The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from Wimbledon and the Queens tournament due to a wrist injury suffered during the Barcelona Open. The world No. 2 said he does not want to risk worsening the injury despite recovering well. Alcaraz has missed several tournaments since April, while rival Jannik Sinner is now considered favourite for Wimbledon and the French Open.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has called an emergency Executive Board meeting after multiple allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and ethical violations involving coaches and officials. Recent complaints include accusations against assistant coach Sudhir Golla and another HI official for inappropriate behaviour and abuse of authority. Tirkey stressed the need for stronger POSH compliance, protection for whistleblowers, accountability measures, and a strict zero-tolerance policy to
PV Sindhu praised Virat Kohli in an emotional Instagram post after meeting him at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru. Sindhu thanked Kohli for his constant guidance and support during difficult phases of her career. Meanwhile, Sindhu continues her comeback from injuries, while Kohli remains central to Royal Challengers Bengalurus successful IPL 2026 campaign.
India national cricket team retained most of its core squad for the Afghanistan tour, while resting Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah for workload management. New faces like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey earned call-ups across formats. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya returned to the ODI setup, while players including Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out.
Tensions rose during the second Test between Bangladesh national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team as Mohammad Rizwan and Litton Das exchanged heated words over movement near the sight screen. Umpire Allahudien Paleker intervened to calm the situation. Meanwhile, Bangladesh tightened their grip on the match, leaving Pakistan at 316/7 chasing 437, with Rizwan unbeaten on 75.
Indias Test squad for the Afghanistan match will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.
India squad announcement press conference: Why no Mohammed Shami, Jadeja, Axar and more
India have announced squads for the Afghanistan one-off Test and ODI series, with Ravindra Jadeja rested from the series. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in the ODI squad, though Rohit and Hardik Pandyas participation remains subject to fitness clearance. Shubman Gill will lead India in both formats, while Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav are among the notable inclusions.
Spotted early by Shubman Gill, backed by Shikhar Dhawan and mentored by Ashish Nehra, Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brars rise has been shaped by pace, setbacks and learning curves. From a late start to India A success, the six-foot-five quick is now firmly on the national radar as India search for fast-bowling depth. The lanky fast bowler on Tuesday has received a maiden Indian call -up for both Tests and ODIs.
Mumbai Indians face a double injury blow as Quinton de Kock and Raj Angad Bawa are ruled out of IPL 2026. De Kock sustained a wrist tendon injury, while Bawa suffered a thumb ligament tear. Both players are recovering at home, marking a disappointing season for the already eliminated five-time champions.
Ahead of a crucial IPL 2026 clash, Rohit Sharma lightened the mood with a hilarious impression of KKR coach Abhishek Nayar during Mumbai Indians' training. While Rohit's antics brought laughter, Kolkata Knight Riders face immense pressure to win against MI to keep their playoff hopes alive, despite a recent resurgence.
Aiden Markram has departed the Lucknow Super Giants camp for personal reasons. He will miss the remaining IPL 2026 league matches. This impacts LSG's final two games against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. Rajasthan Royals are still in contention for a playoff spot. Their upcoming matches are crucial for their qualification hopes.
IPL 2026: Stephen Fleming backs CSKs transition phase despite playoff setback
IPL 2026: James Franklin praise Ishan Kishan's tactical brilliance on a tricky Chepauk surface
As Indian football faces uncertainty, 148 top-tier players, including captain Sandesh Jhingan, will be out of contract on May 31 with no renewal discussions. With negotiations stalled between clubs and the AIFF over the commercial partner, there's no clear roadmap for next season. Players and staff fear job losses with clubs seriously contemplating closing down.
Ravindra Jadeja is poised to rejoin Rajasthan Royals for their vital IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants, having missed the previous game due to a knee niggle. His return offers a boost as RR, currently sixth, seeks to regain momentum after three consecutive losses. Jadeja's presence is crucial for their playoff aspirations in the league's final stretch.
The Rajasthan Royals are under pressure as they prepare to host the Lucknow Super Giants in a vital encounter in Jaipur. With playoff dreams hanging by a thread after three straight defeats, a fierce fightback is essential. Lucknow, despite being out of the playoff race, are riding high on momentum, powered by the explosive Mitchell Marsh.
Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 playoff dreams are hanging by a thread after a crucial loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mathematically alive, CSK now depend on multiple teams faltering and a significant win against Gujarat Titans to improve their net run rate. Their fate is no longer solely in their own hands.
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a playoff spot with a win over Chennai Super Kings, propelled by Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen's 47 off 26 balls propelled him to the top of the IPL 2026 Orange Cap standings with 555 runs. The race remains tight, with just 22 runs separating the top five batters.
The race for the final IPL playoff spot intensifies with five teams vying for one berth. Rajasthan Royals are best positioned, needing just one win, while Punjab Kings control their destiny. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings require victories and favorable results elsewhere. Every remaining match significantly impacts the playoff picture.
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Ruturaj Gaikwad's batting is suffering under the weight of captaincy for Chennai Super Kings. The team is in a rebuilding phase after MS Dhoni. Expectations remain high for CSK. Gaikwad's struggles highlight the challenges of leadership during this transition. Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a playoff spot with their win.
Chennai Super Kings' playoff hopes are slim after a home defeat, casting a shadow over head coach Stephen Fleming's future. Fleming acknowledged his tenure rests with CSK management, while backing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's transition. Injuries and a squad overhaul presented challenges, though MS Dhoni's influence remains significant despite not playing.
Manoj Tiwary has questioned Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy for Chennai Super Kings, citing his batting struggles and the pressure of succeeding MS Dhoni. Tiwary suggests Gaikwad needs to build his own identity rather than live up to comparisons, and hints at Sanju Samson as a potential captaincy candidate for next season.
Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium is set to make history by hosting the opening match of the Big Bash T20 League in December. This landmark event marks the first time a foreign franchise league game will be played on Indian soil. Cricket Australia officials have inspected the venue, signaling a significant step in strengthening India-Australia cricketing ties.
Ishan Kishan's brilliant 70 powered Sunrisers Hyderabad into the playoffs, defeating Chennai Super Kings. After a match-winning performance, Kishan engaged with the home crowd with a celebratory gesture. He revealed his innings was motivated by his cousin's presence, who was there during a difficult family time. The wicketkeeper-batter emphasized his goal to finish the game for his family.
Ruturaj Gaikwad's slow batting in CSK's crucial loss to SRH has drawn criticism, despite Stephen Fleming's backing as captain. Gaikwad's lack of intent at the top order, particularly in the powerplay, is hindering CSK's momentum. While Fleming acknowledges the need for improvement, fans' patience is waning as the team faces playoff uncertainty.
Suresh Raina urged MS Dhoni to play IPL 2027, dismissing concerns about his fitness after CSK's loss. Fans at Chepauk were emotional, fearing it was Dhoni's last home game. Despite the defeat, Dhoni's presence and lap of appreciation captivated the crowd, leaving his future uncertain but fueling hope for another season.
Ishan Kishan's match-winning 70 against Sunrisers Hyderabad was fueled by a personal tragedy, as he aimed to finish the game for his grieving cousin present in the stands. Despite a challenging Chepauk pitch, Kishan's composed innings anchored SRH's chase, securing their playoff spot. He felt a sense of power, dedicating the victory to his family.
Neymar is back in Brazil's World Cup plans. The veteran forward earned a recall to the national squad after a long absence. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed his inclusion. Neymar's return boosts Brazil's attack for the upcoming tournament. He previously represented Brazil in three World Cups. Brazil aims for a record sixth title.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. Fans remained long after the match. They hoped to see MS Dhoni one last time. Dhoni did not play due to fitness. His presence held significance beyond cricket. The crowd showed gratitude for his contributions. The possibility of his final appearance left many emotional.
While the selectors will pick squads for a one-off Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan, the blueprint for the 2027 ODI World Cup will be finalised on May 19. There are no question marks over Virat Kohli's position but Rohit Sharma is on a sticky wicket, and Ravindra Jadeja needs to punch above his weight to remain in contention.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal tells TOI that other boards are starting leagues for revenue as bilaterals are not adding enough value, allays fears over depreciating media rights value next year, and maintains that BCCI will maintain good relations with boards after the Mustafizur Rahman fiasco.
With seven games left, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have secured playoff spots. Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians are out. Rajasthan Royals are in a strong position. Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings have slim hopes. The race for the remaining spots is intense with many possible outcomes.
Delhi Capitals youngster Madhav Tiwari has made an impressive start to his IPL 2026 journey, delivering impactful performances in his first two matches. The 22-year-old contributed with both bat and ball in crucial wins against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. But behind Madhavs rise is the story of a stubborn youngster who only wanted to bat before former India cricketer Amay Khurasiya pushed him towards bowling as well. Today, that decision is helping Madhav emerge as an important player for
Sunrisers Hyderabad qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs after a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. Ishan Kishan scored 70 and added 75 runs with Heinrich Klaasen (47) in the chase of 181. Earlier, Pat Cummins starred with 3/28 as SRH joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in the playoffs.
The incident took place on the third ball of the 15th over of SRHs chase when Noor Ahmad dismissed Klaasen with a stumping.
Alireza Firouzja stunned the chess world by playing his Round 5 classical game against Javokhir Sindarov from a hotel room bed at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2026 after suffering an ankle injury. The extraordinary setup quickly went viral. Earlier, R Praggnanandhaa defeated Sindarov in a significant round-two encounter in Bucharest.
Among all batters who have faced at least 100 balls in the powerplay this season, Gaikwad has the lowest strike rate 124.6. For comparison, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scored at 244.51 and Abhishek Sharma at 228.87.
MS Dhoni thrilled Chepauk fans with a brief on-field appearance during CSKs final home game of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite missing the match through injury. The emotional moment came during the mid-innings team photo. Earlier, Ravi Shastri confirmed through Ruturaj Gaikwad that Dhoni was still unfit, while CSK managed 180/7 batting first.
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.

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