The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Sakib Hussain, a young cricketer from Bihar, made a remarkable IPL debut, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs. His journey from poverty, where his mother sold jewelry for his cricket spikes, highlights his resilience. Hussain's talent and determination, despite financial struggles, have propelled him to the big stage, with aspirations to reach 150 kph next season.
Noor Ahmad's stellar bowling performance, including crucial wickets of Rahane, Green, and Rinku Singh, powered Chennai Super Kings to a commanding victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK's dominance in both batting and bowling Powerplays, highlighted by Ayush Mhatre's explosive cameo, set the stage for their second consecutive win.
In the match, Noor Ahmad returned figures of 3/21 as Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs to register their second win in a row.
Defending champions RCB, boasting the IPL's top batting lineup, clash with Lucknow Super Giants' economical bowling attack today. RCB, third in the standings, aims to continue their high-scoring spree, while seventh-placed LSG seeks a turnaround. Expect a run-fest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as these contrasting teams battle it out.
Barcelona took an early lead through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres inside the first 24 minutes. However, Ademola Lookman scored for Atletico, which proved enough after their 2-0 win in the first leg.
In the running for the title, there are three contenders: Indias Vaishali Rameshbabu, Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva, and Chinas Zhu Jiner. Vaishali and Bibisara currently lead with 7.5/13 points, followed by Jiner on 7/13. The math is simple yet somewhat disquieting. If Vaishali and Bibisara both win their final games, they head into a tie-break on Thursday.
Shehzad pointed to questions asked to Kusal Mendis, who is currently playing in the PSL.
CSK, going through a transition, came into the match after a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals and followed it up with another win to move up to eighth place in the points table.
KKR have endured a tough season so far and are currently languishing at the bottom of the standings. In five matches, they are yet to register a win, with four losses and one no result. With just one point and a net run rate of -1.383, KKR have significant ground to cover in the coming games.
Kolkata Knight Riders slumped to a 32-run loss against Chennai Super Kings, exposing flaws in their batting approach and planning. Noor Ahmads spell triggered a collapse, while Rahanes slow innings hurt the chase. Earlier, CSK posted 192/5 with key contributions from Samson, Mhatre and Brevis, before controlling the game with disciplined bowling.
Javokhir Sindarov clinched the FIDE Candidates 2026 title with a round to spare after an unbeaten run, sealing qualification for the World Championship with a draw against Anish Giri. The Uzbek GM showed consistency throughout, starting with a win over Andrey Esipenko and maintaining control with key draws. He will now face reigning champion D Gukesh for the title.
Virat Kohli was spotted training with his left knee heavily strapped ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Despite a recent ankle niggle, Kohli displayed good form in the nets, easing fitness concerns. He has been in stellar form this season, amassing 179 runs in four matches.
Kolkata Knight Riders players wore black armbands during their IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings to mourn the passing of former India cricketer C. D. Gopinath. Gopinath was a member of India's first-ever Test-winning team and a significant figure in early Indian cricket history.
Vidarbhas pacer Praful Hinge and Bihars Sakib Hussain scripted history with four wickets each on IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals. Their efforts bowled RR out for 159 in a 57-run win. Coaches praised their potential, highlighting strong domestic performances, while stressing the need for consistency going forward.
Lucknow Super Giants, facing early IPL struggles, look to M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a potential turning point for their batting, especially Nicholas Pooran. Global director Tom Moody expressed confidence in the unit, highlighting the return of pacers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, and praising Mohammed Shami's impactful bowling.
MS Dhoni's absence continues to be felt by CSK fans as he missed another IPL 2026 match due to a calf strain. Despite batting in the nets, the veteran is still recovering and has not yet regained full match fitness. The team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is focused on finding the right combination and consistency.
Sunrisers Hyderabad may soon welcome back star pacer Pat Cummins, who is set to undergo a fitness test in Australia on Wednesday. If cleared, Cummins is expected to join the squad by April 17, significantly strengthening their bowling attack for the latter half of the tournament.
Mohsin Naqvi faced backlash after claiming India was facing fuel shortages, despite Pakistans own energy crisis. His remarks came as PSL 2026 matches are held without crowds due to fuel and security issues. With prices rising over 40%, Pakistani people criticised his comments on social nedia, pointing out stable fuel conditions in India and questioning his claims.
Debutant pacers Hinge and Hussain picked four wickets each as Sunrisers Hyderabad ended table-toppers Rajasthan Royals winning streak in emphatic fashion. On a surface where the odd ball held up, Kishan struck eight fours and six sixes in a blistering 44-ball 91 to power SRH to 216/6. Anything full and wide was punished through the off side with ease, while short balls were dispatched with authority, helping the skipper bring up his 19th IPL fifty.
Harika Dronavalli clarified viral handshake incident with Nodirbek Yakubboev, saying there was no disrespect. He had pre-informed her he cannot do handshakes due to religious beliefs, and her instinctive resignation gesture caused confusion. She urged social media not to blame him. Similar past incidents exist with Vaishali Rameshbabu. Harika stressed mutual respect and focus on chess, despite controversy overshadowing results.
Debut sensation Praful Hinge etched his name in IPL history by claiming three wickets in the opening over against Rajasthan Royals. His remarkable spell, finishing with 4/34, propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a dominant 57-run victory. Following the win, Hinge recreated a Mohammed Siraj-style video, humorously clarifying his official social media presence.
Four years after Shane Warnes sudden death, his son Jackson Warne has suggested COVID-19 vaccines may have contributed, while acknowledging underlying health issues. Speaking on a podcast, he recalled his initial anger and belief that external pressures led to multiple doses, revisiting the circumstances surrounding the spin legends passing.
Sanju Samson has been named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March after his stellar performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup knockout stages. Starting on the bench, Samson delivered crucial match-winning scores, including an unbeaten 97 and two 89s, to help India secure the title and earn him Player of the Tournament.
PCB banned Muzarabani from the PSL for two years. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement, PCB said in a statement, as cited by the Cricbuzz.
Kolkata Knight Riders face early season struggles. The team seeks its first win, with a single point from a rain-affected match. Both batting and bowling units need improvement. Sunil Narine's batting position and Ajinkya Rahane's leadership are under discussion. Cameron Green and Finn Allen are yet to deliver impactful performances.
Loss For Either Team Can Finish Hopes Of A Top-Four Finish
In a nation where only four women have ever earned the GM title, 35-year-old Harika remains one of its most enduring pillars. As her compatriots prepare for the traditional grind of World Championship cycles, Harika has qualified for the inaugural FIDE Womens Freestyle Chess World Championship, which is set to take place next year.
Riyan Parag on RRs loss vs SRH, pitch &baseless comparisons
Varun Aaron on Praful Hinges dream IPL debut & teams fearless approach
Despite a heavy defeat, Rajasthan Royals achieved a rare IPL milestone by posting 159 after losing five wickets for under 20 runs. This remarkable recovery was spearheaded by an 118-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad's Praful Hinge made history with three wickets in the opening over, contributing to SRH's dominant victory.
Indonesian tennis sensation Janice Tjen has achieved remarkable success, becoming the first Indonesian WTA singles champion in 23 years by winning the Chennai Open. Her rapid ascent to a career-high ranking of 36 in under two years, following a near-quit decision, highlights her resilience and dedication. Tjen's journey signifies Indonesia's strong return to the global tennis stage.
Babar, however, could not find rhythm and was dismissed for 18 off 20 balls. Babar Azam's slow strike rate in T20s has been a topic of discussion in recent times, and Steve Smith denying him a single in the Big Bash League (BBL) earlier was a topic of discussion in cricketing circles.
He is in contention for the Ireland tour and the selectors have shortlisted his name along with those of many other players, a BCCI source was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
Rajasthan Royals suffered a historic collapse in IPL 2026, setting multiple unwanted records during their massive defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their top four batters scored just one run combined, and the team lost five wickets in a mere 18 balls. Debutant Praful Hinge took three wickets in the opening over, spearheading the rout.
Riyan Parag termed Rajasthan Royals heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad a blip after a dramatic top-order collapse. He credited SRHs debutant pacers for their impact, reflected on tactical decisions, and praised his teams fightback after being 9/5. Parag remained optimistic, backing RR to recover quickly and perform better in their next match.
Sports governing body terms country a 'valuable market but return date uncertain
Aakash Chopra criticised Virat Kohlis slow 50 off 38 balls in RCBs win over Mumbai Indians, calling it unbecoming despite the result. He also questioned Kohlis mindset and noted wasted reviews. Chopra praised Phil Salts explosive 78 and Rajat Patidars striking form, highlighting their key roles in RCBs 18-run victory.
Chennai Super Kings, buoyed by a recent win and Sanju Samson's century, host a winless Kolkata Knight Riders. Chepauk's pace-friendly pitch and humid conditions with dew favor the home side. CSK aim to extend KKR's losing streak, while the visitors desperately seek their first victory of the season amidst batting and bowling concerns.
CSK registered their first victory after an all-round effort against Delhi Capitals. Sanju Samson scored 115 off 56 balls, his first major contribution for the franchise, while the bowlers also did their job.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making waves in IPL 2026 with explosive batting. Former pacer Simon Doull warns the young star about management companies prioritizing profit over his long-term career. Doull advises Sooryavanshi to be cautious of external influences and surround himself with people who genuinely care about his development and longevity.
The teen prodigy has been the flavour of this season in the T20 tournament with two 15-ball fifties including in the previous match and key to Rajasthan's four wins.
Sakib partnered with another SRH debutant Praful Hinge (4/34), as Sunrisers Hyderabad registered a 57-run win in Hyderabad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Praful Hinge delivered a historic 4/34 on debut, spearheading a dominant 57-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. His fiery opening spell, coupled with Sakib Hussain's impressive 4/24, dismantled the opposition's chase. Captain Ishan Kishan lauded the young pacers' hunger and preparation, while RR captain Riyan Parag acknowledged their brilliant bowling performance.
Praful Hinge made a sensational IPL debut, taking three wickets in his opening over against Rajasthan Royals. His dream spell dismantled their top order, setting the stage for Sunrisers Hyderabad's victory. Hinge, who finished with 4/34, dedicated his Player of the Match award to his family, highlighting their sacrifices.
Sunrisers Hyderabad thrashed Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs in an IPL match, powered by Praful Hinges sensational debut where he took three wickets in the first over and finished with 4/34. SRH scored 216/6, led by Ishan Kishans 91. RR were bowled out for 159 despite resistance from Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja.
Praful Hinges dream IPL debut, where he rattled Rajasthan Royals with four wickets, is a story of resilience and self-belief. After a career-threatening back injury, the Vidarbha pacer found support in Varun Aaron and Glenn McGrath, who guided his comeback. The seamer picked up four wickets on his IPL debut.
Debutant Praful Hinge etched his name in IPL history with a sensational opening over, claiming three wickets for ducks against Rajasthan Royals. The 24-year-old seamer from Vidarbha, picked for Rs 30 lakh, showcased remarkable potential, justifying Sunrisers Hyderabad's faith and announcing himself as a rising star.

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