposition captain Pat Cummins, who called him his 'new favourite player'.
Sanju Samson achieved a significant milestone, crossing 5000 runs in the IPL during Chennai Super Kings' match against Gujarat Titans. He became one of the fastest batters to reach this landmark, joining an elite group of players. The match also saw Gujarat Titans win the toss and opt to bowl first.
Gujarat Titans opted to field first against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, with both captains anticipating a challenging pitch. GT skipper Shubman Gill expressed confidence in chasing, citing good batting conditions and the return of Arshad Khan.
Lungi Ngidi has reassured fans about his recovery following a frightening head and neck injury sustained during an IPL 2026 match. The South African pacer, discharged from a Delhi hospital, expressed gratitude for the support. Despite the injury scare, the Delhi Capitals bowler is reportedly doing well.
Ishan Kishan reflects on his challenging period out of the Indian team, emphasising his focus on consistent domestic run-scoring to earn a recall. He highlights his determination and hunger, which led to impressive performances. Kishan also discusses his confidence batting at No. 3 and his approach to pacing an innings, as demonstrated in Sunrisers Hyderabad's recent chase.
Former India coach Vimal Kumar criticised the BWFs decision to introduce the 3x15 scoring system from 2027, calling it a dilution of the sport. He said the current 21-point format ensures fairness and intensity, rejecting claims of added excitement. Vimal suggested limiting changes to doubles and raised concerns over player welfare, lack of prize money, and absence of a review system, adding that players voices are often ignored.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15, has earned high praise from Mohammad Kaif for his explosive 103 off 37 balls in IPL 2026. Kaif lauded the youngster's fearless, aggressive approach against top bowlers, calling him a rare, once-in-a-generation talent. His consistent high strike-rate and mature batting suggest a bright future for Indian cricket.
Ricky Ponting hailed Shreyas Iyers leadership after Punjab Kings pulled off a record chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals, with Iyer anchoring the win with an unbeaten 71. He praised the strong start by Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, calling their partnership key. Ponting said the team draws confidence from Iyers presence in chases, but added that bowling and fielding still need improvement despite the historic victory.
Punjab Kings achieved a record IPL chase, but Karun Nair's fielding errors proved costly. He dropped Shreyas Iyer twice, crucial misses that allowed Iyer to score a match-winning 71. Despite the blunders, Ravichandran Ashwin defended Nair, suggesting fatigue and a sudden game entry might have contributed to his struggles.
Early this week the 13-year-old girl from Pipra, Aurangabad, in Bihar, was selected for the Sub-junior Asian Boxing Championship to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from May 1-16 after coming out on top during the trials held in Patiala.
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam was seen in a heated exchange with the umpire during a PSL match against Lahore Qalandars. Two separate ball changes were necessitated within the first three overs due to boundaries, leading to Azam's visible frustration. This unusual occurrence early in the innings clearly unsettled the skipper.
A fan grabbing Abhishek Sharmas hand during IPL 2026 sparked debate over personal boundaries, with security stepping in as the moment went viral. On the field, he scored 57 alongside Ishan Kishans 74 to help Sunrisers Hyderabad chase 229 against Rajasthan Royals. Vaibhav Sooryavanshis brilliant 103 went in vain as SRH sealed a record chase.
Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi suffered an injury scare after a record-breaking century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 15-year-old limped off with a suspected hamstring issue, though batting coach Vikram Rathour indicated it was likely severe cramps and not serious. Sooryavanshi had earlier smashed 103 off 37 balls.
The BWF has approved a new 3x15 scoring system in badminton, set to be implemented from January, after strong support at its AGM. While trials showed shorter, more exciting matches, opinions are divided. PV Sindhu urged meaningful change, Satwik welcomed it for doubles, but Saina Nehwal and coach Vimal Kumar opposed it, fearing it could dilute the sports essence.
Devdutt Padikkals rise in the ongoing IPL season has been marked not just by runs, but by a growing sense of awareness of situations, of bowlers, and of his game. After his defining 27-ball 55 in Royal Challengers Bengalurus five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Friday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here, the southpaw pointed to a significant factor behind his growth captaining Karnataka.
The Orange Cap standings experienced a dramatic shake-up on Sunday, with multiple batsmen claiming the top spot throughout the day. Abhishek Sharma ultimately secured the lead with a match-winning fifty, pushing Virat Kohli to fifth. This rapid shift underscores the intense competition in IPL 2026.
Chennai Super Kings, buoyed by a massive win, face Gujarat Titans with MS Dhoni's return still a mystery. Despite being match-fit, Dhoni is reportedly delaying his comeback to maintain CSK's winning combination. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed his progress, while the team looks to leverage home advantage at Chepauk.
Punjab Kings pulled off a record chase against Delhi Capitals, but a playful moment stole the show as Preity Zinta jokingly punched Priyansh Arya, whose reaction went viral. Ravi Shastri quipped, Oh, that was a good punch. Earlier, KL Rahuls 152 powered DC to 264/2, but Punjab responded strongly, with Prabhsimran, Arya, and Shreyas Iyer leading a stunning chase to stay unbeaten.
Karun Nair endured a tough night as Delhi Capitals lost to Punjab Kings, who chased a record 265. Nair dropped Shreyas Iyer twice, allowing him to score 71 and seal the win. The moment went viral, with fans resurfacing Nairs old Dear cricket post. Visibly shaken, the 34-year-olds struggles highlighted both the cost of missed chances and his ongoing journey of resilience.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dazzled with a 37-ball 103, powering Rajasthan Royals to 228/6, earning praise from Pat Cummins, who called him his new favourite player. Supported by Dhruv Jurels 51, RR set a strong total. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased it down, led by Ishan Kishans 74 and Abhishek Sharmas 57, sealing a thrilling win.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has shattered T20 cricket records, becoming the youngest and fastest to 1,000 runs in just 473 balls. His recent 36-ball century, featuring 12 sixes, marks his second IPL hundred under 40 balls, placing him in an elite group. Sooryavanshi also holds the record for the quickest 50 IPL sixes.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a new IPL record. He hit the most sixes by an Indian batter in a single innings. The 15-year-old smashed 12 sixes in his 103 off 37 balls. This helped Rajasthan Royals post 228 for 6. Sooryavanshi's innings featured a rapid century. He surpassed previous records held by himself and Murali Vijay.
Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15, achieved a record-breaking 103 off 37 balls in IPL 2026, becoming the youngest to 1,000 T20 runs. He later suffered an injury scare, appearing to be battling severe cramps after his explosive innings. Despite his heroics, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a thrilling five-wicket victory.
Ishan Kishan, Player of the Match, revealed his simple approach after Sunrisers Hyderabad's thrilling chase of 229. He emphasized batting freedom and confidence, crediting openers Head and Abhishek for a strong powerplay. Kishan, who shared a crucial partnership with Abhishek, downplayed his current form, stating his best is yet to come.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has claimed the IPL 2026 Orange Cap, surpassing Virat Kohli with a blistering 103 off 37 balls. His explosive innings, featuring a 15-ball fifty and a 36-ball century, propelled Rajasthan Royals to a massive total. Sooryavanshi now leads the charts with 357 runs at an exceptional strike rate.
Ngidi suffered a head injury while trying to take a catch of Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday and had to be taken off the field in an ambulance before being shifted to hospital.
Dropped catches significantly impacted a high-scoring Indian Premier League match. Delhi Capitals' Karun Nair missed chances off Shreyas Iyer, who went on to score heavily. Punjab Kings' Shashank Singh also dropped KL Rahul, who registered a record-breaking score. These missed opportunities allowed batters to capitalize, contributing to a massive run chase and ultimately influencing the game's outcome.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel expressed frustration after his team's fielding lapses, including dropped catches, led to a defeat despite posting a massive 264/2. Shreyas Iyer, surviving two dropped chances, guided Punjab Kings to a six-wicket victory, highlighting the need for the team to seize crucial moments and back their bowlers.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a stunning response to Praful Hinge. Sooryavanshi smashed four consecutive sixes in the opening over. This powerful start set the tone for his innings. He reached his half-century in just 15 balls. This marked his third such rapid fifty this IPL season. Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins returned to action after recovering from a back issue.
Punjab Kings achieved the highest successful run chase in IPL history, chasing down a colossal 264 against Delhi Capitals. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a blistering start, followed by a match-winning unbeaten 71 from captain Shreyas Iyer, securing a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.
Punjab Kings openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh delivered a record-breaking powerplay performance. They chased Delhi Capitals' huge total with an explosive start. The duo raced to 100 in just 5.2 overs. By the end of the powerplay, Punjab reached 116 without loss. This set the stage for a remarkable chase.
Prabhsimran Singh etched his name in IPL history by becoming the third batter to hit six boundaries in a single over, achieving the feat against Delhi Capitals' Mukesh Kumar. This rare accomplishment follows similar exploits by Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw. Singh's explosive 76 off 26 balls showcased his aggressive batting.
Pat Cummins is set to return for Sunrisers Hyderabad's IPL 2026 fixture against Rajasthan Royals after recovering from a back injury. He expressed his eagerness to play again, praising Ishan Kishan's captaincy despite a humorous jab at his toss record. Cummins also lauded the exceptional performances of SRH's young fast bowlers in the challenging IPL format.
KL Rahul unleashed a sensational unbeaten 152, a record for an Indian in the IPL, as Delhi Capitals posted a colossal 264/2 against Punjab Kings. Supported by Nitish Rana's 91, their 220-run partnership powered DC to their highest-ever total. Rahul's fiery knock featured 16 fours and nine sixes, marking his fastest century.
The incident happened in the third over of Punjab Kings' chase when Arya played a slash at a full ball on the stumps off Axar Patel. The ball went high towards mid-off, where Ngidi ran back to complete the catch.
KL Rahul achieved a historic milestone with an unbeaten 152 for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings. This remarkable innings is the third-highest individual score in IPL history. Rahul's performance, aided by dropped catches, powered Delhi to a commanding total. He partnered with Nitish Rana for a significant second-wicket stand, setting a new franchise record.
KL Rahul smashed a brilliant IPL century, his sixth, off just 47 balls against Punjab Kings. Capitalizing on two dropped catches, Rahul, supported by Nitish Rana's unbeaten 72, forged a record 185-run partnership. This landmark knock places Rahul among IPL's top centurions and highlights his unique achievement of scoring centuries for three different franchises.
KL Rahul and Nitish Rana delivered a batting spectacle, forging a record 150+ run partnership for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings. Rahul's explosive century, coupled with Rana's rapid half-century and a massive 28-run over, powered DC to a commanding position. This dominant display rewrote DC's record books.
Shashank Singh dropped a crucial catch of KL Rahul off Arshdeep Singh's bowling in the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. The Punjab fielder, who had a similar lapse in the previous match, grassed a sitter at deep square leg. Rahul, on 12, went on to capitalize on the reprieve.
Gujarat Titans faced a defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Captain Shubman Gill's bowling strategy drew criticism. Mohammed Siraj, a key bowler, was not utilized in a crucial phase. This decision allowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to secure a comfortable chase. The loss highlights Gujarat Titans' death-over execution issues and the importance of trusting main bowlers in critical moments.
KL Rahul has etched his name in IPL history, surpassing MS Dhoni on the all-time run-scorers list with a boundary. He now holds the sixth position, and has also outscored Dhoni in most 50-plus scores as a wicketkeeper-batter. Suresh Raina is the next milestone for the in-form batsman.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bat against table-toppers Punjab Kings. Patel acknowledged his team's avoidable mistakes, aiming to post a strong total and defend it on a dry, hot pitch. Both sides fielded unchanged XIs, with Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer emphasizing staying in the moment and continuous improvement.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that fans will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 final in Lahore on May 3, following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This decision comes after earlier matches were played behind closed doors due to fuel price concerns and government-advised austerity measures.
The PSL 2026 season saw another bizarre moment as the match ball turned red during a Karachi Kings game due to dye from jerseys, repeating an earlier pink-ball incident. Marnus Labuschagne had said, What's going on? The ball is red. Despite the controversy, David Warner (63*) and Khushdil Shah (44) led Karachi to a five-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars.
Virat Kohli's dropped catch in the first over proved costly for Gujarat Titans as he went on to score a match-winning 81. His stellar performance, coupled with Devdutt Padikkal's 55, powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory. Krunal Pandya's late cameo sealed the chase, propelling RCB to second in the IPL 2026 standings.

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