The Times of India

Virat Kohli might miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He reportedly sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged this would be a significant blow. Kohli enjoyed a strong IPL season, scoring 675 runs. He is currently holidaying in Europe after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title win.

Virat Kohli's unwavering intensity and work ethic were instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's second consecutive IPL title in 2026. Finishing as the franchise's top scorer, Kohli's leadership and champion mindset, even after facing early setbacks, inspired teammates like Krunal Pandya. Pandya highlighted Kohli's consistent hunger to perform and win as a personal source of motivation.

The decision comes after FIFA had earlier said that empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles would be permitted at venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the updated Stadium Code of Conduct, which came into effect on Tuesday, now bans them.

Virat Kohli was in sublime form during IPL 2026, scoring 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and top-scoring with an unbeaten 75 in the title clash. He had reportedly felt discomfort in his right hamstring while batting during the final. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is yet to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for a fitness assessment. With both players dealing with hamstring issues, the selectors could be forced to explore additional options ahead of the upcoming assignments.

Sindhu, who had also gone down to the South Korean in the quarterfinals of last week's Singapore Open, lost 17-21, 14-21 in the round of 16 match.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a record-shattering IPL 2026 campaign, highlighted by a 97 off 29 balls in the Eliminator. His sensational batting, including 72 sixes, earned him the Orange Cap and MVP award. Sooryavanshi's adaptability impressed opponents, with Liam Livingstone noting his rapid development against various bowling tactics.

Krunal, who played a key role in RCB's successful IPL 2026 title defence, contributed with both bat and ball during the season. He scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and picked up 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.41 as RCB won their second consecutive IPL title.

Five-time IPL champion Krunal Pandya's journey to success was forged in the crucible of early life struggles. Before cricket stardom, he navigated the world of paperwork, affidavits, and brokering second-hand cars, lessons that instilled resilience and a craving for tough challenges. These experiences shaped his approach to cricket, teaching him to embrace pressure and never give up.

Sri Lanka secured a 41-run victory over the West Indies in their opening ODI, thanks to stellar performances from Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Mendis (72). Their crucial partnership propelled Sri Lanka to 303/7. Despite a spirited chase led by Shai Hope, the West Indies were bowled out for 262, with Dushmantha Chameera taking four wickets.

Fresh off back-to-back IPL titles, Krunal Pandya reflects on his journey, emphasizing resilience and reinvention. He discusses his evolution as a bowler in the high-scoring T20 era, the influence of his late father, and his unwavering hunger for success. Pandya also shares insights on his son's unique cricket critiques and his hopes for an India recall.

In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com following his retirement announcement, former India allrounder Vijay Shankar reflected on the emotional decision to step away, the injuries that altered his career, handling public criticism, his love for all-round cricket and why he still wants to continue playing overseas leagues.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi electrified IPL 2026 with a stunning 776 runs at a 230+ strike rate. His fearless batting dismantled top bowlers, including Australia captain Pat Cummins. Cummins admitted the teenager's power and confidence made him incredibly tough to bowl to, calling his ball-striking ability exceptional, regardless of age.

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has claimed that match-fixing persists in cricket, though he expressed uncertainty about its presence in the IPL due to the tournament's immense financial stakes. Modi suggested that smaller, less regulated domestic and regional leagues are more susceptible to manipulation and corruption, highlighting the massive betting market in cricket.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar urges patience for young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite his record-shattering IPL 2026 season. Tendulkar advises the 15-year-old to embrace his natural game and develop organically, emphasizing that challenges are part of any career. He believes selectors should manage his progression, encouraging fans to enjoy his talent without undue pressure.

As BCCI looks for successors, India T20I skipper unlikely to be called up for selection meeting

Gujarat Titans faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final. A surprising move saw Nishant Sindhu bat ahead of Jos Buttler after Shubman Gill's early dismissal. Head coach Ashish Nehra explained it was a tactical choice to involve Sindhu more. The decision did not yield the desired results, contributing to Gujarat's defeat.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is optimistic that Lamine Yamal will be fit for the team's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 despite a hamstring injury suffered in April. Yamal will miss the warm-up match against Iraq, while Nico Williams and Vctor Muoz are also sidelined. Spain are aiming to improve on recent World Cup performances.

Rajat Patidar captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second successive IPL title in 2026, scoring 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke highlighted Patidar as an underrated performer, emphasizing his leadership and middle-order batting prowess. Clarke believes Patidar's consecutive title wins warrant consideration for the Indian T20 and potentially ODI teams.

England captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer after criticism over the fast bowler missing the first Test against New Zealand following his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. Stokes said modern cricket offers players more opportunities than before and insisted Archer remains committed to England. He also warned that mishandling such situations could risk losing talented players from international cricket.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka suffered a stunning French Open quarterfinal defeat, blowing a set lead and a 4-1 advantage in the second set before losing to Diana Shnaider. Meanwhile, unseeded Polish player Maja Chwalinska continued her dream run, defeating Anna Kalinskaya to reach the semifinals after coming through qualifying and exceeding all expectations.

Jakub Mensik suffered a painful leg cramp during his post-match French Open press conference after reaching the semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Joao Fonseca. The Czech youngster revealed he battled discomfort in his left leg during the match but was relieved it was only a tight muscle. Mensik now faces world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed bewilderment over Jofra Archer's exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand, despite a stellar IPL season. Butcher questioned the decision, highlighting Archer's value as a premier fast bowler and the limited home Test schedule. He also pondered Ben Stokes' move to bat at number seven.

Ayush Shetty kept Indias hopes alive at the Indonesia Open with a remarkable comeback win over Chinas Weng Hong Yang, reaching the pre-quarterfinals. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde also progressed in mixed doubles. However, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty retired hurt from their opening match due to Satwiks shoulder injury, while HS Prannoy suffered a first-round exit.

Haiti's sole home-based soccer star, Woodensky Pierre, has secured his US visa for the FIFA World Cup 2026, overcoming travel restrictions. The young midfielder, hailing from a troubled Port-au-Prince neighborhood, will now join his overseas teammates in Florida for the tournament. This marks Haiti's second World Cup appearance, with fans facing their own travel uncertainties.

Punjab Kings experienced a dramatic IPL 2026 collapse, losing six straight after a perfect start. Despite a strong coaching team, they missed playoffs. Sachin Tendulkar attributed Punjab's downfall to a shift from process to results. He also lauded Gujarat Titans' consistent performance, highlighting their ability to manage volatility throughout the season.

India stepped up preparations for the Afghanistan Test with an intense training session in challenging heat. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled lengthy spells, easing concerns over fitness after the IPL. Gurnoor Brar impressed with his bounce, while Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar were closely monitored in the spin battle. Mayank Yadav focused on fitness work as he continues his comeback.

Australian captain Pat Cummins is considering skipping IPL 2027 due to a demanding international schedule. With major tours and tournaments ahead, he indicated that franchise cricket might be sacrificed to prioritize national duties. Cummins emphasized Test matches and the ODI World Cup as his primary focus, suggesting workload management for the pace attack is crucial.

Indias top mens doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have withdrawn from the Indonesia Open 2026 after Satwik suffered an injury during their first-round match. The Badminton Association of India confirmed the duo will focus on recovery and rehabilitation. Their exit comes days after winning the Singapore Open title, ending a two-year wait for a BWF World Tour crown.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15, has been hailed as the IPL 2026's true star, even surpassing RCB's title win. Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad lauded his record-breaking 776 runs at a blistering strike rate. His immense popularity in India and global recognition are unprecedented for a player yet to debut internationally.

Suryakumar Yadav's poor form and wrist injury are making him a focus for selection committee ahead of India's T20I series vs Ireland and England. Discussions are expected regarding his captaincy and future T20I leadership. The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, and coach Gautam Gambhir face the challenge of agreeing on a succession plan for the 2028 LA Games and T20 World Cup in the same year.

Aryna Sabalenka has welcomed Serena Williamss return to tennis, calling it very good news for tennis and expressing excitement about potentially facing the 23-time Grand Slam champion. Williams, ending a four-year retirement, will return in doubles at Queens Club alongside Victoria Mboko. Reports also suggest the American legend could make her singles comeback at the Berlin Open later this month

Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's second consecutive IPL title win, Virat Kohli shared a special moment with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Kohli, who was Player of the Match in the final, encouraged the young prodigy, who swept multiple season awards, to stay focused amidst his breakthrough campaign. Kohli's inspiring words and a memorable sign-off resonated with fans.

Gabriel Bonfim believes a win over former champion Belal Muhammad can establish him as a legitimate UFC welterweight contender. Riding a four-fight winning streak and coming off a statement knockout of Randy Brown, the Brazilian enters his second consecutive main event with growing confidence. Yet Muhammad's relentless pressure, wrestling and ability to thrive in long fights present a different challenge. For the former champion, it is a chance to halt a slide. For Bonfim, it is an opportunity t

FIFA is enhancing offside calls for the 2026 World Cup with advanced semi-automated VAR technology, providing real-time audio alerts for quicker decisions. This aims to reduce delays and potential injuries. New 'out of bounds' and 'line of sight' tech will also clarify goal-line and offside situations, with AI-generated player avatars offering clearer animations.

Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey expressed his elation upon receiving his maiden call-up to the Indian senior national team for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. The 23-year-old is particularly thrilled about the prospect of sharing a dressing room with his idols, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Alexander Zverev and Jakub Mensik have secured their spots in the French Open semifinals, setting up a compelling clash. Zverev, a tournament favorite, showcased his dominance, while 20-year-old Mensik achieved a career milestone by reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal. With top contenders out, Zverev emerges as a strong championship contender.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making waves in cricket, following a stellar U-19 World Cup performance with a record-breaking IPL season. His exceptional batting has sparked widespread calls for his inclusion in the senior India squad, with selectors closely monitoring his progress for upcoming tours. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged his extraordinary rise, hinting at potential opportunities.

India is set for a massive multi-format tour of New Zealand from October to December 2026, featuring five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches. This 12-game series marks India's first Test assignment in New Zealand since 2019-20 and will serve as crucial preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Nineteen-year-old Tahsin Jamshid, born in Doha to Kerala parents, is set to become the first Indian passport holder to play in a World Cup after being named in Qatar's squad. He holds a Qatari mission passport, allowing him to represent the nation. His father, a former Kerala player, expressed immense pride in his son's achievement.

Australia secured a commanding 41-run victory over Pakistan in the second ODI, leveling the series at 1-1. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green anchored the Australian innings with crucial half-centuries, setting a target of 232. Nathan Ellis and Matthew Short then starred with the ball, restricting Pakistan to 190 and forcing a series decider.

Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, embarked on their 2026 campaign with a special send-off ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Their team aircraft received a traditional water salute before departing for the tournament. The Seleo, aiming to reclaim football's biggest prize, will kick off their Group C matches against Morocco on June 14.

Mohammed Siraj's availability for the Afghanistan Test remains uncertain, with selectors monitoring the pacer's workload after a long IPL season. Jammu & Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi, one of the six net bowlers, is on standby and will join the squad if Siraj is rested.

After a breakthrough IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, Mukul Choudhary is set to fulfil a dream far bigger than cricket: helping his family clear a long-standing bank loan. From overnight bus journeys between Gurugram and Bharatpur to years of living in rented homes, the youngster's rise has been built on sacrifice, hard work and unwavering family support. Now, armed with lessons from Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, Mukul believes the IPL has changed his life and opened the

A pre-World Cup friendly between DR Congo and Chile in Spain was cancelled due to health concerns over the Ebola outbreak. Local authorities intervened after health experts warned of potential risks. DR Congo has already altered its training plans due to the epidemic.

Gujarat Titans' Jos Buttler described a frightening safety scare after their IPL final loss. The team bus caught fire due to a short circuit, forcing players and staff to evacuate. This incident compounded their disappointment after falling short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, adding a bizarre end to their campaign.

At Norway Chess Round 8, R Praggnanandhaa defeated Magnus Carlsen for the second time in two weeks, outplaying the World No. 1 in a sharp French Defence to stay in title contention. Meanwhile, Gukesh suffered another classical setback against Alireza Firouzja after a preparation mix-up in the Ragozin Defence. In the womens event, Divya Deshmukh lost to women's leader Bibisara Assaubayeva.