The Times of India

Despite missing IPL 2026 due to multiple injuries, MS Dhoni remained the centre of attention for CSK. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the franchise for becoming too emotional over Dhoni instead of focusing on results and team balance. While praising Dhonis legacy, Manjrekar said CSK must prioritise performances and reality over sentiment moving forward.

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has been named in the ICC jury selecting the greatest international cricketers of the last 25 years, alongside Wasim Akram. His inclusion surprised many amid Pakistans struggles in Bangladesh. Reports suggest Masood, whose captaincy is under pressure, could reconsider accepting a senior PCB administrative role previously offered to him.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri sent Chepauk into a frenzy during the toss by asking Ruturaj Gaikwad if MS Dhoni would play against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The CSK skipper confirmed Dhoni is not fit enough due to a calf strain. The must-win IPL 2026 clash carried huge playoff implications for both CSK and SRH.

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram became the first Indian to qualify for the Chess event at Esports World Cup 2026 after winning the Road to EWC qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta. The 26-year-old defeated Alexey Sarana in a dramatic Armageddon decider to secure qualification, USD 15,000 prize money, and a place in the main event scheduled from August 11-15.

There is still no confirmation on the three T20 Internationals that were earlier expected to be part of the tour.

Dubai-raised Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronhas IPL dream finally came true after an emotional 4 PM call from Chennai Super Kings. The 24-year-olds journey spans 14 years of struggle, family sacrifices across Dubai and Bengaluru, standout domestic performances and a memorable six-sixes tribute to his idol Yuvraj Singh.

Punjab Kings suffered their sixth consecutive defeat against RCB, jeopardizing their IPL 2026 playoff chances. Fast bowling coach James Hopes cited an inability to control key moments as the primary reason for their downfall. Despite strong training, the team needs to regroup and restore belief before their final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants.

Delhi Capitals' head coach Hemang Badani expressed frustration over their dismal home record in IPL 2026, attributing it to inconsistent and unpredictable pitch conditions at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite a win against Rajasthan Royals, the team's struggles at home, with five losses and two wins, highlight a significant challenge in their playoff pursuit.

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized Riyan Parag's decision to give Donovan Ferreira the 18th over against Delhi Capitals, labeling it a 'suicidal move' that cost Rajasthan Royals the match. Gavaskar highlighted Ferreira's recent golden duck and the lack of pitch assistance, arguing that form and confidence should have dictated the bowling choice.

The Central Information Commission ruled the BCCI is not under the RTI Act, dismissing an appeal seeking information on its national representation and player selection. The CIC noted that increased government oversight could disrupt BCCI's finely balanced economic structure, citing its financial independence and market-driven operations, particularly the IPL's success.

Delhi Capitals kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a win, but player availability, especially Mitchell Starc's, remains a season-long concern. Coach Hemang Badani highlighted the challenges of overseas player access due to national board decisions. Starc's match-winning four-wicket haul proved his value, earning him praise for professionalism and mentorship.

MS Dhoni's visit to the NSG Hub, showcasing his fitness and shooting skills, coincides with a high-stakes IPL 2026 match for CSK. With Dhoni sidelined by injury and speculation rife about his final Chepauk appearance, fans anticipate an emotional farewell, regardless of his playing status. The team's playoff hopes hinge on upcoming wins.

IPL 2026: Vikram Rathour on RRs playoff fight and Vaibhav Suryavanshi

IPL 2026: Hemang Badani on Mitchell Starc and DCs home problems

IPL 2026: James Hopes on PBKS' collapse vs RCB and playoff hopes

Josh Hazlewood on RCBs bowling formula & Virat Kohlis T20 evolution

The IPL 2026 league stage enters its final week with a thrilling playoff race. Only one team has secured a spot, leaving seven contenders vying for the remaining three positions. Crucial matches this week include CSK vs. SRH and RR vs. LSG, as teams fight for survival before the knockout stages.

Chennai Super Kings fans are buzzing with anticipation for MS Dhoni's potential appearance in their final home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite cryptic social media posts from R Ashwin hinting at his absence, Dhoni's recent net session has fueled speculation. The team's 'Lap of Honour' announcement further intensified retirement talks, making this match a highly emotional affair.

Speculation is rife about MS Dhoni's potential return for Chennai Super Kings' crucial final home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Sunil Gavaskar has strongly dismissed the possibility, citing Dhoni's year-long absence from competitive cricket and the significant risk involved in a must-win encounter. Gavaskar believes Dhoni, a true team player, wouldn't disrupt the current winning combination.

Chennai Super Kings host Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2026 clash at Chepauk, with MS Dhoni's potential farewell match adding significant intrigue. CSK need a win to boost playoff hopes, facing SRH's formidable batting. The pitch is expected to favor batsmen, with a high total anticipated.

Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 campaign is on the brink of elimination after a sixth consecutive defeat. Head coach Ricky Ponting's dejected demeanor went viral, highlighting the team's struggles. Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin pointed to structural issues, including the decision to split home games between Mullanpur and Dharamshala, disrupting player rhythm and familiarity with conditions.

Sourav Ganguly revealed he shielded Rahul Dravid from selectors concerned about his ODI strike rate. Ganguly insisted on Dravid's value, working with him to adapt his game and even having him keep wickets to balance the team. This strategic backing and flexibility were crucial in building a competitive Indian ODI side.

Rajasthan Royals' batting coach Vikram Rathour lamented Mitchell Starc's devastating over, which derailed their innings and handed Delhi Capitals momentum. Despite a strong start fueled by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 46, RR faltered from 162/2 to 193/8. Rathour admitted they were 20 runs short, highlighting the crucial turning point and a fitness concern for Ravindra Jadeja.

IPL 2026 is witnessing a worrying decline in fielding standards, with a catching efficiency of just 77.9% across 59 matches. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has led the criticism, highlighting repeated errors and poor catching. Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag also admitted that fielding lapses contributed to his team's recent defeat.

Jannik Sinner made history by becoming the first Italian man in 50 years to win the Rome Masters, securing his Career Golden Masters. The 24-year-old's dominant 6-4, 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud extended his record-breaking Masters 1000 winning streak to 34 matches. This triumph positions Sinner as a strong favorite for Roland Garros.

Michael Vaughan has voiced concerns over England's player contracts, questioning why centrally contracted players like Jofra Archer can prioritize IPL commitments over Test cricket. He argues international duty should always come first, especially when players are on lucrative ECB deals. Vaughan believes this system risks undermining the importance of Test matches.

MS Dhoni's potential final appearance at Chepauk sparks anticipation. He shared insights with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, emphasising the captain's decision-making role and encouraging him to lead authentically. Dhoni also reflected on his genuine fan connection, attributing it to authenticity rather than deliberate effort, and highlighted the team's consistent focus on cricket as key to success.

Chennai Super Kings face a must-win scenario in their remaining league games. Sunrisers Hyderabad, while closer to playoff qualification, also need a strong finish. A key focus for CSK will be containing SRH's explosive opening pair, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, especially at their home ground in Chepauk.

RJ Mahvash addressed social media speculation about her relationship with Yuzvendra Chahal, clarifying that unfollowing each other on Instagram stemmed from a minor disagreement. She emphasized that such actions are common among friends and do not signify deeper issues, highlighting her loyalty and support for Chahal during his past mental health struggles.

MS Dhoni's potential appearance at Chepauk for Chennai Super Kings' final home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad has ignited fan anticipation. The veteran wicketkeeper's recent net session, where he confidently faced spinners and hit sixes, has fueled speculation about his availability. This crucial match holds significant weight for CSK's playoff hopes and could be Dhoni's last T20 at home.

Delhi Capitals' playoff hopes hang by a thread after a crucial win. They need to win their final game and rely on a complex web of results from other teams, including losses for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. A significant net run rate improvement is also essential, making their qualification path incredibly narrow and demanding.

With eight games remaining, LSG and MI are out of playoff contention. RCB has qualified. GT are assured of a top-four points finish but could miss out. SRH have a high chance of making the top four. CSK and RR have less than even chances for the top four. PBKS, DC, and KKR's playoff hopes are diminishing.

Punjab Kings suffered their sixth consecutive loss in IPL 2026 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This defeat has severely impacted their playoff chances. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a strong performance. Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the match was lost early in the powerplay. The team's confidence appears shaken as their early season dominance has vanished.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is electrifying IPL 2026 with his aggressive opening batting for Rajasthan Royals. He has set a new record for most sixes by an Indian in a single IPL season with 43. Coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasizes the youngster's impact and natural approach, focusing on his fearless intent over conversion rates.

Michael Jackson's biopic 'Michael' has surged back to the top of the North American box office, raking in USD 26.1 million. Meanwhile, the low-budget thriller 'Obsession' surprised everyone, exceeding expectations with USD 16.1 million. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' secured second place, while 'Mortal Kombat II' saw a significant drop.

El Nio's shadow looms over India's monsoon. Past El Nio years saw key kharif crops like paddy and maize suffer over 10% output reduction in numerous districts. This study highlights vulnerable areas and stresses the need for district-level climate-resilient planning. Policymakers are urged to strengthen contingency plans for drought-tolerant varieties and efficient water management to protect farmers.

India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.

Shekhar Suman expressed disappointment with the current state of stand-up comedy, citing a decline in quality due to reliance on vulgarity and abusive language over strong writing. He believes modern comedians have abandoned original thought, resorting to stolen jokes and an easy way out to elicit laughs, unlike the brilliant scripting of past shows.

Children often express dislike for school due to underlying problems. These can include bullying, academic difficulties, overwhelming pressure, or feeling misunderstood. Parents should explore these reasons to offer support. Recognizing these issues helps children feel valued and understood. Addressing these concerns can transform their school experience.

Amitabh Bachchan shared an Instagram video highlighting the historic Bandar Abbas Vishnu Temple in Iran, built in 1892 for Indian Hindu traders. This post illuminated a lesser-known Indo-Iranian historical connection, showcasing the significant role of Indian merchants in the region during the 19th century.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag admitted his team let a winning position slip against Delhi Capitals, citing a dramatic collapse after reaching 160 for 2 in 14 overs. Parag lamented the team's poor execution in middle and death overs, as well as in the field, stating they were not up to the mark.