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Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
As the 2026 Candidates tournament approaches, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri faces the lingering King of Draws stereotype. Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin refutes this, highlighting Giri's fighting spirit and recent FIDE Grand Swiss victory as proof of his winning intent. Sarin also offers his predictions for the volatile Open and Women's Candidates fields.
Mitchell Starc clarifies his absence from early Indian Premier League 2026 games. An elbow injury delayed his arrival for Delhi Capitals. Starc stated the injury extent became clear after the Australian summer. He is rehabbing and managing the issue. Starc reaffirms his commitment to Delhi Capitals and apologizes for the disruption.
Pakistan cricketer Naseem Shah faces a show-cause notice from the PCB for a social media post allegedly criticizing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The tweet, quickly deleted with a hacking claim, was seen as a jab at her security escort during the PSL opener.
Jos Buttler credits the Indian Premier League as the most significant influence on his career, highlighting invaluable lessons learned from figures like Rahul Dravid and Matthew Hayden. Despite a recent World Cup dip, Buttler approaches the IPL with consistent focus, aiming to contribute to Gujarat Titans' success. He also praised uncapped Indian pacer Ashok Sharma's potential.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2026 title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad, wearing black armbands to honor eleven fans who tragically died in a stampede following last year's victory. Coach Andy Flower stated that Virat Kohli is in excellent form and peak of his powers for the upcoming season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-pressure opening match. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will aim for strong starts for RCB. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head bring attacking intent for SRH. Ishan Kishan leads SRH with added responsibility. This contest promises a run-fest with individual brilliance expected to decide the outcome.
IPL 2026 commences with a thrilling encounter between defending champions RCB and 2016 winners SRH. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, face challenges with key pacers missing, while SRH will be without Pat Cummins. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set for a high-scoring affair with clear skies predicted.
The Candidates tournament begins in Cyprus with American duo Nakamura and Caruana favored over Indian contenders like Praggnanandhaa. In the women's section, Divya Deshmukh is seen as a strong challenger to top seed Zhu Jiner. This event tests if India's chess dominance extends beyond Gukesh.
Chennai Super Kings face a significant setback as MS Dhoni is ruled out for the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. In response, former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin has unveiled his strongest playing XI, featuring Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper-opener and a balanced mix of batsmen and bowlers.
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam faced online trolling after dropping a catch during an advertisement shoot ahead of the PSL 2026. The tournament will be played behind closed doors due to geopolitical tensions, a move Azam acknowledged will be missed by players and fans alike.
Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, now 15, is eligible for senior international cricket. His phenomenal performances, including a century in his IPL debut and Player of the Tournament in the U19 World Cup, have captivated fans. He's already shattered List A records, showcasing immense talent and maturity.
Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback as their star wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has been ruled out for two weeks due to a calf strain. CSK released a statement confirming the development.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show-cause notice to pacer Naseem Shah for allegedly violating his central contract. A deleted X post by Shah appeared to criticize Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, who was the guest of honor at the PSL 2026 opening match. The PCB stated that disciplinary action will be determined after hearing Shah's explanation.
Divya Deshmukh, the youngest participant at 20, makes her debut in the World Championship Candidates chess tournament in Cyprus. Having qualified by winning the Women's World Cup, she aims to leverage her strong opening preparations and aggressive play against higher-rated opponents.
Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after his Land Rover overturned near his Florida home. Woods showed signs of impairment and refused a urine test, though a breathalyzer showed no alcohol. This incident follows a serious 2017 car crash that resulted in severe leg injuries.
Bangladesh's new government has lifted the ban on broadcasting the Indian Premier League (IPL), signaling a shift towards a more commercial approach. Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan confirmed no restrictions exist, and any broadcaster can telecast the tournament positively. Cable operators also stated previous directives are no longer valid, allowing IPL broadcasts.
Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after his Land Rover overturned near his Florida home. Woods showed signs of impairment but passed a breathalyzer test. He refused a urine analysis, leading to DUI charges, with experts suspecting medication or drug influence.
Injuries are impacting IPL 2026 team plans, with Australian pacers Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood facing early absences. While Cummins' recovery is monitored and Hazlewood has joined RCB, Starc's return timeline remains uncertain, causing fan frustration. Delhi Capitals, heavily reliant on Starc, are reassessing strategies to end their playoff drought.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will be without captain Pat Cummins for at least the first two weeks of the IPL as he recovers bowling fitness. Head coach Daniel Vettori confirmed Cummins' overall fitness is excellent, but his bowling workload is being carefully rebuilt. Ishan Kishan will captain in Cummins' absence, praised for his leadership and form.
FanCode and Genius Sports are vying for Indian Super League and Federation Cup commercial rights, with Genius Sports making a significantly higher bid. Capri Sports is the sole bidder for the Indian Women's League. The tender encompasses sponsorship, digital, and merchandising, aiming for a comprehensive commercial ecosystem for Indian club football.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After a historic maiden IPL win, RCB faces an immediate challenge from SRH's explosive batting. Despite key absences in their bowling attack, RCB relies on a strong batting core and a revamped squad to protect their reputation and start the season strongly.
RCB coach Andy Flower views the IPL's Impact Player rule as a positive tactical innovation, enhancing strategic decisions despite concerns about diluting team selection challenges. He also confirmed Josh Hazlewood's arrival but unavailability for the opener, expressing confidence in other Indian pacers like Mangesh, Abhinandan, and Rasik to fill the void.
Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has sharply criticized the Pakistan Super League (PSL), ranking it significantly below the Indian Premier League (IPL). He highlighted how many overseas players commit to the PSL but later opt for the IPL due to better offers, impacting Pakistan's premier T20 competition and its national team's development.
Sai Sudharsan prioritizes batting versatility over solely chasing high strike rates for IPL 2026, aiming to adapt to various pitch conditions. He believes in playing longer innings to secure team victories. Sudharsan also expressed strong trust in Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill's leadership and his ability to understand and support players.
PV Sindhu penned an emotional tribute to her long-time rival Carolina Marin following the Spanish legend's retirement announcement. Sindhu recalled their shared history from junior days to intense on-court battles, highlighting Marin's skill and fighting spirit. She expressed gratitude for their camaraderie and wished Marin a happy retirement, acknowledging the void her absence will leave in badminton.
Shashank Singh is confident Punjab Kings will win the IPL trophy this season after their narrow 2025 final loss. He emphasizes team belief and a match-by-match approach, focusing on preparation over past success. Singh also highlights the importance of embracing his lower-middle order role and prioritizing team impact over individual milestones.
The 2026 Candidates chess tournament in Cyprus faces pre-event anxieties due to Middle East tensions, leading to a player withdrawal and concerns over logistics. This echoes a past instance in 1978 Tehran, where Indian players competed amidst a crumbling monarchy and civil unrest, largely shielded by isolation from news and the tournament's remote location.
Former cricketer Yograj Singh has surprisingly backed MS Dhoni to continue playing in the IPL, urging him to play for another decade. Singh praised Dhoni's fitness, discipline, and dedication, dismissing age as a factor for retirement. He questioned critics and highlighted that performance should be the sole criterion for selection, even referencing younger stars.
As IPL 2026 begins, cricket giants Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are under the spotlight. Commentator Aakash Chopra believes Kohli's fitness and opening role give him an edge. He notes Dhoni faces a tougher challenge due to his age and limited recent play. Rohit is expected to maintain his aggressive batting approach for Mumbai Indians.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will commence their IPL 2026 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 in Bengaluru. The team has finalized its squad after a productive auction, featuring a mix of established players and new additions. SRH will play their first home match on April 5 against Lucknow Super Giants.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home. RCB, with a retained core and new additions, aims to replicate their success. The article details their full schedule, including home and away fixtures, and their updated squad for the upcoming season.
Mohammad Kaif urges Mumbai Indians to fully utilize Rohit Sharma on the field, not just as an Impact Player. He believes Rohit's leadership and on-field presence are crucial, especially in high-pressure situations, and would benefit both the team and his own batting. Kaif emphasized that a fitter Rohit should be involved in all game phases.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan advocates for a bold Delhi Capitals opening pair, backing Prithvi Shaw to join KL Rahul. Pathan lauded Rahul as a consistent run-scorer and believes Shaw, returning after a strong domestic season, has a point to prove. He cautioned Shaw against self-imposed pressure, urging focus for a successful comeback.
India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma downplayed the significance of facing Pakistan, stating that the team doesn't give them much importance and considers Australia and South Africa tougher opponents. He revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir advises players to avoid playing with emotion against rivals, focusing on winning first.
Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah courted controversy before PSL 2026 with a sarcastic X post about Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, questioning her VIP treatment. Though he later claimed his account was hacked and deleted the tweet, the incident went viral. Meanwhile, the PSL opener saw Hyderabad Kingsmen's jersey color inexplicably turn the ball pink and red.
IPL 2026: Mukesh Kumar on Shamis influence & India comeback plans
IPL 2026 ignites this weekend with defending champions RCB facing SRH in Bengaluru, a rematch of their record-breaking 2024 encounter. The action continues Sunday as MI hosts KKR at Wankhede, with MI boasting a strong home record against their rivals. Fans can expect thrilling contests from the season's opening matches.
A cricket fan was initially denied entry to the Sheffield Shield final for wearing a Free Imran Khan T-shirt, but Cricket Australia later reversed the decision. Authorities clarified that support for the jailed former Pakistan captain is considered a humanitarian issue, not a political one, allowing fans with similar messages entry.
Virat Kohli has unveiled a striking new full-sleeve tattoo ahead of IPL 2026, featuring a lotus and peony. This evolving artwork, created by Aliens Tattoo India, symbolizes his personal transformation and journey, with the lotus representing purity and resilience. The design integrates and refines his existing tattoos into a cohesive narrative.
The Pakistan Super League's 2026 season kicked off with a bizarre incident where the white match ball turned pink due to color transfer from the Hyderabad Kingsmen's jerseys. Former cricketer Kamran Akmal heavily criticized the league over the poor-quality kits, while captain Marnus Labuschagne expressed his bewilderment at the unprecedented event.
IPL 2026: Shubman Gill hits back at critics - I dont need to prove my worth
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, turning 15 today, is now eligible for senior international cricket after a sensational IPL debut. His record-breaking performances, including a 35-ball century and U19 World Cup heroics, have positioned him as a top prospect. Selectors are watching closely as he could soon represent India's senior men's team.
A single, audacious six off extreme pace in a trial session catapulted Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the cricketing spotlight. The teenage prodigy, who turned 15 in March 27, 2026, has since dominated age-group and senior cricket, even smashing a 35-ball century in IPL 2025. Rajasthan Royals secured him for Rs 1.1 crore, a move that has already proven its worth.
The Pakistan Super League began its 2026 season with an unusual incident. During the opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen, the white ball turned pink. Dye from the Hyderabad Kingsmen's jerseys rubbed off onto the ball. This unexpected color change caused concern and drew attention on social media. The match proceeded with the altered ball.
Indian football team and coach Khalid Jamil were denied entry to Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium for an Asian Cup qualifier. Officials cited unpaid rent and security deposit by the Kerala Football Association, forcing the team to train elsewhere. The situation caused embarrassment before the match.
Indias disastrous AFC Womens Asia Cup campaign, marked by three losses, including a humiliating 011 defeat to Japan, has exposed the All India Football Federations chronic mismanagement. Frequent coaching changes, rushed appointments, and opaque decision-making reflect a lack of planning, leaving the team directionless.
Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu is adhering to a rigorous diet for the 48kg category, foregoing local delicacies to maintain peak performance for upcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games. Despite a Paris Olympics setback, her record-breaking national performance fuels confidence for the Asian Championships. Chanu also champions grassroots talent through initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games.
The BCCI has unveiled the IPL 2026 schedule, with the 19th season commencing on March 28 and concluding on May 31. A total of 74 matches will be played, featuring a home and away format for each of the 10 teams. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs after the league stage.