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Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Chennai Super Kings' enduring IPL success stems from consistent ownership and player retention. Stephen Fleming's long tenure as coach has fostered a winning culture. A unique tradition sees the franchise double BCCI prize money for players, showcasing their commitment to welfare. This approach has built a stable, experienced team.
Langford, 76, was found unconscious in his hotel room in south Mumbai on Monday morning and was taken to Bombay Hospital, where he was declared dead. Police said no suspicious findings were reported in the postmortem, and a case of unnatural death has been registered.
Match Referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the disciplinary hearing and made the determination after reviewing all evidence, the statement added.
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has stated retirement is not on his mind, emphasising he will only step away when he feels bored, not due to age, selection, or injuries. Despite being out of the national setup for over a year, Shami remains focused on his performance and enjoying the game, aiming to deliver for his new team, Lucknow Super Giants.
Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings clash in Mullanpur, with captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer seeking their first IPL 2026 points. Gill aims to reclaim his T20 dominance after missing the World Cup, while Iyer looks to lead Punjab to glory after a runner-up finish. Key players like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh are also highlighted.
A 76-year-old British broadcast engineer, Jan William Langford, working for the IPL 2026 in Mumbai, was found dead in his hotel room. Hotel staff discovered him unconscious and he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Police have registered a case of accidental death after a postmortem revealed no suspicious findings.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 17-ball 52 in IPL 2026 has reignited calls for his India debut. Former England captain Michael Vaughan urged selectors to include the young talent on the upcoming white-ball tour of England, emphasizing the need for him to experience the national team environment.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL heroics have sparked calls for his fast-tracking into India's T20 squad, with former cricketers like Mohammad Kaif and Piyush Chawla backing his readiness. However, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urges caution, emphasising the need to manage expectations for the 15-year-old prodigy, despite acknowledging his immense talent.
KKR Depart from Mumbai after losing to Mumbai Indians
Ravindra Jadeja shared an emotional moment with Khaleel Ahmed after Rajasthan Royals' win over Chennai Super Kings, kissing the CSK logo on his jersey. Jadeja reflected on his difficult but mature transition from CSK, expressing happiness to be back with Rajasthan, his first IPL franchise, where he won the inaugural title.
Cameron Green's all-round potential is under scrutiny as Australia's coach Andrew McDonald emphasizes balancing IPL and national team expectations. Despite a back niggle, Green's fitness won't hinder his consideration for all formats, with selectors eyeing him for the vacant No. 5 Test position.
Fakhar Zaman faces a Level 3 ball-tampering charge in the PSL after an incident during Lahore Qalandars' match against Karachi Kings. This controversy echoes a similar episode during the T20 World Cup against the USA, where Zaman's actions also raised suspicions. Both incidents occurred under pressure, with no proven offense yet.
Rajasthan Royals began their IPL 2026 season with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings. Ravindra Jadeja, playing against his former team, discussed his new celebration and emotional transition. He also spoke about his bowling strategy on a tricky pitch. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting secured the win for Rajasthan Royals. The team's next match is against Gujarat Titans.
Ravindra Jadeja impressed on his Rajasthan Royals return, taking two crucial wickets against his former team Chennai Super Kings. He humorously revealed he hadn't spoken to MS Dhoni, who apparently keeps his phone off. Jadeja enjoyed the turning wicket, executing his plans effectively to help RR secure an emphatic victory.
Ravindra Jadeja showed visible emotions playing against Chennai Super Kings for Rajasthan Royals. He was seen in tears during the match. Jadeja, a former CSK player, returned to Rajasthan Royals. He took two crucial wickets against his old team. Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down the target.
IPL's T20 cricket has become a batter's paradise, with 200 not even a par total. Coaches Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden acknowledge the Impact Player rule has amplified batting power, shrinking bowlers' margin for error. They suggest old-fashioned, precise bowling variations like wide yorkers and slower offcutters are key to survival.
Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah narrowly avoided a two-year ban for a controversial social media post, with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi reportedly intervening to impose a PKR 20 million fine instead. The pacer had criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's presence at a PSL game.
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, both overlooked by national selectors, displayed intense focus in pre-IPL nets. Gill honed his timing and power-hitting, while Iyer unleashed ferocious shots, signaling their intent to prove a point in the upcoming IPL clash between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings.
Cameron Green, IPL's most expensive overseas player at Rs 25.20 crore, faces controversy after not bowling for KKR. Cricket Australia clarified he has a lower back injury, a fact KKR was aware of. This situation has drawn criticism, with experts questioning the value received for an all-rounder who is only batting.
The FIDE Candidates 2026 saw a day of draws in Cyprus, with all games ending in a tie. Indian talents Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali Rameshbabu played a thrilling game, featuring a brilliant queen sacrifice by Vaishali. In the Open section, R Praggnanandhaa drew against Wei Yi, while Hikaru Nakamura salvaged a draw from a difficult position.
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, leading Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings respectively, aim to make a statement in a high-stakes IPL clash. Both captains, often overlooked internationally, seek redemption and recognition, with Gill's evolving strike rate and Iyer's proven leadership at the forefront. The match is expected to be a high-scoring affair on a batting-friendly pitch.
Hardik Pandya's girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, protected cricketer's son Agastya from intrusive photographers after a Mumbai Indians match. She shielded the child from camera flashes, visibly annoyed by the crowd's behavior. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians secured a thrilling six-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, marking their first season-opening win since 2012.
Rajasthan Royals kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show with a blistering 52 off just 17 balls, leading the chase. Earlier, RR's bowlers, including Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, restricted CSK to 127, setting up a commanding win.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred in Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2026 opener, smashing a rapid 52 off 17 balls against Chennai Super Kings. He prioritized rest over birthday celebrations to deliver a match-winning powerplay performance, guiding his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory. The young sensation credited his coaches and opening partner for his confident display.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unleashed a stunning 52 off 17 balls, including five sixes, to power Rajasthan Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 opener. His blistering knock, the third-fastest IPL half-century, set up a dominant chase, marking RR's biggest win by balls remaining.
Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has been fined PKR 1 million by Lahore Qalandars for breaching hotel security protocols during the PSL. He and teammate Sikandar Raza reportedly hosted guests in Raza's room late at night, despite explicit refusal from authorities. The franchise acknowledged the incident, citing a misunderstanding.
Lahore Qalandars stars Sikandar Raza and Shaheen Shah Afridi face hotel security breach allegations. Police claim unauthorised visitors were escorted into their room despite refusals. Raza denies forced entry, stating they were family and friends and Afridi assisted him. He claims ignorance of SOPs and a shorter visit than reported.
Despite Chennai Super Kings' dismal IPL 2026 opener, Jamie Overton delivered a record-breaking performance. Walking in at 82/8, Overton scored 43 off 36 balls, the highest score by a CSK batter at No. 8 or below, surpassing MS Dhoni's previous record. His defiant knock offered a rare highlight in a match dominated by Rajasthan Royals.
The development comes at a time when Bangladesh authorities were reviewing a ban on IPL telecast. With the deal now terminated, there is no immediate option for the tournament to return to television screens in the country.
Ravindra Jadeja marked a significant return to Rajasthan Royals after 17 years with a stellar 2/18 spell against Chennai Super Kings. His crucial wickets, coupled with the bowlers' collective effort, restricted CSK to 127. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's rapid half-century and a dominant chase by Jaiswal and Parag secured an eight-wicket victory for RR.
Rajasthan Royals began their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a blistering 15-ball fifty. Royals bowlers restricted CSK to 127. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag supported the chase. CSK's key players struggled. This marks a strong start for Rajasthan and a concerning one for Chennai.
Chasing 128, Sooryavanshis innings, which included four fours and five sixes, put Rajasthan in control early in the match. RR eventually won the match by eight wickets
Maryam Nawaz had been invited as chief guest and was introduced to officials of the eight franchises and players before the match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.
AIFF Executive Committee member Valanka Alemao Churchill has accused top officials of harassment and suppression for questioning procedural irregularities. She claims her voice was deliberately stifled during the meeting on Sunday. The AIFF has denied these allegations, stating all proceedings are in line with established procedures and suggesting the accuser has vested interests.
Kartik was dismissed for 18 runs off 15 balls.
Samson was bowled by Nandre Burger while attempting a leg-side flick. The delivery, clocked at 140.2 kmph, moved away and hit the off stump. He scored 6 runs off 7 balls in his first innings for CSK.
Rajasthan Royals had picked the Jammu and Kashmir pacer at his base price of Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction. At that time, he had not played senior cricket in any format, but his performances in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League had brought him into focus.
Chennai Super Kings face an early IPL 2026 challenge as MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis are sidelined for their opening match against Rajasthan Royals. Brevis is out with a side strain, while Dhoni will miss the first two weeks due to a calf strain, impacting CSK's middle order and leadership.
Dhoni has long been central to CSK as captain, finisher and wicketkeeper, but this match at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium will go ahead without him. His absence brings focus on the last time he missed a game and how often he has been unavailable since the IPL began in 2008.
Guwahati's weather looms large over the IPL 2026 opener between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, with rain forecasts casting doubt on the match. Both teams, aiming for a fresh start after poor seasons, feature significant player and leadership changes. Sanju Samson moves to CSK, Ravindra Jadeja to RR, and Riyan Parag captains the Royals, while Ruturaj Gaikwad leads CSK.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been on a record-breaking/setting spree over the last year or so and, as he prepares for his second IPL season, expectations are sky-high from the 15-year-old boy wonder. So ,what can we expect from Sooryavanshi in his second season? A lot - plus these five iconic IPL records, which were once thought unbeatable, could very well fall to the 15-year-old teenager.
Sanju Samson returns to face his former team, Rajasthan Royals, for the first time with Chennai Super Kings. Both teams, aiming to rebuild after underwhelming seasons, feature exciting young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Riyan Parag, promising a compelling clash.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have dominated the start of IPL 2026, showcasing their enduring class. Sharma's explosive 78 off 38 balls powered Mumbai Indians to their highest-ever chase, demonstrating remarkable form after a break. Both veterans appear to be playing on muscle memory, with Sharma enjoying a less pressured phase of his career.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm last season, smashing 24 sixes off just 122 balls. In seven matches, he piled up 252 runs at a staggering strike rate of 206.55. Since then, he has continued his explosive form and helped India U-19 win the title. The second-season blues have affected many young stars in the past; the big question remains: will Vaibhav be able to sustain his meteoric rise?
Pakistan Super League (PSL) is embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal after a controversial incident involving Lahore Qalandars players. Umpires awarded five penalty runs to Karachi Kings after deeming the ball deliberately altered, leading to a reduced target and a Lahore Qalandars loss. Opener Fakhar Zaman has denied charges of ball-tampering.
Anil Kumble lauded Rohit Sharma's explosive 78 off 38 balls, heralding a formidable 'Rohit 2.0' ready to dominate the IPL. Kumble highlighted Rohit's effortless mastery over quality bowlers, suggesting this revitalised form will pose a significant threat to all opposing teams. He also critiqued KKR's spin strategy, particularly their delayed use of Sunil Narine, which proved costly.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane dismissed criticism after his 67 against Mumbai Indians, stating he's focused on personal growth, not proving critics wrong. Despite cramps and Jasprit Bumrah's impactful bowling, Rahane expressed happiness with his white-ball improvement. He also backed struggling spinner Varun Chakravarthy, urging patience for the inexperienced bowling attack.