The Times of India

Suresh Raina, affectionately known as 'Mr. IPL', was inducted into the Chennai Super Kings Hall of Fame, celebrating his significant contributions to the franchise's four title wins. Fans cheered as he received the honour, with MS Dhoni's wife adding a personal touch by calling him 'Gracia ke papa'. Raina's remarkable IPL career includes 5,528 runs in 205 matches.

Hardik Pandya & Kieron Pollard Address MI Fans in Aamchi Mumbai

Anna Muzychuk will play in the Cyprus Candidates Tournament. Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy withdrew citing safety concerns. The tournament will decide challengers for world championship titles. Humpy's withdrawal is a setback for India. Other Indians participating include R Praggnanandhaa, R Vaishali, and Divya Deshmukh. FIDE confirmed Muzychuk's inclusion.

Sanju Samson transitions to Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026. He recently played a key role in India's T20 World Cup 2026 victory. Samson shared a memorable moment with MS Dhoni and Muttiah Muralitharan during a CSK event. India won their third T20 World Cup title. CSK begins their IPL 2026 season against Rajasthan Royals.

Fans eagerly await MS Dhoni's IPL future, with many hoping he continues beyond 2026. When questioned about retirement, the former CSK captain offered a subtle hint, stating, It is very difficult. It is on the way down, not on the way up. But I will try, sparking thunderous applause from the excited crowd.

Kuldeep Yadav reflects on India's consecutive T20 World Cup triumphs, calling it an incredible feeling. He highlights his father's encouragement as his career's biggest moment and was moved by Sanju Samson's crucial World Cup knock. Yadav is focused on taking wickets for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and gradually preparing for the ODI World Cup.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla revealed that Sourav Ganguly's iconic T-shirt twirl at Lord's in 2002 was initially intended as a team celebration. However, Sachin Tendulkar advised against it, deeming it inappropriate. Ganguly proceeded alone, creating a memorable cricketing moment after India's NatWest Trophy win.

Lucknow hosted the Times of India Sports Awards, celebrating Indian sporting royalty with glamour. Olympians, world champions, and para-athletes graced the red carpet. Hosts Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi kept the energy high, while candid moments with the women's cricket team and Taapsee Pannu added charm. The emotional highlight was para chess winner Vaibhav Gautam's standing ovation.

MS Dhoni's priceless reaction was captured as former CSK star Michael Hussey smashed a six during an exhibition match at Chepauk. The game, featuring ex-CSK players against the current squad, saw Hussey, now the batting coach, hit a big shot off Ruturaj Gaikwad's bowling, much to Dhoni's amusement. The event celebrated CSK's legacy with a crowd of enthusiastic fans.

Chennai Super Kings celebrated their legacy with a 'Roar' event, featuring past legends like Raina and Muralitharan in an exhibition match. Newcomer Sanju Samson impressed, sharing his excitement for the IPL season and his simple batting approach. The event also saw Raina and Hayden inducted into CSK's Hall of Fame.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes Arjun Tendulkar will face significant challenges securing a spot in the Lucknow Super Giants' playing XI due to the team's formidable pace attack. Ashwin also expressed doubt about LSG's playoff chances this season, predicting they will miss the top six.

Hardik Pandya revealed his journey from a dedicated batter to a top white-ball all-rounder, crediting Mumbai Indians' sharp scouting and his own relentless hard work. He emphasised the importance of adapting and body management for aspiring cricketers. Pandya expressed his ambition to lead MI to a record sixth IPL title, inspiring the next generation with his fearless approach.

Defending champions RCB boast a balanced squad on paper, with a potent top order and experienced bowling attack. However, potential rustiness from key players returning from breaks and the pressure of defending their title pose significant challenges. Strategic utilisation of their young domestic talent and all-rounders could be crucial for success.

Kolkata Knight Riders have reportedly signed Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for the injured Akash Deep for IPL 2026. The Vidarbha left-arm pacer, who previously trained with KKR, is yet to make his IPL debut. Dubey impressed in the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, showcasing his bowling prowess.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally clinched their maiden IPL title last year, but celebrations were tragically marred by a stadium stampede. After a nine-month hiatus and significant stadium upgrades, cricket returns to Chinnaswamy. RCB, now defending champions, face challenges with key player absences but aim for a balanced season, balancing title defence with future planning.

Sunil Gavaskar has criticized overseas players for missing early IPL 2026 matches, citing a pattern of taking franchise hospitality for granted. He urged franchises to adopt stricter policies, warning that late unavailability disrupts team planning and hinders title aspirations. This stance reflects growing concerns within the cricketing fraternity regarding player commitment.

Mumbai Indians, despite a star-studded lineup, face a captaincy dilemma ahead of IPL 2026. Former selector Kris Srikkanth suggests Suryakumar Yadav, fresh from leading India to T20 World Cup glory, could take over from Hardik Pandya to revitalize the team's fortunes. Srikkanth highlighted the unusual situation of multiple World Cup-winning captains playing under Pandya.

Abhishek Sharma faced early struggles in the T20 World Cup but bounced back to help India win. His friend Nehal Wadhera shared insights into Abhishek's talent and hard work. Wadhera also discussed his own IPL journey, learning from coaches like Ricky Ponting and playing under captains Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer. Punjab Kings aims for the title in IPL 2026.

Top Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has withdrawn from the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, prioritizing her personal safety and well-being. Citing security concerns despite assurances, Humpy's decision opens a spot for Anna Muzychuk. While India retains representation with R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, Humpy's withdrawal raises questions about potential FIDE penalties and impacts Indian chess.

Chennai Super Kings inducted Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into their inaugural Hall of Fame at the Roar26 fan event. Raina, 'Chinna Thala', was instrumental in four title wins and remains CSK's leading run-scorer. Hayden contributed to the 2010 IPL victory and was the first CSK player to win the Orange Cap.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Delhi Capitals' past struggles with talent identification, citing instances like letting go of AB de Villiers and Andre Russell, contributed to their title drought. In contrast, Punjab Kings' recent progress, marked by strong leadership, strategic auction buys like Shreyas Iyer, and improved squad depth, has propelled them towards success, reaching the IPL final.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez dismissed claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is solely focused on reaching 1,000 career goals. Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo's primary motivation remains team success, citing his selfless play and commitment to collective performance. The coach stated that Ronaldo's behavior with the national team is not driven by personal milestones.

CSK host fan engagement event at Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026

Cricket Australia's 2026-27 schedule presents a gruelling challenge, with 10 Tests in 14 weeks. A five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of India looms large for a senior Australian squad, many of whom have never won a series there. This demanding run includes a home series against England to mark a significant anniversary.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka is reportedly set to join the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran. This move follows a trend of players switching from the PSL to the IPL, highlighting the latter's prominence. Shanaka, who went unsold in the mini-auction, previously played for Gujarat Titans.

Is T20 ruining Indias test cricket?

Pakistan Super League 2026 will commence on March 26 behind closed doors due to regional tensions, with matches limited to Karachi and Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board cited government austerity measures, not security fears, for the decision. The tournament's opening ceremony has been canceled, and refunds will be issued to ticket holders.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant will bat at number three this IPL season. This move is crucial for his career and India's T20 plans. Pant aims to perform well after a costly auction. The team management supports this batting position. The squad is preparing for their opening match. Bowling improvements are noted, with Mayank Yadav returning.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's stand-in captain Ishan Kishan was playfully sent off by teammate Zeeshan Ansari during a practice game. Kishan, who is leading SRH in Pat Cummins' absence due to injury, responded sportingly to the leg-spinner's animated gesture. This incident occurs as Kishan takes on leadership duties following his stellar T20 World Cup performance.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Punjab Kings are finally heading in the right direction after making smart and bold auction decisions. The franchise showed renewed clarity in leadership and squad building, leading to a breakthrough IPL 2025 campaign where they reached the finals under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy revealed the severe online abuse he endured after testing positive for COVID-19 during the 2021 IPL, which led to the tournament's suspension. Fans directed hateful messages, including death wishes, towards him. Despite this traumatic experience, Chakravarthy has since become a key player for KKR and performed well in the recent T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli has debunked rumors about requesting chartered flights for travel between India and the UK during IPL 2026. The RCB icon dismissed the speculation with laughing emojis on Instagram. The IPL 2026 season begins March 28, with RCB defending their title.

Prithvi Shaw makes an emotional return to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 after being released and going unsold in the auction. He secured a Rs 75 lakh deal with his former franchise during the accelerated phase. Shaw expressed his joy at being back home, reflecting on his strong bond with the team and the stadium.

Kolkata Knight Riders face pace bowling woes for IPL 2026 with key players injured. Despite a massive auction spend, including record signing Cameron Green, the team's strategy is reshaped. The predicted XI features new faces and retained stars, with Umran Malik poised for an impact role in a bid for redemption.

Rishabh Pant faces immense pressure heading into IPL 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants. Bought for a record Rs 27 crore, Pant's batting form was underwhelming, and LSG failed to reach the playoffs. Former captain Faf du Plessis believes Pant's captaincy and batting performance are under the spotlight.

Mumbai Indians aim to end their IPL title drought in 2026, relying on superstar players to unite under Hardik Pandya's leadership. Despite a star-studded squad, the team must overcome past struggles and foster harmony to rediscover their winning formula and secure the championship.

The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) celebrated India's top athletes in Lucknow, honouring excellence and dedication. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented awards to sporting legends like Leander Paes and the women's World Cup-winning cricket team, recognizing their significant contributions to Indian sports.

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has vowed to bring home their sixth IPL title, addressing fans at a recent event. Meanwhile, former cricketer Irfan Pathan argues that MI edges out CSK as the greatest IPL team due to their significant contribution in producing top Indian cricketers.

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.