The Times of India

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya expressed frustration over his team's poor fielding, a key factor in their loss to Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite opportunities, dropped catches proved costly. Pandya also felt the batting lineup was about 20 runs short of a competitive total. KKR's win keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Ajinkya Rahane praised Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy and Manish Pandey after Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets to stay alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race. Rahane highlighted Manishs attitude despite limited opportunities and credited KKRs recent success to staying focused one game at a time.

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Mumbai Indians by four wickets in a rain-affected IPL 2026 clash to keep their playoff hopes alive. MI managed only 147/8 after another poor batting display. Manish Pandey scored 45 and Rovman Powell made 40 as KKR chased down the target in 18.5 overs, with Rinku Singh hitting the winning runs.

Tejasvi Singh Dahiya entered the IPL 2026 spotlight as a concussion substitute for Angkrish Raghuvanshi during a Kolkata Knight Riders match. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi was acquired by KKR for Rs 3 crore after a stellar Delhi Premier League campaign, marking a significant turnaround from being unsold in the previous auction.

Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy suffered first-round exits at the Malaysia Masters 2026, ending Indias mens singles challenge early. While Lakshya lost in straight games, Prannoy went down in a marathon three-game match. In womens singles, Malvika Bansod, Ashmita Chaliha and Devika Sihag advanced to the next round.

Deepak Chahar humorously mimicked the viral 'chit celebration' trend during MI vs KKR, pretending to pull out an imaginary note after taking a wicket, much to his teammates' amusement. This trend, started by Abhishek Sharma, has seen mixed reactions, with some former cricketers criticizing it as 'rubbish'.

Mumbai Indians faced Kolkata Knight Riders with no playoff pressure. Their batting collapsed, failing to post a competitive total. Tilak Varma set a 14-year-old IPL record for a slow strike rate. KKR bowlers maintained pressure, restricting MI to 147/8. Corbin Bosch provided some late hitting for Mumbai.

India national cricket team slipped to sixth in the World Test Championship standings after Bangladesh national cricket team swept Pakistan 2-0 and climbed to fifth. India, led by Shubman Gill, have won four of nine Tests in the current cycle. Australia national cricket team continue to lead the WTC table, while Pakistan remain eighth after another series defeat.

Rain halted the IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians with MI at 57/4 in eight overs. If the game is washed out, both teams will share one point, badly hurting KKRs playoff hopes as they can then reach only 14 points. KKR had made a strong start with the ball before rain interrupted play at Eden Gardens.

Mumbai Indians etched their name in IPL history for an unfortunate record, becoming the second team to field three different captains in three consecutive matches during the 2026 season. Injuries and player unavailability forced leadership changes, with Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya all taking the helm.

Baldev Singh will receive the Padma Shri from Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding contribution to Indian hockey. The veteran coach transformed Shahabad Markanda into a major hockey talent hub, mentoring over 80 international players and eight Indian captains. He also coached Indias mens team and guided them to the 2004 Asia Cup title.

Mohammed Shami was acquitted by the Alipore Court in a four-year-old cheque bounce case filed by his estranged wife Hasin Jahan over a Rs 1 lakh cheque. Shami said he had paid everything required. However, their legal battle over maintenance continues, with the matter currently also being heard by the Supreme Court of India.

Kolkata Knight Riders, needing a win to stay in IPL 2026 playoff contention, opted to bowl first against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed the team's focus on winning their remaining two games. Mumbai, already out of the running, welcomed back Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, aiming to finish strongly.

Darren Gough said Brendon McCullum was very lucky to remain England coach after the teams 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Gough believes Englands aggressive style needs more discipline and toughness. He also admitted feeling hurt after missing out on the national selectors role, saying he could have challenged the current management with his experience.

The BCCI has announced the 2026-27 domestic cricket schedule, featuring 1,788 matches across various men's and women's categories. The Ranji Trophy will continue its two-phase format, commencing on October 11, while the Duleep Trophy kicks off the season on August 23. Notable changes include the U-23 one-day and Vizzy Trophy inter-zonal university competitions shifting to T20 format.

Salman Agha was officially reprimanded by the ICC for hitting an advertising board with his bat after his dismissal during Pakistans second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Sylhet. He received one demerit point, his second offence in 24 months. Pakistan also suffered a 78-run defeat as Bangladesh completed a historic 2-0 series sweep.

Jose Mourinho is back at Real Madrid after 13 years, tasked with fixing a club in crisis. President Florentino Perez has brought back the 'Special One' to address internal rifts and a trophy drought.

South African batter Dewald Brevis revealed that MS Dhoni once advised him to stay confident without becoming overconfident, a lesson he still follows since IPL 2022. Brevis praised Dhonis calmness, humility and leadership at Chennai Super Kings. He also called joining CSK in 2025 as a replacement player the best decision ever for his career and growth.

The BCCI has rested several key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, for the upcoming series against Afghanistan due to injuries and workload management. This has reignited the debate on whether the BCCI should control centrally contracted players' workloads during the IPL.

Tilak Varma reaffirmed his loyalty to Mumbai Indians, saying he will not leave until he wins an IPL title with the franchise. Despite MIs disappointing 2026 season, the young batter remains committed to the teams legacy. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders face a must-win clash against MI at Eden Gardens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive in IPL 2026.

Cricket icon Virat Kohli lauded the exceptional fitness of Indian hockey players, admitting cricketers fall far short of their physical demands. Kohli stated hockey players operate at a completely different physical level, a sentiment echoed by Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who expressed gratitude for the recognition of his sport's demanding nature.

Explosive opener Phil Salt is set to return for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs after recovering from a finger injury. His return provides a significant boost to RCB's strong top-order, which struggled in his absence.

Shan Masood acknowledged his Test captaincy is now out of his hands following Bangladesh's historic 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan. The defeat, Pakistan's 12th in 16 Tests under Masood, has intensified scrutiny, with the skipper deferring captaincy decisions to the PCB and apologising to fans for the disappointing results against Bangladesh.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 93 off 38 balls, including 10 sixes, kept Rajasthan Royals' playoff hopes alive. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded the 15-year-old's maturity and off-side play, comparing his fear factor among bowlers to Chris Gayle's peak. Sooryavanshi is now threatening Gayle's IPL record of 59 sixes in a season.

After debacles in home Tests against New Zealand and South Africa, India are set to move away from raging turners and return to traditional pitches with gradual wear and tear. Carefully selected venues and black/mixed soil surfaces are expected to shape Indias strategy. India will play Afghanistan in a one-off Test match from June 6.

Kolkata Knight Riders face an almost certain playoff exit against Mumbai Indians, who are already out of contention. Despite a strong recent run, KKR needs a win to keep faint hopes alive, while MI, with key players returning, aims to play spoilers. Both teams have a history of dominance in the tournament.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues his sensational IPL 2026 run, smashing 93 off 38 balls against LSG. He became the youngest to 500 runs and set a new strike rate record. Sooryavanshi also broke the Indian six-hitting record for a season, reaching 53. His explosive innings powered Rajasthan's successful chase of 221.

Lucknow Super Giants' disappointing IPL 2026 campaign continued with a seven-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals. A crucial missed run-out by Mohsin Khan, who inexplicably threw at the stumps instead of taking the bails, allowed teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to survive a certain dismissal. Despite Sooryavanshi's brilliant 93, LSG failed to defend another 200+ total.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant expressed frustration after his team's ninth loss. He stated the team is still good despite missing the playoffs. LSG lost to Rajasthan Royals after failing to defend a high score. Pant acknowledged the need for experience in crucial moments. He also defended tactical decisions made during the match.

Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reclaimed the IPL 2026 Orange Cap with a blistering 93 against LSG. The 15-year-old now leads the tournament with 579 runs, maintaining an explosive strike rate of 236.32. Sooryavanshi also became the first Indian to hit 50 sixes in a single IPL season.

Arsenal has finally ended a 22-year Premier League title drought, clinching the championship after Manchester City's draw with Bournemouth. This victory marks manager Mikel Arteta's first league title with the Gunners, who last triumphed in the 2003/04 season. The win caps years of near misses for the North London club.

Prince Yadavs maiden India ODI call-up caps a remarkable rise in Indian cricket. From playing tennis-ball cricket in Najafgarh he has taken the long route to the national side. Spotted by coach Amit Vashishtha because of his yorkers and backed despite multiple setbacks, including a two-year ban for age fudging, Prince has now earned a place in Indias squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 93 off 38 balls stunned Lucknow Super Giants, leading Rajasthan Royals to a dominant seven-wicket victory. Even rival owner Sanjiv Goenka applauded the young prodigy's breathtaking innings, which effectively sealed the match and moved Rajasthan closer to the playoffs. Sooryavanshi's remarkable knock, featuring rapid scoring bursts, showcased a maturity beyond his years.

Virat Kohli revealed how Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour's support helped him overcome a challenging century drought and rediscover his love for batting. He also shared his perspective on workload management, emphasising the importance of understanding one's limits before tapering. Kohli stressed that true drive stems from a desire for long-term respect, not just T20 riches.

With six games left, LSG and MI are out, while RCB, GT, and SRH have qualified for IPL 2026 playoffs. RR are best positioned among the remaining contenders, followed by PBKS. KKR, DC, and CSK have slim playoff hopes, with various tie scenarios influencing their chances for the final spots.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a sensational 93 off 38 balls as Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets to stay alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race. Mitchell Marshs 96 had powered LSG to 220/5 earlier, but Sooryavanshis fearless hitting and Dhruv Jurels unbeaten fifty guided RR to a stunning chase in Jaipur.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created IPL history by becoming the first Indian batter to hit 50 sixes in a single season. The 15-year-old smashed 93 off 38 balls, including 10 sixes, for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants. His explosive innings helped Rajasthan stay in the chase after Mitchell Marshs 96 powered LSG to 220/5.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was eventually dismissed on 93 off 38 balls.

Virat Kohli revealed he still battles impostor syndrome despite his success in international cricket. Speaking in Bengaluru, Kohli admitted self-doubt affects him even after 20 years in the game. He credited former coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour for helping him mentally after captaincy pressures drained him. Kohli also reflected on leadership, mental health, and workload management for young players.

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from Wimbledon and the Queens tournament due to a wrist injury suffered during the Barcelona Open. The world No. 2 said he does not want to risk worsening the injury despite recovering well. Alcaraz has missed several tournaments since April, while rival Jannik Sinner is now considered favourite for Wimbledon and the French Open.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has called an emergency Executive Board meeting after multiple allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and ethical violations involving coaches and officials. Recent complaints include accusations against assistant coach Sudhir Golla and another HI official for inappropriate behaviour and abuse of authority. Tirkey stressed the need for stronger POSH compliance, protection for whistleblowers, accountability measures, and a strict zero-tolerance policy to

PV Sindhu praised Virat Kohli in an emotional Instagram post after meeting him at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru. Sindhu thanked Kohli for his constant guidance and support during difficult phases of her career. Meanwhile, Sindhu continues her comeback from injuries, while Kohli remains central to Royal Challengers Bengalurus successful IPL 2026 campaign.

India national cricket team retained most of its core squad for the Afghanistan tour, while resting Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah for workload management. New faces like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey earned call-ups across formats. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya returned to the ODI setup, while players including Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out.

Tensions rose during the second Test between Bangladesh national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team as Mohammad Rizwan and Litton Das exchanged heated words over movement near the sight screen. Umpire Allahudien Paleker intervened to calm the situation. Meanwhile, Bangladesh tightened their grip on the match, leaving Pakistan at 316/7 chasing 437, with Rizwan unbeaten on 75.

Indias Test squad for the Afghanistan match will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.

India squad announcement press conference: Why no Mohammed Shami, Jadeja, Axar and more