The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
ISL Highlights: Mohun Bagan Super Giants vs Odisha FC
Former England pacer Steve Harmison has cast doubt on Jos Buttler's continued motivation for international cricket following a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Buttler struggled significantly, scoring only 87 runs and failing to register a half-century. Harmison urged Buttler to self-reflect on his desire to continue, suggesting it might be time for a new generation if his passion wanes.
UEFA has fined Real Madrid 15,000 euros and ordered a partial stadium closure. This action follows a supporter's Nazi salute before a Champions League match. The club identified and removed the individual. Real Madrid condemned the gesture. The incident occurred before their match against Benfica. The Spanish club will face Manchester City next.
Team India's unconventional batting order paid dividends in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Shivam Dube's mature knock at number four, expertly handling spinner Adil Rashid, proved pivotal. His calculated approach, focusing on singles and punishing loose deliveries, eased pressure and set a strong foundation for India's commanding total against England.
West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein expressed frustration over the team's delayed return from India following their T20 World Cup exit, even jokingly asking Cristiano Ronaldo for a rescue. International travel disruptions due to escalating geopolitical tensions have impacted the squad's journey home, despite Cricket West Indies arranging a charter flight.
Kapil Dev lauded Jasprit Bumrah as the world's number one bowler after his crucial spell in India's T20 World Cup semi-final win over England. He also praised Sanju Samson's consistent batting. India now faces New Zealand in the final, aiming for multiple historic achievements.
Sanju Samson has become a key player for India in the T20 World Cup 2026. He delivered crucial performances, including a 97 against West Indies and 89 in the semi-final against England. Samson's form earned him a Player of the Tournament nomination. He now holds the record for most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition.
Mumbai Indians unveiled their new jersey for IPL 2026, featuring a repeating 'M' motif symbolizing the franchise's identity and philosophy. The design, in signature blue and gold, aims to represent the team's collective energy and forward-driving spirit. This fresh look comes as the team aims to end their championship drought and potentially secure a record sixth IPL title.
Suryakumar Yadavs childhood friend backs him to win World Cup for India
Former India captain Rohit Sharma's striking physical transformation drew admiration from England's Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum at the Wankhede Stadium. Sharma, present as a guest, engaged warmly with players from both sides, offering encouragement and insights before India's crucial T20 World Cup semi-final victory. His presence added to the pre-match buzz.
As India gear up for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, a debate rages over opener Abhishek Sharma's place. Despite low scores, some back him as an 'X factor', while others advocate for Rinku Singh's inclusion, citing predictability. The team management faces a crucial decision on continuity versus a late change.
Despite a costly outing in the semifinal, India's team management and senior players back mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy as their potential match-winner for the T20 World Cup final. Vice-captain Axar Patel emphasised the importance of mental strength and trusting his plans, believing Varun Chakravarthy can still deliver a crucial performance.
Irfan Pathan lauded Jasprit Bumrah's match-winning spell in India's T20 World Cup semi-final win over England. Pathan highlighted Bumrah's exceptional skill set and ability to perform under pressure, stating India is fortunate to have such a rare talent. Bumrah's crucial overs, including pinpoint yorkers, significantly hampered England's chase, despite a high-scoring encounter.
Legendary Sunil Gavaskar lauded Axar Patel's exceptional fielding in India's T20 World Cup semifinal win. Axar's spectacular catches, particularly dismissing Harry Brook and contributing to Will Jacks' wicket, were pivotal in halting England's chase. Gavaskar believes Axar is stepping up to fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja as a complete all-rounder.
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis lauded Jasprit Bumrah as a genie after his crucial spell helped India secure a seven-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup semifinal. Du Plessis emphasised Bumrah's match-winning ability across formats, highlighting his unique action that makes him difficult for batsmen to read and capitalise on even when he misses his length.
Axar Patel's spectacular fielding heroics were pivotal in India's nail-biting T20 World Cup semifinal win against England. His incredible diving catch to dismiss Harry Brook and a crucial relay catch to get Will Jacks broke vital partnerships. Patel deemed the Brook catch tougher, though the Jacks dismissal was more significant for the match's outcome.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded Sanju Samson's T20 World Cup 2026 resurgence, highlighting his improved mental fortitude and smarter play. Samson's match-winning knocks, including a semifinal 89, have been pivotal. Shastri also backed struggling opener Abhishek Sharma, urging faith in his abilities for the final against New Zealand.
Sanju Samson's explosive 89 powered India to the T20 World Cup final against England. This stellar knock marks a significant personal comeback after a period of uncertainty. Samson, who also scored 97 in the previous match, emphasised the importance of patience and focusing on basics, even stepping away from social media to regain his form.
Team India has reached the T20 World Cup final after a nail-biting seven-run victory against England at the Wankhede. Sanju Samson's explosive 89 and crucial cameos powered India to 253/7. Despite Jacob Bethell's stunning 105, England fell short, with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya holding their nerve in the death overs. India will now face New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
Sanju Samson's dropped catch by Harry Brook in the third over proved costly for England. Samson, who was dismissed by Jofra Archer multiple times previously, went on to score a blistering 89 off 42 balls, including 38 runs off 14 deliveries from Archer. His aggressive innings propelled India to a formidable 253/7.
The West Indies cricket team, stranded in India after the T20 World Cup due to flight disruptions, is expected to fly home on a chartered flight on Friday with ICC assistance. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has begun returning home in batches via alternate routes, and South Africa's travel arrangements are also being finalised.
India's thrilling T20 World Cup semi-final win over England was marked by Hardik Pandya's stellar all-round performance and a heartwarming off-field moment. A viral video captured MS Dhoni guiding Pandya's son Agastya towards his father, melting hearts online. The team now faces New Zealand in the final, aiming for a historic title defense.
India in T20 World Cup final: Small contributions which had HUGE impact
India secured a thrilling seven-run victory against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, reaching their second consecutive final. A run-fest saw India post 253/7, with Sanju Samson starring. England's Jacob Bethell's maiden century wasn't enough as India clinched the nail-biting contest, setting up a final against New Zealand.
England captain Harry Brook lamented fielding errors, especially dropping Sanju Samson on 15, as a key reason for their T20 World Cup semi-final loss to India. Samson's 89 powered India to 253, a total England narrowly missed despite Jacob Bethell's stunning 105. Brook praised his team's fight but acknowledged crucial mistakes.
Sanju Samson continued his dream run at the T20 World Cup with a commanding 89 in Mumbai after an unbeaten 97 in Kolkata, powering India into the final. Once outside the playing XI, the wicketkeeper-batter has seized his opportunity with back-to-back match-winning knocks to become Indias unlikely hero.
Axar Patel produced two stunning fielding moments in India's thrilling seven-run win over England, including a breathtaking relay effort that dismissed Will Jacks but did not feature beside his name in the scorecard. As India sealed a place in the final against New Zealand, the Nadiad boy now looks forward to a special homecoming in Ahmedabad.
Jacob Bethell's electrifying 105 off 48 balls, the fastest T20 World Cup century by an England batter, nearly secured a historic win against India. Despite his record-breaking knock, England fell short by seven runs in a thrilling semi-final chase of 254. India's strong batting and disciplined bowling ultimately prevailed in a high-scoring encounter.
India secured a thrilling seven-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup semi-final, defending a massive 253/7. Despite Jacob Bethell's explosive 105, England fell just short at 246/7. Sanju Samson's 89 laid the foundation for India's formidable total, setting up a final clash against New Zealand.
Jasprit Bumrah achieved a historic milestone, claiming his 500th international wicket during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England. This feat places him among India's elite bowlers, reinforcing his status as a formidable modern-era fast bowler. Bumrah's consistent performance across formats continues to be a significant asset for the Indian team.
Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad sparked controversy by claiming the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not allow the International Cricket Council to conduct doping tests on Indian players. However, Indias testing system operates under the National Anti-Doping Agency, which follows global anti-doping rules set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Sanju Samson smashed a brilliant 89 off 42 balls in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England. His innings equalled Virat Kohli's record for the highest score by an Indian in a knockout match. Samson also set a new record for most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup tournament.
Holi ki double khushi ho gayi India fans erupt after win against England | T20 World Cup
Sanju Samson's blistering 89 powered India to a massive total before the bowlers held their nerve in a six-hitting thriller at the Wankhede. England threatened through Jacob Bethell's century, but Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya's exceptional bowling sealed a dramatic seven-run win as India set up a T20 World Cup 2026 final clash with New Zealand.
India posted a massive 253/7 against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede, powered by Sanju Samsons explosive 89 off 42 balls. He added key partnerships with Ishan Kishan (39) and Shivam Dube (43). England dropped Samson early, and he punished them. Reacting to Englands poor fielding, Michael Vaughan joked, My fielding academy might have to open again.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first cricketer globally to be honored with a unique Barbie doll as part of Barbie's inaugural Dream Team. This recognition, timed with International Women's Day, celebrates her barrier-breaking journey. Mandhana joins other global icons, inspiring girls to pursue their dreams on and off the field.
The West Indies cricket team was stranded in India after their T20 World Cup 2026 exit due to flight disruptions caused by restricted Gulf airspace amid Israel-Iran tensions. Frustrated coach Daren Sammy earlier posted, I just wanna go home and At least an update. He later confirmed, Got an update. thats all wi wanted, as Cricket West Indies works to arrange safe travel.
India faced England in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Abhishek Sharma's early dismissal again drew attention. His tournament form has been inconsistent. Sanju Samson provided a strong response. Samson scored another half-century. His batting set a positive tone for India's innings. Samson's performance offered cheer for Indian fans on a significant match night.
Lakshya Sen fought back strongly to defeat Ng Ka Long Angus 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 and reach the quarterfinals of the All England Open Badminton Championships. Despite losing the second game after holding match points, Lakshya stayed composed and dominated the decider with aggressive play and solid defence to secure a hard-fought victory.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede, former India captain Rohit Sharma was spotted chatting with skipper Suryakumar Yadav before the toss. England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bowl. Both teams entered the knockout clash after inconsistent campaigns but strong Super-8 performances to reach the semi-finals.
Ibrahim Zadran has been named the new T20I captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka national cricket team, replacing Rashid Khan after Afghanistans early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Afghanistan Cricket Board said the leadership change is part of a long-term strategy, while also making several squad changes ahead of future tournaments.
Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma are fan favourites - mood outside Wankhede Stadium
Indian cricket's biggest names assembled in Mumbai for Arjun Tendulkar's wedding. Stalwarts from various eras attended the grand celebration. Notable guests included MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir, and Jay Shah. Former coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid were also present. Several former players and administrators marked their presence. Arjun married Saaniya Chandhok.
The West Indies team is stranded in India after their T20 World Cup exit due to Middle East airspace restrictions caused by IsraelIran tensions. Flights have been disrupted, delaying their return home. Frustrated coach Daren Sammy posted, I just wanna go home and At least an update Its been 5 days. Cricket West Indies says its working with the ICC to arrange safe travel.
Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin Tendulkar, married entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok on March 5th after a week of celebrations attended by cricket personalities. Saaniya, granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai, is a veterinary technician and entrepreneur. Arjun, a 26-year-old left-arm pacer, will soon return to cricket, having been traded to Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming IPL season.
Pakistans T20 World Cup Super 8 exit has triggered turmoil in the team after heavy losses to India and England. Reports claim several players complained to PCB officials about coach Mike Hessons strict and controlling approach during the tournament. The PCB is reviewing his conduct, but he may remain coach because he has a two-year contract and the board wants stability.
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir attended Arjun Tendulkar's wedding in Mumbai just hours before the T20 World Cup semifinal. The ceremony, held at the team's hotel, saw a brief appearance by Gambhir and a few Indian squad members. Arjun Tendulkar married Saaniya Chandhok, daughter of a prominent businessman and granddaughter of Ravi Ghai.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif predicts England will defeat India in the T20 World Cup semifinal, citing their strong middle order and familiarity with conditions. Despite India's historical edge, Latif believes England's resilience in close matches gives them the advantage. England captain Harry Brook also highlighted the team's confidence from winning tight games.

20 C