The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Prince Yadav delivered a sensational spell for Lucknow Super Giants against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, dismissing Virat Kohli with a all of the tournament contender. His impressive 3/33 performance secured a crucial DLS victory, with former India batter Ambati Rayudu praising his all-format potential.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik feels Delhi Capitals' IPL campaign was derailed by a one-run loss to Gujarat Titans, leaving them mentally scarred. Despite a decent squad, DC has struggled since that defeat, experiencing extreme results. Now seventh, they face a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders, who are in winning form.
Rishabh Pants unbeaten 32 helped Lucknow Super Giants beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by nine runs in Lucknow, but questions over his T20 form continue to grow. Once seen as one of Indias brightest white-ball stars, Pant has struggled for consistency in recent IPL seasons despite becoming the leagues most expensive player at Rs 27 crore. His falling returns in T20 cricket, changing role at LSG and growing competition for India spots have added to the pressure, with Irfan Pathan also admitting t
The BCCI has issued a stern warning to IPL franchises regarding 'targeted compromise and honey-trapping,' enhancing security and access protocols. Stricter rules now govern hotel room access, unauthorised departures, and accreditation display. Franchise owners face new restrictions on interacting with players during matches, and vaping is strictly prohibited, with severe penalties for violations.
Pakistan introduces new talent for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais receive their maiden Test caps. This move comes as Babar Azam is sidelined with a knee injury. The team aims to rebuild with a younger batting core. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first.
Sanjiv Goenka's jubilant reaction went viral as Lucknow Super Giants secured a crucial win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mitchell Marsh's explosive 111 powered LSG to 209/3, a total RCB fell nine runs short of despite a spirited chase. The victory ended LSG's home losing streak and complicated RCB's playoff aspirations.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has reportedly met WADA's six-month notice requirement for returning athletes, according to sources. Despite this, her comeback is facing scrutiny over registration issues and a whereabouts failure. Her eligibility for upcoming events, including the Asian Games, remains uncertain due to these controversies and selection policies.
Magnus Carlsen clinched the TePe Sigeman & Co. chess title in Malmo after a dramatic classical win against Yagiz Kaan and two decisive blitz victories over Arjun Erigaisi. Carlsen's resilience in the classical phase, forcing complex endgames, proved pivotal. Erigaisi fought valiantly, securing a draw in the classical finale and winning one blitz tiebreak before Carlsen ultimately triumphed.
Virat Kohli shared a warm moment with young LSG pacer Prince Yadav after being dismissed by a brilliant nip-backer. Yadav revealed Kohli himself had advised him to stick to that length after a previous match. Despite the dismissal, Kohli appeared relaxed and appreciative of the youngster's performance.
Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders clash featuring three top Indian T20 spinners. Varun Chakravarthy is finding form after injury. Kuldeep Yadav struggles this IPL season. Axar Patel leads Delhi in wickets but faces captaincy scrutiny. The match highlights the spinners' recent journeys.
A crucial clash awaits Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders tonight, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Capitals, struggling at home and with batting collapses, face a resurgent Knight Riders side buoyed by recent victories. Delhi desperately needs a win to stay in contention, while KKR aims to capitalize on their momentum.
Rishabh Pant's sharp tactical advice proved pivotal in Lucknow Super Giants' narrow nine-run DLS victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Caught on camera instructing spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, Pant's guidance led to the crucial dismissal of the dangerous Tim David. This breakthrough shifted momentum, ultimately helping LSG end their losing streak and revive playoff aspirations.
Jitesh Sharma's IPL 2026 struggles continue, drawing criticism from Ambati Rayudu for technical flaws, especially against short balls. After a stellar 2025, his form has plummeted, with low scores and a struggling strike rate. Rayudu highlighted his inability to adapt, a concern given the rapid pace of IPL matches and limited practice time.
Indian selectors are set to remove Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain when the squads for the Ireland and England series are picked. Due to his batting struggles, the selectors have run out of patience with the 35-year-old. Shreyas Iyer is a strong contender to take over the leadership role as the team looks for a fresh start ahead of a packed T20I calendar.
All is not well with Suryakumar Yadav's wrist? | Exclusive visuals
Prince Yadav's stunning 140.4 kph nip-backer, inspired by Virat Kohli's own advice, shattered the RCB star's stumps, marking Kohli's first IPL duck in over three years. This pivotal moment, coupled with Mitchell Marsh's century, propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a nine-run DLS victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, keeping LSG's playoff dreams alive.
Lucknow Super Giants secured a vital nine-run DLS victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, keeping playoff hopes alive. Mitchell Marsh's explosive 111 powered LSG to 209/3, while Prince Yadav's fiery 3/33, including the remarkable wicket of Virat Kohli off his own advice, sealed the contest. RCB's chase faltered despite Patidar's 61.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's playoff hopes remain strong despite a recent loss, holding a solid third place with 12 points. While their Net Run Rate offers a crucial advantage, top-order batting instability is a growing concern. One more win could secure their spot, but avoiding a late collapse against tough upcoming opponents is vital for a smooth qualification. RCB still look like a strong playoff contender, but unless they rediscover consistency quickly, the final stretch of the league phase
In a statement, the BCB said the charges came after investigations carried out by the Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU). The probe looked into alleged corrupt conduct, betting activities, lack of cooperation in anti-corruption investigations and attempts to obstruct investigations linked to the BPL.
Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has raised concerns about the Indian team's dressing room atmosphere under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Wassan suggests that not all players are comfortable with Gambhir's intense and uncompromising style. He hinted that some cricketers feel sidelined despite the team's recent successes. This comes amid significant changes in the Indian squad, including retirements and captaincy shifts.
RCB, meanwhile, missed the chance to move to the top of the table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's playoff advantage diminished after a loss to Lucknow Super Giants, placing them level with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. LSG's significant victory, their first in six games and ending an eight-match home losing streak, was powered by Mitchell Marsh's 111. Sunrisers Hyderabad maintain their lead at the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
Pandya had missed MI's last game against LSG due to a back spasm on Monday. His niggle is said to be a minor one and he was advised rest for the game against LSG.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced an early collapse against Lucknow Super Giants, with star batter Virat Kohli departing for a two-ball duck. Young pacer Prince Yadav delivered a stunning nip-backer to dismiss Kohli after Mohammed Shami struck early. This double blow put RCB under immense pressure while chasing a challenging 210, set up by Mitchell Marsh's explosive 111.
Lucknow Super Giants batter Nicholas Pooran and Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya shared a brief on-field moment during a crucial IPL 2026 match. The interaction occurred after Pandya bowled a surprise bouncer to Pooran. Both players have a shared history at LSG. The match saw a high score from Mitchell Marsh.
Marsh reached the milestone in 49 balls, making it the fastest century by an LSG batter in IPL history. He went past Rishabh Pants 54-ball hundred against RCB at the same venue in IPL 2025.
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant acknowledged that a lack of role clarity and frequent batting order changes have severely impacted their IPL 2026 campaign. Ahead of a crucial match against RCB, Pant emphasized the need for more consistency and strategic planning for future seasons. LSG faces elimination if they lose, while RCB aims to top the table.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar made history by becoming the first fast bowler to play 200 IPL matches, a feat he achieved with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This milestone follows his earlier achievement of 200 IPL wickets. Kumar expressed pride in his accomplishment, highlighting the satisfaction of reaching this mark with a successful franchise.
Thirty-five years ago, the 1990-91 Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Haryana delivered an unforgettable thriller. Haryana, led by Kapil Dev, clinched their maiden title by a mere two runs in a dramatic finish at the Wankhede Stadium. The match featured stellar performances and a nail-biting conclusion, cementing its place as a classic in Indian domestic cricket history.
Placed ninth on the table with just six points after 10 matches, the Mumbai Indians only have an outside chance of making it to the playoffs.
Former India cricketer Salil Ankola is undergoing treatment for severe depression near Pune. Ankola, who debuted in the iconic 1989 Karachi Test alongside Sachin Tendulkar, had a career interrupted by injuries and a tumor. After transitioning to acting, he returned to cricket administration before facing emotional struggles following his mother's death.
Just because you have lost in the elections, dont think that you have been punished. I will lodge a defamation case, and if needed, will go to the Supreme Court. I will fight till the end, he wrote on Facebook stories, as quoted by Sportstar.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's IPL 2026 campaign is on hold due to a knee injury, with his return uncertain after a setback during training. Despite his absence, fan support remains immense, but concerns about his future and potential retirement are growing. Michael Clarke has defended Dhoni, highlighting his unparalleled influence on CSK and the sport, urging against premature retirement discussions.
A viral clip from Punjab Kings travel vlog sparked controversy after Yuzvendra Chahal appeared to vape during a flight to Hyderabad. However, eagle-eyed fans later claimed the spinner may have been holding a spray device and merely mimicking the act. The moment, which was removed from the original vlog, has now fuelled speculation that Chahal was playfully referencing the recent Riyan Parag vaping controversy.
Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has accused new head coach Gautam Gambhir of being a ully with an my way or the highway approach, stemming from his Delhi cricket days. While Gambhir has achieved white-ball success, India's Test form has declined, raising questions about his confrontational coaching style's suitability.
Virat Kohli and the cricket fraternity mourned the untimely demise of former Punjab cricketer Amanpreet Singh Gill, who passed away at 36. Gill, an ex-India U-19 pacer, represented Punjab and was part of the inaugural IPL season with Kings XI Punjab. Tributes poured in from former teammates and the Punjab Cricket Association.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to reach a major IPL milestone today. He will become the first fast bowler to play 200 matches. This adds to his impressive IPL career. He is also currently leading the Purple Cap standings. Virat Kohli praised Bhuvneshwar's longevity and intelligence. He called him one of the top three IPL pacers.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli's elite fitness culture sets a benchmark that Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav may have fallen short of. Manjrekar suggested that a decline in physical conditioning, particularly after 30, has made things harder for Rohit and Suryakumar, impacting their performance, especially in T20 cricket.
James Franklin explains SRHs bowling strategy after win over Punjab Kings
Australian cricketers will complete their Indian Premier League duties before joining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series in Pakistan. Despite the series overlapping with IPL playoffs, players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh will fulfill their franchise commitments. Cricket Australia is expected to adjust selections to accommodate these crucial IPL matches.
Sairaj Bahutule reacts to another Punjab Kings defeat, dropped catches and more
Former Australian cricketer David Warner will accept responsibility for a eckless and foolish drink-driving offence. His lawyer stated Warner deeply regrets the incident, acknowledging he made a poor decision to drive after consuming three glasses of wine. The 39-year-old star expects to face consequences like any other citizen.
Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood lauded Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of his 200th IPL appearance. Kohli highlighted Bhuvneshwar's longevity, intelligence, and consistency as one of the IPL's greatest pacers. Hazlewood praised his exceptional swing bowling, tactical awareness, and ability to read match conditions, calling it a remarkable achievement.
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins is reportedly set for a significant contract extension. Cricket Australia is offering a deal that could see him earn nearly AUD 4 million annually until 2029. This move aims to secure top stars amidst the growing allure of global franchise leagues.
India's women's recurve team achieved a monumental victory, defeating 10-time Olympic champions South Korea 5-1 to reach the Archery World Cup Stage 2 final. Deepika Kumari and her teammates displayed exceptional composure, securing a medal and setting up a gold medal match against China. The men's team, however, faced an early exit.
Cheteshwar Pujara expressed surprise at Rishabh Pant's modest IPL record, attributing it to mindset and clarity issues rather than technique. Pujara suggested Pant needs to develop his off-side game and questioned if captaincy burdens are impacting his T20 performances. He believes focusing solely on his batting could significantly boost Pant's success.
Ishan Kishan's explosive 55 off 32 balls, aided by three dropped catches from Punjab Kings, propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding 33-run victory. Kishan's cheeky Catch me, if you can Instagram post after the match highlighted Punjab's costly fielding errors, which proved decisive in SRH's massive 235/4 total.

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