The Times of India

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have claimed the IPL 2026 top spot after a dominant win over Lucknow Super Giants. With four wins from five, RCB now lead the table on net run rate, showcasing strong early-season form. Punjab Kings remain the sole unbeaten team, while a congested middle pack sees several teams tied on points.

Veteran bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, alongside Rasikh Dar, spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru's dominant bowling performance, bundling Lucknow Super Giants for 146 in Bengaluru. Despite a brief wobble, RCB secured a five-wicket victory, extending their unbeaten home run. Virat Kohli's quickfire 49 laid the foundation for the successful chase.

R Vaishali won the 2026 Womens Candidates with 8.5/14, earning 28,000 plus 2,200 per half-point, taking her total beyond 40,000. Her victory also secures a World Championship clash against Ju Wenjun, offering bigger prize money and global recognition in the next stage.

R Vaishali created history by winning the 2026 Womens Candidates, earning the right to challenge Chinas reigning champion Ju Wenjun for the Womens World Chess Championship crown. She beat Kateryna Lagno in the final round after Divya Deshmukh held Bibisara Assaubayeva to a draw. Vaishali now faces reigning champion Ju Wenjun and is guaranteed 28,000 plus additional bonuses.

Skipper Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field after a painful elbow blow during Lucknow Super Giants match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday. Struggling against Josh Hazlewood, Pant was hit by a short ball and walked off in pain, with Nicholas Pooran replacing him, disrupting LSGs early momentum.

Rohit Sharma is set to miss Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings due to a recurring hamstring injury sustained against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. MI said he is being assessed. Rohit retired hurt in that match, and his absence adds to MIs struggles after three straight defeats this season.

RCB batter Virat Kohli was left out of RCBs starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants due to an ankle injury but remained available as an Impact Player. Captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first, while Rishabh Pant stayed confident. RCB brought in Josh Hazlewood as both teams looked to gain momentum.

Sahibzada Farhan said his favourite sixes came against India in the Asia Cup, where he hit three off Jasprit Bumrah. Despite his effort, India, led by Suryakumar Yadav and finished by Tilak Varma, won. Farhan credited confidence from attacking top bowlers but faced backlash for a controversial celebration, despite strong recent form.

Ben Stokes described a training incident that broke his cheekbone as a pretty nasty but ultimately fortunate event, stating he feels quite lucky to be alive. The injury delayed his return to cricket, forcing a reassessment of his fitness plan. Stokes also dismissed speculation about his working relationship with Brendon McCullum, emphasising their shared goal for the team.

Exclusive: Javokhir Sindarov won the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, earning a World Championship match against D Gukesh. Germany No. 1 Vincent Keymer praised his aggressive and fearless style of play. It was easy for him to lose the first game, said Keymer as Uzbek prodigy sealed the title with a round to spare.

Denmark's two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, 32, has retired due to persistent back issues, ending a dominant era in badminton. His career, marked by two Olympic golds and two World Championship titles, redefined the sport's physical standards. Axelsen's influence extended globally, particularly in China, where he connected with fans in Mandarin.

India's T20 World Cup stars Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel have joined NADA's Registered Testing Pool for 2026, replacing Smriti Mandhana and Shreyas Iyer. This elite list of 348 athletes, including prominent cricketers, track and field stars, and Olympians, ensures rigorous anti-doping checks. NADA's updated roster underscores its commitment to fair play across all sports.

Former India pacer Munaf Patel has voiced strong concerns about India's cricketing ecosystem, urging reforms at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and domestic structure. He criticized the NCA's focus on rehabilitation over holistic development and highlighted the lack of a strong feeder pathway, advocating for strengthened grassroots infrastructure.

Bombay Sport Exchange: Munaf Patel on Gautam Gambhir, Virat vs Bumrah & Indian bowling.

Munaf Patel called Jasprit Bumrah a superstar but said his popularity still lags behind Virat Kohlis. He also flagged Indias fast-bowling gap, noting 140+ kmph pacers get priority while others are overlooked, and stressed the need for better scientific training to develop genuine pace bowlers.

Just remember this, if a head coach like Gautam Gambhir is removed, then handling the players will become very difficult. He is a genuine person; he calls the truth as it is and many people dont like that, Munaf said while speaking on TOI Sports' Bombay Sport Exchange Podcast.

Lucknow Super Giants are set to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in what promises to be a high-octane IPL clash, with a potential major boost in the form of pace sensation Mayank Yadavs return.

Noor delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 3/21 in four overs as Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 match on Tuesday. He played a key role in breaking the middle order as Kolkata lost control of the chase.

Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov delivered a dominant, unbeaten performance to win the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus with a round to spare, finishing on 9.5 points. The 20-year-olds victory sets up a World Championship clash against Indias D Gukesh, creating the youngest-ever title matchup in chess history.

The 2026 Wisden Cricketers Almanack, being published on Thursday, says that the games previous USP as a refuge from realpolitik has been poisoned by the growing politicisation of the sport under Indias Orwellian influence.

Sakib Hussain, a young cricketer from Bihar, made a remarkable IPL debut, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs. His journey from poverty, where his mother sold jewelry for his cricket spikes, highlights his resilience. Hussain's talent and determination, despite financial struggles, have propelled him to the big stage, with aspirations to reach 150 kph next season.

Noor Ahmad's stellar bowling performance, including crucial wickets of Rahane, Green, and Rinku Singh, powered Chennai Super Kings to a commanding victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK's dominance in both batting and bowling Powerplays, highlighted by Ayush Mhatre's explosive cameo, set the stage for their second consecutive win.

In the match, Noor Ahmad returned figures of 3/21 as Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs to register their second win in a row.

Defending champions RCB, boasting the IPL's top batting lineup, clash with Lucknow Super Giants' economical bowling attack today. RCB, third in the standings, aims to continue their high-scoring spree, while seventh-placed LSG seeks a turnaround. Expect a run-fest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as these contrasting teams battle it out.

Barcelona took an early lead through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres inside the first 24 minutes. However, Ademola Lookman scored for Atletico, which proved enough after their 2-0 win in the first leg.

In the running for the title, there are three contenders: Indias Vaishali Rameshbabu, Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva, and Chinas Zhu Jiner. Vaishali and Bibisara currently lead with 7.5/13 points, followed by Jiner on 7/13. The math is simple yet somewhat disquieting. If Vaishali and Bibisara both win their final games, they head into a tie-break on Thursday.

Shehzad pointed to questions asked to Kusal Mendis, who is currently playing in the PSL.

CSK, going through a transition, came into the match after a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals and followed it up with another win to move up to eighth place in the points table.

KKR have endured a tough season so far and are currently languishing at the bottom of the standings. In five matches, they are yet to register a win, with four losses and one no result. With just one point and a net run rate of -1.383, KKR have significant ground to cover in the coming games.

Kolkata Knight Riders slumped to a 32-run loss against Chennai Super Kings, exposing flaws in their batting approach and planning. Noor Ahmads spell triggered a collapse, while Rahanes slow innings hurt the chase. Earlier, CSK posted 192/5 with key contributions from Samson, Mhatre and Brevis, before controlling the game with disciplined bowling.

Javokhir Sindarov clinched the FIDE Candidates 2026 title with a round to spare after an unbeaten run, sealing qualification for the World Championship with a draw against Anish Giri. The Uzbek GM showed consistency throughout, starting with a win over Andrey Esipenko and maintaining control with key draws. He will now face reigning champion D Gukesh for the title.

Virat Kohli was spotted training with his left knee heavily strapped ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Despite a recent ankle niggle, Kohli displayed good form in the nets, easing fitness concerns. He has been in stellar form this season, amassing 179 runs in four matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders players wore black armbands during their IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings to mourn the passing of former India cricketer C. D. Gopinath. Gopinath was a member of India's first-ever Test-winning team and a significant figure in early Indian cricket history.

Vidarbhas pacer Praful Hinge and Bihars Sakib Hussain scripted history with four wickets each on IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals. Their efforts bowled RR out for 159 in a 57-run win. Coaches praised their potential, highlighting strong domestic performances, while stressing the need for consistency going forward.

Lucknow Super Giants, facing early IPL struggles, look to M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a potential turning point for their batting, especially Nicholas Pooran. Global director Tom Moody expressed confidence in the unit, highlighting the return of pacers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, and praising Mohammed Shami's impactful bowling.

MS Dhoni's absence continues to be felt by CSK fans as he missed another IPL 2026 match due to a calf strain. Despite batting in the nets, the veteran is still recovering and has not yet regained full match fitness. The team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is focused on finding the right combination and consistency.

Sunrisers Hyderabad may soon welcome back star pacer Pat Cummins, who is set to undergo a fitness test in Australia on Wednesday. If cleared, Cummins is expected to join the squad by April 17, significantly strengthening their bowling attack for the latter half of the tournament.

Mohsin Naqvi faced backlash after claiming India was facing fuel shortages, despite Pakistans own energy crisis. His remarks came as PSL 2026 matches are held without crowds due to fuel and security issues. With prices rising over 40%, Pakistani people criticised his comments on social nedia, pointing out stable fuel conditions in India and questioning his claims.

Debutant pacers Hinge and Hussain picked four wickets each as Sunrisers Hyderabad ended table-toppers Rajasthan Royals winning streak in emphatic fashion. On a surface where the odd ball held up, Kishan struck eight fours and six sixes in a blistering 44-ball 91 to power SRH to 216/6. Anything full and wide was punished through the off side with ease, while short balls were dispatched with authority, helping the skipper bring up his 19th IPL fifty.

Harika Dronavalli clarified viral handshake incident with Nodirbek Yakubboev, saying there was no disrespect. He had pre-informed her he cannot do handshakes due to religious beliefs, and her instinctive resignation gesture caused confusion. She urged social media not to blame him. Similar past incidents exist with Vaishali Rameshbabu. Harika stressed mutual respect and focus on chess, despite controversy overshadowing results.

Debut sensation Praful Hinge etched his name in IPL history by claiming three wickets in the opening over against Rajasthan Royals. His remarkable spell, finishing with 4/34, propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a dominant 57-run victory. Following the win, Hinge recreated a Mohammed Siraj-style video, humorously clarifying his official social media presence.

Four years after Shane Warnes sudden death, his son Jackson Warne has suggested COVID-19 vaccines may have contributed, while acknowledging underlying health issues. Speaking on a podcast, he recalled his initial anger and belief that external pressures led to multiple doses, revisiting the circumstances surrounding the spin legends passing.

Sanju Samson has been named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March after his stellar performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup knockout stages. Starting on the bench, Samson delivered crucial match-winning scores, including an unbeaten 97 and two 89s, to help India secure the title and earn him Player of the Tournament.

PCB banned Muzarabani from the PSL for two years. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement, PCB said in a statement, as cited by the Cricbuzz.

Kolkata Knight Riders face early season struggles. The team seeks its first win, with a single point from a rain-affected match. Both batting and bowling units need improvement. Sunil Narine's batting position and Ajinkya Rahane's leadership are under discussion. Cameron Green and Finn Allen are yet to deliver impactful performances.

Loss For Either Team Can Finish Hopes Of A Top-Four Finish

In a nation where only four women have ever earned the GM title, 35-year-old Harika remains one of its most enduring pillars. As her compatriots prepare for the traditional grind of World Championship cycles, Harika has qualified for the inaugural FIDE Womens Freestyle Chess World Championship, which is set to take place next year.

Riyan Parag on RRs loss vs SRH, pitch &baseless comparisons