The Times of India

Kevin Pietersen unveiled his all-time IPL XI, notably excluding stars like Rohit Sharma. He lauded Yuzvendra Chahal, calling his release by RCB the league's worst decision. Pietersen's XI featured Gayle, Kohli, de Villiers, Raina, Dhoni, Russell, Jadeja, Narine, Chahal, Malinga, and Bumrah, prioritising impact over strict overseas limits.

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 14-year-old batting sensation, faces a crucial IPL 2026 season. Following a stellar Under-19 World Cup, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlights the importance of this phase for the young prodigy. Pathan believes opposition teams are closely analyzing Sooryavanshi's game, making this season a significant learning curve for him to evolve and prove his mettle.

Chennai Super Kings gear up for IPL 2026 with a new look, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. A blockbuster trade brings Sanju Samson aboard, while young talents like Ayush Mhatre and Kartik Sharma are set to shine. Despite Nathan Ellis's injury, CSK boasts a balanced squad, aiming for a record sixth title.

The Times of India Sports Awards 2025 showcased a grand celebration of Indian sporting excellence, bringing together top athletes, legends, and officials under one roof. The event highlighted outstanding achievements across disciplines, honouring dedication, performance, and resilience. With inspiring moments and recognition of emerging and established stars alike, it reflected Indias growing stature in global sports and its deep talent pool.

Robin Uthappa predicts IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni's final season with CSK, suggesting a shift to a mentor-cum-player role. Dhoni's 2025 season saw him step in as captain due to Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, while continuing his wicketkeeping excellence, reaching 200 dismissals.

During the T20 World Cup, Green scored 24 runs in three innings with a highest score of 21. He bowled three overs across two matches and picked up one wicket. In a recent Sheffield Shield match for Western Australia against New South Wales, where he scored a century, he did not bowl.

Smriti Mandhana and Samrat Rana were crowned Sportspersons of the Year at the TOISA awards for their stellar 2025 performances. Mandhana led India to their maiden Women's Cricket World Cup title, while pistol shooter Rana became India's first 10m air pistol world champion, clinching two golds. The event celebrated a landmark year for Indian sports.

England's Ashes campaign faced intense scrutiny over dressing-room culture, with allegations of indiscipline and a lack of seriousness. Despite initial setbacks and off-field controversies, Brendon McCullum's job was saved by a decisive shift in approach during the Sri Lanka tour and subsequent World Cup progress. However, lingering questions remain about the team's ability to perform under pressure.

At the Times of India Sports Awards 2025, Kuldeep Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur won Cricketer of the Year. Spinner Kuldeep impressed with match-winning spin performances, while batter Harmanpreet led with aggressive captaincy and consistency. The awards reflected Indian crickets strong 2025, with both teams achieving success and rising global dominance.

At the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 in Lucknow, Prasad Sanyal highlighted the events growth into a national movement celebrating athletes journeys. Emphasising the theme More Sweat More Glory, he praised dedication behind success and lauded para-athletes resilience. He also acknowledged Uttar Pradeshs rising sports culture and an eminent jury.

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The ceremony in Lucknow recognised athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, honouring performances during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Mumbai Indians edge out Chennai Super Kings as the IPL's greatest team, highlighting MI's significant contribution of match-winners to the Indian squad. Pathan also noted that the upcoming IPL season will be a crucial learning phase for young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who faces increased scrutiny from opposition bowlers.

India's Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna secured semifinal berths at the Indian Open Squash Championship, guaranteeing a national presence in the final. Top seed Anahat dominated her quarterfinal, while Tanvi staged an impressive upset. Local favorite Joshna Chinappa, however, was eliminated by Egypt's Nadien El Hammamy.

Earlier, Harshit Rana was also ruled out of the season due to the injury that he had sustained during a warm-up match ahead of the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson's humility shone as he joined MS Dhoni at a CSK event, declining to sign a bat until Dhoni encouraged him. Fresh off a T20 World Cup win, Samson expressed excitement about learning from Dhoni and playing for CSK, anticipating an emotional opening match against his former team, Rajasthan Royals.

Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub will fuel a stellar IPL 2026, urging him to boost his strike rate. Pujara hails Gujarat Titans' formidable top order, featuring Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler, as key to their title aspirations. He also highlights the team's all-round depth and potent pace attack.

Despite a shaky start with three consecutive ducks at the T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek Sharma found support from childhood friend Shubman Gill. Sharma humorously recounted seeking Gill's bat after his struggles. He later bounced back spectacularly, scoring a match-winning 52 in the final, helping India secure their third T20 World Cup title.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru kick off their IPL 2026 title defence on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli, fresh from practice, urged his team to maintain intensity for another successful campaign. Head coach Andy Flower expressed confidence in the squad, while Kohli eyes becoming the first to score 9,000 IPL runs.

Hardik Pandya once again named domestic legend Wasim Jaffer as his idol at the Naman Awards, recalling their first meeting at an Irfan Pathan dinner in 2014-15. Pandya, then an emerging talent, expressed his admiration for Jaffer's batting style. Jaffer, who amassed nearly 20,000 first-class runs, acknowledged Pandya's continued respect.

Cristiano Ronaldo misses Portugal's pre-World Cup friendlies due to a hamstring injury, though coach Roberto Martinez assures his World Cup participation is not at risk. Bernardo Silva is also absent for technical reasons. Portugal prepares for upcoming matches against Mexico and the USA, with Ronaldo aiming for his sixth World Cup appearance.

Former Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten cited excessive interference from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the primary reason for his abrupt departure after just six months. He described the constant external noise and punitive actions around poor performance as a significant challenge, making it difficult to implement plans or build relationships with players.

India is set to tour Ireland for a two-match T20I series in June 2026. Both matches will be held in Belfast, with the first game on June 26 and the second on June 28. This marks India's return to the Belfast venue after a significant gap.

India's sporting elite converges in Lucknow for the Times of India Sports Awards, honouring a decade of excellence and the past year's achievements. The prestigious event, attended by legends and led by a distinguished jury, celebrates athletes across over 45 categories, including a significant focus on para-sports, recognizing outstanding performances and emerging talents who have made the nation proud.

Kolkata Knight Riders' new head coach Abhishek Nayar anticipates a season of opportunities, leveraging a strong leadership group including Dwayne Bravo and Shane Watson. The team aims to finalize combinations, with Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh expected to step up. KKR awaits medical updates on pacer Harshit Rana and Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has retired from the BCCI commentary panel. He cited a lack of opportunities for toss and presentation ceremonies over two decades. Sivaramakrishnan indicated this was a long-standing pattern. He also suggested colour discrimination might be a factor. His retirement highlights issues within TV production. Sivaramakrishnan was a prominent leg-spinner in the 1980s.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face a crucial IPL season, their most visible audition for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With shrinking game-time and increasing selector pragmatism, this tournament is a fitness and form test. They must prove their present-day relevance and endurance to secure a spot, as reputation alone won't suffice for the demanding ODI format.

Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi's blistering 103* in a KKR intra-squad match has created a selection headache for the team. With a revamped squad featuring new overseas stars, head coach Abhishek Nayar faces the challenge of finalising combinations for their IPL 2026 campaign opener against Mumbai Indians on March 29.

At an IPL 2026 press event, Dwayne Bravo made a joking remark caught on live mic, creating an awkward moment. Ajinkya Rahane quickly intervened, warning about the recording. The clip went viral, amusing fans, while Kolkata Knight Riders removed the video to avoid controversy ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians.

Batter Shreyas Iyer overcame a severe spleen injury that caused major weight loss, working hard to regain fitness and return to cricket. Now leading Punjab Kings, he is focused on winning the IPL 2026 title. Emphasising teamwork and bonding, Iyer and Arshdeep Singh remain confident about delivering a strong season.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have retained a strong core of 17 players for IPL 2026, entering the season as titleholders for the first time. The predicted playing XI features a blend of established stars and new additions, with Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar (C) leading the charge.

As IPL 2026 approaches, AB de Villiers reflected on his early impressions of Virat Kohli. Initially put off by Kohlis cockiness, De Villiers realised it mirrored his own competitive drive. Over time, mutual respect grew, and a chance encounter during a Test match laid the foundation for their legendary RCB partnership, turning initial tension into one of crickets most iconic bromances.

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave ranked R Praggnanandhaa in B tier for the Candidates, calling it a hot take based on recent form. Despite strong 2025 performances, he cited six months of inconsistent results, saying, Its harsh Pragg would have been at S tier. He added, Its been 6 months and his form has really not been great.

Kolkata Knight Riders face an early IPL 2026 challenge with pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Harshit Rana sidelined by injuries. Coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed Pathirana's absence for the initial phase. Mentor Dwayne Bravo, however, expressed confidence in India's fast-bowling depth, mentioning Umran Malik as a potential replacement, and lauded the team's formidable spin attack.

Andre Russell's IPL journey with KKR has concluded after he went unsold in the 2026 mini-auction. Head coach Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence in Indian talents Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh to fill the void left by the explosive all-rounder. Russell leaves behind a remarkable legacy of match-winning performances for the franchise.

Kolkata Knight Riders will be without Matheesha Pathirana for the initial phase of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain and ongoing rehabilitation. Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed the pacer is expected to be match-fit by mid-April, acknowledging the significant blow to the team. The franchise is actively evaluating replacement options to fill the void.

RCB have begun IPL 2026 preparations, but Yash Dayals absence has raised concerns. The bowler hasnt joined the squad or appeared in team updates, despite being retained. Last seen in the 2025 IPL final, he has been out of action since, with even officials reportedly unable to contact him, leaving his participation uncertain.

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal's upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Coach Roberto Martinez confirmed a minor hamstring injury. Ronaldo is expected back in one to two weeks. This is Portugal's final chance to experiment before naming the World Cup squad. The team will face Mexico and the United States in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Irfan Pathan feels Virat Kohlis shift to fewer formats after retiring from Tests could affect his T20 rhythm, especially after breaks. While Kohli remains in top form, adapting to an aggressive T20 role may be challenging. Pathan also noted Kohlis attacking approach was key to RCBs 2025 title and will be crucial again.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will now issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for IPL 2026 participation solely based on players passing mandatory physical performance tests. Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis have received their NOCs after clearing the tests. Others, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, will undergo testing post-rehabilitation from injuries.

KKR face a major setback as Harshit Rana is ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury, with coach Abhishek Nayar admitting hell be hard to replace. Matheesha Pathiranas fitness is also uncertain. However, captain Ajinkya Rahane backed Varun Chakravarthy to bounce back, as KKR test bowling options ahead of the new season.

AB de Villiers expressed frustration with IPL batting comparisons, particularly between middle-order players and openers. He argued that openers have a significant advantage due to fielding restrictions and favorable conditions, making their stats unfairly inflated. De Villiers believes this setup is tough on bowlers and even leads to lucky boundaries for batters.

Irfan Pathan left MS Dhoni out of his CSK XI for IPL 2026, saying his limited lower-order role doesnt benefit the team. He suggested Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6 instead, unless Dhoni bats more. Pathans squad includes new faces, reflecting CSKs rebuild after poor seasons, with the upcoming campaign crucial for defining Dhonis future role.

Former India international Aditi Chauhan calls Indias Asia Cup campaign a mix of promise and reality check, praising emerging talent while highlighting structural flaws. She stresses better preparation, a stronger league and overseas exposure as key to bridging the gap with Asias best and turning World Cup qualification from ambition into a realistic goal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show in Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 practice, smashing Ravindra Jadeja for a six off his first ball despite saying he hadnt slept well. Jadejas amused reaction went viral. After a poor 2025 season, RR hope such moments signal a turnaround, with new additions and young talents boosting confidence ahead of the campaign.

India Women are set for a challenging tour of South Africa, featuring a one-off Test from December 20-23 in Gqeberha and a three-match ODI series from December 9-15. This rare Test encounter, only the fourth between the sides, follows a T20I series earlier in the year. The tour aims to boost women's cricket growth.

The IPL 2026 season kicks off on March 28, with franchises finalizing their overseas player combinations. Teams are strategically selecting key international talents to bolster their squads, aiming for strong starts amidst injury concerns and last-minute withdrawals. Overseas stars will be pivotal in shaping team performances throughout the tournament.

New Zealand beat South Africa by eight wickets in the third T20, chasing 137 with ease. Tom Lathams unbeaten 63 and Devon Conways 39 led the way after bowlers restricted South Africa to 136. The visitors struggled despite a late fightback, while New Zealands calm approach secured a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

For over a decade, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were RCBs heartbeat, yet an IPL trophy eluded them. De Villiers reflected that their shared naughty trait, wanting to win too much, was both their strength and downfall, making losses feel personal. Their intense competitiveness forged legendary partnerships but came with heavy emotional tolls, highlighting the fine line between passion and pressure.