The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
MS Dhoni's participation in IPL 2027 is uncertain. Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stated that even the team is unaware of Dhoni's return next season. Dhoni missed IPL 2026 due to injury. CSK's campaign ended with a loss to Gujarat Titans. The team faced challenges with injuries and a young squad.
Shubman Gill scored 64 off 37 balls while B Sai Sudharsan made 84 off 53 balls as the opening pair added 125 runs. It was their seventh century partnership in the IPL, the most by any pair in the tournaments history.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's streak of playing in every IPL season for Chennai Super Kings ended in IPL 2026 due to a thumb injury. He missed the final league match against Gujarat Titans, marking his first absence from a game for the franchise he captained to five titles. His return hinges on CSK's playoff qualification.
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait for a national league title by clinching the 2025-26 ISL crown after a dramatic final matchday involving five title contenders. Dominant throughout the season, the Red and Gold Brigade combined attacking flair, consistency and resilience to edge rivals Mohun Bagan and script a historic triumph.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan continued their dominant IPL 2026 form with a 125-run opening stand against CSK. This marks their second consecutive season with both batters crossing 600 runs, a unique feat in IPL history. Sudharsan also achieved his fifth consecutive 50-plus score.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan achieved their 10th century partnership in T20s, equalling a record held by legendary pairs. They reached this milestone in just 46 innings, significantly faster than others. The Gujarat Titans duo also set an IPL record with their seventh opening century stand.
Chennai Super Kings' Sanju Samson sustained an early finger injury during their IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans, forcing him off the field. The incident occurred in the second over while attempting to stop a wide delivery. Urvil Patel took over wicketkeeping duties as Samson received medical attention.
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl against Gujarat Titans. This is a crucial match for CSK in IPL 2026. Ruturaj Gaikwad made two changes to the playing XI. Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the playoffs. Shubman Gill made one change for Gujarat Titans.
Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket last year and now only play ODI cricket for India. Apart from international matches, most of their cricket now comes in the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a match-winning 93 off 38 balls, including 10 sixes, to chase down 221 against LSG. He reassured coach Sangakkara, stating, 'ho jayega,' and then proceeded to keep playoff hopes alive. Sooryavanshi also became the youngest Indian to hit 50 IPL sixes in a season.
The proposed amendments have been uploaded on the sports ministrys website for public feedback, with June 18 set as the deadline for suggestions.
Former cricketer Kirti Azad has debunked a viral social media image claiming to be the 1983 World Cup victory celebration bill. Azad clarified that the receipt, purportedly from London's Grosvenor Hotel, is fake, including a forged Kapil Dev signature. He stated the team actually celebrated at the Westmoreland Hotel, refuting the fabricated details of luxury items and the location.
Saurabh Dubeys selection as Kolkata Knight Riders injury replacement raised eyebrows after the left-arm pacer spent over two years out of competitive cricket. But KKRs faith in the former net bowler is beginning to pay off. After impressive spells against Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, including wickets of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, Dubey has emerged as one of the surprise stories of KKRs season.
Prince Yadav's father reacts to son's India ODI call-up vs Afghanistan
Speculation about Virat Kohli's potential return to Test cricket has resurfaced following comments from his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma. Sharma hinted that discussions regarding a comeback are underway, igniting excitement among fans who believe the former captain still has unfinished business in the longest format. Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 after a distinguished 14-year career.
Anukul Roy joins the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. This change follows Harsh Dubey's maiden call-up to the senior India team for the home series against Afghanistan. The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A. Anukul Roy has been a valuable player for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
Bangladesh achieved a historic 2-0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan, culminating in an emotional dressing room celebration. Players united to sing Amra Korbo Joy after their dominant 78-run victory in the second Test. This triumph signifies Bangladesh's growing confidence and consistency in Test cricket.
The Indian Super League 2025-26 season culminates in a thrilling title race, with five teams vying for glory. East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC are level on points, but only the Kolkata giants can add to their tally. Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC are close behind, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
ISL Highlights: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal on May 17
Paras Mhambrey on MI loss: 'it wasn't an easy wicket'
KKR stay alive! Shane Watson on Manish Pandey, Varun Chakravarthy and tense chase vs MI
Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan shared his deep emotional ties to Chennai Super Kings ahead of their IPL 2026 clash. He fondly recalled idolizing CSK during his childhood, making his maiden IPL century against them in 2024 particularly special. Sudharsan, a consistent performer, continues his impressive run this season.
Canadian cricket faces a deepening crisis after shots were fired at the home of its new president, Arvinder Khosa, in what police believe is an extortion-linked attack. This follows recent revelations of alleged organized crime links, player pressure, and spot-fixing concerns during the T20 World Cup. The sport's governing body has also frozen Cricket Canada's funding due to integrity issues.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has been fined and received a demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during MI's defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders when Pandya forcefully knocked the bails off the stumps. This disciplinary issue adds to Mumbai's disappointing season, as they were already eliminated from playoff contention.
Kolkata Knight Riders secured a crucial win against Mumbai Indians, but their victory was overshadowed by a worrying injury to star batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Colliding with a teammate while attempting a catch, Raghuvanshi suffered neck pain, dizziness, and headaches, forcing him out of the match. The franchise is concerned about the impact on their playoff push.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal opens up on his transition into cricket administration after a heart attack, Bangladeshs fast bowling rise, the future of India-Bangladesh relations, the growing influence of T20 leagues. Bangladesh Cricket Board's interim president also shares his vision to restore Bangladesh crickets reputation, which has taken a beating after they decided to pull out from the T20 World Cup.
Chennai Super Kings batter Sanju Samson is on the cusp of a significant IPL milestone, needing just 23 runs for his second 500-plus season. Having enjoyed a stellar debut campaign with CSK in IPL 2026, Samson has been a standout performer, carrying his T20 World Cup form.
IPL 2026 has set a new record with 42 successful chases, surpassing the 2016 season's mark. Kolkata Knight Riders' victory over Mumbai Indians cemented this achievement, highlighting a significant trend favoring teams batting second. This shift has sparked discussions about potential disadvantages for first-batting sides in the league.
Pakistan's opening pair, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, have been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia due to injuries. Both left-handers are undergoing rehabilitation under the PCB medical panel, with Fakhar reportedly suffering from a knee issue and Saim an aggravated ankle injury. Their absence opens doors for other players to step in.
As the ODI World Cup approaches, concerns are rising regarding Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's physical condition. Despite their inclusion in the Afghanistan series, the BCCI is wary of their effectiveness in the 50-over game. The selectors are urgently seeking information on Rohit's overall fitness and Hardik's bowling readiness, emphasizing the necessity for backup opening batsmen.
Following a heated on-field exchange during an IPL clash, Chennai Super Kings' Sanju Samson and Sunrisers Hyderabad's Heinrich Klaasen diffused tensions with heartwarming social media messages. Their posts, expressing mutual respect and camaraderie, quickly won over fans, showcasing sportsmanship beyond the game's intensity. This gesture highlighted a positive spirit after a dramatic encounter.
Aston Villa clinched their first trophy in 30 years with a commanding 3-0 Europa League final victory over SC Freiburg in Istanbul. Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buenda, and Morgan Rogers were on target, capping a remarkable turnaround for Unai Emery's side. This triumph solidifies Emery's legendary status in the competition and brings European glory back to Villa Park after decades.
With playoffs in sight, RR, PBKS, KKR, DC, and CSK are locked in a fierce battle for the remaining spot. RR need a win, while PBKS, KKR, DC, and CSK rely on a complex web of results and their own performances. Only mathematically alive, these teams are fighting for every advantage.
Mumbai Indians' dismal IPL 2026 campaign was highlighted by a comical fielding error during their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Skipper Hardik Pandya expressed visible frustration as Robin Minz and Deepak Chahar fumbled a simple catch, gifting Rovman Powell a crucial lifeline. This incident underscored MI's season of injuries and inconsistent performances.
MS Dhoni will miss Chennai Super Kings' final league game against Gujarat Titans due to a thumb injury. Batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed Dhoni's potential return if CSK qualifies for the playoffs. The team, currently sixth, needs a win and favorable results to stay in contention.
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya expressed frustration over his team's poor fielding, a key factor in their loss to Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite opportunities, dropped catches proved costly. Pandya also felt the batting lineup was about 20 runs short of a competitive total. KKR's win keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Ajinkya Rahane praised Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy and Manish Pandey after Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets to stay alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race. Rahane highlighted Manishs attitude despite limited opportunities and credited KKRs recent success to staying focused one game at a time.
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Mumbai Indians by four wickets in a rain-affected IPL 2026 clash to keep their playoff hopes alive. MI managed only 147/8 after another poor batting display. Manish Pandey scored 45 and Rovman Powell made 40 as KKR chased down the target in 18.5 overs, with Rinku Singh hitting the winning runs.
Tejasvi Singh Dahiya entered the IPL 2026 spotlight as a concussion substitute for Angkrish Raghuvanshi during a Kolkata Knight Riders match. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi was acquired by KKR for Rs 3 crore after a stellar Delhi Premier League campaign, marking a significant turnaround from being unsold in the previous auction.
Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy suffered first-round exits at the Malaysia Masters 2026, ending Indias mens singles challenge early. While Lakshya lost in straight games, Prannoy went down in a marathon three-game match. In womens singles, Malvika Bansod, Ashmita Chaliha and Devika Sihag advanced to the next round.
Deepak Chahar humorously mimicked the viral 'chit celebration' trend during MI vs KKR, pretending to pull out an imaginary note after taking a wicket, much to his teammates' amusement. This trend, started by Abhishek Sharma, has seen mixed reactions, with some former cricketers criticizing it as 'rubbish'.
Mumbai Indians faced Kolkata Knight Riders with no playoff pressure. Their batting collapsed, failing to post a competitive total. Tilak Varma set a 14-year-old IPL record for a slow strike rate. KKR bowlers maintained pressure, restricting MI to 147/8. Corbin Bosch provided some late hitting for Mumbai.
India national cricket team slipped to sixth in the World Test Championship standings after Bangladesh national cricket team swept Pakistan 2-0 and climbed to fifth. India, led by Shubman Gill, have won four of nine Tests in the current cycle. Australia national cricket team continue to lead the WTC table, while Pakistan remain eighth after another series defeat.
Rain halted the IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians with MI at 57/4 in eight overs. If the game is washed out, both teams will share one point, badly hurting KKRs playoff hopes as they can then reach only 14 points. KKR had made a strong start with the ball before rain interrupted play at Eden Gardens.
Mumbai Indians etched their name in IPL history for an unfortunate record, becoming the second team to field three different captains in three consecutive matches during the 2026 season. Injuries and player unavailability forced leadership changes, with Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya all taking the helm.
Baldev Singh will receive the Padma Shri from Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding contribution to Indian hockey. The veteran coach transformed Shahabad Markanda into a major hockey talent hub, mentoring over 80 international players and eight Indian captains. He also coached Indias mens team and guided them to the 2004 Asia Cup title.

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