The Times of India

Lucknow Super Giants are poised for a significant shake-up after a dismal IPL 2026 season. Global director Tom Moody acknowledged the team's failure to meet expectations, citing leadership challenges and hinting at major changes. Rishabh Pant's captaincy and batting form have come under scrutiny, with the franchise considering a complete reset to regain its competitive edge.

After skipping the Gymnastics National Championships held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar earlier this month due to injury, Pranati Nayak came back strong to win silver in the vault event at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Saturday.

All Ancy Sojan wanted coming into the long jump event at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition was to be cautious and avoid foul jumps. She not only did that but also bettered her personal best and the meet record, leaping 6.75m to win gold at Birsa Munda Stadium, Morabadi, here on Friday.

Shreyas Iyer's maiden IPL century, an unbeaten 101, powered Punjab Kings to a crucial seven-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants. This stellar knock, featuring a 140-run partnership, kept PBKS's playoff hopes alive and marked a historic achievement for Iyer as a captain. The victory ended a six-match losing streak for Punjab.

Arjun Tendulkar impressed on his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants with figures of 4-0-36-1 against Punjab Kings, including the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh. Proud father Sachin Tendulkar shared a rare emotional message, praising Arjuns patience, hard work, and attitude after waiting all season for an opportunity in IPL 2026.

Actor Ram Charan went viral after mistakenly mentioning football while praising Jasprit Bumrah at Peddis music launch in Bhopal. He later apologised, calling it a genuine human error. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed Bumrah battled an injury during IPL 2026 but said the pacer has regained rhythm and confidence in recent matches.

IPL 2026's league stage culminates in a thrilling finale with one playoff spot undecided. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans lead, while Sunrisers Hyderabad secure third. Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings vie for the final berth. Super Sunday's matches will determine which two dreams end and one advances.

Shreyas Iyer's maiden IPL century powered Punjab Kings to a crucial seven-wicket victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Head coach Ricky Ponting lauded Iyer's leadership and temperament, highlighting his significant investment in the player. The win, ending a six-match losing streak, now sees PBKS await other results to determine their playoff fate.

Punjab Kings ended a six-match losing streak with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Captain Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten century, supported by Prabhsimran Singh's quickfire 69. This win propels Punjab to fourth place, but their playoff qualification still depends on other match outcomes. Lucknow had earlier posted 196/6 thanks to Josh Inglis and Ayush Badoni.

Punjab Kings reignited their IPL 2026 playoff aspirations with a vital victory, ending a six-match losing streak. Captain Shreyas Iyer's maiden century propelled PBKS to fourth place. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the top spot despite a loss, joined in the playoffs by Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The race for the final playoff berth intensifies.

Indian athletics achieved historic milestones at the National Senior Federation Competition. Gurindervir Singh set a new men's 100m national record. Vishal TK became the first Indian to finish the 400m race in under 45 seconds. Tejaswin Shankar also made history by exceeding 8000 points in decathlon. These performances mark significant achievements for Indian athletes.

Arjun Tendulkar made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings, bowling his first over immediately after the Powerplay and impressing with his line and length. He also remained unbeaten on five runs as LSG posted 196/6. Josh Inglis and Ayush Badoni were key contributors with the bat for LSG.

Mumbai Indians have signed Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir as injury replacements. Quinton de Kock and Raj Angad Bawa are out due to injuries. Lomror is an experienced all-rounder while Ahir is a wicketkeeper-batter. The team aims to finish the season positively despite playoff elimination. They face Rajasthan Royals next.

Arshdeep Singh endured a costly spell, conceding 52 runs in three overs, setting an unwanted PBKS record. Lucknow Super Giants posted 196, driven by Josh Inglis's aggressive 72 and Ayush Badoni's quickfire 43. Despite early setbacks, LSG's strong batting performance, including contributions from Rishabh Pant and Abdul Samad, secured a competitive total.

Jacob Bethell's IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been cut short due to a finger injury, raising concerns for England's upcoming Test series against New Zealand. The young batter, who impressed in the Ashes, will return home for assessment, leaving his availability for the Lord's Test uncertain. England's medical team will monitor his recovery.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant apologized to fans for a disappointing IPL 2026 season, as his team, already out of playoff contention, faced Punjab Kings. Pant acknowledged the tough campaign, promising a 100% effort in their final league match. Punjab Kings, needing a win to stay alive, opted to bowl first.

Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene assures Rohit Sharma is 100% fit despite injury concerns, clarifying his 'Impact Player' role was for team strategy. He also addressed Jasprit Bumrah's initial struggles, attributing them to a World Cup niggle and fatigue, but confirmed Bumrah's strong comeback. Hardik Pandya's tough season was also acknowledged.

Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl against Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL 2026 match. Punjab needs a win to stay in contention for the playoffs. Lucknow aims to finish the season strongly. Both teams have made changes to their lineups. The match is vital for Punjab's playoff aspirations.

Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed Jasprit Bumrah battled a niggle from the T20 World Cup into IPL 2026, impacting his performance. Despite a slow start, Bumrah regained pace and sharpness in later games, though the team's campaign ended early. Jayawardene emphasized Bumrah's strong work ethic and recovery.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have recalled their players from the Indian national team. This decision comes ahead of the Unity Cup, scheduled from May 26-30. A club insider cited concerns over matches falling outside the FIFA international window amid worries about potential player injuries and associated costs.

Delhi High Court has permitted star wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in Asian Games trials, criticizing the Wrestling Federation of India's rigid policy that penalizes athletes returning from maternity leave. The court emphasized fairness, allowing Phogat's participation and ordering transparent, supervised selection proceedings to uphold the sport's integrity and justice.

Rajasthan's 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, an Impact Player, faces scrutiny from former India players for not fielding. Assistant coach Trevor Penny defends the decision, citing Sooryavanshi's fielding skills and the strategy to keep him fresh for his explosive batting, which has impressed many.

Cricket's playing conditions may see significant shifts. The ICC is exploring a switch to pink balls in Tests during rain-affected matches under lights, requiring mutual consent. Head coaches could join players on the field during ODI drinks breaks. T20 innings breaks might shorten, and umpires may gain HawkEye access for bowling action checks. These proposals await ICC Board approval.

Cricket's playing conditions may see significant shifts. The ICC is exploring a switch to pink balls in Tests during rain-affected matches under lights, requiring mutual consent. Head coaches could join players on the field during ODI drinks breaks. T20 innings breaks might shorten, and umpires may gain HawkEye access for bowling action checks. These proposals await ICC Board approval.

The IPL 2026 playoff race intensifies as Punjab Kings face a must-win game against Lucknow Super Giants. Even with a victory, their qualification hinges on the outcomes of Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Delhi Capitals matches. Punjab Kings need specific results to advance without relying on net run rate.

Rachin Ravindra returns home from IPL early. He feels ready for New Zealand's Test matches in Ireland and England. Ravindra gained valuable insights from top players like Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli. He believes these conversations and training sessions have prepared him for challenging conditions. The experience has boosted his confidence for the upcoming red-ball assignments.

The AIFF General Body has delegated the finalisation of commercial rights deals to the Executive Committee, empowering it to discuss and deliberate on bids from FanCode and Genius Sports. While the AIFF favours Genius Sports' offer of Rs 64.4 crore annually, ISL clubs have raised concerns about their financial interests and are reviewing their league commitment.

Lucknow Super Giants will be without their star opener Mitchell Marsh for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Marsh has departed for Pakistan's ODI series, leaving LSG without their leading run-scorer. This match is crucial for PBKS's playoff hopes, as they need a win and favorable results elsewhere.

Young LSG talent Mukul Choudhary revealed Virat Kohli's valuable advice on handling pressure and finishing T20 games. Kohli emphasized that consistent match-finishing, not just power-hitting, defines a top player, especially during difficult chases. This insight has significantly impacted Choudhary's approach to batting.

Irfan Pathan commented on the Virat Kohli-Travis Head on-field spat, stating Kohli embraces an Australian-style intensity. The exchange, which saw Kohli ignore Head during the post-match handshake, occurred during a high-pressure IPL match where Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Ian Nepomniachtchi criticised reigning world champion D Gukesh for inconsistent performances, saying nearly every top GM currently has a strong chance against him. Nepomniachtchi also backed Javokhir Sindarov as favourite for their 2026 World Championship clash, citing his strong form and higher rating. Gukesh, meanwhile, has taken a break from classical chess to prepare for his title defence.

IPL 2026 playoffs are set to be exciting. Gujarat Titans hold a statistical edge to win the title. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished first but history favors second-placed teams. Sunrisers Hyderabad face a tough Eliminator route. The final stages promise intense competition for the coveted IPL trophy.

Song Yadong has openly spoken about his mission to become Chinas first male UFC champion, a goal that sits alongside Zhang Weilis success as part of a larger ambition for Chinese MMA. Headlining UFC Fight Night in Macau on May 30 against Deiveson Figueiredo represents both a homecoming and an audition.

Zee Entertainment is making a significant comeback into sports broadcasting, planning to launch seven new channels under the 'Unite8 Sports' brand. This strategic move coincides with the ongoing negotiations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights in India, a major event where pricing disagreements have stalled a deal.

Aravindh Chithambaram recently became the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup after winning at DreamHack Atlanta. Raised by his mother and grandparents after losing his father at age three, Aravindh discovered chess through his grandfather. With strong family support and guidance from coach RB Ramesh, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a national champion and elite player.

Daniel Vettori reflects on SRHs strong IPL 2026 campaign after RCB clash

Andy Flower explains how RCB conquered the IPL 2026 league stage

Akash Maharaj Singhs viral chit celebration became one of IPL 2026s most debated moments, drawing criticism, trolling and even mockery from fellow cricketers. But behind the celebration was years of frustration, waiting and perseverance across four IPL franchises. From taking 10 wickets in an innings as a teenager to finally earning his chance at LSG, this is the emotional story behind Akashs moment in the spotlight.

CSK IPL 2026 season analysis: How it all fell apart, AGAIN!

Indian Super League clubs have urged the AIFF to delay a decision on commercial rights, seeking collaborative engagement. They oppose a long-term deal with Genius Sports, proposing a club-led model instead. Clubs cite a lack of financial projections and safeguards, with some facing potential shutdowns. The AIFF General Body will discuss proposals today.

Tempers flared between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during an IPL 2026 match, escalating into a post-match handshake snub. After a verbal exchange on the field, Kohli notably ignored Head's outstretched hand during the customary greetings, despite warmly acknowledging other SRH players.

Michael Vaughan has advised Jacob Bethell to return to England from the IPL due to injury concerns and limited playing time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Vaughan believes Bethell should prioritize his recovery and England's upcoming Test series against New Zealand, especially with a national training camp starting soon.

Former tennis star Sania Mirza believes Jannik Sinner is the clear favourite for the mens singles title at the French Open, especially with Carlos Alcaraz out of contention. In the womens draw, she called the competition very open and backed Mirra Andreeva as a potential surprise champion. Mirza also said Novak Djokovic remains a dangerous contender despite his age and recent Grand Slam struggles.

Yashasvi Jaiswals omission from Indias ODI squad for the Afghanistan series has slipped under the radar. Despite scoring an unbeaten century in his last ODI appearance and playing a key role in reshaping Indias aggressive T20 batting approach after the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 24-year-old has quietly gone out of contention in both formats. With no spot in the India A squad either, Jaiswal finds himself in an unusual limbo despite being regarded as an all-format player and one of Indias brightest

Celebrations Continue For East Bengal A Day After Winning The ISL

Joe Root expressed immense admiration for Sachin Tendulkar's record Test run tally, acknowledging the impossibility of ignoring conversations about surpassing it. Despite nearing the milestone, Root prioritizes continuous batting improvement over statistical achievements, aiming to play instinctively in matches.

Uttarakhands Deepak Bhatt won the mens 10,000m race at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi with a personal-best time of 29:42.93. Karnatakas Shivaji Parashuram collapsed from dehydration after finishing second and was later disqualified for stepping outside track limits. Harsh weather conditions saw eight athletes fail to finish. In the womens event, Maharashtras Ravina Gayakwad claimed gold with a timing of 35:30.98.

Kerala-born footballer Jobby Justin played a key role in Diamond Harbour FCs promotion to the Indian Super League after winning the IFL title. The club, formed in 2020, impressed under coach Kibu Vicunas attacking style. Justin, now captain, praised the teams never-say-die spirit after a dramatic season. After years in Kolkata football, he now calls the city his home away from home.

The IPL 2026 playoff race intensifies with four teams vying for the final spot. Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a win but missed a top-two finish. Rajasthan Royals are frontrunners, needing a win against Mumbai Indians. Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals face uphill battles, requiring specific results and strong Net Run Rates to qualify.