Cricket

Mendis and Babar power Zalmi to record-breaking win over Kings

The pair's 191-run stand took Zalmi to 246, and Kings could only muster 87 in the chase, suffering the biggest ever defeat in the PSL

'He's got that look in his eyes' - Langer earmarks Mukul Choudhary for even bigger hits

The 21-year-old batter smashed an unbeaten 26-ball fifty to take his team home in a last-ball thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders

Mukul Choudhary stuns KKR to seal thriller for LSG

He bashed a 25-ball half-century, having come in at 104 for 5 in the 13th over and helping chase down 182

RR vs RCB Match 16, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

RR vs RCB Match 16 , Cricket Tips : Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be up against each other in the upcoming contest of the IPL 2026. This match will be held at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday at 7:30 PM IST. Both sides have not lost a single game so far. That is where this game is important. RCB have won consecutive home matches, and they will play their first away game of their campaign. They recorded 250/3 in their last game against CSK. On the other hand, RR have three back-to-back wins, and they are at the top of the table. The winner of this game will stay at the top of the leaderboard. RR vs RCB: Match Details Date : April 10, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati RR vs RCB Live Streaming Details Fans can watch the RR vs RCB clash on Star Sports Network on Friday. The live stream option will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. RR vs RCB Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 34 RR : 14 RCB : 17 No - Result : 03 RR vs RCB: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Guwahati is flat and helpful for the batters. There is good bounce, and the ball comes nicely onto the bat. Bowling slower ones and changing the pace can be a good option here. But overall, this is a high-scoring venue. RR vs RCB Possible XIs RR : Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Nandre Burger, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma RCB : Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy. RR vs RCB: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devdutt Padikkal has been in fantastic form and he has scored consecutive half-centuries in this IPL. For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the main guy. He has the Orange Cap at the moment. Probable Best Bowler Ravi Bishnoi has the Purple Cap at the moment and has been consistent with wicket-taking. For RCB, Jacob Duffy has bowled good overs in the powerplay and taken wickets as well. Today Match Prediction : RR are overly dependent on their top order, which can go against them. But RCB have a stable batting order. Hence, we predict RCB to beat RR in this game. RR vs RCB Match 16, IPL 2026, Today RR vs RCB Match, RR vs RCB Prediction, RR vs RCB Predicted XIs, Injury Update for RR vs RCB Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IPL 2026: 'Aim Was To Bat Till Last,' Says Mukul Choudhary After His Match-winning Knock Against KKR

Lucknow Super Giants: : Mukul Choudhary said his only focus during the chase was to stay till the end, a plan that ultimately helped Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pull off a thrilling last-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 15th match played at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Chasing 182, LSG were under pressure in the final overs, but Choudhary held his nerve and turned the game around with fearless hitting. He smashed crucial sixes in the closing stages, including two in the final over, to take his team over the line. My aim was to bat till the last and see what happens. It was only my second match. God has given me this opportunity; there can be pressure, but it is also an opportunity to make a name for myself, Choudhary said after being named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 54 off 27 balls. Choudhary also reflected on his journey into cricket. My journey started when my father was not even married; he dreamed that his son would play cricket. I started at the age group level, but there were no good academies in Sikkim. I played matches in Delhi and Guragaon, and that helped me, he said. When I was playing against U19 versus UP, it was a low-scoring game, and I made a contribution, so he knew then that I would make it big, he added, The youngster highlighted his natural attacking approach. Even I liked the first six; I had not scored a single six in two games, so the first one was special. In my mind, I knew one out of the four balls would be in the slot, and I was just waiting for it, he said. From younger days, I like hitting sixes and not playing along the ground, Choudhary added, underlining the aggressive mindset that powered LSG to victory. LSG captain Pant was full of praise for the youngsters performance. When we see him in the nets, when you see someone, you can see that.. When you do it in the match, I have no words to describe it. But what a fantastic effort, he said. From younger days, I like hitting sixes and not playing along the ground, Choudhary added, underlining the aggressive mindset that powered LSG to victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, LSG registered their second win after defeating KKR. They will next face the Gujarat Titans on Sunday at their home ground, Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Mukuls Unbeaten 54 Guides LSG To Thrilling Three-wicket Win Over KKR

For Lucknow Super Giants: Mukul Choudhary stood against all the odds and remained unbeaten at 54 off just 27 balls as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) chased down the target of 182 runs on the final ball of the match and registered a three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. Earlier, captain Ajinkya Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi played key knocks, while Rovman Powell provided a late boost as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted 181/4 in 20 overs. Chasing a challenging total on a slow surface, LSG got off to a strong start with Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh scoring freely at over 10 runs per over. The pair took the team to 41 in just four overs. However, KKR bounced back in the fifth over through Vaibhav Arora, who dismissed Markram for 22 and Marsh for 15 in the same over. Captain Rishabh Pant tried to stabilise the innings alongside Ayush Badoni, but struggled for rhythm and was dismissed by Cameron Green for 10. Nicholas Pooran also failed to make an impact, scoring 13 before getting out in the 12th over, while Abdul Samad departed cheaply. With wickets falling at the other end, Badoni held the innings together and scored a well-made 54 off 34 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. However, he was dismissed soon after reaching his half-century. After Badonis departure, Mukul took charge of the chase. He played aggressively, hitting multiple sixes and keeping LSG in the hunt. In the final over, LSG needed 14 runs, and Mukul held his nerve, smashing two sixes before completing the winning run on the last ball. He brought up his fifty in just 26 balls and remained unbeaten on 54. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders had a steady but cautious start, with Mohammed Shami conceding just six runs in the opening over. The early breakthrough came when Finn Allen was dismissed for nine, caught off Prince Yadav. Following the setback, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi rebuilt the innings with a composed partnership. They started carefully before accelerating late in the power play, taking the team to 52/1 in six overs. The pair continued to rotate strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, guiding KKR to 98/1 at the halfway mark. Their 84-run stand ended in the 11th over when Digvesh Rathi dismissed Rahane for a brisk 41. Soon after, Manimaran Siddharth removed Raghuvanshi for 45, leaving KKR just short of a strong platform. The middle overs saw a slowdown, with Rinku Singh falling cheaply and boundaries drying up. However, Rovman Powell revived the innings with aggressive hitting in the death overs, scoring an unbeaten 39. Cameron Green also chipped in with an unbeaten 32 as KKR finished at 181/4. For Lucknow Super Giants, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, and Manimaran Siddharth took one wicket each. The middle overs saw a slowdown, with Rinku Singh falling cheaply and boundaries drying up. However, Rovman Powell revived the innings with aggressive hitting in the death overs, scoring an unbeaten 39. Cameron Green also chipped in with an unbeaten 32 as KKR finished at 181/4. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 181/4 in 20 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 45, Ajinkya Rahane 41, Rovman Powell 39; Digvesh Rathi 1-25, Manimaran Siddharth 1-34) lost to Lucknow Super Giants 182/7 in 20 overs (Mukul Chaudhary 54*, Ayush Badoni 54; Anukul Roy 3-32, Vaibhav Arora 2-38) by 3 wickets. Article Source: IANS

MCA Unveils Stands, Gates At Wankhede Stadium To Honour Former Cricketers Shastri, Sardesai, Solkar, Edulji

Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra: In a moment etched in Mumbai crickets history, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday inscribed the names of cricketing stalwarts, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, recognising their contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket by naming stands and gates after them. The honours were unveiled by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, as a stand was named after Ravi Shastri and stadium gates were dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji. The ceremony was also attended by Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar, along with MCA Apex Council members, office-bearers, and members of the cricketing fraternity. On the occasion, the MCA also felicitated Suryakumar Yadav, the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup-winning captain. The Level 1 stand below the Press Box is now named the Ravi Shastri Stand, honouring a prominent figure in Indian cricket. A member of Indias 1983 World Cup-winning team, Shastris contribution spans generations as a player, captain, coach, and commentator. Gate No. 3, Gate No. 6, and Gate No. 5 will now be named the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Eknath Solkar Gate, and Diana Edulji Gate, respectively, marking the contributions of three legends from Mumbai. Sardesai, widely regarded as Indias crisis man, made significant contributions to the game with his consistency and dependability. Solkar, regarded among the finest close-in fielders, played a key role in Indias success with his all-round skills and fearless approach. Edulji, a pioneer of womens cricket, led the national side and later contributed significantly to the growth of the game as an administrator. Unveiling the honours, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, I want to wholeheartedly congratulate the Mumbai Cricket Association. It is a great way to celebrate our icons. This initiative, naming gates and stands after those who created history so that their memories and their contribution to the game remain alive forever, is commendable. I believe that such an initiative can perhaps only happen at Wankhede Stadium through the Mumbai Cricket Association. MCA President Ajinkya Naik said, Wankhede Stadium stands as the heartbeat of Mumbai cricket and a symbol of its enduring legacy. Honouring Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji in this manner ensures that their contributions are permanently etched into Mumbai crickets rich heritage. This initiative reflects the MCAs commitment to preserving our cricketing history while inspiring future generations. I sincerely thank the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji and Honourable Cabinet Minister Shri Ashish Shelar Ji for their continued support in strengthening the foundations of cricket. Ravi Shastri said, Its a privilege to receive it at the ground [Wankhede Stadium]. When you look at the names there, which youll see tomorrow, Tendulkar, Vengsarkar, Gavaskar, Sharma, and then, of course, the gates, it reflects an association rich in tradition. They win more than anybody else. So to get up there, youve got to work hard. It wont come easy. For anyone young or aspiring, there are no shortcuts. Diana Edulji said, It is indeed a great moment for me and my family to be standing here for the unveiling of the gate in my name. I would definitely like to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association. The way they have treated womens cricket and the players has been commendable. Over the last few years, both the current and previous Apex Councils have done a wonderful job in promoting womens cricket and giving us the respect we deserve. Ravi Shastri said, Its a privilege to receive it at the ground [Wankhede Stadium]. When you look at the names there, which youll see tomorrow, Tendulkar, Vengsarkar, Gavaskar, Sharma, and then, of course, the gates, it reflects an association rich in tradition. They win more than anybody else. So to get up there, youve got to work hard. It wont come easy. For anyone young or aspiring, there are no shortcuts. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this initiative, the MCA carries forward Mumbai crickets legacy by celebrating those who defined it and ensuring their stories continue to echo through every generation that follows. Article Source: IANS

'His Contribution Will Be Remembered': BCCI Condoles Passing Of C.D. Gopinath

BCCI President Mithun Manhas: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of former India cricketer C.D. Gopinath, who passed away in Chennai. He was a member of Indias first-ever Test-winning team and an early contributor to the countrys rise in international cricket. Born in Chennai, then known as Madras, on March 1, 1930, Gopinath represented a classical era of cricket. The right-handed batter earned recognition through consistent performances in domestic cricket for Madras, which eventually paved the way for his selection to the national side. He made his Test debut during the 195152 series against England and made an immediate impression. In his first match, he scored an unbeaten half-century, followed by a solid knock in the same series at the Brabourne Stadium. He played his last international match against Australia at Eden Gardens in 1960. Gopinath also played a key role in Indias landmark Test win against England in Chennai. In that match, he contributed a crucial 35 runs and held an important catch to dismiss Brian Statham off the bowling of Vinoo Mankad, who was the star performer, taking 8 wickets for 55 runs in the first innings and 4 wickets in the second, for a total of 12 wickets in the match, helping India secure a historic triumph. At the domestic level, Gopinath was a key figure in Madras cricket, leading the side and contributing significantly to its development during the early years of Indias domestic circuit. He also played a crucial role in Madras first-ever Ranji Trophy title in 1954-55, scoring a century in the final. After retiring from playing, Gopinath continued to serve Indian cricket in various capacities, including as a national selector and chairman of selectors. He also managed the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England and remained closely associated with the game for decades. BCCI President Mithun Manhas said, Mr C.D. Gopinath represented an era when Indian cricket was beginning to establish itself on the international stage. Not only did he contribute to India, but he also played a key role in Madras early successes. His continued association with the game as chairman of the selection committee and team manager reflected his deep commitment to cricket. We mourn his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. After retiring from playing, Gopinath continued to serve Indian cricket in various capacities, including as a national selector and chairman of selectors. He also managed the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England and remained closely associated with the game for decades. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In his international career, Gopinath played eight Tests, scoring 242 runs, including an unbeaten fifty. In first-class cricket, he amassed 4,259 runs in 83 matches, registering nine centuries and 23 half-centuries. Article Source: IANS

Lions terminate Beyers Swanepoel's contract for walkout during one-day final

Swanepoel, who left the match without an NOC to catch a flight to the UK where he was due to play for Worcestershire, has apologised for his actions

IPL 2026: Rahane, Raghuvanshi Lead KKR To 181/4 Against LSG

Kolkata Knight Riders: Captain Ajinkya Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi played key knocks, while Rovman Powell provided a late boost as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted 181/4 in 20 overs against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 15 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. After being asked to bat first, KKR had a cautious start. Mohammed Shami kept things tight in the opening over, conceding just six runs. The three-time champions then lost an early wicket as Finn Allen was dismissed for nine off eight balls, caught at third man off Prince Yadav, with Digvesh Rathi taking the catch. Following the early setback, Rahane and Raghuvanshi steadied the innings. The pair started cautiously before picking up pace towards the end of the Power-play, collecting 16 runs in the final over to take KKR to 52/1 after six overs. The duo continued to build steadily, rotating the strike well and targeting loose deliveries. While they were careful against Rathi, they scored freely off the other bowlers, guiding KKR to 98/1 at the halfway stage. Their 84-run partnership was broken in the 11th over when Rathi dismissed Rahane. The skipper scored a quick 41 off 24 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Soon after, Manimaran Siddharth removed Raghuvanshi, who made 45 off 33 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, falling just short of a half-century. KKR then went through a quiet phase, struggling to find boundaries. Rinku Singh was dismissed cheaply in the 14th over, bowled by Avesh Khan. Cameron Green also took time to settle, as Lucknows spinners kept the scoring in check. The drought finally ended in the 16th over when Powell hit Siddharth for a six and a four. Powell then accelerated in the final overs, finishing unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Green also found some rhythm towards the end and remained not out on 32 off 24 balls. KKR managed to cross the 180-mark, finishing at 181/4 in their 20 overs. For Lucknow, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, and Manimaran Siddharth picked up one wicket each. Powell then accelerated in the final overs, finishing unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Green also found some rhythm towards the end and remained not out on 32 off 24 balls. KKR managed to cross the 180-mark, finishing at 181/4 in their 20 overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 181/4 in 20 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 45, Ajinkya Rahane 41, Rovman Powell 39; Digvesh Rathi 1-25, Manimaran Siddharth 1-34) against Lucknow Super Giants Article Source: IANS

Soaring RR and surging RCB look to stretch unbeaten run

Josh Hazlewood is expected to miss out again as two mighty batting line-ups face off in Guwahati

Unchanged LSG opt to bowl; Narine back for KKR

KKR's other mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, however, was not fit yet

IPL 2026: Unchanged LSG Win Toss, Elect To Bowl First Against KKR

Unchanged Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 15 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, played at Eden Gardens on Thursday. LSG have not made any changes to the playing XI, while Sunil Narine is back for KKR in place of fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, and Varun Chakravarthy is still out due to injury. The three-time champions KKR have had a tough start to their campaign this season. They went down by six wickets to the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium and, upon returning home, suffered a crushing 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their latest match against the Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain, leaving them with just a solitary point so far. In contrast, LSG have featured in only two games up to this point. Their campaign began at home against the Delhi Capitals, where they seemed in control after reducing the opposition to 26/4 while defending a modest target of 142. However, Sameer Rizvis match-winning innings turned the game around in Delhis favour.LSG responded strongly in their next fixture, registering their first win of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. A composed and effective bowling display paved the way for a five-wicket victory, providing the side with much-needed confidence going into this clash. After winning the toss, LSG captain Rishabh Pant said, I think [we are] looking to bowl first. We want to put opposition at the back. As I said before, we trust our bowlers enough that they might do a good job for us. We always talk about being positive, having that intent at the same time. When you win, I think when people see all that are coming together, they are really happy for that. We're playing with the same team. No change for us. (How do they balance their batting order?) We feel our top order is definitely batting heavy, but at the same time, we trust our top order to get us through the whole innings. You know, that's what we are here for. After losing the toss, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane said, We wanted to bowl. Just one change - Sunil comes in place of Blessing, Varun is still recovering from his hand injury. When he (Green) is allowed to bowl, we will see him, the combination gets better, so Rovman Powell plays, when Cam Green bowls, then we have an extra bowler. Playing XIs: Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C & wk), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, M Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav Impact substitutes: Ayush Badoni, Matthew Breetzke, Shahbaz Ahmad, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C & wk), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, M Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Tejasvi Singh, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: He Believed He Could Do It, Can't Fault Him - Gavaskar Defends Miller For Turning Down A Single In DCs One-run Loss

Indian Premier League: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar backed David Millers decision to refuse a single in the dying moments of Delhi Capitals dramatic one-run defeat, stating that the South Africans confidence to finish the game himself could not be criticised. The high-octane clash between DC and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday went down to the final delivery, with Millers split-second call on the penultimate ball becoming the defining moment of the contest. With two runs needed off the last two deliveries, Miller pushed the ball into the deep but opted against taking a single that would have handed a strike to Kuldeep Yadav. The choice ultimately proved decisive as the final ball resulted in a run-out, sealing a narrow win for Gujarat. Gavaskar, reflecting on the moment, admitted that an alternative approach might have been wiser, though he emphasised the context of Millers form and intent. Yes, he was backing himself to hit the winning runs, but having seen the way Kuldeep Yadav nudged that ball for a single off the first ball, maybe he should have given Kuldeep the strike. He should have given the strike, Gavaskar said on Star Sports after the match. He, however, was quick to underline that hindsight makes such judgments easier. This is all being wise after the event, but the fact remains that the way he had been hitting the previous over and that over as well, he believed that he could do it, simple as that. So you can't fault him for that. He had the confidence that he could do it, but it didn't come off because the ball that Prasid Krishna bowled was an absolutely superb delivery, Gavaskar added. Miller, who had returned to the middle after a brief injury scare, almost turned the game on its head with a blistering 41 off 20 balls. His late assault began after the dismissal of KL Rahul, when Delhi found themselves needing 45 runs from the final three overs. He, however, was quick to underline that hindsight makes such judgments easier. This is all being wise after the event, but the fact remains that the way he had been hitting the previous over and that over as well, he believed that he could do it, simple as that. So you can't fault him for that. He had the confidence that he could do it, but it didn't come off because the ball that Prasid Krishna bowled was an absolutely superb delivery, Gavaskar added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, the tense finish saw Prasidh deliver a well-disguised final ball that Miller failed to connect with, and Kuldeep was run out while attempting a desperate second run, bringing the thrilling encounter to a dramatic close. Article Source: IANS

Brazil's Laura Cardoso becomes first player to take nine-for in a T20I

The 21-year-old allrounder broke the nine-wicket barrier for the first time in T20Is, including a hat-trick for figures of 3-2-4-9

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi A Proper Superstar, Really Excited To See How He Goes, Says Smith

SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith: Former South Africa captain and SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith has described Rajasthan Royals batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a proper superstar and expressed excitement over how he will go in the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Sooryavanshi, aged just 15 years and 12 days, recently grabbed headlines by passing the ultimate acid test against the Mumbai Indians at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. Facing the world's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, Sooryavanshi showcased his fearless approach by depositing a 131.2kph delivery into the stands for a maximum. In all, Sooryavanshi has amassed 122 runs in three IPL 2026 innings so far. The IPL has started exactly how I expected it to, with flatter pitches and high-scoring games. As always, its interesting to see how the old school superstars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform, but I think this youngster for the Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, is the one to watch in the opening few weeks. He has already shown his ability to power it right from ball one. As a young man, he could become a proper superstar over the course of the tournament, and Im really excited to see how he goes, said Smith on his blog. Smith, who was a member of the RR side winning the inaugural IPL title in 2008, further highlighted how the tournaments robust scouting system and franchise excellence have fundamentally altered the global cricket landscape, creating a blueprint that has been instrumental in the success of South Africas own SA20. Our six franchises are a huge, integral part of the growth of SA20. We were very fortunate to attract six IPL teams of high quality, and theyre the most experienced franchise owners in the world. They are very competitive, they want to win, and they bring in a level of cricket and business excellence across the board, from coaching to medical care. The IPL franchises have brilliant scouts the talent they find doesnt always come through the system. When youre trying to rebuild and grow a cricket ecosystem, to have partners like that is amazing. Its kind of impossible to compete with the IPL, but weve been fortunate that theyve been very open with us, and helped us build the big blocks in the early phases, he elaborated. They are very competitive, they want to win, and they bring in a level of cricket and business excellence across the board, from coaching to medical care. The IPL franchises have brilliant scouts the talent they find doesnt always come through the system. Also Read: Live Cricket Score People around the globe are taking cricket seriously; its got a huge number of eyeballs, and its growing in all the key markets. The interesting thing to see now, where it can go is over the next four to five years, with private ownership in the game and the 2028 Olympics coming up. Article Source: IANS

Football: Brazils Laura Cardoso Scripts History, Picks 9-wicket Haul In A T20I

BCA Kalahari Women: Brazils Laura Cardoso produced a historic bowling performance to rewrite the record books in T20I cricket, registering the best figures ever in the format during the BCA Kalahari Women's T20I Tournament 2026. The Brazilian skipper returned extraordinary figures of 9/4 in just three overs against Lesotho, becoming the first player across mens and womens T20Is to claim nine wickets in a single innings. The previous record in mens T20Is belonged to Sonam Yeshey, who had taken 8/7 against Myanmar in 2025, while in the womens game, Rohmalia Rohmalia held the benchmark with 7/0 against Mongolia in 2024. Cardoso surpassed both with a spell that will be remembered as one of the most dominant in the formats history. Her remarkable burst began early, with a hat-trick in her second over, setting the tone for Brazils dominance. She followed it up with four more wickets in her next over to race to seven scalps, before adding two more in her third over to complete an unprecedented nine-wicket haul. Lesothos innings folded for just 13 in 6.2 overs, with Marianne Artur claiming the only wicket not taken by Cardoso, sealing a crushing 189-run victory for Brazil. Earlier, Brazil had posted an imposing total of 202, built on solid contributions from Roberta Avery, who made 48 off 35 balls, and Monnike Machado, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 41 deliveries. Brazil have been in dominant form throughout the tournament. In a previous fixture, they outclassed Zambia Women by 174 runs in a comprehensive all-round display. Cardoso led from the front with a quickfire half-century, while Laura Agatha struck 62 as the pair stitched together a crucial 105-run partnership to guide the side to 200/5. Earlier, Brazil had posted an imposing total of 202, built on solid contributions from Roberta Avery, who made 48 off 35 balls, and Monnike Machado, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 41 deliveries. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With commanding performances in both batting and bowling departments, Brazil have emerged as a formidable force in the tournament. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rashid Was Right On The Money From First Ball, Dismissal Of Rizvi Was Impressive, Says Chawla

Indian Premier League: Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla hailed Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khans precision and deception on his way to bagging figures of 3-17 for the Gujarat Titans in their one-run win over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, adding that his dismissal of Sameer Rizvi was a standout one. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rashid was at his accurate best to take out Rizvi, Nitish Rana, and Axar Patel to leave DC in trouble in chase of 211. David Miller, despite an injured left hand, counter-attacked with an unbeaten 41, but Prasidh Krishna defended 13 runs in the final over, including two runs off two balls, to give a nail-biting win for GT. We all know what Rashid Khan is capable of on his day; he can trouble any batting line-up. Gujarat Titans needed him to step up, especially while defending this total on a good batting wicket and a small ground, and he delivered. He was right on the money from the very first ball. The way he dismissed Sameer Rizvi was particularly impressive. He bowled several leg-spinners earlier, and when Rizvi walked in, a batter with strong numbers against spin this season, he showed him the slip, making him expect a leg-break. But deceived him with the wrong un. It was a beautiful delivery, right on target, beating the bat through the gap, said Chawla, a JioStar expert, on Star Sports. He was right on the money from the very first ball. The way he dismissed Sameer Rizvi was particularly impressive. He bowled several leg-spinners earlier, and when Rizvi walked in, a batter with strong numbers against spin this season, he showed him the slip, making him expect a leg-break. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He started steadily, around 26 off his first 20 balls, but then accelerated well. Having played such an innings, he would probably be disappointed with himself because when you bat like that, you want to finish the game for your team. Unfortunately for him, that didnt happen, added Chawla. Article Source: IANS

Conway, spinners help United hand Qalandars a thumping

Qalandars were spun out for 100, and United raced to the target in 10.1 overs

IPL 2026: Responsibility Was On Miller; That Indecision Cost Delhi Capitals A Couple Of Points, Says Bangar

Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans edged past Delhi Capitals by one run in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash and former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar felt David Millers hesitation in the back end of the chase proved to be decisive, insisting that the responsibility was on the veteran batter and that indecision from him cost DC crucial points. With two runs needed off the last two balls, Miller refused to take an easy single on the penultimate ball off Prasidh Krishna. It brought the equation down to two runs off the last ball, and Miller missed the pull on Krishna's slower bouncer and ran for the single. But a brilliant under-arm direct hit from GT wicket-keeper Jos Buttler ran out Kuldeep Yadav, thus sealing a dramatic victory for the IPL 2022 winners at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. You could sense how the situation unfolded when Vipraj Nigam came in. The game wasnt going to be about Miller all the way, but once Vipraj was dismissed, the responsibility was entirely on Miller. Kuldeep Yadav handled that particular ball well and ensured Miller was on strike. Miller then produced a brilliant shot, a 106-metre six over long-off. However, there was a bit of indecision towards the end. Initially, he looked like he would go for the run on the second-last ball, but then decided against it. That hesitation may have cost Delhi Capitals a chance, because the game could have gone into a Super Over depending on how the final ball played out. That indecision might have ultimately cost Delhi Capitals a couple of points, said Bangar on Star Sports. Bangar also praised GT skipper Shubman Gills composed 70 at the top of the order, noting how his partnerships with Buttler and Washington Sundar, who hit 52 and 55 respectively, and well-timed strokes anchored the sides charge with the bat. Shubman Gills innings was well supported from the other end, especially with Jos Buttler playing aggressively, which meant Gill didnt get much strike early in the Powerplay. Bangar also praised GT skipper Shubman Gills composed 70 at the top of the order, noting how his partnerships with Buttler and Washington Sundar, who hit 52 and 55 respectively, and well-timed strokes anchored the sides charge with the bat. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He was able to bat deep and play the big shots when required. That kind of innings helps settle any doubts a batter might have, and Gill anchoring the innings at the top of the order makes a massive difference, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch RR Vs RCB Match, Know Details

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Two in-form teams - Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru - will square off in the 16th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium (ACA Stadium) in Guwahati on Friday, with one team poised to apply brakes on the other teams winning streak. Rajasthan Royals have surged to the top of the standings after winning all three of their matches so far, with victories over Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the contest on the back of consecutive wins against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai. Both sides boast formidable batting units, though Rajasthan appear slightly more settled with the ball under the leadership of Riyan Parag. The pace attacks on either side are equally threatening with the new ball. Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar spearhead Bengalurus attack, while Jofra Archer partners with Nandre Burger at the top for Rajasthan. A key battle will be how Bengaluru handle Rajasthans aggressive opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who have been in destructive form this season. In response, the defending champions will rely on Virat Kohli and Phil Salt to provide a steady start, paving the way for a late onslaught from Tim David, who made a significant impact in the previous outing against Chennai. When: Friday, April 10, 7:30 PM IST Where: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati Where to watch: The RR vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The RR vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Philip Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal Article Source: IANS

India's oldest Test cricketer CD Gopinath dies at 96

He was the last surviving member of the XI that achieved India's first Test win, against England in Chennai in 1952

'Not A Coach, But Like An Elder Brother': Prabhsimran Opens Up On His Bond With Yuvraj

New Delhi: Behind the steady rise of Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh has been the useful mentorship of Yuvraj Singh, who has weathered the highest pressures of international cricket for more than a decade. For Prabhsimran, who has made 80 runs in three innings for PBKS in IPL 2026, his relationship with Yuvraj is like of an elder brother rather than a coach. In a virtual roundtable interaction facilitated by the franchise on Thursday, Prabhsimran opened up about the personal nature of his mentorship by Yuvraj, the evolving nature of T20 cricket and how playing for India A has boosted his senior team ambitions. Q. The scoring rates in T20 cricket are breaking new ceilings in every IPL season. How has the mindset in the powerplay shifted for you due to 200-plus totals becoming the norm? A. Actually, the game has become so fast now. Earlier, we had to defend 170-180. We used to defend it. We do it now as well. But if you look at the percentage of it in cricket, 200-plus is the norm. So, to do 200-plus, I feel you should come to the powerplay and play with an attacking approach. There's clarity as well from the team, from the coach, from the captain, we will go as clearly as possible. If you want to hit, then go for it. But obviously, cricket has become a bit faster now. So, it's not that difficult to make 200-plus runs. Q. How do you view your growth from those early years in Punjab Kings when chances were limited to now when you are a regular? A. Actually, it's been eight years since I came to Punjab Kings. Obviously, when I came in the start, I didn't get that many chances to play. But now, for the past 3-4 years, I've been getting chances to play and I try to do better wherever I get the chance every time. But sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. So, I want to thank Punjab Kings for that as well. I say this every time that if they have backed me, then it's my responsibility to get a chance to pay them back. When it comes to leadership, yes, as a domestic player, I'm almost a captain. So, I'm used to it and I like to take it as a challenge. So, you can say it like this. It's better for me and for my game to grow as well. Q. From a wicketkeepers perspective, how much of an advantage do you have in reading the game, and how do you assist captain Shreyas Iyer in this regard? A. I think the wicketkeeper's view of reading the match is the best because he can see the wicket from everywhere. Sometimes, as a captain, he might have to go to the boundary rope, where there's so much crowd and noise and many times, you don't know what they're saying. So, that's my role as well - checking the fielding angles, telling the fielder or talking to the bowler if he's doing something wrong or if it's our plan to execute. So, I think it's a good thing and all these things, I think, help your game to grow a lot. Q. Your training sessions with Yuvraj Singh have been a major talking point. Can you describe the nature of your relationship with him? A. I don't have a relationship with Yuvi paaji as a coach or a student. I have a relationship with him as an elder brother. Priyansh (Arya) and I were practicing under him but Priyansh was practicing for the first time. So, whenever we get time, we call him and tell him that we are free and want to practice. So, he arranges it - it's either in Mohali or Gurugram. He manages everything by himself. With him, if you call him at 3 or 4 in the night, he can call him at night if he wants to. He has given us so much freedom. So, this relation, as I was telling you, is such that we talk a lot and can share anything, which he doesn't have any problem with. Tips from him are around how to play, what to do, technique, and mindset. During the season, we don't pay much attention to technique. But after IPL, if you get time for one and one-and-a-half months, then you can repair the mistakes that you make and correct the faults by being under him. He manages everything by himself. With him, if you call him at 3 or 4 in the night, he can call him at night if he wants to. He has given us so much freedom. So, this relation, as I was telling you, is such that we talk a lot and can share anything, which he doesn't have any problem with. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A. When you go to India A, your main goal is to play for the senior Indian team and play well there for a long time. So that one step gets closed. If you play well in India A, maybe you get a chance in the future. That confidence is there - if you play well for India A, your main goal is to play for the senior Indian team, which then is not far away. So that confidence is there. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Unselfish Approach And Off-field Bond Are Key To Partnership With Priyansh, Says Prabhsimran

Chennai Super Kings: Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh has attributed his successful opening partnership with Priyansh Arya to an unselfish tactical approach and a deep-rooted personal bond that extends beyond the cricket field. Right-handed Prabhsimran and left-handed Priyansh had amassed 532 runs as an opening pair in IPL 2025. The dynamic opening pair have done well in both of PBKS wins in IPL 2026, including a whirlwind 61-run stand coming in 4.1 overs against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Actually, in every match, it's not necessary that only my hits are working well or he will be only doing the hitting. So, sometimes, if I'm hitting the ball well, then he gives me a single and we rotate the strike and then I am going for the big hits. Sometimes, if I'm not getting to hit boundaries, while he's (Priyansh) getting to hit them for runs - it's my responsibility to give him a single and make him hit bowlers. So, this is a very good thing. Off the field as well. Off-the-field, we stay together and talk a lot. We try a lot to talk about cricket. But even if we don't, we talk a lot about life, said Prabhsimran, while replying to a question from IANS in a virtual roundtable chat on Thursday. Prabhsimran struck 30 sixes in IPL 2025, which placed him fifth in the top six-hitters list. He attributed the enhancement in his six-hitting skills to having regular sessions under legendary white-ball batting all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. I practice for everything. As I said before, I practiced with Yuvraj paaji and it goes well. When you practice, you have to do it in different ways. You have to practice for hitting sixes, playing for a longer period, facing new and old balls and all of this then boils down to the technique, he said. Prabhsimran is always in constant competition with his other wicketkeeper-batter peers Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel. Though Prabhsimran said he stays true to his attacking batting style, he admitted to sharpening his skills behind the stumps by observing MS Dhoni. I practice for everything. As I said before, I practiced with Yuvraj paaji and it goes well. When you practice, you have to do it in different ways. You have to practice for hitting sixes, playing for a longer period, facing new and old balls and all of this then boils down to the technique, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Prabhsimran signed off by saying that PBKS prioritises match-winning performances over individual honours. I can only say that I used to be out in the 30-40s before. So, now I try to play longer. Mainly, like we talk about in team meetings, we don't care if we have to go for the orange cap or the purple cap. You have to make such an impact that you can easily win matches for your team. Article Source: IANS

'Hadn't Really Comprehended, Says Lauren Bell On Spearheading England's Pace Attack

T20 World Cup: England pacer Lauren Bell has admitted she is still coming to terms with leading the teams fast-bowling unit, saying she hadn't really comprehended stepping into a role once occupied by some of the countrys most iconic seamers. At just 25, Bell has evolved into the leader of Englands pace attack following the exits of stalwarts such as Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt, along with the more recent absence of Kate Cross. Her rise began with a breakthrough in the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021, followed by her international debut the next year and appearances in multiple global tournaments since. Reflecting on her progression, Bell acknowledged the unexpected nature of her ascent into a senior role within the squad. I hadn't really comprehended the fact that maybe I was. With Crossy leaving, Katherine and Anya, slowly I just filled into that spot and I guess now I am. It does feel crazy. I don't know where the time has gone or how this has happened. It is exciting and cool and a job that I really love, she told BBC Sport. Her leadership responsibilities have expanded further in the absence of experienced bowlers, with the current pace group featuring the likes of Issy Wong and Lauren Filer, as well as all-rounders such as Danielle Gibson, Em Arlott, and Freya Kemp. I played a lot with Crossy. She was like a big sister when I came to England and took me under her wing. I would still go to her with anything if I was struggling, she said. Englands preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup at home have gathered pace under head coach Charlotte Edwards, who recently oversaw an intensive training camp in South Africa. The camp featured a mix of senior players and emerging talent, split into two squads to simulate high-intensity competition. Bell described the experience as both challenging and beneficial. It was a really exciting camp. We had a meeting and plan at the start and Lot [Edwards] said we want it to be as competitive as it can possibly be. Playing against your team-mates and friends, you do have that extra bit of competitiveness and it is really hard because they know exactly what you are thinking, she stated. With limited international fixtures lined up ahead of the World Cup, including T20 series against New Zealand and India, England are focusing heavily on camps and fitness benchmarks to fine-tune their preparations. Bell described the experience as both challenging and beneficial. It was a really exciting camp. We had a meeting and plan at the start and Lot [Edwards] said we want it to be as competitive as it can possibly be. Playing against your team-mates and friends, you do have that extra bit of competitiveness and it is really hard because they know exactly what you are thinking, she stated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As England gear up for the tournament, which opens on June 12 against Sri Lanka, Bell believes home conditions could play a crucial role. There are obviously three really big countries - India who are in a great place at the moment; Australia, who are really dominant; and I guess we have got the home advantage, so who knows, Bell concluded. Article Source: IANS

'They Deserve Fair Compensation: Tamim Iqbal-led BCB Announces Pay Hike For Men & Women Domestic Players

Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League: Former captain and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Tamim Iqbal reflected on the decision to substantially increase domestic match fees and salaries of men and women cricketers, saying players had long been highly underpaid and warranted better financial acknowledgement. This decision marks the first move by the Tamim-led ad hoc committee, which began its work earlier this week, providing much-needed relief to Bangladeshs domestic cricketers, especially in the womens league. Although there was a hike, Tamim recognised that the updated figures represent only progress in the right direction. This may not be ideal, but it is certainly an improvement, considering there are limits to how much can be increased at once, he told ESPNCricinfo. Tamim was surprised to learn that women cricketers earned as little as BDT 1,000 per match in domestic one-day competitions, a figure that has increased only slightly in recent years. As per BCB's new salary structure, match fees have been raised across different formats, with women players now earning BDT 10,000 for T20 matches, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class fixtures. Additionally, the monthly retainers for the top 36 women cricketers have been raised from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000, highlighting a wider effort to enhance financial stability within the system. The overhaul extends beyond womens cricket. Male domestic players also received a salary increase, with category A players now earning BDT 65,000 per month, while those in categories B and C will get BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000, respectively. First-class match fees have also been raised, increasing from BDT 75,000 to BDT 100,000. Tamim stressed that the revisions were necessary after years of stagnation in player earnings. There has been little increment in the past three to four years. I think the players were highly underpaid in the previous salary structure. These players work hard, and cricket exists because of their efforts. At the very least, they deserve fair compensation, he added. The overhaul extends beyond womens cricket. Male domestic players also received a salary increase, with category A players now earning BDT 65,000 per month, while those in categories B and C will get BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000, respectively. First-class match fees have also been raised, increasing from BDT 75,000 to BDT 100,000. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Along with the pay revision, the cricket board has outlined duties for the 11-member ad hoc committee. Its main immediate goal is to address current disputes between clubs and the board, with efforts focused on restarting the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in the coming weeks. Article Source: IANS

Rashid Khan cuts down on Tests, looking to play one a year

Afghanistan's premier spinner has had to shift his priorities since his back injury in 2023

BCB changes timings of men's and women's games to support energy saving initiative

Timings of the men's team's white-ball games against New Zealand and the women's team's T20Is against Sri Lanka have been changed

Keep These Things To Yourself: Babar Azam Fumes At Reporter Over Kohli Comparison In PSL

Pakistan Super League: Babar Azam found himself at the centre of a heated moment off the field after dismissing comparisons with Virat Kohli during a post-match press conference in the Pakistan Super League 2026. The Peshawar Zalmi skipper, who guided his side to a tense last-ball victory over the Hyderabad Kingsmen, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his ability to finish games in comparison to Kohli. While Babar contributed a measured 43 off 37 balls in the chase of 146, he was not at the crease at the end, prompting the query. Responding in a seemingly frustrated manner, Babar brushed aside the suggestion and urged the journalist to move on from such debates. Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It's your misconception that I have not finished matches, he said. The exchange quickly gained traction, once again highlighting the scrutiny surrounding cross-border comparisons between leading cricketers. Widely regarded as Pakistans premier batter, Babar has often been praised for his consistency, though his approach in T20 cricket has drawn criticism, particularly around strike rate and finishing ability. So far this season, Babar has accumulated 82 runs from two outings at a strike rate of 126.15, registering 10 boundaries and one six. In contrast, Kohli, now retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, continues to feature in franchise cricket with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. The Indian veteran has made an immediate impact this season, scoring 97 runs in two matches, including an unbeaten 69 in a successful chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Known for his prowess in run chases, Kohli has maintained a strike rate of 173.21 and will aim to sustain that momentum as Bengaluru look to defend their title. So far this season, Babar has accumulated 82 runs from two outings at a strike rate of 126.15, registering 10 boundaries and one six. In contrast, Kohli, now retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, continues to feature in franchise cricket with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite a disciplined bowling effort that stretched the contest to the final over, Hyderabad were unable to close it out. With 14 runs required off the last six balls, Hunain Shah could not hold his nerve, as Iftikhar Ahmed played a decisive role in sealing Zalmis second win of the season. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: BCCI Reveals Phase 2 Of Fan Parks In 30 Cities Across 18 States & 1 UT

IPL Fan Parks: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Phase 2 of the IPL Fan Parks 2026, aimed at delivering the exciting IPL experience to 30 cities across 18 states and 1 Union Territory, thereby broadening the leagues nationwide reach. The Fan Parks will take place across six weekends, from April 18-19 to May 23-24, providing fans in various regions with an opportunity to experience the IPL in a vibrant, community-oriented environment. Several cities such as Puthuppally (Kerala), Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh), Chamba and Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), Golaghat and Silchar (Assam), and Imphal (Manipur) will host the IPL Fan Parks for the first time, expanding the initiative to new regions and audiences. Every weekend, multiple Fan Parks will be held in the North, South, East, and West zones to promote broad regional participation and boost fan engagement. Each Fan Park will continue to feature live match screenings, along with a host of engaging on-ground experiences including music, entertainment, food courts, kids play zones, and interactive activities such as virtual batting zones, bowling nets, face painting, and fan-favourite games like Pitch Perfect (a game of balance), Game of Throws (test your aim) and Dont Miss the Ball (a fast-paced quick reflex challenge), the BCCI said in a statement. The Fan Parks will be held across the following weekends: Week 4: April 18 & 19 Bathinda, Punjab Kota, Rajasthan Belagavi, Karnataka Puthuppally, Kerala Jamshedpur, Jharkhand Week 5: April 25 & 26 Amritsar, Punjab Bikaner, Rajasthan Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh Dindigul, Tamil Nadu Dhanbad, Jharkhand Week 6: May 2 & 3 Chamba, Himachal Pradesh Surat, Gujarat Solapur, Maharashtra Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu Siliguri, West Bengal Week 7: May 9 & 10 Mandi, Himachal Pradesh Rajkot, Gujarat Hubballi, Karnataka Puducherry, Puducherry Golaghat, Assam Week 8: May 16 & 17 Patiala, Punjab Indore, Madhya Pradesh Goa, Goa Shivamogga, Karnataka Imphal, Manipur Week 9: May 23 & 24 Agra, Uttar Pradesh Bhillai, Chhattisgarh Kolhapur, Maharashtra Bhillai, Chhattisgarh Also Read: Live Cricket Score Silchar, Assam Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'KL Gave Me Some Tips On How To Play In These Venues', Says DC Opener Nissanka

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Delhi Capitals opener Pathum Nissanka said his 76-run opening stand with KL Rahul was built on a clear plan to attack early, and credited the senior wicketkeeper-batter for sharing valuable tips during their partnership. Thanks to that partnership, where Nissanka made 41 off 24 balls and even took 23 runs off Ashok Sharma in the final over of power-play, DC reached 100 in 9.4 overs in a chase of 211. But they suffered a one-run defeat to Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, as DC got their first loss of the competition. Me and Rahul tried to dominate in the powerplay. I think thats our game plan. We batted really well. He shared his experience and gives me some tips on how to play in these venues. I try to do my best every time because I trust myself, I believe in it, and I go and do it thats it, said Nissanka in the post-match press conference. The Sri Lankan opener stated that the team management had given him clarity about his role at the top of the order. Yes, they said to play my normal game and dominate in the powerplay. Thats the main thing I had in my head. I think I know my plans, so I go for it. I just believe in myself. Whatever happens, I know my strength and my batting - that's it. Me and Rahul tried to dominate in the powerplay. I think thats our game plan. We batted really well. He shared his experience and gives me some tips on how to play in these venues. I try to do my best every time because I trust myself, I believe in it, and I go and do it thats it, said Nissanka in the post-match press conference. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A couple of players like (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Matheesha) Pathirana arent playing because they are injured, but we are getting a chance and we have to play well, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Sometimes It Happens,' Says Nissanka On Miller Turning Down Penultimate Ball Single

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Amidst the cold winds running on Wednesday night, the tension at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was palpable. After all, two runs were needed from two balls for Delhi Capitals to get a hat-trick of wins in IPL 2026. What also boosted the morale of fans chanting 'Lets go DC constantly was the big-hitting David Miller still at the crease and had smacked Prasidh Krishna for a towering 106m six landing on the top floor of North West stand, shortly after the pacer took out Vipraj Nigam. Suddenly, flashes of Miller, when in GT colours, smashing three consecutive sixes off Krishna, who was in Rajasthan Royals at that time, to win Qualifier 1 in IPL 2022, when 16 runs were needed off the last six deliveries, emerged in everyones mind. But in sports, everyone has a long memory, but end results have a short tolerance for sentiment. Here in New Delhi, Millers whirlwind late hitting after retiring hurt on 12 in the 13th over due to a blow to his left hand brought the equation to two runs needed off two balls. Miller and Kuldeep had a long discussion in the middle, even as tension engulfed the stadium and both teams dugouts. The equation was straightforward - take the single on the penultimate ball: scores level, Kuldeep on strike for the last ball, worst case the game goes into Super Over. But if the single wasnt taken, Miller would retain the strike and one ball to win or lose the match would be on him. This is what exactly happened when Prasidh bowled short and slower, on which Miller pulled towards deep square leg. The single was there for the taking, but they didn't run. After a bit of chat between Prasidh, Shubman Gill and Rahul Tewatia, three fielders were stationed at the leg-side fence in anticipation of cutting a big shot from Miller. The final ball from Prasidh was another slower bouncer, just outside off-stump. Miller pulled and missed, but with no choice, he and Kuldeep ran. Jos Buttler quickly hit the stumps with an underarm throw and despite Kuldeep diving, he fell short of the crease. Even as GT started to celebrate a thrilling win, more drama came in - Miller opted for a wide review the graphics showed his head height was at 1.87 metres, while the ball at 1.75 metres. Not a wide GTs celebrations continued and Miller, who put DC on path to win through an extraordinary counter-attacking 41 off 20 balls, was emotional over enduring a case of so close, yet so far halting DCs march for a hat-trick of wins. We havent discussed it yet, but sometimes it happens in cricket, was DC opener Pathum Nissanka's reply to the question on Miller not taking a single on the fifth ball in the post-match press conference. Asked about his thoughts on the error from Miller, GT leg-spinner Rashid Khan said, I think when we bowled - last three balls, eight runs were needed. Then we had (the equation as) two balls, two runs. I think it was a very close game, but we just needed a one ball (to get the win). We havent discussed it yet, but sometimes it happens in cricket, was DC opener Pathum Nissanka's reply to the question on Miller not taking a single on the fifth ball in the post-match press conference. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Outside the stadium, every DC fan asked each other the same agonising question: why didn't Miller take that single? In T20 cricket, one-run defeats invite a dozen discussions on many what-ifs. But Miller's decision was a conscious choice, made with full knowledge of the high stakes involved. He backed himself to take DC over the, but missed it, as a solitary run separated a cruel heartbreak from a stunning heist. Article Source: IANS

Tamim-led BCB improves men's and women's salaries in Bangladesh domestic cricket

New leadership which came into power on Tuesday makes its first move

Medvedev smashes his racket 7 times during double bagel loss to Berrettini in Monte Carlo

Medvedev received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct and will also likely be hit with a hefty fine for his actions early in the second set

Rashid Khan Doubtful For One-off Test Against India, Wary Of Taking Too Much Red-ball Load

ODI World Cup: Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, currently turning out for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, has cast doubt over his participation in the upcoming one-off Test against India in June, saying the demands of red-ball cricket could put his long-term career at risk. Shortly after IPL 2026 ends, Afghanistan will play a one-off Test against India in New Chandigarh from June 6-10. Since Afghanistan played its first Test against India in 2018, they have played 12 Tests and Rashid, who had 45 scalps in the longer format, has played in only six of them last of which came against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in January 2025. His red-ball availability has also been limited after undergoing back surgery post 2023 ODI World Cup. I think I already played one before (against India in 2018 in Bengaluru). I will just take it easy. Imagine something happens to my back in a Test match. But I cant play 100 Test matches. If you play one Test a year, you cant play for 100 years! Red-ball cricket is a little difficult because that was the first thing my doctor told me - stay away from red-ball cricket. I still went ahead and played. After the surgery, I played a game against Zimbabwe and bowled 67 overs, which was crazy. The doctor told me, if you dont want to play cricket, you can keep playing red-ball cricket. He said its not going to help me and that I wont be able to play for long. I still went ahead and played, but when he found out I had bowled 67 overs across two innings, he was shocked. He said, you cant do that to yourself, said Rashid in the post-match press conference, after GT beat DC by a solitary run in a nail-biting clash. Red-ball cricket is a little difficult because that was the first thing my doctor told me - stay away from red-ball cricket. I still went ahead and played. After the surgery, I played a game against Zimbabwe and bowled 67 overs, which was crazy. The doctor told me, if you dont want to play cricket, you can keep playing red-ball cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Red-ball cricket is something that looks a bit difficult for me. If its one Test a year, I will take that, but I dont think I can manage more than that. I will try, but if I bowl a spell of 2025 overs, I have to bowl the whole day if Im in the team. In my last two Test matches, I bowled 167 overs, which is simply too much. I will take it easy and prepare myself for the World Cup, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When Rashid's Back-to-basics Masterclass Turned Tide In GT's Favour

Arun Jaitley Stadium: The numbers from Wednesday nights edge of the seat thriller in IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium tell the story of a batting carnage. Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans combined to make 419 runs, including 39 fours and 21 sixes being hit. DCs spinners were at the receiving end of some blazing big-hitting from Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar to concede 97 runs in eight overs at an economy rate of 12.12. But one man refused to follow the same script Gujarat Titans leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who threw a spanner in DCs batting plans by picking 3-17 in four overs at an economy rate of 4.25 and shifted the game in his team's favour to eventually prevail by one run. The signs of Rashid having a huge say in the game came in the fifth over of the power-play, when he beat KL Rahul on the outside edge with a leg-break spinning away sharply. But it was when DC crossed 100 in 9.4 overs that Rashid finally decided to have his say. Nitish Rana miscued a googly from Rashid to a diving B Sai Sudharsan running in from long-off, just after he managed to survive an lbw review. The most telling effect, though, came when Sameer Rizvi DCs saviour both of their successful chases - was bamboozled by a googly spinning in to castle him through the gate for a golden duck. The Rizvi-Rashid match-up was one of the intriguing sub-plots in the clash and the leg-spinner prevailed in it in an emphatic fashion. Rashid would sign off from the night by foxing Axar Patel with yet another googly which gripped and spun away, as the batter sliced to extra cover. Each of Rashid's three scalps fell for single-digit scores and on the googly. The hallmark of Rashid's bowling has always been the ability to attack the stumps relentlessly, and not giving batters much room to break free. With the quicker pace he bowls, it becomes difficult to send the ball over boundary ropes, which Rana, Rizvi and Axar realised. IPL 2026 has been witness to Rashid being back to his best self after getting only ten and nine wickets in last two seasons, apart from the economy rate having an alarming spike. Rashid being taken apart frequently by batters in the last two years had a lot to do with him pushing through the pain to play the 2023 ODI World Cup and later underwent a back surgery that would rule him out until early 2024. I was told to get a back surgery after IPL 2023, but after that season, the doctor told me, You need a surgery, you can't just keep playing with that. But then, we had the 2023 ODI World Cup and I told him I wanna play this World Cup. I think I pushed myself a lot in that World Cup and after that, it was really bad - even I was not able to walk after the tournament. But thats where I had the surgery and after the surgery, I was very, very careful with my back, Rashid later said in the post-match press conference. Though the surgery repaired the structural damage, Rashids pace dropped, lengths became wayward and the zip - so essential for his ability to hurry batters and deny them room went missing. That affected my bowling action, the release and everything. So, I was trying to be careful, but with that, I missed a little bit of my rhythm. I was trying to bowl slow for 2-3-4 months, where I was not in that shape, like, before the surgery. After having a bad season (in 2025) I thought, 'okay, what's wrong now? Where I'm, what's the thing I'm missing? I felt like it was the whole rhythm, from starting to the finishing. What it was not allowing me was that there was a bit of pain in the back still. I was scared of, like, what's gonna happen if I push it again? Giving himself time off after IPL 2025 to solely work on his fitness came as a big blessing for Rashid. So, I worked on my core and tried my best to make it as strong as possible and then go on with full energy. When I had a couple of three good months off, I had a good hundred competition in the UK. So since that, things got started again. But more importantly, I try my best to just work on my fitness. That's something which I can improve and that allows my body to bowl with full rhythm. The data from Wednesdays game throws light on how Rashid was at his best self - of the 24 balls Rashid bowled, 11 landed on a good length yielding him two wickets at an economy of just 2.18. Even when he dropped short, it was more pitched on the back-of-the-length area. Where once Rashid may have loaded up with variations, he stuck to his basics and dished out a masterclass in it. Sometimes you think far ahead of the things which are not going to happen soon. If you're batting, you think about your bowling and that's something which is like you're putting an extra pressure on yourself already. For me, it's like there will be a time when you get a good wicket or a bad wicket to bowl on, and a flat wicket. But the more important thing is, when you're conceding runs on those wickets, you have to see your line and length. That's something which is more important than anything else you think about it. I feel, in the last two games, I think I bowled well, but where I conceded runs, it was just, like, the length I have missed. I shouldn't really think about, like, okay, what's the result, but the result is like if I hit the right area, the right thing is going to happen. Sometimes you think far ahead of the things which are not going to happen soon. If you're batting, you think about your bowling and that's something which is like you're putting an extra pressure on yourself already. For me, it's like there will be a time when you get a good wicket or a bad wicket to bowl on, and a flat wicket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The scorecard will draw the fans' eyes to the fifties made by batters from both teams. But those who watched the game closely know whose four overs really set up GT's first win of IPL 2026. On a night built for a batting spectacle, the difference between winning and losing was, in the end, the distance between everyone else and Rashid sticking to his basics. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: After GTs Nail-biting Win Over DC, Gill Fined Rs 12 Lakh For Slow Over-rate

TATA Indian Premier League: After Gujarat Titans sealed a dramatic one-run victory over Delhi Capitals to get their first win of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Shubman Gill has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate in the match. Gujarat Titans (GT) Captain Shubman Gill has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 14 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. As this was his teams first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gill was fined INR 12 lakhs, said a statement from the tournament on Thursday morning. Previously, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was fined twice for slow over-rate in IPL 2026. The ruling came hours after Gujarat Titans opened their account on the IPL 2026 points table with a thrilling finish. DC needed two runs off the last two deliveries, but the run-out of Kuldeep Yadav on the last ball sealed the contest in favour of GT. With the ball, Rashid Khan took an exceptional 3-17 while Prasidh Krishna, who defended 13 runs off the final over, picked two scalps. GTs one-run victory was set up by the trio of Gill, Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar hitting fifties each as the 2022 IPL champions posted 210/4. Previously, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was fined twice for slow over-rate in IPL 2026. The ruling came hours after Gujarat Titans opened their account on the IPL 2026 points table with a thrilling finish. DC needed two runs off the last two deliveries, but the run-out of Kuldeep Yadav on the last ball sealed the contest in favour of GT. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also shared a commanding 104-run partnership with Sundar, who hit his first IPL fifty via a 32-ball 55, studded with six boundaries and two sixes. GT will play their next game against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday afternoon in Lucknow. Article Source: IANS

Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan move up in Purple Cap race

After Gujarat Titans' victory over Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad, there was a little shake-up in the purple cap race

Gill reveals tactics for last ball: 'We knew a slower one will be difficult to hit'

We always thought 210 on this [pitch] we are 10-15 runs above par, says GT captain

Prasidh trumps Miller in last-ball finish as GT clinch thriller

Prasidh's slower ball to end the game finally gave GT their first win of IPL 2026

KKR vs LSG Match 15, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

KKR vs LSG Match 15 , Cricket Tips : Kolkata Knight Riders started the IPL 2026 with two consecutive defeats after conceding 220+ scores. Their third group game was abandoned due to rain, which has left them with one point in three games. Now, they will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday. This contest will be held at Eden Gardens at 7:30 PM IST. KKR had a lucky escape in the previous game against PBKS, when they lost two quick wickets before the rain came. But they can't afford another mistake here. LSG had a good win in the previous match, and they will be confident heading into this game in Kolkata. KKR vs LSG: Match Details Date : April 09, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Eden Gardens, Kolkata KKR vs LSG Live Streaming Details The live action of the KKR vs LSG game will be available on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website for the live stream. KKR vs LSG Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 06 KKR : 02 LSG : 04 No - Result : 00 KKR vs LSG: Ground Pitch Report Eden Gardens is a good wicket for the batters. In recent years, it has become a high-scoring venue. Especially in the IPL, the wicket has been assisting the batters more. However, with some rain in the past few days, there might be some help for the fast bowlers. KKR vs LSG Possible XIs KKR : Ajinkya Rahane (c), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rovman Powell, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani LSG : Mitch Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Avesh Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav. KKR vs LSG: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been the best KKR batter this season and has scored two half-centuries already. For LSG, captain Rishabh Pant played a match-winning knock in the last game and will be looking to do it again. Probable Best Bowler Mohammed Shami was superb in the last game against SRH, and his ability to pick early wickets makes him a big threat. For KKR, Vaibhav Arora has the ability to move the new ball and can be nippy in the powerplay. Today Match Prediction : KKR are in horrible form at the moment and are struggling a lot. LSG had a good last game, and we predict them to win the next game. KKR vs LSG Match 15, IPL 2026, Today KKR vs LSG Match, KKR vs LSG Prediction, KKR vs LSG Predicted XIs, Injury Update for KKR vs LSG Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IPL 2026: Batters, Rashid, Prasidh Star As GT Edge DC By One Run In A Humdinger (ld)

Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans edged Delhi Capitals by one run in a humdinger finish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will be replayed in the minds of everyone inside the Arun Jaitley Stadium for a long time to come. David Miller very nearly pulled off the impossible, but the run out of Kuldeep Yadav on the last ball led to one of the great IPL finishes going in GTs favour, as they got their first win of IPL 2026. Fifties from a returning Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Washington Sundar had powered GT to 210 for 4, a total that looked competitive but gettable. Buttler was back to his devastating best with the bat by hitting a 27-ball 52, laced with three fours and five towering sixes. Gill, back in action after a muscle spasm in his neck ruled him out in the last game, was elegant in collecting the majority of his runs through leg-side to top-score with 70 off 45 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes. He also shared a commanding 104-run partnership with Sundar, who hit his first IPL fifty via a 32-ball 55, studded with six boundaries and two sixes. For DC, Lungi Ngidi changed the complexion at the back end with his slower balls to end up with 1-24 in his four overs, even as the rest of his bowling counterparts had an economy rate above eight. But Miller had been extraordinary -- arriving at the crease with Delhi still some distance from the target, he retired hurt on 12 due to an injured left hand. When he came back, boundaries came in clusters off his bat. Miller ended up at 41 not out off 20 balls, but it wasn't enough to give DC a win, as they ended up at 209/8. The pivotal moment came with two runs needed off two balls: Miller turned down a single off the penultimate ball, gambling on finishing it himself rather than trusting Kuldeep with the equation. Prasidh, with nerves of steel, denied him the winning finish with a short, slower ball, as Kuldeep was run out by a sharp throw from Jos Buttler, leaving Miller and DC heartbroken. KL Rahul had given Delhi every reason to believe with a fluent 92 off 52 balls, laced with 11 fours and four sixes. But Rashid Khan had done the bulk of the damage with the ball through figures of 3-17 to keep GT alive in the game, as they eventually won the match in a dramatic fashion. Sai Sudharsan got GT's innings moving with a clip and a backfoot drive through backward point off Mukesh Kumar, but holed out cheaply to the pacer after chopping onto his stumps. That brought Buttler to the crease, and his vintage version duly arrived. He lofted Mukesh for six, went inside-out against Axar for four and six, and then made Mukesh's third over a feast -- a scoop over fine leg, a flat six down the ground, a lofted drive over extra cover, as 23 runs came off it. Buttler eventually reached fifty in 24 balls, before Kuldeep's short ball, skidding through low as he went for the pull, castled him. Gill, who had watched from the other end with quiet satisfaction, then found his partner in Sundar. Their 104-run partnership was full of attacking shots and elegant timing at its core -- Sundar pulling three consecutive short balls from Vipraj Nigam for boundaries, including a no-ball that added a free hit, before Gill dispatched a full toss flat over the bowler's head. Gill brought up his fifty in 33 balls and kept accelerating, pulling and lofting Kuldeep for a brace of sixes, before Ngidi's slower ball ended his stay at 70. Washington brought up his first IPL fifty off 33 balls before miscuing to mid-off. A brace of boundaries from Glenn Phillips took GT to exactly 210. It was a good total - though the 58 runs from the last six overs, with eight wickets in hand, lingered as a question. Delhi's pursuit began brightly - Pathum Nissanka smashed three fours off Siraj in the first over, timing each drive with an unhurried elegance. Rahul found his rhythm quickly - a pick-up flick off Rabada, a six over long leg, and then Nissanka demolished Ashok Sharma's final powerplay over for 23 runs, including a flat six over mid-off and an inside-out drive over cover off the slower ball. Prasidh had Nissanka holing out for 41, but Rahul shifted gears entirely -- a nonchalant loft over Prasidh's head, and then a six over long-off. A pull past square leg and a cut behind point helped Rahul register a magnificent 29-ball fifty and break free from his lean run. Then came Rashid's pivotal tenth over: Nitish Rana survived an lbw review off a googly, only to hole out the next ball. Sameer Rizvi, in form and dangerous, was bowled for a duck, the googly again doing the damage, giving Rashid his 1000th wicket across formats. Rahul kept Delhi afloat almost single-handedly -he lofted Washington for six, thumped Prasidh over extra cover for four, and hit through the line repeatedly to keep the rate in check. But Rashid struck again to remove Axar Patel, who came after Miller retired hurt on 12. But overthrows and a misfield at long-on by Sudharsan gave DC momentum. Then Rahul, eight short of a century, nicked behind off a wide delivery from Siraj, after Tristan Stubbs was run out. DC needed 36 off 12 balls when Miller returned and threatened to get the game in his teams favour. Two sixes off Siraj, then a no-look six over long-on that brought the crowd to its feet, as 23 runs came off the 19th over. GT were penalised for a slow over-rate, which brought the final over under pressure. Vipraj Nigam lofted Prasidh for four, but then holed out. Miller whacked Prasidh over long-off for six. Two needed off two balls and then the decision that will be dissected endlessly: Miller turned down a single off the penultimate ball, backing himself to finish off the match. Prasidh bowled a slower bumper, which Miller swung and missed, and Buttler's underarm throw onto the stumps caught Kuldeep well short of the crease. After a drama-filled review, it became clear that the decision would stand, thus giving GT their first IPL 2026 win. Miller walked off with emotions writ large on his face after all his efforts werent enough to get DC over the line. As celebrations filled the GT camp, DC were left to wonder what might have been had that single been taken. Prasidh bowled a slower bumper, which Miller swung and missed, and Buttler's underarm throw onto the stumps caught Kuldeep well short of the crease. After a drama-filled review, it became clear that the decision would stand, thus giving GT their first IPL 2026 win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans 210/4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 70, Washington Sundar 55; Mukesh Kumar 2-55, Lungi Ngidi 1-24) beat Delhi Capitals 209/8 (KL Rahul 92, David Miller 41 not out; Rashid Khan 3-17, Prasidh Krishna 2-52) by one run Article Source: IANS

All-round Iftikhar wins Zalmi a thriller

He first took four wickets to dismiss Kingsmen for 145, before settling an unconvincing chase for his team with a last-over six

IPL 2026: Decision On Narine, Varun Participation To Be Taken At Toss, Say KKR Ahead Of LSG Clash

Kolkata Knight Riders: Struggling three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders have confirmed that Sunil Narine has recovered from his illness and has returned to training ahead of their match against Lucknow Super Giants. Varun Chakravarthy remains uncertain due to a finger injury. Sunil became ill on the morning of our match against PBKS, which is why he wasnt part of the XI. He has felt better since then and trained with the team both yesterday and today. He batted and bowled, the franchise said in a statement. KKR also provided an update on Varun, revealing that the mystery spinner injured his left-hand little finger while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The medical team has been working closely with him. He bowled his full set at training today. We will know about their participation in tomorrows game against LSG at the toss, the statement added. Narines return is expected to significantly strengthen KKRs bowling attack, which struggled in their last match against the Punjab Kings. This was the first time since 2019 that the team played without both Narine and Varun. With only Anukul Roy as the main spinner in that game, KKR lacked their usual control during the middle overs. There is additional good news for the franchise, as Cameron Green is likely to resume bowling duties from the LSG match onward. The all-rounder had been held back so far due to workload management in coordination with Cricket Australia, even though he has been bowling regularly in training sessions. After managing only one point from three matches, KKR will be hoping the return of key players like Narine and possibly Varun can help revive their campaign and restore much-needed balance to their bowling unit. There is additional good news for the franchise, as Cameron Green is likely to resume bowling duties from the LSG match onward. The all-rounder had been held back so far due to workload management in coordination with Cricket Australia, even though he has been bowling regularly in training sessions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tyagis return to form has not been easy. He shared his ongoing struggles with injuries and the major changes he made to his bowling technique. I faced a lot of problems related to injuries, mainly a shin splint issue that wasnt getting better, he explained. Article Source: IANS

David Warner Aware Of 'Seriousness' Of Drink-Driving Charges: Cricket NSW

Cricket New South Wales said on Wednesday it would support David Warner after he was charged with drink-driving, adding that the former Australian opener aware of the seriousness of the incident. The 39-year-old Sydney Thunder captain is due to appear in court on May 7 after allegedly blowing more than twice the legal limit in a random breath test in Sydney over the weekend. Cricket NSW, which has a long-term partnership with government agency Transport for NSW, said it was committed to educating Warner on the importance of safe driving. Cricket NSW is a strong advocate of safe driving, including avoiding drink-driving, and takes incidents of this nature very seriously, chief executive Lee Germon told cricket.com.au. David is aware of the seriousness of these allegations. We will support him through the upcoming process. The Sydney Daily Telegraph said Warner allegedly told police he had three glasses of wine at a friend's house before attempting to drive back to his home. Warner, who retired from international cricket in 2024, is reportedly on his way back to Pakistan to complete his Pakistan Super League campaign with Karachi Kings, who he captains. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They are scheduled to play on Thursday.

IPL 2026: Injury-free Katik Tyagi Ready To Take 'responsibility' For KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kartik Tyagi is ready to take on the responsibility for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of their important match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Injuries to key bowlers have placed the 25-year-old in a situation in which the team is hoping for him to shoulder the burden of carrying the bowling unit. Even after a rain-abandoned game, Tyagi stated that the team's determination is strong. We have it in our minds that we have to win the match. We are quite hungry, he said before the contest at Eden Gardens. Our planning is complete. Hopefully, the result goes in our favour. Tyagis return to form has not been easy. He shared his ongoing struggles with injuries and the major changes he made to his bowling technique. I faced a lot of problems related to injuries, mainly a shin splint issue that wasnt getting better, he explained. Working closely with his childhood physios, Tyagi underwent significant changes. I made a lot of changes to how I run, whether to shorten my run-up, and the basic mechanics of sprinting. However, the transition was challenging. When the basics of my run-up changed, my arms and legs moved differently. I couldnt load correctly, and I wasnt able to repeat the same action. I had to find what worked best for me because I had issues like out-jumping, which I needed to fix to become a better bowler. Fortunately for KKR, Tyagi feels his biggest strength is still there. Pace is a very natural thing; its inside your body, you dont have to bring it from outside, he said. If I run with good rhythm and bowl continuously, it just comes to me. With injuries affecting key players, Tyagi mentioned that the team had prepared for such situations. We knew well in advance that there were two or three injuries in the team. We were in camps in Mumbai for a long time, preparing our combinations. It became easier because everyone knew their role ahead of time. Yes, injuries are a setback, but you have to learn to manage them. Looking back on his inconsistent IPL journey, he acknowledged his limited appearances. Its not the teams fault because I was unfit myself. Last year, I took a break from cricket to focus solely on getting fit because whenever I started playing, the same issues would happen. Im not thinking about the past anymore; I want to carry out what Ive learned. Bowling in the powerplay at a high-scoring place like Eden Gardens comes with its own challenges. However, Tyagi credited Dwayne Bravos presence for guiding pressure. When you are under pressure, you cant always think straight. A bowler might just keep bowling the same delivery after getting hit, he said. Thats where Bravos extensive T20 experience helps. It gives us an idea of what the best ball on a specific wicket might be and boosts our confidence in our skills. Looking back on his inconsistent IPL journey, he acknowledged his limited appearances. Its not the teams fault because I was unfit myself. Last year, I took a break from cricket to focus solely on getting fit because whenever I started playing, the same issues would happen. Im not thinking about the past anymore; I want to carry out what Ive learned. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR key bowler, Sunil Narine, was ill, and his selection will only be confirmed before the match. Varun Charavarthy had injured his little finger on his left hand while taking Abhisheks catch in the match vs SRH. The medical team has been working closely with him. He bowled his full set at training today, said the KKR statement. Article Source: IANS

Billie Jean King Cup | Indiabounces backtoupset New Zealand foritsfirst win

Young talents Vaishnavi and Sahaja register facile victories before the experienced Ankita and Rutuja complete the formalities to bring the smiles back after the loss against Thailand

Depleted KKR look to get their campaign going against LSG

There is an orange alert in place on Thursday, suggesting rain could make its presence felt in Kolkata

IPL 2026: If We Get A Bit Of Momentum Going, Then All Goes Well, Says Glenn Phillips

Indian Premier League: The Gujarat Titans' batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips believes getting some momentum through their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against the Delhi Capitals will be key to turning around the teams fortunes in the ongoing season. GT, the IPL 2022 winners, have been winless so far, and a win in New Delhi will help them get off the mark on the points table. It's the same for me as it is for everyone else. We got ourselves into a very good position, the last game especially (against Rajasthan Royals). Obviously, we didn't finish off the things well, so for us it's all about backing our processes, staying well, and doing well. Today is a new day, and it's a long tournament - if we get a bit of momentum going, then all goes well, said Phillips in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. The New Zealand cricketer further stressed focusing only on controllable aspects and drawing motivation from the small wins he gets while playing games. For me, it's about staying focused on things that I can control. Cricket is a funny game. I just tend to focus on things that make me happy, like getting into the team, sticking to my processes as much as possible, and taking the little wins wherever they are. Hopefully that'll keep me up and motivated for the next day, he said. Phillips also lauded GTs newly-appointed batting coach, Matthew Hayden, for his process-driven approach in guiding the batters. He has been fantastic. He was simply a process-driven player back in his day. I just tend to focus on things that make me happy, like getting into the team, sticking to my processes as much as possible, and taking the little wins wherever they are. Hopefully that'll keep me up and motivated for the next day, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals meet the 2022-winner Gujarat Titans in Match 14 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Article Source: IANS

Unchanged DC opt to bowl, Gill in for Kushagra for GT

Gill coming in was the only change for Gujarat Titans

IPL 2026: Gill Returns To Lead Gujarat Titans As Delhi Capitals Opt To Bowl First

Indian Premier League: Shubman Gill returned to lead the Gujarat Titans as Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first in Match 14 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. DC arrive for their first evening game at their home ground after winning back-to-back games, while GT, the IPL 2022 winners, get in to get off the mark on the points table. After winning the toss for the third straight time, Axar said his playing eleven is unchanged from their six-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians. We've chased well in the last two matches, and this is a fresh wicket. It's been raining; there could be some moisture. Obviously, we watch as many match-ups as possible, and we try to make it as difficult as possible for the batters to hit. I don't just use match-ups. According to the wicket, if any bowler gives me a good run, then I rotate him according to that. So far, in two matches, it's been good. I hope it continues, he said. Gill, meanwhile, said his neck is much better after a muscle spasm there led to him missing the game against the Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad, which GT lost by six runs. Gill, who said the muscle spasm was similar to the injury he suffered in the Kolkata Test against South Africa last year, said he would have batted first anyway. With Gill coming in, Kumar Kushagra moves out of GTs playing eleven. If the weather stays this way, there'll be no dew in the second innings. I mean, it's all about assessing the conditions in the first couple of overs. I think we've been having some good opening partnerships with me and Sai (Sudharsan). So, hopefully, we have a good Power-play and then we can post some good totals along the board. It's all about clicking in that one game. Even in the last game, we came pretty close, losing by not that many runs. Its just one guy sticking till the end, whether someone from the middle order or from the top order, and maybe today is the day, he said. Pitch number five is being used for Wednesdays clash, which means the square boundaries are equidistant, while the straight boundary stands at 73m. Kevin Pietersen and Daren Ganga observed that theres less grass cover on the pitch, and its lighter colours mean it may be a dry wicket, but still conducive for making big runs. Playing XIs: Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (captain), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar Impact substitutes: Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (captain), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav, Anuj Rawat Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'He Is Ready For Next Big Step' -- Harbhajan Praises Sooryavanshi After First Ball Six Off Bumrah

Indian Premier League: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh praised Rajasthan Royals' teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his fearless performance against Mumbai Indians' talismanic Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. The 15-year-old stunned everyone when he smashed a six on the very first ball of Bumrahs over, a rare sight against one of the best bowlers in the world. Harbhajan, who was on commentary duty, was left amazed by the youngsters confidence and aggressive mindset, even saluting him for the effort. Harbhajan also highlighted that such confidence at a young age is a strong sign of a bright future and shows that Vaibhav is prepared to take on bigger challenges ahead. This battle between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah was one to show who is better. Vaibhav played an amazing shot on the first ball of Bumrah's over in the RR-MI match. This boy is ready to dominate. Dont go by his age. Yes, he is 15 years old, but he is ready for the next big step, Harbhajan told Jio Hotstar. He further praised the youngsters fearless approach and belief, adding, Its not an easy thing to hit a six on the first ball of Bumrahs over, especially for a 15-year-old. But the confidence shown by him was great to watch. Salute! Talking about the match, the Rajasthan Royals delivered a strong performance to defeat the Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a rain-affected contest. The win was built on an explosive 80-run opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi. He further praised the youngsters fearless approach and belief, adding, Its not an easy thing to hit a six on the first ball of Bumrahs over, especially for a 15-year-old. But the confidence shown by him was great to watch. Salute! Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this victory, the Rajasthan Royals continued their strong run in the tournament. They sit at the top of the points table with six points from three matches and an excellent net run rate. Their next challenge will be against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 at the same venue. Article Source: IANS

Narine available but Varun doubtful for LSG fixture on Thursday

While Narine resumed practice on Tuesday, there is no timeline yet on Varun's return

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch KKR Vs LSG Match, Know Details

Kolkata Knight Riders: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their fourth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at their home ground, Eden Gardens, in Kolkata on Thursday. KKR have had a tough start to their campaign this season. They went down by six wickets to the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium and, upon returning home, suffered a crushing 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their latest match against the Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain, leaving them with just a solitary point so far. Supporters will be eager to see their star players bounce back and find rhythm ahead of this important contest. In contrast, LSG have featured in only two games up to this point. Their campaign began at home against the Delhi Capitals, where they seemed in control after reducing the opposition to 26/4 while defending a modest target of 142. However, Sameer Rizvis match-winning innings turned the game around in Delhis favour. LSG responded strongly in their next fixture, registering their first win of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. A composed and effective bowling display paved the way for a five-wicket victory, providing the side with much-needed confidence going into this clash. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have an upper hand in the head-to-head record against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). KKR and LSG have faced each other six times in the IPL. LSG have defeated KKR 4 times. The two teams clashed for the first time in 2022, with LSG winning by 75 runs at the MCA Stadium in Pune. When: Thursday, April 9, 7:30 PM IST Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata Where to watch: The KKR vs LSG match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The KKR vs LSG match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (c), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Ayush Badoni, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan. Article Source: IANS

Islamabad United's Mir Hamza Sajjad recovering after concussion

Mir Hamza Sajjad, the reserve Islamabad United fast bowler, was hit in the back of the head by a stray hit during a training session

IPL 2026: 'Mumbai Indians Were Already Behind The Game Within First Few Overs,' Says Chawla

Indian Premier League: Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla believes that the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) were already behind in the game from the start of their chase against Rajasthan Royals (RCB) in their third match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday as they lost early wickets which increased the pressure. Mumbai Indians had a poor start, losing three important wickets in just the first three overs while chasing 151 runs in an 11-over rain-affected match. Chawla said that the early blows made the chase very difficult. Rajasthan Royals looked ready from the start, especially in the Powerplay. Their batting gave them a strong start. With the ball, Jofra Archer bowled really well, and Nandre Burger picked up key wickets. When you are chasing 150 in 11 overs and lose three wickets for around 20 runs, it becomes very hard. Mumbai Indians were already behind in the first few overs, Chawla told Jio Hotstar. He also praised Yashasvi Jaiswal for his unbeaten 77 runs, which gave Rajasthan a strong start. Sometimes a player feels very confident against a certain team. Jaiswal looked comfortable from the beginning and played with confidence. Scoring 77 runs in an 11-over match shows how impactful he was, he added. Chawla also appreciated 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his fearless batting against a strong Mumbai bowling attack. Sometimes a player feels very confident against a certain team. Jaiswal looked comfortable from the beginning and played with confidence. Scoring 77 runs in an 11-over match shows how impactful he was, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Speaking of the match, RR rode on an explosive 80-run opening stand between Yashasvi and Sooryavanshi to beat MI by 27 runs in a rain-curtailed match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday and registered their third straight victory of the IPL 2026 campaign. Article Source: IANS

Green expected to begin bowling in KKR's game against LSG on Thursday

Cameron Green hasn't bowled at all in IPL 2026, and KKR's team balance - already hampered by injuries - has been affected as a result

Molinuex Was The Best Captaincy Option, On Track For T20 WC: Australia Chief Selector Shawn Flegler

T20 World Cup: Australias chair of selectors Shawn Flegler has acknowledged that the early phase of Sophie Molineuxs captaincy has been anything but conventional, citing her ongoing back issue as an unusual challenge, while backing the decision to appoint her as leader across formats. Molineux, who succeeded Alyssa Healy earlier this year, assumed leadership duties in phases, initially during the T20I series against India and then on a full-time basis for the West Indies tour following Healys retirement. However, a stress reaction in her back disrupted those plans, significantly limiting her role during the Caribbean leg. The allrounder was unable to bowl in that series and featured only as a specialist batter in the T20Is and the opening ODI before being rested for the remainder of the tour, a situation Flegler described as a setback during a crucial transition phase. Despite the complication, selectors have maintained their long-term focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup, which headlines a packed global calendar that also includes the 2027 Champions Trophy and the 2028 Olympics. We were clear from the start that the T20 World Cup was the priority series and we were going to make decisions around that, Flegler told reporters as the 2026-27 contracts list was announced. So, yeah, the stress reaction in the back during the Indian series, not ideal, but things do happen. We just made decisions around that and we decided we could either push through with it, take a big risk and see if she got through, or we just pull back a little bit. We decided to pull back, but we still thought it was important that she was around the group [in the West Indies]. She's on track for the T20 World Cup and that's what the goal was at the start. It's probably a fair point to say it's unprecedented. But we think, on balance, she was the candidate that was the best option for a number of reasons: her on-field experience and success that she'd had, her off-field connection and a vision for the team. We'll be judged on that as time goes on, but we think it was the right decision at the time. I think she's done really well in the games that she has captained and the way she's been around the group so far. I guess we'll see how that ends up in the T20 World Cup and how it goes in the future as well, he added. Flegler made it clear that Molineuxs role in the World Cup will hinge on her all-round capabilities, ruling out the possibility of her featuring solely as a batter. We're certainly not looking at her as a batting captain. She'll be playing as a bowling allrounder to be available, Flegler noted. The selector also stressed that the decision to elevate Molineux ahead of other senior figures such as Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner was the result of a prolonged evaluation rather than a reactive call. Both McGrath and Gardner currently serve as vice-captains, with McGrath stepping in as stand-in skipper during the West Indies tour. These conversations took place over 12 months, essentially. Soph was picked as a 20-year-old initially and her leadership capabilities were recognised very early. So if she wasn't injured, you could easily have seen her being captain a couple of years earlier. I guess it's hard when you're not on the inside, you don't get to see all the stuff that does happen with team dynamics and how the group operates and what energy is around. When you're seeing decisions made and from an external point of view you go, that doesn't make sense, but we're comfortable internally that was the right decision for this group at this time. So we're happy to be judged on that down the track, he stated. Molineuxs limited bowling role in the West Indies has also added complexity to Australias selection plans for the World Cup, particularly concerning the composition of the spin attack. Alana King impressed during the T20I leg, earning Player of the Series honours, while Georgia Wareham continues to be viewed as a frontline option. Gardner further strengthens the spin resources, leaving selectors with a challenging balancing act. Conditions in England, where the tournament will be held, are expected to play a significant role in shaping the final squad, especially with some matches scheduled in the morning. Molineuxs limited bowling role in the West Indies has also added complexity to Australias selection plans for the World Cup, particularly concerning the composition of the spin attack. Alana King impressed during the T20I leg, earning Player of the Series honours, while Georgia Wareham continues to be viewed as a frontline option. Gardner further strengthens the spin resources, leaving selectors with a challenging balancing act. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia are likely to finalise their squad early next month, with preparatory camps lined up in Brisbane before they travel to the United Kingdom. The team is also scheduled to play a warm-up series against South Africa, followed by official ICC practice matches ahead of the marquee event. Article Source: IANS

Hes Instilled Fear Into Bowlers: Steyn On Vaibhav's Heroics Against Bumrah

Former South Africa: Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn believes that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already begun to create a psychological edge over bowlers, even forcing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah into rare errors. Steyn pointed to the moment when Sooryavanshi launched Bumrah over mid-on off the very first ball in the Rajasthan Royals clash against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, suggesting that the youngsters aggressive reputation is already influencing how bowlers approach him. I think that's what he's done. I mean, honestly, he's created and instilled the fear into bowlers that he's going to hit you for boundaries, Steyn told ESPNCricinfo. Highlighting the influence of Sooryavanshi, Steyn added that even the premier Indian pacer, Bumrah, appeared to be second-guessing himself and missed his mark, which is very rare for a bowler of his calibre. That delivery from Bumrah, that's in the slot. That's so rare of Bumrah. So even the great Bumrah is thinking in the back of his mind: don't get it wrong, because if I get it wrong, this guy's going to hit me for six, he said. I feel, if you think like that, more often than not, you do get it wrong. You can see even when he's hit him for six, he almost started to laugh afterwards and then go, I knew that was going to happen if I got it wrong. And that's exactly what happened, he explained. Steyn believes that Sooryavanshi is not scared of anyone, and his fearless intent makes him dangerous regardless of the bowlers stature. And this kid's not scared, man. If you miss a half-volley, he's going to hit you out of the ground. So drag your length back and hit a good length, and you might be on the money with him. Miss and you're travelling the distance. It doesn't matter who you are, Bumrah or Joe Average. So that's fantastic batting, he added. Steyn believes that Sooryavanshi is not scared of anyone, and his fearless intent makes him dangerous regardless of the bowlers stature. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Vaibhav scored 39 runs off just 14 balls, which included two sixes against Bumrah and three vs other bowlers. While Jaiswal remained unbeaten at 77 off just 32 balls. Article Source: IANS

'Just Play Your Shots': Jaiswal's Message After Vaibhav's First Ball Six Off Bumrah

Rajasthan Royals: Rajasthan Royals (RR) star Yashasvi Jaiswal revealed the message he gave to his opening partner, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, after the 15-year-old prodigy hit Mumbai Indians (MI) talisman Jasprit Bumrah for a six off the first ball, which is very rare against a bowler of his calibre. After the match, Jaiswal said it was exciting to watch Vaibhav take on Bumrah, who he called one of the legends of the game. He also said that Vaibhavs attacking start helped ease the pressure on him. I think first ball he hit for six and I was just like, just keep playing your shots because of course Bumrah bhai is one of the legends, so if he is scoring him it is amazing and also other bowlers we can take them down, so it was quite good for him to go and play good shots. Especially with that, it also puts off me with a lot pressure, so I can also plan to take on someone else, Jaiswal told reporters after the match. Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 77, added that he enjoys batting with Vaibhav. He said both of them keep encouraging each other and try to stay positive at the crease. I think first ball he hit for six and I was just like, just keep playing your shots because of course Bumrah bhai is one of the legends, so if he is scoring him it is amazing and also other bowlers we can take them down, so it was quite good for him to go and play good shots. Especially with that, it also puts off me with a lot pressure, so I can also plan to take on someone else, Jaiswal told reporters after the match. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Talking about the match, Rajasthan Royals scored 150 runs in 11 overs in a rain-affected game at Barsapara Stadium on Tuesday. Jaiswals half-century and Vaibhavs quick 39 helped set a strong total. In reply, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians managed only 123 runs, as the Rajasthan Royals secured a comfortable 27-run win. Article Source: IANS

CM Patel Meets Commonwealth Sport Delegation During First Gujarat Visit For 2030 Games

Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare: A Commonwealth Sport delegation has begun its first official inspection visit to Gujarat to assess preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with site reviews and high-level meetings signalling the start of detailed on-ground planning for the centenary edition of the event. Led by Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare and Chief Executive Katie Sadleir, the five-member team, accompanied by officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) is in the state from April 8 to April 11. The visit marks the first formal review since Ahmedabad was confirmed as host of the 2030 Games. During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to inspect proposed venues across the host region, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena, the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, the Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and facilities in Ekta Nagar, including the Statue of Unity, as part of an assessment of readiness and planning. India was awarded the hosting rights for the Games on November 26 last year, at the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in Glasgow, making it the countrys second time hosting the event after the 2010 edition in New Delhi. The 2030 Games will mark 100 years since the inaugural edition in 1930. The delegation began its programme with a courtesy meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. During the meeting, CM Patel said the state government is committed to organising the centenary Commonwealth Games 2030 in a grand manner through teamwork. The effort would be guided by the time-bound, qualitative and effective planning advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. Rukare described the hosting of the Games by Gujarat as a matter of great pride and praised PM Modis visionary leadership and encouragement to sports. Both Rukare and Sadleir also appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the delegation in Gujarat. Patel assured the visiting officials and the IOC that the state government would provide all necessary infrastructure and facilities in a timely manner to ensure the successful conduct of the Games. The Commonwealth Sport leadership invited the chief minister to attend the next Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2 this year, to observe and study operational planning and execution. Patel assured the visiting officials and the IOC that the state government would provide all necessary infrastructure and facilities in a timely manner to ensure the successful conduct of the Games. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rukare said the 2030 Games should reflect not only sporting excellence but also cultural vibrancy, expressing eagerness to work collaboratively with Indian stakeholders to deliver a successful centenary edition. Article Source: IANS

Sooryavanshi Makes It Look Easy Against One Of The 'worlds Best Bowlers' Bumrah: Kumble

Former India: Former India captain Anil Kumble lauded Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless approach against India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in a win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in a rain-curtailed IPL 2026 clash, saying the teenager makes it look easy against one of the worlds best bowlers. RR rode on an explosive 80-run opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi to beat MI by 27 runs in a rain-curtailed match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday and registered their third straight victory of the IPL 2026 campaign. Jaiswal began the innings with a bang as he hit Deepak Chahar for four boundaries and a maximum to extract 22 runs off the very first over. Sooryavanshi then welcomed Bumrah to the attack by dispatching the ball over mid-on. Two balls later, the ball disappeared over deep square leg as the hosts posted a daunting 150. Kumble singled out Sooryavanshis audacious strokeplay in the powerplay and his calculated assault on Bumrah, as a defining moment in the match. Sooryavanshi makes it look easy against one of the worlds best bowlers. First ball, he hits him for a six and then sets him up. He set the bowler up, not the other way around. Weve generally seen Bumrah set up batters so many times, but here, Sooryavanshi set Bumrah up to bowl that slower ball on the third delivery, and he was waiting for it to hit him for another six, Kumble told JioStar. It was brilliant batting by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just the way he strikes the ball and the consistency he has shown in terms of strike-rate. He is striking at close to 300 in every game and scoring more than 30 runs consistently, which is outstanding, he added. In response, MI's innings stuttered to 123/9 in the allotted 11 overs as all five RR bowlers used on the night registered in the wickets column. Assessing MIs chase, Kumble pointed to a lack of clarity and intensity, both with the ball and during the pursuit of a steep target. It was brilliant batting by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just the way he strikes the ball and the consistency he has shown in terms of strike-rate. He is striking at close to 300 in every game and scoring more than 30 runs consistently, which is outstanding, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It wasnt full like how Deepak Chahar bowled, it was more about hitting the deck. Sandeep Sharma once again proved what a reliable fast bowler he is, becoming a nemesis for Rohit Sharma yet again. Hes dismissed Rohit a few times now. It would be tough for any batter to keep going in those conditions. I thought MI had a bit of a chance when Rutherford was there, but even that glimmer of hope was taken away quickly, Kumble opined. Article Source: IANS

Warner Admits To Having Consumed Wine As Fresh Details Emerge In Drink-driving Case

Downing Centre Local Court: Fresh details have emerged in the drink-driving case involving former Australia opener David Warner, with reports revealing that the veteran cricketer told police he had consumed alcohol shortly before being stopped in Sydneys eastern suburbs. Warner allegedly informed officers that he had been drinking with a friend prior to getting behind the wheel on Easter Sunday, stating he had consumed three glasses of wine before attempting to drive back to his residence in Maroubra, NewsCorp reported. The 39-year-old was intercepted during a random breath-testing operation, where police observed a van stopping and parking just short of the checkpoint. Officers then approached the vehicle and conducted a roadside test, which returned a positive reading for alcohol. Warner was then taken to Maroubra Police Station for further analysis, where he allegedly recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.104, more than twice the legal limit. He has since been charged with a mid-range drink-driving offence and is scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on May 7. The latest development adds to an already high-profile case involving the former Australian international, who continues to feature prominently in franchise cricket despite stepping away from international duties in 2024. Warner is currently leading Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 and had briefly returned to Australia during a break in the tournament. He had recently scored a half-century in a match in Lahore on April 2. The incident comes on the heels of a prolific domestic T20 season, where Warner enjoyed a standout run in the Big Bash League, averaging 86.6 for Sydney Thunder and earning captaincy honours in the tournaments team of the season. The franchise has declined to comment on the matter. Warner, one of Australias most accomplished modern-day batters, amassed 8786 runs in 112 Tests at an average exceeding 44, including a career-best unbeaten 335 against Pakistan. Since retiring from Test cricket, he has also taken up commentary duties. The incident comes on the heels of a prolific domestic T20 season, where Warner enjoyed a standout run in the Big Bash League, averaging 86.6 for Sydney Thunder and earning captaincy honours in the tournaments team of the season. The franchise has declined to comment on the matter. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The case is set to be heard next month. Article Source: IANS

It's Been A Rollercoaster, Tops It Off Getting My First Aussie Contract: Lucy Hamilton

T20 World Cup: Lucy Hamilton described her journey to a maiden central contract as a rollercoaster, capping a whirlwind rise that has transformed her from a domestic hopeful into an all-format international in less than a year. Only months ago, the 19-year-old pacer was mapping out a routine domestic season featuring appearances for Queensland and Brisbane Heat. Since then, she has broken into Australias senior setup across all three formats, secured her first Cricket Australia contract and lined up a busy international and franchise calendar. Hamilton was named among the new inclusions in Cricket Australias contract list for the upcoming season, alongside uncapped Western Australia fast bowler Chloe Ainsworth. Reflecting on her unexpected rise, Hamilton admitted the past few months had unfolded far beyond her initial expectations. You prepare for your season in a very normal structure of Queensland games, and then WBBL, so I definitely would not have imagined I was standing here today or receiving a CA contract, (I'm) definitely grateful, Hamilton told cricket.com.au of her first CA deal. Coming off the big summer in the Queensland camp, and then getting my call up into a few squads, and then coming to the West Indies, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. But it tops it off getting my first Aussie contract, she added. Her rapid ascent has also included a stint in India's Womens Premier League (WPL) earlier this year. She is further set to feature in Englands Hundred competition in August after being signed by Birmingham Phoenix, where she will share the dressing room with established Australian stars, Ellyse Perry and Alana King. Hamiltons performances have already put her in contention for selection in Australias squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, the youngster remains focused on immediate steps rather than looking too far ahead. She is particularly eager to join her first national training camp, scheduled to be held in Brisbane in early May, where she hopes to further develop under the guidance of the Australian coaching staff. I'm super excited to jump straight into all the camps and get to experience what the Australian cricket team (do) in their training schedule and just get put in different pressure situations that hopefully just improve my game for the best. My foot is just in the door a little bit now with all the coaches, Hamilton said. I'm really excited to work alongside them in the camps and more full-on in Brisbane ... that's a thing that I've always wanted to do and looked forward to, so hopefully my development just keeps growing from there, she added. Before stepping into the next phase of her international career, Hamilton is set to take a short break during the annual leave window. She plans to return to her hometown of Bundaberg to reconnect with family and friends following her breakthrough run. I'm really excited to work alongside them in the camps and more full-on in Brisbane ... that's a thing that I've always wanted to do and looked forward to, so hopefully my development just keeps growing from there, she added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The time difference is a little bit tricky, but lots of my friends and grandparents and family have been up in the early morning hours ... (it's) been really lovely to see their support and I'm just excited to go home and catch up with them all, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

Uncapped Ainsworth Makes The Cut, Vlaeminck Misses Out As CA Unveil Womens Central Contract

Big Bash League: Cricket Australia have unveiled their womens central contract list for the 202627 season, introducing fresh faces Lucy Hamilton and Chloe Ainsworth to strengthen pace-bowling resources ahead of a packed T20 calendar. The 18-member roster features three changes from last year, with Tasmania allrounder Nicola Carey earning a recall after re-establishing herself at the international level. Teenage left-arm seamer Hamilton has secured her maiden national contract following a rapid rise through the ranks. The 19-year-old made her senior debut across all three formats within a span of just over three weeks in March. After leading Australia at the Under-19 World Cup in 2025, she broke into the senior side during an ODI against India in Hobart, soon followed by her Test debut at the WACA Ground. She capped off her breakthrough month with a T20I appearance against West Indies in St Vincent. Western Australia pacer Ainsworth, 20, has also been rewarded despite not yet featuring in the senior national team. Widely regarded as a promising prospect since her emergence with the Perth Scorchers in 2023, she has claimed 40 wickets across three Womens Big Bash League seasons at an average of 22.30 and an economy rate under seven. Her consistent performances have earned her multiple selections in the tournaments Team of the Season. Careys return to the contract list follows her re-entry into the Australian setup during the multi-format series against India earlier this year. The 32-year-old had opted out of a contract in 2023 to focus on domestic cricket with Tasmania, a decision that allowed her to refine her skills and gain exposure in overseas franchise leagues. Her improved performances ultimately paved the way back into the national side. Meanwhile, former captain Alyssa Healy has been omitted from the list after concluding her Test career in Perth. Victorias Tess Flintoff and Tayla Vlaeminck also missed out. Flintoff, who was included last season based on her potential, did not break into the national playing XI during her stint on the contract list. Vlaeminck, on the other hand, has been working her way back from a shoulder injury sustained during the 2024 T20 World Cup, recently returning to action in a domestic red-ball fixture. Cricket Australias head of performance and national selector, Shawn Flegler, stated that while Flintoff and Vlaeminck are not currently contracted, they remain firmly in contention for future selection. Australias upcoming schedule begins with the T20 World Cup in England, where the team will be aiming to bounce back from consecutive semi-final exits in recent ICC events. Cricket Australias head of performance and national selector, Shawn Flegler, stated that while Flintoff and Vlaeminck are not currently contracted, they remain firmly in contention for future selection. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia's contracted women's players 2026-27: Chloe Ainsworth, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham Article Source: IANS

Molineux captaincy call will be judged on T20 World Cup

National selector Shawn Flegler admitted the injury situation wasn't ideal but said Molineux was on track to return to bowling

The Sooryavanshi effect: even Bumrah is thinking, 'don't get it wrong'

I think we missed our lengths, we missed our lines, Mahela Jayawardene, the Mumbai Indians coach, says after Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed them around Guwahati

IPL 2026: Pandya Blames Bowlers For MI Defeat In Rain-shortened Match Vs RR

Mumbai Indians: Back at the helm after missing one match, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya blames his bowlers for allowing Rajasthan Royals openers to prosper and help the team hammer 150/3 in runs their rain-shortened 11-overs-a-side match in the IPL 2026 at the ACA Stadium. After Pandya elected to field first, the Mumbai Indians bowling unit failed to capitalise on the conditions as Yashasvi Jaiswal (77 not out off 32) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (39 off 14) rained sixes, blasting 56 runs in the Power-play of 3.2 overs. Mumbai allowed Rajasthan Royals to post a mammoth 150/3 in 11 overs, virtually sealing the match in the Power-play itself. Chasing a massive target of 151, the Mumbai Indians suffered a top-order collapse, were reduced to 46/5 before ending their 11 overs at 123/9, losing by 27 runs. Pandya said the bowlers failed to do their job properly, allowing too many sixes in the first few overs. We did not execute the deliveries we were supposed to. They (RR openers) played well. Bowlers need to take responsibility. As a bowling group, we were not up to the mark. They (RR openers) also played tremendously, said Pandya in the post-match presentation. Pandya said he would not blame his batters for not scoring enough runs in the Power-play. I would not put the blame on batting. Definitely the bowling unit, which had to take responsibility. It is always about bowling those good balls. If we had executed, we would have been in the game. Their openers threw us off our game, and we were playing catch-up, he added. Asked about RR's teenage batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Pandya said, Quite fascinating to see a 17- or 16-year-old boy (15-year-old) play that way. Amazing to see the way he bats, the fearlessness he has. Wish him good luck for the future. I would not put the blame on batting. Definitely the bowling unit, which had to take responsibility. It is always about bowling those good balls. If we had executed, we would have been in the game. Their openers threw us off our game, and we were playing catch-up, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS

From Ball Switch to Player Subs: Whats New in County Championship 2026

The England cricket season 2026 commenced with the County Championship on Good Friday to add a new chapter on the subject of how cricket is changing. See how this season is different: * The three-year Kookaburra ball trial has been dumped and English cricket returns exclusively to the Dukes ball. In 2023, the ECB had advised to use the Australian Kookaburra balls in two rounds of the championship matches, increasing to four rounds in 2024. The purpose was to help English bowlers to prepare better for overseas assignments, particularly Ashes tours. At present, seven of the Test playing countries use Kookaburra balls. The experiment failed to serve the purpose and is called the worst idea ever. *A new condition wrt the substitutes: Now a player can be replaced by a fully playing sub i.e. he will not be just a covering fielder. It covers sickness and significant life happenings such as the birth of a child or a family illness and, of course, injury. In the recent past, the players were denied permission to leave the match to witness the birth of a child, but now he can be replaced. Now the substitute will be allowed to bat and bowl, which will prevent the devaluation, as one team is reduced to less than 11 players. The most recent instance which catapulted the change is of the New Zealander cricketer Blair Tickner, who was playing for Derbyshire in 2024. During the match, he received a message that his wife Sarah had been diagnosed with leukaemia. No substitution was allowed to let him go, and he felt uncomfortable leaving Derbyshire with ten men. Now a player can leave. We shall take up his story in detail, ahead. Then there was the curious case of the Middlesex opener, Sam Robson in the last season. The medical team didnt help him with the provisional date of the birth of his first child, which he wished to attend. The result was that awaiting birth, he missed a number of championship matches, which wouldnt have happened under the new guidelines. This amendment was introduced on the advice of the ICC this season and is on trial. If the feedback is positive, there may be a possibility of introducing a similar condition into Test cricket. Naturally, the replacements would be like-for-like, and, in genuine cases only. The player replaced by illness or injury will serve an eight-day stand down period, but can play in the Hundred during this period. Before this change, during a four-day County Championship match, the replacement was permitted only in the case of concussion or call for international duty, whereas for an injury or illness only a substitute fielder was allowed. Now it is for the authorities to ensure that the relaxation is not misused and is legitimate. Australia, South Africa and India are already experimenting with injury replacements and the ECB has now allowed substitutes for life events. Now let us go back to the story of New Zealand right-arm seamer Blair Tickner. He was in the Derbyshire squad for the County Championship match against Sussex. Almost at the same time, his wife Sarah was visiting a local hospital to collect the results of some blood tests. He called her to enquire and she, tearfully, informed that she had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Tickner immediately rushed to the hospital, was there most of the day and in the evening went to the stadium only to collect his car, parked there. A surprise awaited him there as he was still playing in the match. Everyone agreed that he should be replaced as he had played no part in the game, but guidelines didnt permit. He batted the same evening and was 22 not out at stumps and scored a career-best 47 the next day. Believe it, he played the rest of the match. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Incidentally, the first substitution under the new guidelines took place on the very first day of the season. Essex became the first team in England to name an injury replacement when skipper Tom Westley broke his finger while batting (28*) and was ruled out of the game against Hampshire. Noah Thain took his place on the condition that Thain, a former England Under-19 all-rounder, would not bowl as Westley was unlikely to bowl for the rest of the match.

Jaiswal goes to the top of Orange Cap table, Ravi Bishnoi keeps the Purple Cap

After the Rajasthan Royals victory against Mumbai Indians in a rain-reduced contest, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi are the leading run-getter and wicket-taker of IPL 2026

Hasan Ali's death-bowling masterclass proving the difference for Karachi Kings

In a season where the runs are flowing, Hasan's variations in the closing overs have stood out

Jaiswal powers Royals past Mumbai Indians in 11-over thrash

The Rajasthan Royals openers added 80 runs in five overs to stun Mumbai Indians in a rain-hit game

New BCB President Tamim Iqbal Chairs First Official Meeting

Bangla National Cricket Stadium: Newly-appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal on Tuesday held his first official meeting with the Boards ad-hoc executive committee at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, marking the beginning of a new administrative phase for Bangladesh cricket. The BCB is scheduled to hold its next board meeting in a few days. The new BCB president, Tamim Iqbal, arrived at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium following the dissolution of the Bangladesh Cricket Boards previous leadership, after a probe found former chief Aminul Islam guilty of corruption during the last election. Addressing the media after meeting the newly formed ad-hoc committee, Tamim stressed the urgent need to restore the boards credibility. I am sure you all understand that the damage to cricket's reputation over the last one and a half years must be corrected collectively, Iqbal told reporters. He acknowledged that criticism would persist but emphasised a shared responsibility to rebuild pride in Bangladesh cricket. There will be criticism regarding whether we perform well or not, but no one here wants cricket to remain at its current low point. We always want cricket to be a source of pride. Those who work or have worked at the BCB should take pride in saying they work here. I am not sure if that pride can currently be expressed, given the activities of the past one and a half years. We must restore that pride, he added. Highlighting the importance of respect within the system, Tamim said, Players must be respected, and every stakeholder must be respected. That will be our primary task. We will change for the better, not just in words. We will make mistakes, and our team may also make mistakes, but we will learn from them and continue to try. This is our main goal. The ad-hoc committee has been tasked by the National Sports Council to conduct elections within 90 days, a responsibility Tamim said they would carry out with integrity. We have been brought in with a responsibility to hold a free and fair election within three months. We will perform this duty with as much honesty as we can and as quickly as we can, he said. On his own participation, he remained open-ended. You would have to ask me personally (whether I will take part in the next election). I may choose to participate, or someone else may, or they may not. When a free and fair election is held, I will request everyone interested to participate. Tamim also underlined the importance of inclusivity in the electoral process. It will be a board election, including current board members, players, and organisers - everyone should participate. We aim to create an atmosphere where everyone can take part in the election. Alongside overseeing elections, the committee will manage day-to-day operations. Alongside this, we will obviously look into day-to-day activities; there are World Cup issues, as you know. We will do whatever is necessary regarding everything, he said. The ad-hoc member, Tanzil Chowdhury, confirmed that Tamim will represent Bangladesh at the upcoming ICC meetings. We have a representation from the cricket board in the ICC and ACC. Traditionally, and also by design and conduct, the President attends that. So, in our case, we have nominated our President, Tamim Iqbal. And alongside, since we are an ad-hoc committee - we are not an elected committee or board - the ICC has guided us that it would be good if the CEO is there as an ex officio position, and so we have approved that today as well, he said. Alongside overseeing elections, the committee will manage day-to-day operations. Alongside this, we will obviously look into day-to-day activities; there are World Cup issues, as you know. We will do whatever is necessary regarding everything, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Congratulations to Tamim Iqbal for becoming President of Bangladesh Cricket Board. His leadership as former cricketer will enhance the prospects of cricket in his country and overseas. @TamimOfficial28, @BCBtigers. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Jaiswal's Unbeaten 77 Helps RR Beat Mumbai Indians By 27 Runs In Rain-hit Match

Indian Premier League: Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered a half-century and raised 80 runs for the opening wicket with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at breakneck pace as Rajasthan Royals thrashed Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a rain-shortened 11-overs-a-side Match 13 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. This is Rajasthan Royals' third successive win as they took the top table with six points. After Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered a sensational 77 not out off 32 balls, smashing 10 boundaries and four sixes, to help Rajasthan Royals post a mammoth 150/3, the bowlers took over as they reduced Mumbai Indians for 46/5 in the fifth over, sending back Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and HardikPandya for single digit scores in the match, which was delayed by two-and-a-half hours because of rain. Mi failed to recover from the top-order collapse and slumped to their second successive defeat as Rajasthan bowlers did well, mixing up their deliveries. Chasing a massive target of 151, the Mumbai Indians succumbed to scoreboard pressure as they lost Ryan Rickelton (8), who hammered a six on the previous delivery, off the last ball of the first over, the South African opener miscuing Jofra Archer a mile high and was pouched by keeper Dhruv Jurel in the short third region. Suryakumar Yadav (6) paddled Nandre Burger to six of the second ball he faced and fell a legal delivery later, hitting straight down the throat of Jofra Archer at deep backward square leg as Mumbai slumped to 20/2. Sandeep Sharma pushed Mumbai Indians further into the abyss when he pinned Rohit Sharma on the crease for a plumb lbw decision, upheld by DRS, as the five-time champions were reduced to 22/3 in the third over. Sandeep got Rohit for the sixth time in IPL. With the Mumbai Indians needing 126 for 46 balls, Tilak Varma struck Tushar Deshpande for a four, as did skipper Hardik Pandya, as they scored 11 runs off the fourth over. Pandya (9) struck Ravi Bishnoi for a four and then slapped the next one straight to Jaiswal at long-on, and MI were down to 41/4. Tilak Varma smashed straight into the hands of Shimron Hetmyer at deep mid-wicket, getting out for 14 off 10 balls -- MI down to 46/5. Naman Dhir whacked Sandeep Sharma over cow corner for a six and an edged four, scoring 14 runs off the sixth over, leaving the Mumbai Indians needing 91 from 30 balls. Sherfane Rutherford hit Bishnoi for boundaries off successive balls and a couple of huge sixes off Deshpande before slicing hard to short-third, where Sandeep Sharma picks a sensational catch, inches above the ground, diving forward. That ended Mumbai's fight, and they ended at 123/9 in 11 overs, slumping to their second successive defeat. Asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals were off to a blistering start as Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered four boundaries and a six to score 22 runs off the first over bowled by Deepak Chahar, who bowled a couple of loose deliveries, attempting to get the ball to swing. The much-anticipated face-off between the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah went in favour of the teenager as he whipped the seasoned pacer for two sixes -- one over mid-on and the other over deep square leg as Rajasthan Royals blasted 14 runs from the second over. Jaiswal welcomed Trent Boult with sixes off his first two balls, as the bowler strayed onto the pads on the first delivery and went down outside off on the next. A single later, Sooryavanshi hammered a big one, picking a shortish delivery off his pads to plant it into the stands over deep backward square leg as RR blazed to fifty in just 16 balls. Hardik Pandya, who returned to playing XI after missing the last match, bowled a fine over and conceded only four runs in the fourth over, but the caning of the bowlers continued as Shardul Thakur's first ball was thrashed out of the ground by Sooryavanshi. He followed the six with a four off the second and another six off the fifth ball. However, Thakur had the last laugh as he had Sooryavanshi caught by Tilak Varma, a few feet before the boundary rope, timing his jump to perfection. Sooryavanshi smashed 39 off 14 balls, hitting one four and five sixes. Dhruv Jurel (2) survived only three balls, trapped lbw by Ghazanfar with one that skidded and rapped the batter on the back pad as RR dropped to 84/2. Jaiswal continued batting in fourth gear, putting on display brilliant power-hitting as he blazed to his half-century off 23 balls with a four off a short and wide one by Pandya. He celebrated the milestone with a six off the first ball of the ninth over, bowled by Ghazanfar. Skipper Riyan Parag struck a six each off Pandya and Ghazanfar before holing out to Tilak Varma near the long-on fence, returning to the dugout after a 10-ball 20, studded with one four and two sixes. Jaiswal struck Bumrah for a six in the 10th over as the left-handed opener remained unbeaten with 77. Ghazanfar was the best MI bowler with 2-21 in two overs. Dhruv Jurel (2) survived only three balls, trapped lbw by Ghazanfar with one that skidded and rapped the batter on the back pad as RR dropped to 84/2. Jaiswal continued batting in fourth gear, putting on display brilliant power-hitting as he blazed to his half-century off 23 balls with a four off a short and wide one by Pandya. He celebrated the milestone with a six off the first ball of the ninth over, bowled by Ghazanfar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 150/3 in 11 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 77 not out, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 39; Am Ghazandar 2-21) beat Mumbai Indians 123/9 in 11 overs (Naman Dhir 25, Sherfane Rutherford 25; Nandre Burger 2-21, Sandeep Sharma 2-26, Ravi Bishnoi 2-25) by 27 runs Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Jaiswal's Unbeaten 77 Helps RR Post 150/3 Against MI In Rain-reduced Match

Indian Premier League: Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered a half-century off 23 balls as Rajasthan Royals posted a mammoth 150/3 against Mumbai Indians in a rain-shortened 11-overs-a-side Match 13 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. Jaiswal was in sensational form as he blazed to 77 not out off 32 balls, smashing 10 boundaries and four sixes while teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blasted 39 off 14 balls as Rajasthan Royals posted a massive score for the Mumbai Indians in the match, which was delayed by two-and-a-half hours because of rain. Asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals were off to a rousing start as Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered four boundaries and a six to score 22 runs off the first over bowled by Deepak Chahar, who bowled a couple of loose deliveries, attempting to get the ball to swing. The much-anticipated face-off between the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah went in favour of the teenager as he whipped the seasoned pacer for two sixes -- one over mid-on and the other over deep square leg as Rajasthan Royals blasted 14 runs from the second over. Jaiswal welcomed Trent Boult with sixes off his first two balls, as the bowler strayed onto the pads on the first delivery and went down outside off on the next. A single later, Sooryavanshi hammered a big one, picking a shortish delivery off his pads to plant it into the stands over deep backward square leg as RR blazed to fifty in just 16 balls. Hardik Pandya, who returned to playing XI after missing the last match, bowled a fine over and conceded only four runs in the fourth over, but the caning of the bowlers continued as Shardul Thakur's first ball was thrashed out of the ground by Sooryavanshi. He followed the six with a four off the second and another six off the fifth ball. However, Thakur had the last laugh as he had Sooryavanshi caught by Tilak Varma, a few feet before the boundary rope, timing his jump to perfection. Sooryavanshi smashed 39 off 14 balls, hitting one four and five sixes. Dhruv Jurel (2) survived only three balls, trapped lbw by Ghazanfar with one that skidded and rapped the batter on the back pad as RR dropped to 84/2. Jaiswal continued batting in fourth gear, putting on display brilliant power-hitting as he blazed to his half-century off 23 balls with a four off a short and wide one by Pandya. He celebrated the milestone with a six off the first ball of the ninth over, bowled by Ghazanfar. Skipper Riyan Parag struck a six each off Pandya and Ghazanfar before holing out to Tilak Varma near the long-on fence, returning to the dugout after a 10-ball 20, studded with one four and two sixes. Jaiswal struck Bumrah for a six in the 10th over as the left-handed opener remained unbeaten with 77. Ghazanfar was the best MI bowler with 2-21 in two overs. Dhruv Jurel (2) survived only three balls, trapped lbw by Ghazanfar with one that skidded and rapped the batter on the back pad as RR dropped to 84/2. Jaiswal continued batting in fourth gear, putting on display brilliant power-hitting as he blazed to his half-century off 23 balls with a four off a short and wide one by Pandya. He celebrated the milestone with a six off the first ball of the ninth over, bowled by Ghazanfar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 150/3 in 11 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 77 not out, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 39; Am Ghazandar 2-21) against Mumbai Indians Article Source: IANS

'Serious abuse of power' - Bangladesh government comes down hard on BCB's October elections

The election process was not free, fair or transparent, NSC sports director Ahesan said

Hardik returns as MI bowl in 11-overs-a-side contest

MI also brought back Trent Boult and AM Ghazanfar

IPL 2026: Pandya, Boult Return As MI Opt To Bowl In Rain-shortened Match Vs RR

Skipper Hardik Pandya: Skipper Hardik Pandya returned to the side as the Mumbai Indians elected to bowl first against the Rajasthan Royals in a rain-shortened 11-overs-a-side Match 13 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. The match is set to start around two and a half hours after the scheduled start of 7.30 pm because of rain that lashed the city since early afternoon. It will be an 11-overs-per-side match with the Power-play reduced to 3.2 overs or 20 balls. In each innings, four bowlers can bowl a maximum of two overs each, with one bowler allowed to bowl a maximum of three overs. There will be a 10-minute break between innings. Besides Pandya, Mumbai also brought in pacer Trent Boult for Corbin Bosch, while Afghan spinner AM Gazanfar too was recalled. Rajasthan Royals are unchanged from their previous match. Pandya said the pitch has been under covers and that in a rain-affected game, it is always worth batting second. He said it is a long tournament and one you cannot win or lose the IPL in the first couple of weeks. Rajastrhan Royals captain Riyan Parag said he would have bowled first, too. He said the pitch was supposed to be dry, but the rain might have changed those dynamics. Playing XIs: Rajastrhan Royals captain Riyan Parag said he would have bowled first, too. He said the pitch was supposed to be dry, but the rain might have changed those dynamics. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Ashwani Kumar, Sherfane Rutherford, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa. Article Source: IANS

MCA To Unveil Ravi Shastri Stand, Dedicate Wankhede Stadium Gates To Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, Diana Edulji

The Mumbai Cricket Association: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will unveil the Ravi Shastri Stand and dedicate stadium gates in the memory of former India stars Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, honouring four of Mumbai and Indias most distinguished cricketing figures. The unveiling ceremony will be graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. MCA President Ajinkya Naik will also be present, alongside Apex Council members, office bearers, and members of the cricketing fraternity. The decision to honour these legends was approved by the MCA Apex Council at its meeting held in February. As part of the initiative, the Level 1 Stand below the Press Box at the Wankhede Stadium will be named after former India captain and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket as a player, leader, and coach. In addition, Gate No. 3, Gate No. 5, and Gate No. 6 will be formally unveiled as the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Diana Edulji Gate, and Eknath Solkar Gate, respectively, paying tribute to Mumbai stalwarts who have made a lasting impact on Indian cricket, the MCA informed in a release on Tuesday. MCA President Ajinkya Naik said: This ceremony marks a proud moment for Mumbai cricket as we come together on 9th April to honour these iconic figures. The unveiling of the Ravi Shastri Stand, along with the dedication of stadium gates to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji, reflects our deep respect for their invaluable contributions. We look forward to celebrating their legacy at Wankhede Stadium while inspiring future generations to uphold the same values and strive for greatness. In addition, Gate No. 3, Gate No. 5, and Gate No. 6 will be formally unveiled as the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Diana Edulji Gate, and Eknath Solkar Gate, respectively, paying tribute to Mumbai stalwarts who have made a lasting impact on Indian cricket, the MCA informed in a release on Tuesday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In May 2025, the MCA unveiled a stand in the name of former India captain and T20 World Cup-winner Rohit Sharma. There are stands dedicated to Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengarkar, and Sachin Tendulkar, while Gates have been named after stalwarts like Polly Umrigar and Vinoo Mankad Article Source: IANS

Talks on for Africa T20 Cup along the lines of Asia Cup

While CSA is keen on the idea in principle, it needs space in its own calendar to be able to send a first-choice South Africa team

Billie Jean King Cup | Vaishnavi goes down tamely as India trails against Thailand

The countrys top-ranked player was guilty of several unforced errors and could not counterAnchisasserves and returns with conviction

Alana King Reclaims No.1 Spot In ICC Women's ODI Bowling Rankings

ODI Bowling Rankings: Australia leg-spinner Alana King reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Womens ODI Bowling Rankings within four days of losing it as she took a remarkable five for 19 to overtake England spinner Sophie Ecclestone and move up in the list. Kings spell, along with Phoebe Litchfields 68 not out (56 balls), helped Australia to a nine-wicket win and a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies. Litchfields unbeaten 87-run, second-wicket partnership with Ellyse Perry (33 not out off 40 deliveries) saw her remain steady in fifth place in the ODI Batting Rankings, but she crossed the 700 rating points mark for the first time. Perrys contributions moved her two slots to re-enter the top 10 from 12th place last week. In Wellington, New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr smashed an unbeaten 139-ball 179 to help her side to a record-breaking, series-levelling chase of 350 for eight in the second ODI against South Africa. Her heroics were enough to lift her six slots to joint 14th place in the ODI Batting Rankings alongside Pakistans Sidra Amin. In their successful series decider, the White Ferns Maddy Green was the architect of her teams success, striking an unbeaten 141 from 128 deliveries to beat the Proteas by 66 runs. Her performance advanced her four spaces to a career-best ninth place in the batters list, her first appearance in the top 10, the ICC said in a release on Tuesday. Finally, South Africas Ayabonga Khaka, the leading wicket-taker of the series, has jumped five places to number 12. New Zealand, who bounced back from their opening loss to take their ICC Womens Championship series against South Africa 2-1, have taken the top position in the table with 10 points from six matches. Finally, South Africas Ayabonga Khaka, the leading wicket-taker of the series, has jumped five places to number 12. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The West Indies are currently in sixth place with just one win from the six matches they have played so far. With four teams yet to play in the tournament, they might be feeling some pressure with only the top seven-ranked teams plus the hosts qualifying automatically for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2029. Article Source: IANS

Chamari Athapaththu not retiring anytime soon, says Sri Lanka's new coach Jamie Siddons

The new Sri Lanka women's coach wants the team to start playing an aggressive brand of T20 cricket

Pakistan Star Fakhar Zaman Denies Retiring From T20I Format: Report

T20I World Cup: Dashing Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman, serving a two-match ban in Pakistan Super League (PSL), has denied reports that he will be retiring from T20 internationals as he is considering migrating to the United States, a news report said on Tuesday. There were reports and claims on social media that Fakhar, who turns 36 on Friday, has shifted his family to the USA and will retire from T20Is. He has also been plagued with fitness issues, including hormone issues, which cause frequent injuries. Fakhar is not at all retiring, and this he has conveyed to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the selection committee, nor is he leaving Pakistan, sources close to the cricketer told Telecom Asia Sport on Tuesday. The star batter played just two matches in the T20I World Cup, scoring 25 and 84 with aggression and no hint of fitness issues. But he had to withdraw from the ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour due to fitness issues. Those issues revived reports that he will quit T20Is in order to concentrate on the 50-over format. Pakistan will not play a T20I until October when they host Sri Lanka, while their next ODI series will be at home against Australia in May-June this year. Fakhar is determined to play the 2028 T20I World Cup and is working on his fitness as well, and before that wishes to represent the country in the Los Angeles Olympics as Pakistan is likely to get a berth alongside India, sources told www.telecomasia.net. Pakistan will not play a T20I until October when they host Sri Lanka, while their next ODI series will be at home against Australia in May-June this year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The match referee rejected his clarification, while a three-man PCB committee upheld the ban after a hearing. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi Is Easy To Handle, Knows His Bowling Areas Well, Says Munaf Patel

T20 World Cup: Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling coach Munaf Patel has lavished praise on South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, describing him as a smart, self-aware bowler who understands Indian conditions well and is among the easiest overseas players to work with in the dressing room. Ngidi has filled the void left by Mitchell Starcs absence so far by relying on his deceptive slower balls, which dip late to fox batters. An instance of this was seen in DCs six-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians, where Ngidi trapped Suryakumar Yadav lbw for 51, when he just looked to accelerate. Ngidis slower balls have fetched him 11 wickets at a tight economy rate of 6.8 and a strike rate of 14. If you want to become a good bowler in today's era, then you will have to bring good variations. So he has slower balls and continues to play for South Africa. He has also played in this years Mens T20 World Cup in India. So he has ideas of bowling on these wickets. He has been in the IPL for a long time and with other teams. He was there last year as well. So he has an idea of bowling his variations as per conditions and Indian wickets. He is not like other bowlers, who try to bowl 150 kmph and get hit. He stays in his own area, and whenever there is a need for variations, he uses his own slower ones or yorkers, said Munaf in the pre-match press conference, ahead of DC taking on Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Munaf, who played 13 Tests, 70 ODIs, and three T20Is for India, also spoke of the close working relationship he has built with Ngidi at DC. If we talk about Lungi, he is a good bowler in his area. He is a very good bowler for his own bowling - I can tell you this. I talk to him every day, because my job is to talk to the bowler, and to satisfy him or to add more to his armoury if there is anything, like a slower one or a yorker. Lungi is a good person; he is easy to handle. He is not like other foreigners, who are difficult to handle, he said. Turning to left-arm seamer T Natarajan, whos done well with slower balls at the back end, Munaf said his work with Natarajan during the IPL window is focused squarely on reinforcing the pacer's strengths. I believe that you will have to do more bowling. He was injured only last year. He was playing day cricket and one-day cricket. But the injury he had was prolonged. Because of that, he was not able to play, neither on days nor on one day. That is why he has decided, for now, that he will only play T20. But I think that in the next year, he will play days and one-day games, according to how he is bowling. I don't work with him the whole year because he plays domestically from there, and he works with his coaches. But in these 2-3 months, I work on bowling only because we have trainers who work on his fitness. I always ask him to bowl as per his own strengths. He has slower ones and yorkers; he is a specialist in death overs. So I do the work on where his speciality is, he said. On Mukesh Kumar, Munaf said the Indian pacer has shown clear improvement after working specifically on his new-ball discipline. I have been working with Mukesh for the last few months because he had a problem with the line and length last year. A lot of people questioned it. Whenever you play, your new ball will be 100 per cent better, and the test match length will be good. So I work with Mukesh on the same variation, and I work more on using the new ball well because he is mainly a new-ball bowler. A new ball bowler will have to put more overs in the power play or put more overs in between. So I always expect him to play as a main bowler, he said. Munaf also outlined his clear-eyed view of what separates winning and losing sides in T20 cricket, which is placing enormous value on picking wickets in the powerplay, something which DC have done well so far. I see T20 cricket in one way - if you take wickets in six overs, no team will get to 200. When the partnership is good and that six-over phase in power-play is used well, then you can cross 200; otherwise, you can't. Now I can say that all the teams that are stopping under 200, it is just that the power play is very important. If two to three wickets are taken out and you are able to keep them to 40-42 runs, then it is very difficult to go to 200 unless you are bowling very badly in the last six overs. So I don't think that if any team uses power play well, they would let them cross 200, he said. In his role as bowling coach, Munaf, a member of Indias 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, said his job is more about guiding bowlers rather than dictating terms. My work is to make them understand and get them to bowl according to their plans. Basically, most of the work is done by the bowlers. For example, how to read the batsman or bowl Test match lengths. But when to bowl, how much to bowl, they have to understand according to the situation. You cannot bowl continuously in the same way, even if you are getting hit - it is not possible to do that. In between, if you are getting swing on the new ball, you can bowl longer. If you are not getting a new ball, then you have to come to your variations, he said. Spelling out his broader coaching philosophy, Munaf noted that international bowlers require far less handholding than their domestic counterparts. Talking to the players is 100 per cent important. You have to guide them and chat about the wicket conditions. Just like Lungi Ngidi, who comes from South Africa, but yes, he has played the World Cup before. But when to bowl, how much to bowl, they have to understand according to the situation. You cannot bowl continuously in the same way, even if you are getting hit - it is not possible to do that. In between, if you are getting swing on the new ball, you can bowl longer. If you are not getting a new ball, then you have to come to your variations, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You do not have to spend too much time with international bowlers, but with domestic players, you tell them how to handle pressure and how to bowl in the first six and the last six overs. Whereas internationals already know how to manage these situations. It is great that Axar is an all-rounder. Both Kuldeep and Axar are there to guide the likes of Vipraj Nigam when playing in the middle overs, and that helps, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Buttler: 'Trusting my game and experience' to come good for GT

His team-mate B Sai Sudharsan also feels Buttler is closest among all batters to get back to full form

Alana King regains No. 1 spot in ODI bowling rankings

Australia legspinner retakes the top spot from Sophie Ecclestone

IPL 2026: Rain Delays Start Of Match 13 Between Rajasthan Royals And Mumbai Indians

Assam Cricket Association: The start of Rajasthan Royals' clash with Mumbai Indians has been delayed because of rain, which lashed the city for around three hours since early afternoon, forcing the ground staff to deploy the heavy covers at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Barsapara in Guwahati on Tuesday. Though the drizzle had picked up slightly in intensity past 7.30 pm, the scheduled start time of the match, the ground staff has removed covers from the side wickets and are working hard to make the field of play ready for the match. The covers have not been removed fully, though the super sopper was out in the field, taking off the extra rainwater from the field before it is made ready for the match. The match officials will soon be taking a call on when to conduct the toss, and no overs will be lost if the match starts before 8.30 pm. This is the Rajasthan Royals' second 'home' match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. They have won both their matches so far and are hoping to remain unbeaten by winning their third match. The Mumbai Indians have won their opening match against the Kolkata Knight Riders but lost the next one to the Delhi Capitals. The five-time champions will be hoping to get back on the winning track. The clash between Rajasthan Royals, the winner of the inaugural edition, and Mumbai Indians is being eagerly awaited because it pits India's best pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, against the young turk, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old from Bihar who has already proved his potential with brilliant stroke play, scoring a century. The Mumbai Indians have won their opening match against the Kolkata Knight Riders but lost the next one to the Delhi Capitals. The five-time champions will be hoping to get back on the winning track. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the 15-year-old from Samastipur tackles pace spearhead, Bumrah. But rain has put that match-up on hold as of now. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: No Update Yet On Mitchell Starc's Arrival, Says DC Bowling Coach Munaf Patel

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling coach Munaf Patel said there is still no clarity on when Australia left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc will join the franchise for IPL 2026, even as the Axar Patel-led side have won both of their matches without him. Ahead of IPL 2026 season, DC had said they were awaiting a word on the NoC for Starc, who would miss the initial few matches due to his workload being managed by Cricket Australia (CA), keeping the international schedule in mind. But days later, it emerged that Starc is currently recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries. I ask people around everyday, about the timing of his arrival and by when he is coming and what the details are because he is important for us, as a main bowler. Actually I also have the same question everyday. Till now there is no update on when he will come because the update will come from the Australian board, his physio, or trainer, said Munaf in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. DC have won both of their matches so far in this season in Starc's absence and are aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins when they take on a winless Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Munaf, a member of Indias 2011 Mens ODI World Cup winning team, left no doubt about Starc's stature in the IPL, adding that hes in a league of his own alongside India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. DC have won both of their matches so far in this season in Starc's absence and are aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins when they take on a winless Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But your big bowler is obviously a big bowler. I don't think there is a bigger bowler than Starc in the entire IPL. There is only Bumrah, who you can compare with because you can see how much experience he has, how hard he can bowl. He can swing with a new ball at 140-plus - so that will be a different thing. That we are winning, and you are not remembering him, is a different thing, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill To Play In GT's Clash Against DC, Confirms Sai Sudharsan

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill will be available for the team's upcoming IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC), to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, confirmed his opening partner B Sai Sudharsan. Gill missed GTs clash against Rajasthan Royals, which they lost by six runs in Ahmedabad, due to a muscle spasm. Shubman has no problem. He is completely fine, he will be fine. Of course, yes (he will open), said Sudharsan in the pre-match press conference. Gill's availability comes as a major boost for IPL 2022 winners GT, who are yet to open their account in the ongoing tournament after consecutive defeats. Sudharsan, however, expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back, especially in their middle order batters. I think it is a mixture of both - as opening batters and top three batters, if someone plays longer, it is always a great thing for the team. I think we believe in our middle order, they will (come good). This is the team which you know in which we played last year and we qualified. So it is just two games and I believe and the whole team believes that we will definitely have a great middle order and win games. IPL is such a tournament where in two-three days when you keep on playing matches, momentum is one of the important things in the tournament. Yes, we look back on these 2 games and we have learnt a lot for sure and I think we will look forward to doing that, so that we get our first win and get the momentum back, he said. Left-handed opener Sudharsan has made 86 runs in two games so far and was the leading run-getter in IPL 2025. He further stated that he is always working hard to evolve his batting as per the fast-growing demands of T20 cricket. I think I do not look at it as a different tournament. Wherever I play, whatever matches I play, the preparation is very similar and the effort or the hard work behind it is very similar. I am just grateful and lucky enough to execute it here. Definitely as the sport is evolving and the T20 batting is getting greater and greater every season or even every 5-6 months if you can see, it is very important for me to learn from it and be versatile enough to have that in my kitty and equip myself with that. So definitely there are improvements to be made and of course, I am looking at it. Sudharsan also shed light on his mental preparation routine, which he said plays a decisive role in his performances. In most of the part is mental preparation, I think once the pre-season camp is over, I think it is all about fine tuning and having your thoughts clear and having your mind sorted and organised is the biggest thing. I put a lot of time on that - I do yoga, meditation, and visualisation to keep myself mentally fit. Elaborating on GTs batting approach at the top of the order, Sudharsan stressed on reading conditions and building a platform rather than going all guns blazing from the word go. It is important to understand what is required on this wicket to do and then what is required for our team to have a very good start so that our middle order or the lower order have a very good platform to launch in the last four-five overs. Sudharsan also shed light on his mental preparation routine, which he said plays a decisive role in his performances. In most of the part is mental preparation, I think once the pre-season camp is over, I think it is all about fine tuning and having your thoughts clear and having your mind sorted and organised is the biggest thing. I put a lot of time on that - I do yoga, meditation, and visualisation to keep myself mentally fit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We are assessing the conditions when we see what is required on this wicket and which will be the best score for our bowling team to defend or let's say if we are chasing what will be the best six overs we can have if we have to have a very good last five overs of platform, he concluded. Article Source: IANS