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James Foster, previously with KKR, has been appointed fielding coach of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. The former England national cricket team wicketkeeper joins the coaching staff led by Stephen Fleming alongside Michael Hussey and Eric Simmons. Foster brings international and franchise coaching experience, including a recent International League T20 title with Desert Vipers.
Ricky Ponting hailed the India national cricket team as one of the strongest T20 sides after their triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where they beat the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium. Ponting credited Indias depth, experience and Indian Premier League exposure for their dominance in white-ball cricket and back-to-back titles.
Liam Livingstone criticised England management, including coach Brendon McCullum and director Rob Key, for poor communication after he was dropped in 2025. The all-rounder said the experience was eye-opening and expressed frustration over his role and batting position. Now with Sunrisers Hyderabad for the Indian Premier League 2026, he hopes strong performances revive his England chances.
Ishan Kishan is the leading candidate to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2026 if Pat Cummins is unavailable at the start. Kishan enters the season in strong form after scoring 354 runs in IPL 2025 and 317 runs for the India national cricket team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he helped India win the title.
Sanju Samson reflected on Indias victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he was Player of the Tournament with 321 runs. He spoke about his long bond with head coach Gautam Gambhir and revealed receiving an emotional message from Sachin Tendulkar after India defeated the New Zealand national cricket team in the final.
Sanju Samson said he is excited to play alongside MS Dhoni for the first time in the Indian Premier League, calling it a big learning opportunity. The wicketkeeper-batter also reflected on Indias triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he was Player of the Tournament. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj called his unexpected inclusion in the title-winning squad a miracle.
Jay Shah calls 2019 to 2026 as Indian cricket's golden period
Harshit Rana was seen on crutches at the BCCI Naman Awards, indicating his recovery is not progressing as expected. The Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler is set to miss the IPL 2026 season due to a knee injury sustained earlier this year. This setback adds to KKR's bowling concerns for the upcoming tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders face setbacks ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 after being asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to release Mustafizur Rahman amid controversy. Paceman Harshit Rana is also doubtful due to knee surgery. However, a cryptic post hints at possible relief regarding Matheesha Pathirana, while Blessing Muzarabani has been added as backup.
Mahmood played for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in the 2012 and 2013 seasons and later represented KKR in the 2015 season.
HS Prannoy has withdrawn from the Orleans Masters Super 300 after a shoulder injury suffered during the Swiss Open in Basel. Scans showed a minor tear, and he hopes to return for the Asian Championships in Ningbo. With him out, youngsters like Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma will lead Indias challenge.
Shahid Afridi criticised Pakistans selectors after the Pakistan national cricket team lost the ODI series 21 to the Bangladesh national cricket team following a poor ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Afridi blamed excessive experimentation and sidelining experienced players. Bangladesh secured the series with an 11-run win at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium despite Salman Ali Aghas century for Pakistan.
India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav, despite dreaming of Test cricket, finds T20 his natural comfort zone. He admits ODI cricket proved challenging, requiring a blend of styles he never fully grasped. However, he acknowledges the unique charm and atmosphere the 50-over format generated during the 2023 World Cup.
Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed has ignited controversy in India, with Sunil Gavaskar urging Indian-owned franchises to avoid such deals. He argued that payments to Pakistani players indirectly fund their government, potentially harming India. While the franchise cited cricketing reasons, the BCCI stated it cannot intervene in foreign league decisions.
Koneru Humpy is considering withdrawing from the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. While FIDE says the situation is calm and preparations continue, Humpy believes holding the crucial event near a conflict zone is risky and suggests considering alternative venues or dates.
Suryakumar Yadav revealed the T20 World Cup selection of Ishan Kishan over Jitesh Sharma was a gut call, believing Kishan was the X-factor. Kishan justified this faith with strong performances, helping India win the tournament. The captain also highlighted Sanju Samson's impactful inclusion at the top order, which shifted the team's momentum.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar achieved his historic 100th international century on March 16, 2012, against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. This monumental feat, after a year-long wait, cemented his status as a legend. Despite the immense pressure, Tendulkar's patient 114-run innings showcased his enduring class, inspiring a generation.
India's T20 talent pool is so deep, Suryakumar Yadav believes multiple international-quality teams could be formed, thanks to robust domestic cricket and the IPL. He highlighted the current generation as India's strongest T20 group. Under his captaincy, Team India boasts an impressive win rate, a testament to the team's collective mindset and his strong rapport with coach Gautam Gambhir.
Rahul Dravid on Indian Crickets rise: Robust infra, passionate fans, talent coming from small towns
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi aims to shatter Chris Gayle's iconic 175-run T20 record in the upcoming IPL season. After a stellar 2025, including a U-19 World Cup final century, the Rajasthan Royals star is focused on team victory while eyeing individual milestones. He credits the franchise and Rahul Dravid for his rapid development.
Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistan cricketer, has strongly criticized the team's leadership following their ODI series defeat to Bangladesh. He expressed concerns about the declining standards in Pakistan cricket. Shehzad questioned the management's decisions and their handling of player availability. The team's recent performance has drawn significant criticism.
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav tied the knot with childhood friend Vanshika Chaddha in a star-studded Mussoorie wedding. The private ceremony saw cricketers like Suresh Raina and Yuzvendra Chahal in attendance. The couple, who grew up near each other in Kanpur, celebrated with traditional functions before the main event. This marks a new chapter for the cricketer.
Pakistan's cricket woes deepened with a 2-1 ODI series loss to Bangladesh, drawing sharp criticism from former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. Akmal questioned the team's performance and administration, highlighting their struggles after an early T20 World Cup exit. Bangladesh secured the series win in Dhaka after a strong batting performance and effective bowling.
Rajasthan Royals' young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi surprised coach Rahul Dravid with his fearless approach before his IPL debut. Samson revealed Sooryavanshi's confident response to Dravid's queries, stating he'd 'just play' and 'hit the first ball in the air' if in his zone. Sooryavanshi, the youngest IPL debutant, aims to help RR win the trophy in IPL 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur secured a dramatic 1-1 draw at Liverpool with a last-gasp equaliser from Richarlison, while Manchester United solidified their Champions League pursuit by defeating Aston Villa 3-1. Liverpool's Szoboszlai scored a stunning free-kick, but a late defensive lapse allowed Richarlison to snatch a point for Spurs. United's victory, featuring goals from Casemiro, Cunha, and Sesko, keeps them third.
Pakistan has lodged a complaint with the match referee over a controversial DRS call in the final over of their ODI loss to Bangladesh. The Pakistan camp alleges Bangladesh reviewed a decision after seeing a replay on the big screen and potentially outside the allowed time. This overturned wide call significantly impacted the match's outcome.
Indias fightback at the Eden Gardens did make captains and teams wary of enforcing the follow-on. Australia, even under successful captains like Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist enforced it just four times out of the 14 in which they had a choice to do so. Steve Waugh though enforced it seven times post Kolkata and won every Test!
Indian women's hockey team secured World Cup qualification under coach Sjoerd Marijne, showcasing strong defense and midfield play despite a final loss to England. Marijne praised the team's performance under pressure, highlighting areas for improvement in penalty corner conversion and technical decision-making. The squad, a blend of youth and experience, demonstrated promising potential for future tournaments.
Hardik Pandya's crucial performances in India's back-to-back T20 World Cup victories in 2024 and 2026 are often overshadowed by his flamboyant lifestyle. Despite off-field distractions, Pandya delivered match-winning spells and vital batting contributions, proving an indispensable asset alongside Jasprit Bumrah. His dedication and improved game intelligence remain key to his success.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal lambasted the national team after their unexpected 1-2 ODI series loss to Bangladesh. He urged treating their matches as comedy, highlighting the disgrace of losing to a lower-ranked opponent. Bangladesh secured a historic series win, their first against Pakistan in 11 years, with standout performances from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Taskin Ahmed.
Sanju Samson still cannot believe India won the 2026 T20 World Cup at home. He was the Player of the Tournament. Samson believes India's young talent will bring more such victories. He scored 321 runs in five matches. Mohammed Siraj also joined the squad late and won his second World Cup medal.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns for Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026, citing an over-reliance on their top-order batsmen. He specifically highlighted Jos Buttler's recent pedestrian form, noting that if both openers don't consistently perform, it could significantly impact the team's performance, despite their playoff run last season.
Rahul Dravid, honored with the Col CK Nayudu Award, expressed deep gratitude for his cricketing journey and opportunities. He lauded Sanju Samson's remarkable Player of the Tournament performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting his perseverance and crucial match-winning contributions. Samson's record-breaking spree included most sixes and highest final score.
U-19 sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, already an IPL centurion at 14, is laser-focused on winning the IPL trophy for Rajasthan Royals. Having led India to U-19 World Cup glory, the young batter aims to contribute significantly to RR's success. He cherishes reuniting with U-19 teammates and credits early learning from seniors and Rahul Dravid for his development.
India's star all-rounder Shivam Dube charmed fans with a playful interaction with paparazzi outside his Mumbai home. Captured on video, Dube, fresh off a T20 World Cup victory, humorously asked a photographer to delete footage. His significant contributions to India's 2026 triumph, including 235 runs at a 169.06 strike rate, have cemented his status as a key player.
Bangladesh secured a thrilling 11-run victory over Pakistan in the third ODI, clinching the series 2-1. Tanzid Hasan Tamim's century propelled Bangladesh to 290/5, a total Pakistan couldn't chase despite Salman Agha's valiant hundred. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman's crucial wickets sealed the win for the hosts in a nail-biting finish.
Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana were honored as India's top cricketers at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. Gill secured the Polly Umrigar Award for his stellar 2025 season, including a remarkable Test series in England. Mandhana also shone, setting new ODI run-scoring records and playing a pivotal role in India's World Cup win.
Rahul Dravid highlights India's consistent success in global tournaments. He credits this to the nation's immense cricketing talent finally being realized. Dravid noted the alignment of players, administrators, coaches, and fans. He also praised the T20 World Cup winning team for handling immense expectations and performing under pressure. This marks a significant period for Indian cricket.
India concluded its World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 campaign in Bangkok with five medals. Chandrika Pujari won gold in the women's 51kg category. Three boxers earned silver medals, and one secured bronze. The performance highlights the nation's growing youth boxing program. This event provided valuable experience for young athletes preparing for future competitions.
After an arduous wait, the West Indies cricket team and its staff have successfully made their journey back home following their time in India for the T20 World Cup. The team faced significant challenges due to travel restrictions caused by escalating tensions in West Asia, resulting in closed airspace and canceled flights that kept them in Kolkata longer than anticipated.
IPL 2026 matches in Guwahati will proceed as scheduled despite Assam's April 9 elections. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed discussions with state officials, who assured full cooperation for the Rajasthan Royals' games. The Election Commission's announcement places matches around the polling date, but authorities are prepared to manage the logistics without any rescheduling.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 will honour India's top athletes in Lucknow on March 21, 2026. The event recognises performances from 2025, with a distinguished jury selecting winners across over 45 categories. The shooting nominees showcase exceptional talent, with several athletes achieving global success.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 will honour India's top athletes on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow. The event recognises performances from 2025, with a distinguished jury selecting winners across numerous categories. Hockey nominees include Abhishek Nain, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Udita Duhan, Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, and Rutuja Pisal for their significant contributions.
Virat Kohli, in a recent 'This or That' challenge, named Chris Gayle as his top T20 opener over Rohit Sharma. Kohli's selections progressed through Adam Gilchrist, Travis Head, and Virender Sehwag before reaching the final showdown. Gayle's prolific T20 record, including the highest individual IPL score, solidifies his legendary status in the format.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who led Pakistan to major ICC tournament final victories, will now focus on administrative and mentoring roles. His retirement opens the door for a potential long-term appointment as the national Test team's head coach.
Sixteen-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has made history as the first Grandmaster from Assam and Northeast India. His landmark achievement in Sweden follows years of immense sacrifice, including his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, resigning from her medical career to support his journey. While celebrated as Indias 94th GM, Mayanks family now seeks government and corporate backing to sustain his elite professional career.
The eighth Times of India Sports Awards will honour India's top athletes on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow. The event recognises performances from 2025, with equestrian nominees Ashish Limaye, Shruti Vora, and Divyakriti Singh highlighted for their significant achievements at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships.