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Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Punjab Kings continued their IPL 2026 dominance, defeating Mumbai Indians by seven wickets to claim the top spot in the points table. They remain the only unbeaten team, extending their strong start. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' struggles deepened with their fourth loss, placing them ninth.
Punjab Kings ascended to the IPL 2026 summit with a dominant seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. Despite Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112, PBKS chased down 196 thanks to Prabhsimran Singh's unbeaten 80 and Shreyas Iyer's 66, securing their fourth victory.
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer stunned everyone with a sensational boundary catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya, leaving Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in disbelief. Despite a brilliant unbeaten 112 from Quinton de Kock, Mumbai Indians fell short as Punjab Kings secured a convincing win, powered by half-centuries from Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh.
Suryakumar Yadav faced intense backlash after a first-ball duck against Punjab Kings, with fans questioning his form and approach. His dismissal left Mumbai Indians struggling early. Strong performances from Quinton de Kock and Naman Dhir highlighted missed responsibility, increasing pressure on Surya to deliver in crucial matches.
MS Dhoni's return to action is anticipated next week as his calf injury rehabilitation progresses well. He could feature in upcoming matches against Mumbai Indians or Gujarat Titans. Dhoni has been actively batting in nets, and if fully fit, may play as an 'Impact Player' with Sanju Samson continuing wicketkeeping duties.
Shreyas Iyer played a key part in pulling off a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya, sparking catch of the season talks. His mid-air effort set up Xavier Bartletts grab. The moment shocked Rohit Sharma and halted Mumbai Indians surge despite Quinton de Kocks 112 in their 195/6 total.
Mumbai Indians batter Quinton de Kock opened for Mumbai Indians after five years, replacing injured Rohit Sharma. He scored a quick fifty off 28 balls and surpassed MS Dhoni with his 25th IPL fifty as a wicketkeeper. His knock steadied MI amid absences, including Mitchell Santner, highlighting his experience and importance.
Arshdeep Singh delivered a match-turning spell for Punjab Kings, taking two wickets in two balls against Mumbai Indians. He dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav to reach the milestone of 100 IPL wickets. Arshdeep joined an elite group of left-arm pacers like Trent Boult and Zaheer Khan, giving Punjab early control and shifting momentum decisively.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a future star, recalling his disbelief at the teenagers talent. Speaking to Michael Vaughan, Modi said the youngsters confidence stood out. While Vaughan flagged challenges of fame, Modi noted the IPLs role in creating opportunities and inspiring many young cricketers across India.
Uncertainty surrounded Rohit Sharma before MIs clash with Punjab Kings after his hamstring injury. He skipped training, and scans raised concerns. At the toss, Hardik Pandya confirmed Rohit would miss multiple games. Mitchell Santner was also unavailable, forcing changes, with Quinton de Kock returning and a debut for Mayank Rawat.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was astonished as Lalit Modi revealed his extensive Ferrari collection during an interview. Modi gifted his son a Ferrari every year from age 21, amassing 11 cars for him, while Modi himself owns 21. The conversation also touched upon emerging cricket talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
2025 saw third edition of Chennai Grand Masters. R Vaishali, the nation's toast at the moment, was invited to compete in the Challengers section, which includes relatively lower-rated players than the Masters field. Vaishali had a nightmarish tournament, finishing rock bottom. The winner of the Challengers section was Munirethinam Pranesh, a baby-faced assassin on the board.
Chennai Super Kings face a major blow as Khaleel Ahmed is out of IPL 2026 with a quadriceps injury. His absence comes at a crucial time as CSK seeks to build on recent momentum. The team is now exploring replacements like Chetan Sakariya, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti to bolster their bowling attack.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi expressed pessimism about India and Pakistan resuming bilateral cricket soon, citing significant political interference within the Pakistan Cricket Board as the primary obstacle. He believes external pressures have politicized decisions, hindering any possibility of a series, even at neutral venues, and fears the situation will worsen.
Mumbai Indians face Punjab Kings in a crucial IPL 2026 clash at Wankhede Stadium. MI, struggling with three consecutive losses and a doubtful Rohit Sharma, host an unbeaten PBKS. This historic rivalry is evenly matched, with key individual battles set to decide the outcome.
In the complaint, CSK said the playing of the track Dosa, idli, sambar, chutney, chutney during the match was ot in good taste. The song is often used in memes linked to South Indian stereotypes.
Mumbai Indians have signed Krish Bhagat as a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar for IPL 2026. Bhagat, a 21-year-old all-rounder from Punjab, joins at his base price. Ankolekar is out due to a knee injury. Bhagat brings bowling and batting skills. He has impressed the Mumbai Indians coaching staff with his dedication and work ethic.
What Ryan Cook said after LSG taste another defeat
Chennai Super Kings pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a quadriceps injury, dealing a blow to the franchises bowling attack.
Virat Kohli leads the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race with 228 runs, showcasing his enduring form. He's closely followed by Heinrich Klaasen and RCB teammate Rajat Patidar. Explosive performances from Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also feature prominently in the top rankings, promising an exciting season ahead.
Sakib Hussain finally got his IPL chance with Sunrisers Hyderabad and made it count. From humble beginnings and years of waiting, he relied on control and clever variations rather than just pace, making an instant impact.
The clip surfaced after Zalmis match in the ongoing 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League and showed a light exchange during a public interaction. Aaj saari nazar utaar denge, a person is heard saying in the video.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing football's separation from politics despite Middle East tensions. Iran qualified and its players wish to compete, with their matches scheduled in the United States. Infantino reiterated FIFA's commitment to keeping sports above political conflicts.
Vishvanath Suresh, son of a former boxer, achieved a significant victory by clinching gold at the Asian Boxing Championships in the 50kg category. He notably defeated the reigning world champion in the quarterfinals. This triumph, his first major senior win, was marked by consistent unanimous decisions, boosting his confidence for upcoming games.
Indian chess sees a historic moment as R Vaishali secures a spot in the Women's World Championship match. She will challenge China's Ju Wenjun later this year. This achievement, alongside Praggnanandhaa's potential challenge in the men's section, marks twin Indian representation at the highest chess boards. Vaishali's victory as the lowest seed is a significant feat.
Mumbai Indians face an uphill battle against an unbeaten Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium. MI, struggling with three consecutive losses and a potential Rohit Sharma injury, host a PBKS side flying high. Historically a close contest, this encounter holds significant weight for MI seeking redemption on home turf.
Chennai Super Kings have lodged a complaint with the BCCI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru over alleged misconduct during their IPL 2026 clash. The complaint cites inappropriate in-stadium entertainment, including a song that CSK felt stereotyped their identity, and remarks made by the stadium DJ after player dismissals. This adds to the growing rivalry between the two franchises.
Playing white pieces while chasing a result, players often get greedy and make more adventurous, attacking moves on the board, weakening their defence in the process. Vaishali had white pieces. She was up against Russia's Kateryna Lagno, a mother of four and quite brilliant at keeping a poker face on the table. Vaishali had to be brave to overcome the challenge posed by the veteran, and she did so with a clinical precision that belied the stakes.
The incident took place in the final over of Quettas innings. Ali Raza bowled a waist-high no-ball to Usman Tariq on the fourth delivery. On the next ball, which was a free hit, Abrar Ahmed was on strike.
Chasing 147, Kohli got RCB off to a strong start and scored 49 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and one six. He looked set for his 66th IPL half-century but was dismissed on 49, caught by Nicholas Pooran off Avesh Khan while attempting a shot in the air towards long-on.
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 49 steered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Despite the match-winning knock, Kohli revealed he's still not at peak fitness, battling a sore knee and illness. He emphasised the team's adaptable batting depth and the importance of smart play as the IPL season progresses.
Vinod Kambli continues to face health issues due to a brain clot affecting his memory, with doctors warning smoking could risk a stroke. His friend Marcus Couto shared concerns, though Kambli shows signs of recovery. He recently shot an ad, while support from Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev continues.
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.