The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
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.
The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating alleged corruption during a 2026 T20 World Cup match involving Canada and New Zealand. The probe centers on the fifth over of New Zealand's chase, where Canada's young captain, Dilpreet Bajwa, conceded 15 runs, including a no-ball and a wide. These events emerged in a Canadian documentary highlighting governance issues at Cricket Canada.
Rohit Sharma was rested for Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings due to a hamstring injury. Despite his absence, head coach Mahela Jayawardene stated it's not a serious issue and the team's struggles are a collective responsibility. Mumbai Indians suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, falling to ninth place in the standings.
Babar Azam achieved a remarkable T20 milestone, becoming the fourth player globally and the first Pakistani to score 100 half-centuries. His unbeaten 71 guided Peshawar Zalmi to an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators. This feat also saw him surpass Chris Gayle for the most 50+ scores in T20 history, cementing his elite status.
Gujarat Titans, on a two-match winning streak, are heavily favored against a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 clash. KKR, winless after five games and at the bottom of the table, faces a formidable challenge against a resurgent GT side at the batting-friendly Narendra Modi Stadium.
Kolkata Knight Riders face a daunting challenge against a surging Gujarat Titans, struggling with a winless streak and key player form. Their bowling attack is depleted, and batting has lacked consistency. GT, on the other hand, are finding their rhythm, boasting a strong bowling unit.
Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer starred with half-centuries as Punjab Kings chased down Mumbai Indians' 195/6 with ease, winning by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. This victory marked Punjab's third consecutive win over MI and their sixth at the venue, setting a new record.
Shreyas Iyer's stellar form and leadership for Punjab Kings have earned him strong backing from Ravichandran Ashwin for India's T20I captaincy. Iyer's third consecutive half-century, a match-winning 66 against Mumbai Indians, highlighted his prowess as a dangerous chaser. His all-round impact, including a brilliant catch, further solidifies his credentials as a future leader.
In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, the all-rounder opens up on the need of not overdoing things, the mental toughness, awareness about his game and the dream of playing for India in 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi celebrated teammate Romi Bhinder's birthday by offering him cake. Meanwhile, the team's winning streak was broken by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who secured a 53-run victory thanks to impressive bowling performances from debutants Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain.
Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is struggling in IPL 2026, having conceded 164 runs without a wicket in five matches. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests Bumrah is bowling too many slower deliveries, with his average speed dropping below 130 kmph. Pathan believes reducing the percentage of slower balls and increasing pace will improve his effectiveness.
Shreyas Iyer's astonishing boundary catch against Mumbai Indians drew disbelief from Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Punjab Kings secured a seven-wicket victory, with Iyer humorously crediting his athletic feat for pulling the team back into the game. Prabhsimran Singh also contributed with a fluent fifty.
Mumbai Indians face a tough challenge after a significant loss to Punjab Kings. Skipper Hardik Pandya acknowledges the team needs to find solutions. Punjab Kings continue their winning streak, moving to the top of the standings. Opener Prabhsimran Singh's performance is highlighted as a key factor in their success.
Punjab Kings continued their IPL 2026 dominance, defeating Mumbai Indians by seven wickets to claim the top spot in the points table. They remain the only unbeaten team, extending their strong start. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' struggles deepened with their fourth loss, placing them ninth.
Punjab Kings ascended to the IPL 2026 summit with a dominant seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. Despite Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112, PBKS chased down 196 thanks to Prabhsimran Singh's unbeaten 80 and Shreyas Iyer's 66, securing their fourth victory.
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer stunned everyone with a sensational boundary catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya, leaving Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in disbelief. Despite a brilliant unbeaten 112 from Quinton de Kock, Mumbai Indians fell short as Punjab Kings secured a convincing win, powered by half-centuries from Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh.
Suryakumar Yadav faced intense backlash after a first-ball duck against Punjab Kings, with fans questioning his form and approach. His dismissal left Mumbai Indians struggling early. Strong performances from Quinton de Kock and Naman Dhir highlighted missed responsibility, increasing pressure on Surya to deliver in crucial matches.
MS Dhoni's return to action is anticipated next week as his calf injury rehabilitation progresses well. He could feature in upcoming matches against Mumbai Indians or Gujarat Titans. Dhoni has been actively batting in nets, and if fully fit, may play as an 'Impact Player' with Sanju Samson continuing wicketkeeping duties.
Shreyas Iyer played a key part in pulling off a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya, sparking catch of the season talks. His mid-air effort set up Xavier Bartletts grab. The moment shocked Rohit Sharma and halted Mumbai Indians surge despite Quinton de Kocks 112 in their 195/6 total.
Mumbai Indians batter Quinton de Kock opened for Mumbai Indians after five years, replacing injured Rohit Sharma. He scored a quick fifty off 28 balls and surpassed MS Dhoni with his 25th IPL fifty as a wicketkeeper. His knock steadied MI amid absences, including Mitchell Santner, highlighting his experience and importance.
Arshdeep Singh delivered a match-turning spell for Punjab Kings, taking two wickets in two balls against Mumbai Indians. He dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav to reach the milestone of 100 IPL wickets. Arshdeep joined an elite group of left-arm pacers like Trent Boult and Zaheer Khan, giving Punjab early control and shifting momentum decisively.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a future star, recalling his disbelief at the teenagers talent. Speaking to Michael Vaughan, Modi said the youngsters confidence stood out. While Vaughan flagged challenges of fame, Modi noted the IPLs role in creating opportunities and inspiring many young cricketers across India.
Uncertainty surrounded Rohit Sharma before MIs clash with Punjab Kings after his hamstring injury. He skipped training, and scans raised concerns. At the toss, Hardik Pandya confirmed Rohit would miss multiple games. Mitchell Santner was also unavailable, forcing changes, with Quinton de Kock returning and a debut for Mayank Rawat.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was astonished as Lalit Modi revealed his extensive Ferrari collection during an interview. Modi gifted his son a Ferrari every year from age 21, amassing 11 cars for him, while Modi himself owns 21. The conversation also touched upon emerging cricket talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
2025 saw third edition of Chennai Grand Masters. R Vaishali, the nation's toast at the moment, was invited to compete in the Challengers section, which includes relatively lower-rated players than the Masters field. Vaishali had a nightmarish tournament, finishing rock bottom. The winner of the Challengers section was Munirethinam Pranesh, a baby-faced assassin on the board.
Chennai Super Kings face a major blow as Khaleel Ahmed is out of IPL 2026 with a quadriceps injury. His absence comes at a crucial time as CSK seeks to build on recent momentum. The team is now exploring replacements like Chetan Sakariya, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti to bolster their bowling attack.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi expressed pessimism about India and Pakistan resuming bilateral cricket soon, citing significant political interference within the Pakistan Cricket Board as the primary obstacle. He believes external pressures have politicized decisions, hindering any possibility of a series, even at neutral venues, and fears the situation will worsen.
Mumbai Indians face Punjab Kings in a crucial IPL 2026 clash at Wankhede Stadium. MI, struggling with three consecutive losses and a doubtful Rohit Sharma, host an unbeaten PBKS. This historic rivalry is evenly matched, with key individual battles set to decide the outcome.
In the complaint, CSK said the playing of the track Dosa, idli, sambar, chutney, chutney during the match was ot in good taste. The song is often used in memes linked to South Indian stereotypes.
Mumbai Indians have signed Krish Bhagat as a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar for IPL 2026. Bhagat, a 21-year-old all-rounder from Punjab, joins at his base price. Ankolekar is out due to a knee injury. Bhagat brings bowling and batting skills. He has impressed the Mumbai Indians coaching staff with his dedication and work ethic.
What Ryan Cook said after LSG taste another defeat
Chennai Super Kings pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a quadriceps injury, dealing a blow to the franchises bowling attack.
Virat Kohli leads the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race with 228 runs, showcasing his enduring form. He's closely followed by Heinrich Klaasen and RCB teammate Rajat Patidar. Explosive performances from Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also feature prominently in the top rankings, promising an exciting season ahead.
Sakib Hussain finally got his IPL chance with Sunrisers Hyderabad and made it count. From humble beginnings and years of waiting, he relied on control and clever variations rather than just pace, making an instant impact.
The clip surfaced after Zalmis match in the ongoing 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League and showed a light exchange during a public interaction. Aaj saari nazar utaar denge, a person is heard saying in the video.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing football's separation from politics despite Middle East tensions. Iran qualified and its players wish to compete, with their matches scheduled in the United States. Infantino reiterated FIFA's commitment to keeping sports above political conflicts.
Vishvanath Suresh, son of a former boxer, achieved a significant victory by clinching gold at the Asian Boxing Championships in the 50kg category. He notably defeated the reigning world champion in the quarterfinals. This triumph, his first major senior win, was marked by consistent unanimous decisions, boosting his confidence for upcoming games.
Indian chess sees a historic moment as R Vaishali secures a spot in the Women's World Championship match. She will challenge China's Ju Wenjun later this year. This achievement, alongside Praggnanandhaa's potential challenge in the men's section, marks twin Indian representation at the highest chess boards. Vaishali's victory as the lowest seed is a significant feat.
Mumbai Indians face an uphill battle against an unbeaten Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium. MI, struggling with three consecutive losses and a potential Rohit Sharma injury, host a PBKS side flying high. Historically a close contest, this encounter holds significant weight for MI seeking redemption on home turf.

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