5th National Physical Disability Elite Cricket Tournament Kicks Off In Bengaluru
National Physical Disability Elite Cricket: The 5th National Physical Disability Elite Cricket Tournament, hosted by the Karnataka State Divyang Cricket Association, began with great fanfare. The event featured lively cultural performances from Karnataka and an enthusiastic atmosphere. Top teams from across the nation are competing in this prestigious tournament, offering players a valuable platform to showcase their skills. The ceremony was attended by PCCAI President Surendra Lohiya, DCCI, and PCCAI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan; Paralympic Chairman Satyanarayana; Karnataka Divyang Cricket Association President Hemchandra; and Secretary Santosh Gowda, along with several distinguished guests. The tournament was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. During the event, DCCI Secretary Ravikant Chauhan mentioned that DCCI has regularly hosted national tournaments with 24 teams. This year, to enhance competitiveness and uphold higher quality standards, they decided to hold the Elite Tournament with the top 12 teams. Additionally, a Plate Group competition will be organised for the remaining 12 teams. He also mentioned that the main goal of this initiative is to discover the countrys top players and train them to compete internationally for India in the future. He added that the organisation has been continuously working to provide better facilities for players. To encourage athletes, the organisation has even awarded cars and scooters as Man of the Series prizes. DCCIs objective is to provide world-class facilities to differently-abled cricketers and continuously enhance their standard of play. Special attention is given to players training, tournaments, and every requirement at the international level to ensure they do not face any shortcomings. Ravikant Chauhan said the organisation remains committed to the holistic development of players and will continue working to take disability cricket to new heights. He also expressed gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and supporters, stating that such large-scale events and enhanced player facilities are only possible because of their support. PCCAI President Surendra Lohiya said that his organisation has been working continuously to uplift disability cricket for the past 15 years. He highlighted that the organisation has provided significant financial assistance to players over the years. In national tournaments alone, approximately Rs 30.36 lakh has been awarded as Man of the Match prize money. He added that their organisation is the first in the country to provide Rs 11,000 to every Man of the Match award winner. He also said the organisation has distributed more than Rs 87 lakh in total prize money among players so far. He assured that continuous efforts will be made in the future to further strengthen players financially. PCCAI President Surendra Lohiya said that his organisation has been working continuously to uplift disability cricket for the past 15 years. He highlighted that the organisation has provided significant financial assistance to players over the years. In national tournaments alone, approximately Rs 30.36 lakh has been awarded as Man of the Match prize money. He added that their organisation is the first in the country to provide Rs 11,000 to every Man of the Match award winner. Also Read: Live Cricket Score During the ceremony, former international players were also honoured, and messages encouraging sportsmanship, dedication, and national unity were conveyed. The organisers thanked all players, officials, partners, and sports fans, and wished for the tournament's smooth and successful execution. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Starcs Second Spell Completely Changed The Game, Says Boucher
Chennai Super Kings: Delhi Capitals playoff hopes were kept alive by Mitchell Starcs decisive second spell, which completely changed the game in their favour against Rajasthan Royals, said former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher. Starc's figures of 4-40 restricted RR to 193/8, which DC chased down with four balls to spare and record a five-wicket victory. The win also meant DC moved back to seventh spot in the 10-team points table and kept their slim playoffs hopes alive. At one stage, Rajasthan Royals looked set for a total close to 230 after the kind of Powerplay they had. Mitchell Starc hadnt quite found his rhythm early on, but when he came back, he completely changed the game with his variations in pace and execution under pressure. That over, where he picked up three wickets, shifted the momentum entirely and pulled Rajasthan back from what looked like a massive total. A few of the batters might feel they played their shots too early, but theres no doubt that spell changed the complexion of the game and ultimately kept the target within Delhi Capitals reach, said Boucher on JioHotstar. What also helped DC was young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari taking wickets of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey via slower balls, something which former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla duly pointed out. Madhav Tiwari has been extremely impressive, not just in this game but in the previous match as well. For a youngster with limited firstclass experience, he already seems to have a lot of variety in his bowling. But the key is having the confidence to execute those options at the right moments, and hes doing that with remarkable ease. Even in Dharamshala, where bowlers were going for plenty, he smartly used his slower balls into the pitch and delivered an important spell. In this game again, just when Rajasthan Royals were building momentum, he picked up the crucial wicket of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and helped slow the scoring rate. Chawla also praised Abhishek Porels positive intent in the chase, as he hit 51 and shared a 105-run opening stand with KL Rahul, who top-scored with 56. Abishek Porels innings was extremely impressive because despite not getting too many opportunities this season, he came in with complete positive intent. What stood out was the way he ensured there was no pressure on KL Rahul at the other end. Whenever the ball was in his zone, he was willing to take his chances and play the attacking shots, which was very important in a chase of over 190. Considering how the first innings played out, that aggressive start made a big difference for Delhi Capitals. Looking ahead to Mondays clash, Chawla said Sunrisers Hyderabad hold a slight edge over Chennai Super Kings due to the latter being hit by injuries, including to seam-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton. What stood out was the way he ensured there was no pressure on KL Rahul at the other end. Whenever the ball was in his zone, he was willing to take his chances and play the attacking shots, which was very important in a chase of over 190. Considering how the first innings played out, that aggressive start made a big difference for Delhi Capitals. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Replacing that kind of allround impact wont be easy. Spencer Johnson can strengthen the bowling, but he doesnt offer the same batting depth, so it will be interesting to see whether CSK stick with the same combination or look at making changes for such an important game. Article Source: IANS
Indian Premier League: Punjab Kings (PBKS) are shifting their complete focus to their final league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season following an afternoon encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala. Despite strong phases during the match, a series of shifting momentums and early hurdles in the chase resulted in a sixth consecutive defeat, leaving the side's playoff progress dependent on upcoming net run rate outcomes and external results. With one match left in the league stage, the team remains on 13 points. While the recent run of results has challenged their position, the mathematical window for the post-season remains open as the squad enters the final week of round-robin fixtures. Fast bowling coach James Hopes pointed directly to on-field execution and the difficulty of maintaining consistency in the T20 format as the primary factors in the recent stretch. I think what derailed our campaign was an inability to take control of momentum in games. Every time we looked like doing it, we did something to hurt ourselves or trip ourselves up. T20 is a game where its very easy to get on winning streaks, and it is very easy to go the other way. Weve had both emotions in this tournament, and now we need a week to regroup the boys. Hopes addressed the adjustments made to the playing eleven over the last few weeks, emphasizing that the coaching staff has maintained a structured approach to selection. Every change that we've made has been very measured. Theyve been thought out with the opposition in mind, and thought out with trying to keep our core structurelike Arshdeep, Chahal, and our top fourand trying to make changes around them to complement what they do. It just hasnt worked out in the last few weeks, and thats the way this game goes sometimes. Despite the tough run, Hopes stressed that the squad's work ethic remains high, and the immediate priority is rebuilding absolute confidence before the final match. The boys are training well, the boys are planning well. It's just that we get into moments where we get the game back our way and right now its just not happening. The boys have got to regroup, stay positive, and theyve got to believe. At the moment, its going to be about just instilling that belief back into them. Looking ahead to the final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, Hopes gave a candid assessment of the task at hand. The boys are training well, the boys are planning well. It's just that we get into moments where we get the game back our way and right now its just not happening. The boys have got to regroup, stay positive, and theyve got to believe. At the moment, its going to be about just instilling that belief back into them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Punjab Kings will travel to Lucknow next week to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday, in their final league match of the tournament. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi Needs To Improve His Fielding Before Playing For India, Says Kaif
In Rajasthan Royals: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stressed that young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to sharpen his fielding skills before he steps up to play for the senior national mens team. In Rajasthan Royals five-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sooryavanshi was involved in misfields which led to crucial runs being conceded as the visitors couldnt defend 193/8. I believe scouts should also take a fielding test while scouting players. The scouts are bringing the right players; they are doing a great job, but I have not seen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi take a single catch yet. If he wants to play for India, he needs to improve his fielding ability. He needs to pass that fielding test first. The ball that came towards him was at a good height. I understand that when a batter plays a flick shot, taking a catch can sometimes become difficult for a fielder as it becomes a blind spot, especially when the ball comes off the bat. But there, the shot that Sahil Parakh played, the ball came to Sooryavanshi at a good height. Sooryavanshi did a great job by getting into the right position to take that catch, but he missed the opportunity to execute it. There was no need for Sooryavanshi to jump to take that catch. All he needed to do was take it near his waist, but he missed it. Vaibhav is really talented with the bat, no doubt about that, but when it comes to fielding, he is still not ready, said Kaif on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary'. With the bat, Sooryavanshi was at his sparkling best in power-play and hit 46 off 21 balls before being undone by a slower ball from Madhav Tiwari. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh outlined the challenge of bowling to Sooryavanshi. Against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, my plan would be to get his wicket anyhow. But what kind of form he is in matters a lot. My plan would be to spin the ball and keep it away from his hitting arc. Sooryavanshi did a great job by getting into the right position to take that catch, but he missed the opportunity to execute it. There was no need for Sooryavanshi to jump to take that catch. All he needed to do was take it near his waist, but he missed it. Vaibhav is really talented with the bat, no doubt about that, but when it comes to fielding, he is still not ready, said Kaif on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary'. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I have played with many players, but I have never seen a batter like Sooryavanshi who dominates every bowler from ball one. I have dismissed Chris Gayle many times, but Sooryavanshi is at a different level altogether. His bat flow is something I have never seen, he added. Article Source: IANS
MPL 2026 To Begin From June 3 In Indore, Gwalior Cheetahs To Face Ujjain Falcons In Opener
The Madhya Pradesh League: The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) 2026 is all set to begin from June 3 with an expanded and action-packed season featuring 10 mens teams and five womens franchises competing across multiple venues in Indore. The opening match of the mens tournament will see Gwalior Cheetahs take on Ujjain Falcons on June 3 at the Holkar Stadium. The womens competition will begin on June 4, with Chambal Ghariyals taking on Gwalior Shernis in the opening match at Daly College in Indore. Former MPL chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia said, We are delighted to announce the schedule for the upcoming season of the Madhya Pradesh League. With more teams, more matches, and the inclusion of an expanded womens competition, this season promises to be bigger and more competitive than ever before. The league continues to provide a strong platform for emerging cricketers from across Madhya Pradesh, and we look forward to witnessing high-quality cricket and enthusiastic fan support throughout the tournament, he added. The womens tournament will follow a competitive format where the team finishing at the top of the points table will directly qualify for the final. The Eliminator, featuring the next best teams, will be played on June 12, while the womens final is scheduled for June 13 at Holkar Stadium. From June 4 onwards, the league stage of the men's MPL will feature double-headers and triple headers. On June 4, Malwa Stallions will face Chambal Ghariyals, followed by a clash between Bhopal Leopards and Indore Pink Panthers at Holkar Stadium. The league stage of the mens competition will continue till June 24, while both semi-finals are scheduled to be played on June 25 at Holkar Stadium. The grand finale of the Madhya Pradesh League 2026 will take place on June 26 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. With the addition of new franchises and an expanded structure across both categories, MPL 2026 is expected to provide a major platform for emerging cricketers from Madhya Pradesh while delivering high-quality cricketing action for fans throughout the season. The league stage of the mens competition will continue till June 24, while both semi-finals are scheduled to be played on June 25 at Holkar Stadium. The grand finale of the Madhya Pradesh League 2026 will take place on June 26 at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In the womens competition, Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are the two new franchises added for the upcoming season. They will join Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals in the expanded five-team tournament. Article Source: IANS
Dani Gibson Eager To Make Up For Lost Time At Womens T20 World Cup
T20 World Cup: Dani Gibson is ready to move past a frustrating time of injuries and make a strong impact for the England women's team at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup at home. The 25-year-old all-rounder recently returned to international cricket during Englands ODI series against the New Zealand women's national cricket team. She had spent over a year on the sidelines due to a persistent back injury. Gibson showed promise in the series, scoring a quick 19 in the opening match at Durham and taking a wicket in each of her spells across the three games. Her performances led head coach Charlotte Edwards to name her in Englands 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup beginning on June 12. Ive been out of it for a while, so its just nice to be back, Gibson told Sky Sports Cricket. Everyone seems in a really good place. Weve had great time together over the last week, had good conversations, and spent time training together this winter. I think the team is in a good space it should be a good summer. England will continue their preparations for the global tournament with three T20Is against New Zealand starting on Wednesday. They will then play another three-match T20I series at home against the India women's national cricket team later this month. While Gibson is expected to play a key role in the lead-up, she is focusing on taking things one step at a time after her long rehabilitation. England will continue their preparations for the global tournament with three T20Is against New Zealand starting on Wednesday. They will then play another three-match T20I series at home against the India women's national cricket team later this month. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It was great to be back out there and see all the hard work I put in, along with the support from the science and medical team, pay off and allow me to perform as the all-rounder I want to be. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Vaughan Questions ECB Over Archers Stay Ahead Of Englands Test Summer
New Delhi: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised concerns over Englands handling of Jofra Archer ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand, arguing that centrally contracted players should not remain committed to franchise cricket when international duty is around the corner. England begin their summer campaign with the first Test against New Zealand at Lords on June 4, but Archer was not included in the squad announced by the ECB. The fast bowler continues to be managed carefully after a long spell on the sidelines due to injuries, even as he remains involved in the IPL. Vaughan believes the issue extends beyond Archer himself and reflects a broader scheduling and contractual dilemma within English cricket as he questioned the understanding between the ECB and BCCI that has enabled England players to stay for the full IPL season despite the overlap with the Test calendar. Im sure hell be in the squad (for the second Test). It comes midway through June. I think we have a problem in English cricket at the moment because Jofra was obviously staying for the full IPL. Theres some contract that the ECB have done with the BCCI thats allowing all our players to stay for the duration, Vaughan told Cricbuzz. Archers absence has attracted attention, given his record in red-ball cricket, particularly at Lords, where he has previously delivered some of his most memorable performances for England. Vaughan argued that central contracts should carry more weight when national commitments are involved. If thats the case, I have a problem with Englands contracts because Jofra has been looked after by them for a few years now on a very handsome contract. So who holds the key to that? I believe the international contract outweighs any franchise, Vaughan added. The former skipper stressed that he is not against franchise leagues, acknowledging the opportunities they create for players around the world. However, he warned that international cricket risks losing its priority if boards continue allowing scheduling conflicts of this nature. Look, all these franchise leagues are fantastic. I love them for the players. But I do feel that if we start to put domestic leagues over and above a Test match, I think theres a real problem now, he stated. Vaughan also pointed to the difficult balancing act players face when bilateral schedules collide with lucrative T20 competitions. According to him, the ECB must establish clearer priorities regarding player availability. England have got to make a decision because many have spoken out about it in the last week, rightfully so, because we feel that if youre playing for England in your Test match, players should be back home playing for England. Thats what your central contract says you should be doing, he noted. He suggested that if the ECB intends to consistently permit players to complete IPL commitments, Englands domestic international calendar may need to be adjusted accordingly, saying, If there is an agreement that the ECB have done with the BCCI, well, I think youve got to start your Test summer somewhere a little bit later then. Vaughan also framed the debate from the perspective of Englands leadership group, insisting the team should want its strongest attack available from the opening game of the series. He suggested that if the ECB intends to consistently permit players to complete IPL commitments, Englands domestic international calendar may need to be adjusted accordingly, saying, If there is an agreement that the ECB have done with the BCCI, well, I think youve got to start your Test summer somewhere a little bit later then. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Vaughan, the wider concern lies in preserving the value and standing of Test cricket amid the growing influence of franchise leagues across the calendar, as he said, We want to see our best players playing Test match cricket. Those staying, theyre continuing to play the longest format of the game. I want to see them playing for their country. Article Source: IANS
Litton and Mushfiqur keep Bangladesh on course for big lead
Bangladesh were 249 runs ahead at lunch on the third day with six second-innings wickets still intact
I Doubt He Would Want To Take Such A Risk At This Stage: Gavaskar On Dhonis Return In Chennai
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has cast serious doubt over the possibility of MS Dhoni making a surprise return for Chennai Super Kings in their must-win clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, saying the legendary former captain would not want to take such a risk after being away from competitive cricket for more than a year. Gavaskar said CSKs clash against SRH at Chepauk carries massive importance in the playoff race, but believes Dhoni is unlikely to feature despite fans hoping to see him in the side for the final home game of the season. The match against SRH is a crucial one for CSK. It's their last home game at Chepauk, so naturally fans want to see MS Dhoni play. But he hasn't featured at all this season. In fact, he hasn't played competitive cricket for over a year. So, I doubt he would want to take such a risk at this stage, Gavaskar told JioStar. The former India captain stressed that CSK would need players who are already in rhythm and match-ready during such a crucial stage of the tournament. You need players who have been match-fit and playing regularly for the last six weeks. Dhoni is a complete team-man. I don't think he would want to disrupt the current combination. I would be very surprised if he plays against SRH. This is a must-win game for CSK. A victory keeps them alive in the playoff race. They have to win this match at all costs, and bringing in a player who hasn't played in over a year could be a gamble, he added. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul top-scored with a composed 56 off 42 balls as Delhi Capitals sealed a thrilling five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. Gavaskar also strongly criticised Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag for handing the ball to Donovan Ferreira during a key phase of their loss to Delhi Capitals, calling the move suicidal. Handing the ball to Donovan Ferreira to bowl the 18th over was a suicidal move. You are bringing a slow bowler on a pitch offering him no help. He was just bowling in the slot. It was his first over of the match. He had also scored a golden duck with the bat, Gavaskar said. He further questioned the timing of the decision and said RR ignored safer bowling options at a critical moment. Sometimes you must look at where the luck is going that day. If he had scored 40 or 50 runs and was high on confidence, giving him an over would have made sense. But he got out first ball, and you still gave him the ball. He went for 16 runs in that over, and the match was gone. Done and dusted. Riyan Parag could have handed the ball to a proper bowler, a regular bowler. Even if that bowler gave away 20 runs, that's not the point. The point is that at that crucial stage, giving the ball to Donovan Ferreira was a suicidal decision by Rajasthan Royals, he added. The win was built on Mitchell Starc's devastating four-wicket burst in the death overs that had earlier pegged back a marauding RR to 193/8. Gavaskar also praised Mitchell Starc for his game-changing spell in Delhi Capitals victory, particularly his impact at the death despite an expensive start with the new ball. It's not just about how many wickets you take. It's about when you take them. Wickets at key moments change the game, Gavaskar said. Mitchell Starc didn't have a great powerplay. But when he came back at the death, he bowled with great control. He didn't let the Rajasthan batters free their arms. He choked the runs and picked up crucial wickets. Those wickets turned the match in Delhi's favour. Rajasthan looked set to cross 200 easily, but Starc had other plans. They paid the price for underestimating him. His three-wicket over pushed Rajasthan all the way back. On the playoff race, Gavaskar said Punjab Kings still remain firmly in contention despite their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mitchell Starc didn't have a great powerplay. But when he came back at the death, he bowled with great control. He didn't let the Rajasthan batters free their arms. He choked the runs and picked up crucial wickets. Those wickets turned the match in Delhi's favour. Rajasthan looked set to cross 200 easily, but Starc had other plans. They paid the price for underestimating him. His three-wicket over pushed Rajasthan all the way back. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They lost this game against Delhi from a winnable position and if Rajasthan keep losing from winning positions, then all Punjab need to do is win their next game. That would take them to 15 points, which might be enough. Yes, Sunrisers are ahead of Punjab, and CSK can still reach 14 or even 16 points. But if CSK lose one match, then Punjab have a very real chance of qualifying. Article Source: IANS
Nahid Rana Says Taskin Ahmed Has Been Key To His Success
ICC World Test Championship: Bangladesh young pacer Nahid Rana has credited senior pacer Taskin Ahmed for playing a crucial role in his fast rise in international cricket. He said the experienced bowler has guided him like an elder brother during the early stages of his career. Rana has become one of Bangladeshs top fast-bowling prospects in recent months after a series of impressive performances in different formats. The 23-year-old had a breakthrough in April, earning the Player of the Series award in Bangladeshs ODI series win over New Zealand. He was later named ICC Mens Player of the Month. He continued that strong performance into Test cricket, taking five wickets against Pakistan in the opening Test. This helped Bangladesh secure their first win of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. Despite his quick success since his international debut in 2024, Rana believes that Taskins support and advice have been vital to his growth. My relationship with him (Taskin) is very good. I have watched him play since I was young, and after seeing him up close, I think of him as an elder brother. He always treats me with care like a younger brother, Rana was quoted by ICC as saying. Whenever I make mistakes, he says, Rana, it will be good for you if you do these things. Since he has already gone through this phase of life and cricket, he guides me a lot. I always see him as an elder brother, and our relationship is like that. My relationship with him (Taskin) is very good. I have watched him play since I was young, and after seeing him up close, I think of him as an elder brother. He always treats me with care like a younger brother, Rana was quoted by ICC as saying. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Taskin made early breakthroughs with the new ball, Rana created one of the key moments of the innings by dismissing former Pakistan captain Babar Azam. The young pacer also wrapped up the lower order, finishing with figures of 3/60 from 12.4 overs. This performance highlighted his growing importance in Bangladeshs pace attack. Article Source: IANS
DC's home discomforts: 'We look at this venue as an away venue'
We've many a times not been able to figure out what the surface is like, Hemang Badani says about the pitches at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium
Marcus North Becomes First Overseas England Selector, Eyes Next Ashes Mission
A New Zealand cricketer is the head coach of the England cricket team. Now an Australian cricketer has been appointed England selector. He is the first non-Englishman in the role and one of the tasks he is going to take is to select the England team for the next Ashes. He is 46-year-old, Marcus North, who played 21 Tests for Australia and was in the race for the selectors vacancy. He got the nod over former England cricketers Steven Finn and Darren Gough. Marcus North is not new to English cricket. He played for Gateshead Fell Cricket Club in 2000 and lived in the North East (where he met his English wife). He played for six county cricket clubs, including Durham (others: Lancashire, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Glamorgan) during his playing career and has been Durhams director of cricket since October 2018. This made his candidature very strong, and he was one of the shortlisted candidates interviewed. Four years ago, he was interviewed for the role of ECBs managing director of mens cricket but was not selected. The job went to Rob Key, with whom he will now work. Once his playing career ended, North became director of cricket at South Northumberland Cricket Club in the Northeast and was then appointed director of cricket at Durham, overseeing both the mens and womens teams. Incidentally, Englands Test captain Ben Stokes plays for Durham and North is credited with the development of several England players, while working closely with Stokes. The vacancy in the selection panel was created when Luke Wright left at the end of the T20 World Cup in February, taking the moral responsibility for Englands poor show. The Durham director of cricket impressed the interview panel with his vision for the betterment of English cricket. Luke Wright was an England selector, whereas Marcus North would occupy a more senior position in the selection panel. He will not serve the six-month notice period with Durham and has been asked to join the other selectors to pick up the squad for the first Test against New Zealand starting from June 4. The English national selector panel at present includes the England director of cricket Rob Key, the head coach Brendon McCullum, the captain (either Ben Stokes or Harry Brook) and the ECBs heads of elite performance and talent identification. North has also worked with the England white-ball captain Harry Brook. At the start of the Hundred, both Yorkshire and Durham were jointly running the Leeds-based franchise and North was taken as director of cricket at Northern Superchargers (now known as Sunrisers Leeds, after investment from SRH) and Brook was playing for them. Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was then taken as the Superchargers head coach. Now Flintoff is the head coach of the England Lions and will remain associated with North to oversee the progress of players to the senior level. The record reveals that Marcus North is not the first Australian player to work as an England selector, but he is the first Australian appointed to select the national team. In fact, he is the first man not from these shores to be charged with selecting the national team. Former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh served as an England selector from 2003-2005, because of his role as director of the National Cricket Academy. During this entire process, Steven Finn (who played with Brendon McCullum at Middlesex) was a prime candidate, but Norths background in administration and association with county cricket, tilted the balance in his favour. Finn is in broadcasting (working for the BBC). North knows the county game inside out. He is the most English of Australians, because of his England experience. Now the most important task ahead for North is proper planning for the next Ashes tour in 2029-30, which may have helped him to overtake the other candidates. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Marcus North played 21 Tests for Australia, between 2009 and 2010, including two Ashes series. He scored five centuries, including a memorable Ashes ton at Headingley (back-to-back returns of 96 and 110 in Birmingham and Leeds) and one in the drawn first Test in Cardiff (unbeaten 125). He averaged 35.48 from his 21 Tests.
IPL 2026: Starc's Over Changed The Result, RR Were At Least 20 Runs Short, Admits Rathour
New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals lead assistant coach Vikram Rathour admitted that Mitchell Starc's devastating 15th over proved to be the turning point of their five-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals, admitting that the visitors were at least 20 runs short of a competitive total and that poor decisions from the batters cost them the match. Rathour's candid assessment came after RR, well-placed at 160/2 at the start of the 15th over, lost four wickets in a heap to Starc, including three in an over and eventually posted only 193/8, with DC chasing it down with four balls to spare. I completely agree. We were at least 20 runs short, if not more. I thought we were 160 in 14 overs and lost two wickets. From there, we should have got 220. Again losing three wickets in one over doesn't help. So we could have been a bit smarter with our decisions we took in that over. So those are the learnings and in every game, you will make mistakes and the idea is to learn from those mistakes and I hope the next time we are in a similar situation, we get a better result. Again, that over definitely changed the result for us. Obviously he's a world class bowler. He's a world class bowler, but the kind of options we took in that over, were poor. We could have done differently and given ourselves a little more time to get through that over and take the game a little deeper, said Rathour in the post-match press conference. RR had come back to tournament action after another longish break and the result is a big setback to their hopes of entering the playoffs, as they find themselves deeper in the all-familiar second half wobble. Apart from RR batting order imploding in the last six overs and their misfields leaving head coach and director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara angry in the dugout, some of the decision making from RR was perplexing. The decision to draft in batting allrounder Dasun Shanaka as Impact Player raised eyebrows, as it meant they couldnt bring in a frontline bowler - Ravi Bishnoi or Sushant Mishra named in substitutes in the second innings. The absence of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja further magnified the risk, considering their refurbished bowling line-up came on the back of being expensive in the last few games. After Shanaka made only ten with the bat, RR pressed him into service as the fifth bowler despite not bowling in his previous two outings. To his credit, Shanaka delivered three tidy overs and even took out DCs topscorer KL Rahul. But his limited use left RR short of flexibility in death overs bowling options. With three overs remaining, and Axar Patel and David Miller at the crease, RR turned to parttime offspinner Donovan Ferreira in the 18th over. The gamble backfired as both batters hit a maximum each in a 16run over and swung the momentum firmly in DCs favour. With those calls attracting considerable scrutiny, Rathour explained the chain of events that led to those decisions being taken in the game. The decisions that are made internally, are definitely taken by the captain. He is backing his gut and feeling at that stage. Our initial idea was to take 6 bowlers. But because we lost those wickets too quickly, we had to pick Dasun as an impact player. Otherwise, if the wickets hadn't fallen that much, we had an option to pick some bowler, especially a specialist bowler, maybe in the second innings. But unfortunately, we lost too many wickets in a cluster. So we had to take that option of picking Dasun. Again, the decisions that are made internally, are obviously taken by the captain. Obviously, there are some plans already, which are discussed outside with the analyst and the coach. But inside, at that point of the time, it's captains who take the call, he said. Rathour also acknowledged that captain Riyan Parag's hamstring niggle may have been a factor in him not opting to bowl. Parag had missed the clash against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur due to the same injury and needed treatment for it while making 51. Yes, of course (he could have bowled). But he is struggling again. Riyan is also having a niggle with his hamstring. So I am not sure how comfortable he was bowling. But it was an option, a chance he took, which didn't go our way, he said. On Jadejas absence, where Parag said load management resulted in him not playing Sundays game, Rathour said the team was being cautious with the all-rounder due to a knee niggle. He just had some niggle in his knee, I think. They are just trying to manage that. They felt that if we give him one more game break, it will be good for him. That was the reason he was rested. He is just dealing with some niggle. Before it all unravelled for RR, they were in control for the first 14 overs and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi treated fans to well-timed and powerful boundaries in his 21-ball 46, before falling to a slower delivery from Madhav Tiwari. With him struggling against slower deliveries and being dismissed off it before, Rathour denied on it being a chink in the teenaged openers armour. See, nobody is perfect in this world. Everybody will have some weakness here and there. I don't think slow ball is a weakness with Vaibhav. I will want bowlers to try that. On a wicket like this, where the ball is gripping a bit, change of pace is good against anybody. It's not only Vaibhav - I think he's a special player and enough has been said about his ability and how good he is. So, again, he's provided us a really good start, looking at the surface again. So, I just hope he converts one inning and goes deeper. The way he's batting, the way he prepares, I'm sure that's not too far off. We'll see one of those innings which he'll really convert and play a big knock. But otherwise, we are pretty happy with the way he's batting and we want him to bat that way.Different players will bat differently. Anybody can succeed. You need to identify and know your strengths. If you back your strengths and play to your strengths, you can score runs. Dhruv need not bat like Vaibhav and Vaibhav shouldn't look to bat like Dhruv. They have their own strengths. They have their own ways of scoring runs. If they keep backing that and keep believing in their ability, they can succeed easily. You have seen that happening. Somebody like Virat, who is still extremely successful, even in this format. I wouldn't call him an out-and-out power-hitting player. That tells you that there is scope for everybody to succeed, provided you have belief in your abilities. If you can commit to whatever options you take while you are batting and back yourself, he elaborated. Despite the defeat leaving sixth-placed RR in a tight spot in the race to playoffs, Rathour insisted the side still has full belief in their ability to qualify for the last four stage, though a lot will also depend on them taking better calls tactically. Somebody like Virat, who is still extremely successful, even in this format. I wouldn't call him an out-and-out power-hitting player. That tells you that there is scope for everybody to succeed, provided you have belief in your abilities. If you can commit to whatever options you take while you are batting and back yourself, he elaborated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Our belief is that if we are playing to our potential, we can defeat any team. That is the mindset and we need to turn up and play our best cricket. If we play, we have the belief in the group that we will win. Article Source: IANS
Badani on Starc: 'His work ethic, his preparation, his training are above par'
Air speed is equally important [as reverse swing], Sanjay Bangar says of Mitchell Starc's three-wicket over against Rajasthan Royals
IPL 2026: Starc Is One Of The Best Role Models In The Sport, Says DC Coach Badani
Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has termed Mitchell Starc as one of the best role models in cricket, saying the Australian left-arm fast bowler's influence on younger players in the dressing room is as valuable as his match-winning performances on the field. Badani's tribute came on the back of Starc picking a devastating four-wicket haul that wrecked RRs' innings in the death overs and set the base for DC to clinch a five-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday night. Despite being well-placed at 160/2 in 14 overs, RR fell seven runs short of touching 200, thanks to Starcs mastery slicing through their batting order and leaving them with no ammunition for a blazing finishing touch, as only 33 runs came off the final six overs. I think Mitch is somebody, I don't even know where to start. I think he's possibly one of the best role models anyone can have in sport. His work ethic to himself, his preparation before the game, with his own plans and his training is above par. I don't even see that with a lot of the younger boys. That's the reason why he's sustained for so long. If you go back and see the recent Ashes series, he single-handedly won them the Ashes. There was no Pat Cummins, there was no Josh Hazlewood. That pretty much tells you what that man can do, Badani said in the post-match press conference. On a pitch providing slight grip and used previously when Punjab Kings hunted down 265 last month, Starc endured a costly start, conceding 28 runs without success in his first two overs. But when skipper Axar Patel brought him back to bowl the 15th over, Starc turned the tide in dramatic fashion, giving away just 12 runs while claiming four wickets in his final two overs to dismantle RR. What really changed was Starc making subtle changes in pace, using more of slower balls, including some of them reversing a little, and combined with his pin-point accuracy, he becomes a bowler whos really hard to be dispatched to boundary ropes. Starc first removed Riyan Parag, who hit his fastest IPL fifty, with a slower ball which he mistimed to long-on. Donovan Ferreira was out for a duck on the very next delivery, again caught at long-on - though it was off a pace-on delivery. After Ravi Singh flicked the hat-trick ball for four, Starc bowled another slower ball to trap him lbw, which DRS also confirmed. Starc then picked out Impact Player Dasun Shanaka with a low full toss at 142 kmph coming from around the wicket to complete his fourwicket haul and derail RRs batting machinery by producing the best figures for any DC bowler this season. Speaking of the kind of work that he puts in with the younger lads, he's always talking to them, he's always trying to pass on the knowledge, how can you do reverse swing, how do I hold lengths, what do I do when a certain batter is going hard, do I look to pick wickets, do I look to try and be submissive and be defensive. There's immense conversation that Starcy brings to the table. I think, as I said earlier, being slightly repetitive, massive role model, added Badani. Sundays game wasnt the first time Starc repeatedly tilted contests against RR in DCs favour. On May 1 in Jaipur, the leftarm pacer marked his return to IPL 2026 with figures of 3-40. His influence was even more telling in last seasons encounter in New Delhi, where he nailed his yorkers and secured an unlikely victory for DC in the Super Over. Lamenting Starc's absence for a significant portion of the season due to shoulder and elbow injuries, Badani said the situation was such that no franchise coach had any real power to change. Ideally, I would want my players to be available to me from day one. Starc is probably one of my biggest players in my squad, and we've invested in him, and we know that he's a match winner. But if there are certain things which are above my pay grade, and then certain things that are decided by associations and governing bodies, there's very little that we can do. Because if Cricket Australia does not release him, which was also the case with Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, there's little a coach or any franchise can do about that. Hopefully we have a solution to it in the future, he added. Badani also made a special mention of seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, who foxed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey with slower balls. Tiwaris inclusion came in Dharamshala, where he shined with both bat and ball as DCs bid to inject fresh blood paid off in a win. I think if I remember correctly about what was spoken of him was that he was somebody who liked the pressure, somebody who could bat, hit a long ball, and at the same time, somebody who could bowl through all three phases. If required, he could even bowl in the power play, which you haven't seen much of it yet. Badani also made a special mention of seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, who foxed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey with slower balls. Tiwaris inclusion came in Dharamshala, where he shined with both bat and ball as DCs bid to inject fresh blood paid off in a win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We just felt that we needed fresh minds, fresh legs. A couple of our senior players, unfortunately, haven't had the run that they would have. We would have ideally liked them to have. Hence we felt that it's maybe time for us to try and switch to the younger boys and we've been blessed with a couple of good wins, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Bhuvneshwar stretches Purple Cap lead; Kohli, Rahul move up on Orange Cap table
It was a day with two matches at IPL 2026, and that meant some of the star performers of the season made big moves up the Orange and Purple Cap tables
Mahmudul Hasan Joy Fifty Puts Bangladesh in Control Against Pakistan in 2nd Test
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck a fluent half-century after the bowlers dominated to put Bangladesh firmly in command of the second Test against Pakistan on Sunday. Bangladesh, who lead the two-match series 1-0, closed day two on 110-3 in their second innings, leading by 156 runs in Sylhet. Joy, who fell for a duck in the first innings, responded with 52 off 64 balls before falling to pace bowler Mohammad Abbas. Tanzid Hasan fell cheaply for four off quick bowler Khurram Shahzad, who later took down Mominul Haque for 30 in the final over of the day, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13. Earlier, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and speedster Nahid Rana took three wickets each to bowl Pakistan out for 232, giving Bangladesh a 46-run first innings lead. Babar Azam's 68, which included 10 fours, was the only significant resistance from the visitors. Pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed removed overnight openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais early and spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed skipper Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel before lunch. Rana and Taijul shared the remaining six wickets in the afternoon session. Pakistan's Azam acknowledged the damage done by his dismissal. The turning point is my wicket and Salman Ali Agha's wicket -- after that we did not build any partnerships. These two dismissals changed the momentum, said Azam. Rana, who has now dismissed Azam three times in three Test matches, said any opposition hostility at him would be at their own peril. I don't know if they will think twice about bowling bouncers at me but I can say this much -- if anyone bounces me, I will not let them off easily, the 23-year-old Rana said. Rana was also bullish about Bangladesh's prospects heading into day three. There is no specific target like 200, 250 or 300. We have a lot of time -- three days still remain. We will try to bat the full day tomorrow, he said. Bangladesh's dominant position was built on Litton Das's extraordinary rescue act on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Walking in at 106-4 -- a position that deteriorated to 116-6, Litton struck 16 fours and two sixes in his 126 to steer Bangladesh to 278 all out.
Parag: 'If we keep playing like this, we shouldn't be in contention for top four'
Rajasthan Royals suffered their third successive defeat, and find themselves sixth with two games left
Axar, Ashutosh, Starc keep Delhi Capitals' playoffs hopes alive
RR looked set for a 220 total at one point but Starc's three wickets in the 15th over derailed them
Bancroft battles as low-scoring thriller heads for fourth-day climax
Northants five-down overnight after being set victory target of 249
Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul top-scored with a composed 56 off 42 balls as Delhi Capitals sealed a thrilling five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday. The win was built on Mitchell Starc's devastating four-wicket burst in the death overs that had earlier pegged back a marauding RR to 193/8. Rahul anchored the chase with his characteristic calmness, while sharing a key 105-run partnership with Abishek Porel, who hit 51 off 31 balls. Ashutosh Sharma then stepped in late as the impact player to steer DC home via an unbeaten five-ball 18, as it proved to be a tense, see-saw contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts finally held their nerve. By completing the chase with four balls to spare, DC signed off from their home fixtures on a high, as they climbed from eighth to seventh place in the IPL 2026 standings and kept their slim playoff hopes alive. It was a contest that swung repeatedly - RR blazing to 160/2 before losing six wickets for 33 in the last six overs, DC cruising to 130/2 before their own wobble in the middle. Eventually, the hosts finally held their nerve in a finish that had the Arun Jaitley crowd on the edge of their seats till the very last over. Starc had been profligate in his opening two overs, leaking 28 runs, but returned to rip through RR's middle and lower order in his final two, conceding just 12 more while claiming all four wickets. Slower balls, changed pace, varied angles - the Australian left-armer used every weapon in his armoury to trigger a collapse that left RR well short of the 220-plus total they had threatened. Before Starcs squeeze, it was Riyan Parag who seized the moment when RR needed it most, walking in after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enthralled 31, 200 fans by hitting a blistering 21-ball 46. After Sooryavanshi fell, Parag needed no time to settle in and was right on the money from the get-go. In the first 19 balls he faced, he hit five sixes and a four off Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar in a spell of clean, muscular hitting that left the DC bowling attack rattled. But before Parag took centre stage via his 51 and Dhurv Jurel smashed 53, it was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who set the tone. The teenage opener began by pulling Ngidi over deep square-leg for a six. From the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a flying start by hitting Mitchell Starc for three boundaries in the opening over, with a crisp cover drive being the standout stroke. Though Jaiswal eventually fell to Ngidi - a sharp outside edge off a slower ball pouched by the tall Starc at short third man, Sooryavanshi cut loose by edging and pulling him for a four and six, before carting debutant off-spin bowling all-rounder Tripurana Vijay for back-to-back fours through cover region and swivelling him for another maximum. It also helped RR that DC were sloppy in catching Dhruv Jurel was given an early reprieve by KL Rahul, while Sameer Rizvi dropped a chance of Sooryavanshi at long-on. When Parag was on six, a short ball looped to Tristan Stubbs at long-on, who appeared to complete the catch running to his left. But replays showed his fingers were not beneath the ball as it grazed the ground, giving Parag a lucky reprieve. Jurel found his boundary-hitting rhythm by clobbering an erratic Mukesh Kumar for two fours and a six in the last over of power-play, as 17 runs came off it. Madhav Tiwaris introduction worked wonders for DC as Sooryavanshi couldnt pick the slower ball and was caught by diving long-on. At 92/2 in eight overs, Parag made his intentions clear to go after the DC bowlers. He hit Axar over midwicket and then launched him way beyond long-on to pick a brace of sixes. In the next over, he went berserk against Mukesh a pull over deep mid-wicket was followed by an uppish smash over extra cover for four, before using his strong forearms to pummel the pacer over long-on for consecutive maximums. After Jurel hit Tiwari for two fours to bring up RRs 150 in 13 overs, Parah brought up his fifty off 23 balls and got a bear hug from Jurel. But after that, DC clawed back in the 15th over - Starc first deceived Parag with a slower ball and the batter only managed a toeend to diving long-on. Starc struck again when Donovan Ferreira mistimed a heave to long-on and fell for a golden duck, before debutant Ravi Singh was trapped plumb lbw with a slower delivery, as RR burnt a review. RRs horrible wobble continued - Tiwari had Shubham Dubey mistiming a heave to deep backward square leg, while Starc forced Impact Player Dasun Shanaka to slice to long-off, and Jurel, after reaching his fourth fifty of the season, was trapped lbw by a slower ball from Ngidi, as DC applied the choke on RR. Chasing 194, Rahul had not even settled at the crease when fortune intervened, as Yash Raj Punja dropped him at short fine leg off Jofra Archer, apart from an overthrow giving DC four extra runs. Keeping all that aside, Rahul and Porel set about dismantling the RR bowling attack with a combination of audacity and intent, as DC reached fifty in just four overs. Porel, the aggressor from the outset, drove and whipped Archer for a four and six, before ramping, cutting, pulling, and punching Brijesh Sharma for four boundaries. Rahul, meanwhile, was doing what he does best - rotating strike and hitting boundaries off loose balls with surgical precision. When Adam Milne dropped short in the fifth over, he rocked back and smoked a pull flat over deep mid-wicket for six. The hundred of the opening pair DCs second 100-plus opening stand of IPL 2026 and both coming versus RR - arrived in the ninth over when Rahul pumped Punja straight over the sight screen for six. Porel brought up his fifty off 30 balls before holing out to long-on off a slower ball from Brijesh in the 11th over, even as an unperturbed Rahul reached his fifty in the 12th over off 34 balls. RRs move to bring back Archer for his third over worked well when he drew a rash drive from Sahil Parakh, and a thick outside edge was comfortably caught by Dhruv Jurel. Dasun Shanaka dealt a huge blow to DC when Rahul attempted to punch off his slower delivery, but chopped on to his stumps without any footwork. The pressure of asking rate going past ten brought out sloppy misfields from RR, but it consumed Tristan Stubbs, who shaped for a pre-mediated scoop, but was caught by a sprinting deep backward square leg. But some respite came for DC Axar Patel sliced Archer for four, followed by him and David Miller lofting Donovan Ferreira for a six each. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. With seven runs needed off the final over, RR were charged with an over-rate penalty, and as they were allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Ashutosh drove Milne down the ground for four, before pulling over deep mid-wicket for six to seal the chase in style for DC. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS
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IPL 2026: Rahul, Porel, Ashutosh Help DC Hunt Down 194, Beat RR By Five Wickets
Indian Premier League: Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul top-scored with a composed 56 off 42 balls as Delhi Capitals sealed a thrilling five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday. The win has lifted DC from eighth to seventh place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 standings, as they signed off from their home fixtures in IPL 2026 on a high. After Mitchell Starcs 4-40 kept a marauding RR to 193/8, Rahul anchored the chase with his characteristic calmness, while sharing a key 105-run partnership with Abishek Porel, who hit 51 off 31 balls. Ashutosh Sharma then stepped in late as the impact player to steer DC home via an unbeaten five-ball 18, as it proved to be a tense, see-saw contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts finally held their nerve and completed the chase with four balls to spare, and kept their slim playoffs hopes alive. Chasing 194, Rahul had not even settled at the crease when fortune intervened, as Yash Raj Punja dropped him at short fine leg off Jofra Archer, apart from an overthrow giving DC four extra runs. Keeping all that aside, Rahul and Porel set about dismantling the RR bowling attack with a combination of audacity and intent, as DC reached fifty in just four overs. Porel, the aggressor from the outset, drove and whipped Archer for a four and six, before ramping, cutting, pulling, and punching Brijesh Sharma for four boundaries. Rahul, meanwhile, was doing what he does best - rotating strike and hitting boundaries off loose balls with surgical precision. When Adam Milne dropped short in the fifth over, he rocked back and smoked a pull flat over deep mid-wicket for six. The hundred of the opening pair DCs second 100-plus opening stand of IPL 2026 and both coming versus RR - arrived in the ninth over when Rahul pumped Punja straight over the sight screen for six. Porel brought up his fifty off 30 balls before holing out to long-on off a slower ball from Brijesh in the 11th over, even as an unperturbed Rahul reached his fifty in the 12th over off 34 balls. RRs move to bring back Archer for his third over worked well when he drew a rash drive from Sahil Parakh, and a thick outside edge was comfortably caught by Dhruv Jurel. Dasun Shanaka dealt a huge blow to DC when Rahul attempted to punch off his slower delivery, but chopped on to his stumps without any footwork. The pressure of the asking rate going past ten brought out sloppy misfields from RR, but it consumed Tristan Stubbs, who shaped for a pre-mediated scoop, but was caught by a sprinting deep backward square leg. But some respite came for DC Axar Patel sliced Archer for four, followed by him and David Miller lofting Donovan Ferreira for a six each. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. With seven runs needed off the final over, RR were charged with an over-rate penalty, and as they were allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Ashutosh drove Milne down the ground for four, before pulling over deep mid-wicket for six to seal the chase in style for DC. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 193/8 in 20 overs (Dhruv Kurel 53, Riyan Parag 51; Mitchell Starc 4-40, Lungi Ngidi 2-24) lost to Delhi Capitals 197/5 in 19.2 overs (KL Rahul 56, Abishek Porel 51; Jofra Archer 2-35, Brijesh Sharma 2-44) by five wickets Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: It's Frustrating, But There's Still Hope, Says PBKS's James Hopes After RCB Defeat
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: A sixth successive defeat after six wins and one abandoned match has left Punjab Kings in a dire situation in the Indian Premier League as they go through a terrible run of defeats, but Fast bowling coach James Hopes said there's still hope and they need to turn it around in their last match. Punjab Kings are on 13 points from 13 matches and could have done their chances a world of good if they had defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. However, they lost by 23 runs chasing a massive total of 223. Yeah, it's frustrating, to be honest. Yeah, we are staring it (elimination) in the face now. There's still hope, but we need to turn it around. We need to tidy up some areas, said Hopes in the post-match press conference on Sunday. Talking about Sunday's match against RCB, Hopes said they were always chasing their tail in the match. Today, once again, I felt like we were always chasing our tail, with the ball, not creating enough opportunities early. We controlled the Power-play pretty well, but every time we'd get back the momentum, they'd have a big over, they'd get back on top. And then in the chase, we sort of got going, but then, yeah, it just petered out, said Hopes. The PBKS fast bowling coach said they lost too many wickets early on. We lost too many wickets early, but it was just...Tonight's game, the way we lost was less frustrating than the other games, to be honest. But, yeah, it was just another disappointing night. He disagreed with the notion that, because of the high-scoring wins in the first half of the tournament, PBKS have gone into defensive mode and are finding it difficult to come out of it. He admitted they missed a few opportunities in the field and though they gave away 20-odd extra runs, allowing RCB to put up a challenging total. About the road ahead for them, the Aussie bowling coach said, Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. We have a week now where, hopefully, a few results go our way, and we're playing again in the finals next weekend. But the boys have got to regroup, and they've got to stay positive, and they've got to believe, if we have an opportunity to make the finals, that we can make some noise if we get in there. About the road ahead for them, the Aussie bowling coach said, Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. Article Source: IANS
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IPL 2026: The Wicket Was Gripping, Thought I Can Use More Of Slower Balls, Says DC's Madhav Tiwari
Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Young seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari credited the gripping nature of the wicket for his success with slower balls, as Delhi Capitals pulled off a stirring fightback with the ball to keep Rajasthan Royals to 193/8 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. At 160/2 after 14 overs, the Royals appeared set for a massive total. But the momentum shifted after a brief stoppage for medical attention to Riyan Parag, who hit a 23-ball fifty. Axar Patel recalled Starc, who had gone for 28 in his first two overs, and the Australian responded with a decisive 15th over, removing Parag, Donovan Ferreira, and Ravi Singh, before taking out Impact Player Dasun Shanaka to pick 4-40. Tiwari, who impressed with both bat and ball on debut against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, once again stood out by dismissing a marauding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey. Coming into this IPL season, I just thought that I'm gonna take in four or five variations with me and I'm gonna back them throughout the season. So, I have been working on them, and hopefully, the results are helping in my favor. Tiwari, who impressed with both bat and ball on debut against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, once again stood out by dismissing a marauding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lungi Ngidi closed out the innings with clever variations, as RR eventually made 193/8, after losing six wickets for 33 runs in the last six overs. I don't know. I have to ask them, said Tiwari, when asked about his familys reaction, before adding that DC can chase down the target and aim to end their home leg on a high. I think we'll get it. Article Source: IANS
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Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is the current BCB president
IPL 2026: Starcs Four-fer Leads DCs Fightback, Keeps RR To 193/8 Despite Fifties From Jurel, Parag
Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Mitchell Starc turned the match on its head with a devastating four-wicket burst in the death overs as Delhi Capitals restricted Rajasthan Royals to 193/8 in 20 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, despite half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel and skipper Riyan Parag threatening to get the game in favour of the hosts. Starc had leaked 28 runs in his first two overs, but returned to rip through the RR middle and lower order in his final two overs - conceding just 12 more runs while claiming all four wickets - to trigger a stunning collapse that saw RR lose six wickets for 33 runs in the last six overs after appearing set for a posting a total well above 220. At 160/2 in the 14th over, RR were seemingly cruising with Parag hitting 51 - his fastest in the IPL. But Starc used slower balls well, changed his pace and angles with accuracy, and coupled with Lungi Ngidis pace-off balls meant RR fell in a heap, despite Jurel hitting 53, as DC clawed their way back into the contest. Before Starcs squeeze, it was Parag who seized the moment when RR needed it most, walking in after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enthralled 31, 200 fans by hitting a blistering 21-ball 46. After Sooryavanshi fell, Parag needed no time to settle in and was right on the money from the get-go. In the first 19 balls he faced, he hit five sixes and a four off Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar in a spell of clean, muscular hitting that left the DC bowling attack rattled. But before Parag took centre stage, it was Sooryavanshi who set the tone. The teenage opener began by pulling Ngidi over deep square-leg for a six. From the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a flying start by hitting Mitchell Starc for three boundaries in the opening over, with a crisp cover drive being the standout stroke. Though Jaiswal eventually fell to Ngidi - a sharp outside edge off a slower ball pouched by the tall Starc at short third man, Sooryavanshi cut loose by edging and pulling him for a four and six, before carting debutant off-spin bowling all-rounder Tripurana Vijay for back-to-back fours through cover region and swivelling him for another maximum. It also helped RR that DC were sloppy in catching Dhruv Jurel was given an early reprieve by KL Rahul, while Sameer Rizvi dropped a chance of Sooryavanshi at long-on. When Parag was on six, a short ball looped to Tristan Stubbs at long-on, who appeared to complete the catch running to his left. But replays showed his fingers were not beneath the ball as it grazed the ground, giving Parag a lucky reprieve. Jurel found his boundary-hitting rhythm by clobbering an erratic Mukesh Kumar for two fours and a six in the last over of power-play, as 17 runs came off it. Madhav Tiwaris introduction worked wonders for DC as Sooryavanshi couldnt pick the slower ball and was caught by diving long-on. At 92/2 in eight overs, Parag made his intentions clear to go after the DC bowlers. He hit Axar over midwicket and then launched him way beyond long-on to pick a brace of sixes. In the next over, he went berserk against Mukesh a pull over deep mid-wicket was followed by an uppish smash over extra cover for four, before using his strong forearms to pummel the pacer over long-on for consecutive maximums. After Jurel hit Tiwari for two fours to bring up RRs 150 in 13 overs, Parah brought up his fifty off 23 balls and got a bear hug from Jurel. But after that, DC clawed back in the 15th over - Starc first deceived Parag with a slower ball and the batter only managed a toeend to diving long-on. Starc struck again when Donovan Ferreira mistimed a heave to long-on and fell for a golden duck, before debutant Ravi Singh was trapped plumb lbw with a slower delivery, as RR burnt a review. RRs horrible wobble continued - Tiwari had Shubham Dubey mistiming a heave to deep backward square leg, while Starc forced Impact Player Dasun Shanaka to slice to long-off, and Jurel, after reaching his fourth fifty of the season, was trapped lbw by a slower ball from Ngidi, as DC applied the choke on RR. Starc struck again when Donovan Ferreira mistimed a heave to long-on and fell for a golden duck, before debutant Ravi Singh was trapped plumb lbw with a slower delivery, as RR burnt a review. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 193/8 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 53, Riyan Parag 51; Mitchell Starc 4-40, Lungi Ngidi 2-24) against Delhi Capitals Article Source: IANS
Venkatesh Iyer: 'I'd lie if I say I was not frustrated'
He scored an unbeaten 40-ball 73 against PBKS as RCB became the first team to secure their playoffs spot
Indian Men Win Silver, Women Finish Fourth At Inaugural CASA Rugby 7s 2026
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Indias senior mens team secured the silver medal while the senior womens team finished fourth in the inaugural CASA Rugby 7s 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a positive start to the international season for Rugby India. RCB produced a dominant all-round performance at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday, posting a massive 222/4 before restricting Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a late fightback from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis. Jitesh, who led the side in the absence of regular captain Rajat Patidar, said the team always felt in control because they had a clear idea of how the pitch was behaving after batting first. We were not under pressure, frankly speaking. We were in control. We know what we want to do on this wicket because we batted on that, and the batters had given very good feedback on what was working on that wicket, Jitesh said after the match. RCBs batting unit laid the foundation for the victory through Virat Kohlis 58, Devdutt Padikkals quickfire 45, and an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer. The side accelerated strongly in the second half of the innings to cross the 220-run mark. Jitesh explained that the team used the information from the first innings to plan specifically against Punjab Kings key batters and execute accordingly with the ball. So we planned particularly for particular batsmen, and we were executing that properly, he added. Jitesh also credited the experienced players in the RCB squad for supporting him during his captaincy stint and said it had been a valuable learning experience. We are privileged that they are playing for RCB, and with that, I have so many senior players to guide me in the centre when Im doing captaincy for those bowlers. I think thats great. Its a great experience to play with those boys, he said. The wicketkeeper-batter confirmed that Rajat Patidar is expected to return as captain for the next game, while reiterating that RCBs focus remains on taking one match at a time despite sealing a playoff berth. My actual skipper is doing really well. Hes going to captain the next game. I think our RCB motto is very simple, one game at a time, he said. We are not thinking ahead or anything. We just want to play our best cricket in every match, thats it, he added. My actual skipper is doing really well. Hes going to captain the next game. I think our RCB motto is very simple, one game at a time, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Although Shashank Singh smashed a rapid 56 off 27 deliveries and Marcus Stoinis contributed 37 off 25 balls, RCBs bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. Rasikh finished with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood delivered crucial breakthroughs. Article Source: IANS
Spencer Johnson: I feel like I'm going to get better and faster
The Australian quick had not played competitive cricket between IPL 2025 and IPL 2026, but bowled with express pace on his CSK debut against LSG
IPL 2026: The Match Was Lost In The Powerplay, Says Iyer After PBKS's Defeat To RCB
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted that his side lost the match in the power-play after suffering a 23-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. Chasing a massive target of 223, Punjab Kings were rocked early as Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Shreyas himself were dismissed cheaply inside the first three overs. The early collapse left the hosts struggling at 19/3, making the chase difficult despite a spirited fightback later in the innings. Obviously, they got off to a great start and then started taking on the bowlers right after the power play. I think getting to 222 was a commendable performance, and we werent able to take wickets in the bowling that much, but yeah, I think the match was lost in the powerplay, Iyer said after the game. Punjab Kings eventually finished at 199/8 despite aggressive knocks from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis. Shashank smashed 56 off just 27 deliveries while Stoinis contributed 37 off 25 balls, but the required run rate proved too steep after the early damage. Reflecting on the difficult chase, Shreyas pointed to the absence of strong starts from openers Arya and Prabhsimran, both of whom had been among the teams most consistent performers this season. Absolutely. We were three down, and the majority of our run scorers were Prabhsimran and Priyansh. The starts they used to give us in the power play, obviously, we couldnt get this time, and also me coming in and getting out early, he said. Really disappointed, but commendable performance by Shashank and Stoinis, and also a few others in the middle. I think we were up there with almost 10 and over, but yeah, fell short. Tremendous bowling by Bhuvi and Hazlewood, he added. Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided RCB the perfect start with two wickets in the opening overs, while Josh Hazlewood picked up important breakthroughs in the middle and death overs to stop Punjab Kings recovery. The defeat also confirmed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, with RCB moving to 18 points from 13 matches. Despite the setback, Shreyas remained optimistic about Punjab Kings chances going forward and said he would continue to maintain a positive mindset ahead of their next game against Lucknow Super Giants. The defeat also confirmed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, with RCB moving to 18 points from 13 matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this loss, PBKS' qualification chances look very slim. They have to beat LSG in their final match and then depend on other teams' results to also go in their favour, as they can now reach a maximum of 15 points. Article Source: IANS
Venkatesh, Rasikh take RCB into IPL 2026 playoffs
PBKS in precarious position after losing their sixth game in a row
IPL 2026: RCB Seal Playoff Berth With 23-run Victory Against Punjab Kings
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs after defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs in a high-scoring contest at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. Punjab Kings endured a disastrous start to the chase as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Priyansh Arya for a duck in the opening over. The experienced pacer struck again in his next over when Prabhsimran Singh edged a good-length delivery to first slip after scoring just two runs. RCB tightened their grip further when impact substitute Rasikh Salam Dar dismissed Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for one. With wickets falling around him, Cooper Connolly launched a counterattack alongside Suryansh Shedge. Shedge took on Josh Hazlewood with a boundary and a six, while Connolly attacked Rasikh to help Punjab Kings recover to 49/3 at the end of the Power-play. Connolly continued to play aggressively before Romario Shepherd provided the breakthrough in the eighth over. Attempting another big shot, Connolly was caught at deep square leg after scoring 37 off 22 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Shedge then stitched together a useful partnership with Marcus Stoinis as the pair rebuilt the innings with regular boundaries and sensible strike rotation. However, RCB struck again when Virat Kohli completed a sharp catch at long-off to dismiss Shedge for 35 off 22 deliveries. Punjab Kings still had hope with Stoinis at one end and Shashank Singh launching an aggressive assault at the other. Shashank changed the momentum of the chase by smashing three sixes in an over off Suyash Sharma before adding more boundaries to keep the required run rate under control. Stoinis also shifted gears and struck consecutive boundaries against Rasikh as Punjab Kings reached 146/5 after 15 overs, needing 77 runs from the final five overs. Shashank continued to fight hard and produced a stunning helicopter shot against Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the chase remained alive. However, Hazlewood delivered a crucial breakthrough in the 17th over by trapping Stoinis lbw for 37 off 25 balls. Despite losing his partner, Shashank kept attacking and completed a rapid half-century in just 22 balls. But with little support from the other end, the required rate continued to climb. RCB finally sealed the match in the final over when Rasikh dismissed Shashank, who was caught at long-on after a superb knock of 56 off 27 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and four sixes. Rasikh then picked up another wicket on the final ball as the Punjab Kings finished at 199/8. Earlier, RCB posted 222/4 riding on an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohlis 58. Devdutt Padikkal also made an important contribution with a quickfire 45. Asked to bat first, RCB managed only 17 runs in the first two overs as Kohli and Jacob Bethell took time to adjust to the conditions. Bethell struggled for timing and was eventually bowled by Harpreet Brar for 11 off seven balls. Padikkal then shifted the momentum immediately by hitting a six off his first delivery. Kohli also joined the attack as the duo mixed aggressive strokeplay with smart strike rotation to keep the scoreboard moving quickly. Their partnership helped RCB reach 61/1 at the end of the Power-play. Punjab Kings introduced Yuzvendra Chahal to slow the scoring rate, but the leg-spinner conceded 21 runs in his opening over. Kohli and Padikkal added 76 runs for the second wicket before Brar struck again, dismissing Padikkal for an entertaining 45 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Kohli continued to dominate and completed his fifty in just 31 deliveries. He later fell for 58 off 37 balls after being caught at deep mid-wicket off Chahal. Venkatesh Iyer then took charge in the death overs. After a slow start, he accelerated brilliantly and completed his fifty off 29 balls. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 73 off 40 deliveries, smashing eight fours and four sixes. Tim David provided late support with a quick 28 off 12 balls as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. Kohli continued to dominate and completed his fifty in just 31 deliveries. He later fell for 58 off 37 balls after being caught at deep mid-wicket off Chahal. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru 222/4 in 20 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 73*, Virat Kohli 58, Devdutt Padikkal 45; Harpreet Brar 2-35, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-42) beat Punjab Kings 199/8 in 20 overs (Shashank Singh 56, Cooper Connolly 37, Suryansh Shedge 35; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-38) by 23 runs. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Vijay Handed Debut As DC Elect To Bowl First Against RR, Ravi Gets Debut Cap
Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first against Rajasthan Royals in match 62 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. Both DC and RR need wins, starting from Sundays clash, to keep their slim hopes of entering the playoffs alive. After winning the toss in their final home game of IPL 2026, DC skipper Axar Patel said that bowling all-rounder Tripurana Vijay makes his debut and replaces Auqib Nabi. When you win, you feel good. The atmosphere has been good even during the losses. I'm not thinking about conditions as I've gotten it wrong. We will try to bat and bowl well, no matter how the wicket behaves. You have to keep things on the field there and not carry it off the field, he said. RR captain Riyan Parag, fit again to lead the side after missing their previous clash against the Gujarat Titans due to a hamstring injury, said wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Singh makes his debut at the expense of Ravindra Jadeja, whos out due to load management, while Adam Milne also finds a place. Happy to be back first. I was pretty unsure about the wicket as well. It looks like its dry, but then weve seen the past scores and results here; chasing has been better, though it also tends to slow down a bit later on. So I was a little confused, but happy to bowl first because of that. Weve had some ups and downs in the last few games. I think we havent defended totals very well. But today gives us another opportunity to do that and hopefully get it right. So weve gone with an extra seamer today, and hopefully we can defend the total better. Almost there (on figuring the best combination). Weve had a few injuries here and there. I had to step out as well, so that hasnt helped either, he said. Sundays match is being played on pitch number six, which is the centre wicket. The square boundaries are at 63 metres each, while the straight boundary is at 73 metres. Playing XIs: Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (captain), Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar Impact substitutes: Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Vipraj Nigam, Pathum Nissanka, and Karun Nair Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (captain), Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Dasun Shanaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, and Aman Rao Article Source: IANS
DC bowl; Parag back but Jadeja out for RR
T Vijay came in for Auqib Nabi for DC; RR have brought in Ravi Singh and Adam Milne
IPL 2026: It's A Pretty Good Total, Padikkal Backs RCB Bowlers To Defend 222 Against PBKS
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Devdutt Padikkal expressed confidence in his sides bowling attack and said that the total is sufficient after RCB posted a commanding 222/4 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. Padikkal, who played a brisk knock of 45 off 25 deliveries, said the total was competitive but stressed that the bowlers would need to execute their plans well on a surface that appeared slightly slow during the afternoon game. I think its a pretty good total, but again, like any other game, we have to bowl well and make sure that we restrict them under that, Padikkal said during the mid-innings break. RCB recovered quickly after the early dismissal of Jacob Bethell as Padikkal and Virat Kohli added 76 runs for the second wicket to put the innings back on track. While Kohli went on to score 58, Padikkal narrowly missed his half-century but ensured RCB maintained an aggressive scoring rate through the middle overs. Speaking about the nature of the Dharamshala wicket, the left-hander said the pitch was not the easiest for strokeplay early on and expected the bowlers to make use of the conditions in the second innings as well. I think you expect that in day games. It is a little bit slow, especially with the new ball. It wasnt coming on as well, but I think its important that we make use of that and make sure that our bowlers know that as well, he said. Padikkal added that the RCB bowling unit had enough experience and skill to adjust according to the surface without needing extensive instructions. Like you asked earlier, I think its a bit of a slow wicket. Its important that we make sure that we use that. We obviously have to go into the wicket a little bit more, I suppose. At the end of the day, we have really skilful bowlers. They dont need too much information from me. I think they know what to do, he added. Reflecting on his partnership with Kohli after Bethells early dismissal, Padikkal said his role during the Power-play was to build a solid stand and carry the momentum forward for the team. Again, when I go into the power play, its important that I make sure that I stitch a partnership with Virat, or Jacob, who wasnt there, and really push that momentum and take it forward for the team, he said. Reflecting on his partnership with Kohli after Bethells early dismissal, Padikkal said his role during the Power-play was to build a solid stand and carry the momentum forward for the team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB eventually crossed the 220-run mark thanks to an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer and a late cameo from Tim David, leaving Punjab Kings with a challenging target of 223. Article Source: IANS
HOPS FC Crowned IWL 2 Champions, Juba Sangha FC Secure Promotion
Karbi Anglong Sports Association Girls: HOPS FC won the Indian Womens League 2 (IWL 2) 2025-26 season, achieving a perfect record with five wins in the Final Round and nine wins overall. Juba Sangha FC finished second, earning promotion to the Indian Womens League (IWL) for the 2026-27 season. The six-team Final Round was held as a single-leg round-robin at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, where HOPS finished first with 15 points. The Delhi team scored eight goals and remained defensively solid, conceding none during the final round. They had previously topped their group with four straight wins to reach the final stage. This victory marks HOPS' first IWL 2 title and signifies their return to India's top tier of women's football after last season's relegation. Juba Sangha FC, based in Delhi, finished second with 12 points after winning four of their five matches. They were the top-scoring team in the Final Round, netting 15 goals. This marks Juba Sangha's first promotion to the Indian Women's League. HOPS started their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Krida Prabodhini Pune, then beat Mumbai Knights FC 2-0, and narrowly defeated Suruchi Sangha 1-0. They continued with another close 1-0 win against Kemp FC and concluded their campaign with a 1-0 win over Juba Sangha in the final match, securing the title. Juba Sangha started their Final Round with a 3-1 win over Kemp and then secured a 5-2 victory against Krida Prabodhini Pune. Their additional wins against Mumbai Knights and Suruchi Sangha maintained their position in the race to the finish, but losing to HOPS resulted in them finishing in second place. Kemp finished third with nine points, having won three of their five matches. Krida Prabodhini Pune took fourth place with six points. Mumbai Knights ended fifth with three points, and Suruchi Sangha finished the Final Round without earning any points. Krida Prabodhinis Simran Gurung was the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals. Her teammate Sumaiyya Shaikh finished tied for second place with seven goals, sharing the position with Roshni Tigga from Suruchi Sangha and Vipanshi from Juba Sangha. Juba Sangha also recorded Nidhi scoring six goals throughout the campaign, while Bhagyashree Dalvi from Mumbai Knights and Maidangshri Narzary from Karbi Anglong Sports Association Girls Football Club (KASA FC) each scored five. Khushbu Saroj of Kemp and Juba Sanghas Kiran both scored four goals. Krida Prabodhinis Simran Gurung was the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals. Her teammate Sumaiyya Shaikh finished tied for second place with seven goals, sharing the position with Roshni Tigga from Suruchi Sangha and Vipanshi from Juba Sangha. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sribhumi FC were the first champions in 2023-24, with Garhwal United FC securing the title last season. HOPS became the second Delhi-based team to win the IWL 2. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer, Kohli Power RCB To 222/4 Against PBKS
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association: All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer remained unbeaten at 73 while Virat Kohli smashed a brilliant fifty as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) posted 222/4 in 20 overs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, RCB began cautiously, with Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell taking time to settle on a surface that offered some early movement. The side managed only 17 runs in the first two overs as Punjab Kings bowlers maintained disciplined lines. Bethell looked uncomfortable from the start but attempted to shift momentum in the third over with a boundary. However, Harpreet Brar struck immediately after as the left-hander was clean bowled trying to attack again. Bethells difficult run with the bat continued as he departed for 11 off seven deliveries. Devdutt Padikkal, however, ensured RCB did not lose momentum. The left-hander attacked right from the beginning and smashed a six off the very first ball he faced. Kohli too joined the attack quickly, launching Lockie Ferguson for a maximum in the following over. The pair mixed aggressive strokeplay with smart strike rotation to keep the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate. Padikkal looked in complete control during his entertaining knock, regularly punishing anything short or wide. Kohli, at the other end, played with fluency and kept the pressure firmly on Punjab Kings bowlers. Their aggressive approach helped RCB reach 61/1 at the end of the power-play. Punjab Kings introduced experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in an attempt to slow down the scoring rate, but the move backfired as the veteran leg-spinner conceded 21 runs in his opening over. Kohli and Padikkal continued to dominate and added 76 runs for the second wicket before Brar once again provided the breakthrough. In the 10th over, Brar produced another impressive delivery to dismiss Padikkal, who missed out on a half-century by just five runs. The left-hander played a brisk knock of 45 off 25 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. Despite losing Padikkal, Kohli maintained the momentum and continued to score freely. The former RCB skipper brought up his half-century in just 31 balls with a quick single in the 12th over. He looked set for a much bigger score as he combined well with Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer initially struggled to find timing but gradually settled into his innings. The left-hander shifted gears in the 14th over by hitting Brar for two consecutive boundaries before taking on Chahal in the next over with two towering sixes. Chahal eventually struck back on the final ball of the over when Kohli miscued a shot to deep mid-wicket after a well-made 58 off 37 deliveries. His innings included four fours and three sixes and once again provided a solid platform for RCB. Following Kohlis dismissal, Iyer took complete control of the innings alongside Tim David. The all-rounder attacked the Punjab bowlers in the death overs and completed his half-century in just 29 balls. Ferguson, in particular, struggled badly with his lengths as Iyer capitalised with clean hitting on both sides of the wicket. Iyer remained unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes in a superb finishing effort. Tim David also played a valuable cameo, scoring 28 off only 12 deliveries as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. For Punjab Kings, Harpreet Brar was the standout bowler with figures of 2/35 from his four overs, while Chahal picked up the important wicket of Kohli despite an expensive outing. Iyer remained unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes in a superb finishing effort. Tim David also played a valuable cameo, scoring 28 off only 12 deliveries as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru 222/4 in 20 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 73*, Virat Kohli 58, Devdutt Padikkal 45; Harpreet Brar 2-35, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-42) against Punjab Kings Article Source: IANS
DC vs RR Match 62, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
DC vs RR Match 62 , Cricket Tips : Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals are in a race to make it to the playoffs of the IPL 2026. They will be up against each other on Sunday at 7:30 PM IST at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This contest is very important for the survival of both teams. DC are required to win this game. A defeat at this stage will be all over for them. Axar Patel and co. will hope that they can repeat the success they had against KKR. RR have lost their last two matches. They have been inconsistent in both departments. This game can also make or break their campaign in the IPL 2026. DC vs RR: Match Details Date : May 17, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi DC vs RR Live Streaming Details The live action of the DC vs RR game will be available on the Star Sports Network. Indian fans can watch the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. DC vs RR Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 31 DC : 16 RR : 15 No - Result : 00 DC vs RR: Ground Pitch Report Arun Jaitley Stadium is known for producing a batting-friendly wicket. The bounce and pace are consistent here, which will help the batters play their shots on the up. It is a high-scoring game, and we might see another 200+ total here. DC vs RR Possible XIs DC : KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi RR : Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (w), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Brijesh Sharma, Sandeep Sharma DC vs RR Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter KL Rahul and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have contrasting batting styles and will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Lungi Ngidi and Jofra Archer are two bowlers who have been in great form this season. Today Match Prediction : DC have a better-performing bowling unit than RR. Hence, we predict Delhi Capitals to win this game. DC vs RR Match 62, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, DC vs RR 2026 Prediction, DC vs RR Predicted XIs, Injury Update for DC vs RR 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: When And Where To Watch CSK Vs SRH, Know All Details
Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash with 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are placed at No. 6 on the points table with six wins and as many defeats from 12 matches. They are well and truly in contention to reach the playoffs despite starting the season with three consecutive losses. Ruturaj Gaikwad's team is coming to the contest after suffering a seven-wicket loss against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium. CSK needs two wins in two matches to stay alive in the competition. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad also made a strong comeback after a poor start, losing three of their first four matches. They are currently placed in third position in the points table, with seven wins from 12 matches. If they manage to win the match against CSK, their chances of qualification will increase significantly. SRH is also coming to the contest after suffering a big 87-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The rivalry between CSK and SRH has seen the two teams face each other 24 times in the IPL so far. CSK have dominated the head-to-head record with 16 wins, while SRH have emerged victorious on eight occasions. There have been no tied matches or no results between the sides. Their first-ever meeting took place on April 25, 2013, with CSK winning, while the most recent clash was held on April 18, 2026, with SRH coming out on top. When: Monday, May 18, 7:30 PM IST Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to Watch: The CSK vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Smaran Ravichandran, Abhishek Sharma, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Salil Arora, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Jack Edwards, Brydon Carse, Sakib Hussain, Zeeshan Ansari, Aniket Verma, Amit Kumar, Krains Fuletra Article Source: IANS
'He Remained The Same Despite Two Ducks': Tim David Hails Kohli's Consistency
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David said batting stalwart Virat Kohli never looked affected by his lean patch earlier in the season, adding that the former India captains mindset and consistency continue to set the tone for the franchise ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Kohli recently silenced criticism with a match-winning century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous match after enduring a couple of low scores, but David said there was never any visible change in the veteran batters approach or confidence. To be honest, he doesnt change; you wouldnt have known that he had two ducks unless youd been watching the TV or something else. It was great for him to score a hundred, great for all of our fans to see that, and it was a match-winning performance, David told broadcasters ahead of the match. David added that RCBs strong campaign this season has been built on collective contributions rather than individual brilliance alone. Weve had so many people in our team stepping up this season. Hopefully its him again or someone else, but were feeling pretty good, he said. The Australian power-hitter also praised RCBs top order for playing fearless cricket and giving the middle-order freedom to play their roles calmly. At the top, we have some really classy players. Those guys play good cricketing shots; they make themselves feel confident to play aggressively and express themselves with the depth weve got, David said. He admitted that some of the lower middle-order batters have not always had enough time in the middle because of the consistency shown by the top-order batters. Weve certainly got guys that dont get enough batting as much as theyd want because were watching the guys put on a clinic at the top, he noted. Speaking about his own form, David said he has been pleased with the way he has been striking the ball throughout the season and is focused on delivering whenever the team requires him. To be honest, Im just looking forward most of the time. I feel like Ive been batting really well the whole season. I just want to put in performances for the team. I've been hitting the ball really well at training consistently, and hopefully when I get the chance in the middle, I can do whatever the team needs, he said. David also underlined the importance of composure and decision-making in pressure situations. To be honest, Im just looking forward most of the time. I feel like Ive been batting really well the whole season. I just want to put in performances for the team. I've been hitting the ball really well at training consistently, and hopefully when I get the chance in the middle, I can do whatever the team needs, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, RCB are currently placed at the top spot in the points table with 16 points in 12 matches. They will confirm their playoff birth if they beat PBKS. Article Source: IANS
PBKS opt to bowl vs Jitesh-led RCB
Romario Shepherd and Suyash Sharma were back for RCB
IPL 2026: Rajat Patidar Misses Out For RCB As PBKS Opt To Bowl
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Punjab Kings (RCB) have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the match number 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar is not taking part in the match, while wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma is leading the side in his absence. Suyash Sharma is replacing Patidar, while Romario Shepherd replaces Jacob Duffy. Punjab Kings have made two changes in their side as Harpreet Brar and Lockie Ferguson are back in the playing XI. After winning the toss, Shreyas Iyer said We're going to bowl. I'm not going by the stats; we're clearly seeing how the games pan out. If we bat and bowl well, the toss doesn't matter. I seriously had no clue that this was my 100th game as a captain, but it feels great. It feels like a great opportunity for me to win my 100th game (as captain). The bowling has been fantastic, but there are pressure moments where you need to execute, and so you can't change the past, nor can you anticipate the future. The beauty is to stay in the moment, see the moment, and enjoy the pressure. Two changes for us (Harpreet) Brar and Lockie (Ferguson) come in, he added. While after losing the toss, RCB skipper Jitesh Sharma said, We would have loved to bowl first, but the wicket is good and should play well for 40 overs. Rajat is doing fantastic, and we should see him in Hyderabad. We are at the business end of the tournament, and Im happy with how the team is performing, both individually and as a unit. Yes, we are very pleased that the team looks so stable right now. We are giving our absolute best in every department. One win tonight secures our spot in the playoffs, so its a massive game for us. Absolutely, every game is important at this stage. This win can change the entire tablenot just for us, but for several other teams as well.. Suyash replaces Rajat and Romario replaces Duffy, he added. Punjab began their campaign in dominant fashion, winning six of their opening seven matches and emerging as one of the strongest sides in the tournament. However, their momentum has faded in recent weeks, with Shreyas Iyre's men suffering five consecutive defeats. As the playoff battle heats up, PBKS will be desperate to halt the slide and strengthen their chances of securing a top-four finish. PBKS are currently placed at fourth position in the points table with 13 points in 12 matches. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the best teams in IPL 2026, winning eight of their 12 matches so far. They are almost through to the playoffs and will now look to secure a top-two finish with a win against the Kings. RCB are coming into this match with confidence after beating the Kolkata Knight Riders, thanks to a brilliant century from Virat Kohli. Playing XIs Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Impact substitutes: Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey, Musheer Khan Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Rasikh Dar, Jordan Cox, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh, Kaushik Chauhan Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'GT Still Have The Ball In Their Court For Top Two Finish,' Says Chawla After KKR Loss
Indian Premier League: Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla believes that 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) can still qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs by remaining in the top two, as they have their fate in their hands despite suffering a 29-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday. After being asked to bat, KKR set a huge total of 247/2 in 20 overs thanks to the brilliant knock by Finn Allen, who scored 93 runs in 35 balls, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi also scored 82 runs off just 44 balls. In reply, despite the 85-run innings from captain Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to cross the line and scored just 218 runs. With this loss, GT still sits in the second spot in the points table with 16 points in 13 matches. Chawla feels that Gujarat will be eager to finish in the top two by winning their next match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) rather than depending on other teams for favourable results or net run rate. Gujarat Titans will be worried because they would want to finish in the top two. They still have the ball in their court. They have a game against CSK left. If they win that one, they will definitely finish in the top two. But if not, then net run rate and all those things will come into the picture, Chawla told Jio Hotstar. You want to be safe because you don't want to be dependent on others, especially at this stage of the tournament. The things that are in your control, you just want to make sure you do them really well, he added. According to Chawla, chasing a mammoth total like 248 was always going to be challenging for GT as they don't have that much firepower at the top. You want to be safe because you don't want to be dependent on others, especially at this stage of the tournament. The things that are in your control, you just want to make sure you do them really well, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They are consistent in that range. But when the target crosses 240, it becomes very challenging for their batting style. The way Gill and Sai Sudharsan bat, they rely on building partnerships. They don't have the same explosive firepower in the top order, he added. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Patidar Ruled Out, Jitesh To Captain RCB Against PBKS In Dharamsala
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without their regular skipper Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium here on Sunday, with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma set to lead the side in his absence. An IPL source confirmed to IANS about Patidars absence from the clash which is a re-match of the 2025 IPL final, where RCB edged PBKS to win their first title. Rajat Patidar wont be playing today. Jitesh will be the captain of RCB for this clash. Patidar wasnt seen in RCB travel videos to Dharamshala and missed both practice sessions. He will be back for RCBs last game in Hyderabad, further said the source. Patidar has been one of RCBs standout performers this season, amassing 326 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 195, including hitting three half-centuries. But his absence for the clash against CSK leaves a significant void in RCBs middle order and it will be interesting to see who replaces him in the starting eleven. RCB are currently sitting on top of the points table and a win over PBKS will confirm their playoffs berth. They arrive in Dharamsala on the back of successive victories. RCB will also continue to miss opener Phil Salt, who is yet to return from England after a finger injury. It means his compatriot Jacob Bethell will partner Virat Kohli at the top. Patidar has been one of RCBs standout performers this season, amassing 326 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 195, including hitting three half-centuries. But his absence for the clash against CSK leaves a significant void in RCBs middle order and it will be interesting to see who replaces him in the starting eleven. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The spotlight will now be on Jitesh, who has endured his leanest IPL season since debuting in 2022. He has managed just 90 runs so far and has fallen to pacers eight times in ten innings. For a batter known for his finishing abilities, rediscovering form as captain could be pivotal for Jitesh before RCB head into the playoffs. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Piyush Chawla Calls Narine 'best In The Business' After Masterclass Vs GT
Kolkata Knight Riders: Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legend Sunil Narine, calling him 'the best in the business' after his magnificent spell against Gujarat Titans(GT) helped the team register a 29-run win at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. In a match where 465 runs were scored across 40 overs, Narine stood out with a miserly spell of 2/29 in his four overs, helping KKR defend a massive 247/2 and keep their playoff hopes alive. KKR rode on explosive batting performances from Finn Allen (93), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (82 not out), and Cameron Green (52 not out) to post a daunting total. In reply, GT were well in the chase thanks to Shubman Gills commanding 85 and Jos Buttlers 57 before Narine turned the game with key breakthroughs. Chawla said Narines ability to maintain control in a high-scoring era makes him one of the most special bowlers in T20 cricket. Sunil Narine is one of the best in the business, no doubt. Cricket has evolved, and runs are flowing everywhere. Many things have changed in modern-day cricket, but one thing hasn't: his economy rate, Chawla told Jio Hotstar. No matter the surface or the venue, 450 runs were scored in this game, but Narine's economy rate stood out as the difference. He bowled the tough overs and kept it tight. He also picked up two wickets, he added. Chawla particularly highlighted Narines tactical brilliance in dismissing Gill, who looked set for a century while leading GTs chase. When Shubman Gill was going strong and looked set for a hundred, Narine changed his angle. We rarely see him go around the wicket to a right-hander. But he did it to cramp Gill for room, he said. Chawla particularly highlighted Narines tactical brilliance in dismissing Gill, who looked set for a century while leading GTs chase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Narines spell proved decisive as GT finished at 218/4 despite being strongly placed at 177/1 after 16 overs. Article Source: IANS
Recreational Activities, Fun Sports Zone Adorn 74th Edition Of Fit India Sundays On Cycle
Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya: The 74th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle saw enthusiastic participation of 50,000 individuals at 5000 locations across the country. The cycling drive was organized in association with Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Customs Departments of the Government of India. A plethora of recreational activities were also parallelly organized along with the cycling initiative like Yoga, rope skipping and Zumba. In New Delhi, the event was conducted at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium that witnessed a turnout of over 800 individuals including officers from the GST and Customs departments along with the general public from all age groups. A fun sports zone was also created prompting the public to try out options like badminton, chess, carrom and ludo etc. Lemon race, ball game, tug of war, squat challenge and push-up challenge were also conducted. Started by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the cycling movement has witnessed participation from 32,38,234 fitness enthusiasts till now across 3,07,852 locations in 74 editions. Talking about the initiative, Manish Kumar, Chief Commissioner (Customs Department) said, Following the clarion call by our Honble Prime Minister to adopt a healthy lifestyle, the officers and employees of the GST and Customs Departments have become part of the Fit India movement. We all know health is our biggest property. If you are healthy, you will be able to complete your task properly. Echoing the sentiment, Narendra Kumar Yadav, Additional Director (GST) and Fit India Ambassador said cycling is also plays an important role in controlling air pollution. This is our regular event of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. As I am the brand ambassador for Fit India, we organise the cycling event every Sunday across the country. As PM Modi has appealed to people, cycling is important for not only our health and environment, but also for the economy of our country, as it is helping us save fuel, Yadav said later. Talking about the initiative, Manish Kumar, Chief Commissioner (Customs Department) said, Following the clarion call by our Honble Prime Minister to adopt a healthy lifestyle, the officers and employees of the GST and Customs Departments have become part of the Fit India movement. We all know health is our biggest property. If you are healthy, you will be able to complete your task properly. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs). Article Source: IANS
Ireland T20Is: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already ready for the international stage, urging selectors to fast-track the youngster into Indias T20 setup following his remarkable rise over the past few months. Sooryavanshis stock has soared rapidly after a sensational run in the Indian Premier League with the Rajasthan Royals, where the left-handed opener has emerged as one of the most destructive batters of the season. The teenager has accumulated 440 runs in 11 innings while maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of 236.56, including a tournament-leading tally of 40 sixes. His breakthrough campaign has featured a breathtaking 36-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with two additional half-centuries, performances that have elevated him from a promising youth prospect to a genuine contender for higher honours. Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, said the fearless approach shown by the youngster against experienced bowlers across the IPL makes him impossible to ignore. The door would be three-fourths open. I can tell you that, for sure, because if you want to encourage or get someone young and into the setup as quickly as possible, then it's the T20 format of the game and he is not short by any margin. This guy can walk into a lot of sides in world cricket at this current moment in time. Just when you look at the exuberance of youth and that youth shows on his face, Shastri said on The ICC Review. The former India captain and coach suggested that Indias upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland could offer the ideal platform to introduce Sooryavanshi to senior international cricket. If selected, the youngster would become the youngest player ever to debut for India. Shastri dismissed concerns surrounding the batters age, insisting that his performances and temperament already indicate readiness for the next level. A lot of people will ask, is he 15, is he 16, is he 14? I don't care. I just see the way he is batting at the moment and the way he's taking on all comers twice his age or maybe two and a half times his age. It doesn't matter to him. So I think he's very, very much in the reckoning. And when you have tours of Ireland and all this happening now, I would be looking into him straight away, Shastri added. The timing of Shastris endorsement has only intensified speculation around Sooryavanshis future after the teenager earned his maiden India A call-up earlier this week. The selection came just a day after Shastri publicly backed him for national honours, further strengthening the narrative around his meteoric rise. A lot of people will ask, is he 15, is he 16, is he 14? I don't care. I just see the way he is batting at the moment and the way he's taking on all comers twice his age or maybe two and a half times his age. It doesn't matter to him. So I think he's very, very much in the reckoning. And when you have tours of Ireland and all this happening now, I would be looking into him straight away, Shastri added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Having already starred in Indias victorious ICC Mens Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign earlier this year, Sooryavanshis rapid progression is beginning to draw comparisons with some of the countrys fastest-rising cricket talents in recent memory. Article Source: IANS
It Is Simple Math, Says Patel On GT's Qualification Scenario After KKR Loss
Kolkata Knight Riders: Gujarat Titans(GT) batting coach Parthiv Patel admitted that there is no panic in the dressing room despite the 29-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday, as the team is looking to keep things simple and qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs by winning their last group stage match. According to Parthiv, GT is not dependent on other teams' results, and it's a big relief as they can secure the qualification mark on their own by winning the match against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), to be played at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad on May 21. It's a simple scenario for us. We don't have to worry about other results either. It is in our hands. If we win the game, we qualify, as simple as that. I don't think we have to think about other results. For us, it is simple math, Patel said in the post-match press conference. We try to keep it as simple as possible. We know our strengths and our weaknesses. We want to build on our strengths and want to ensure we make fewer unforced errors. But the game is such that sometimes you make mistakes, but our plan is not to complicate things and keep them simple, he added. It's a simple scenario for us. We don't have to worry about other results either. It is in our hands. If we win the game, we qualify, as simple as that. I don't think we have to think about other results. For us, it is simple math, Patel said in the post-match press conference. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In reply, despite the 85-run innings from captain Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to cross the line and scored just 218 runs. With this loss, GT still sits in the second spot in the points table with 16 points in 13 matches. Article Source: IANS
PBKS vs RCB Match 61, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 , Cricket Tips : Royal Challengers Bengaluru are just one win away from making it to the playoffs. They are almost through with 16 points on the board. But their qualification is still not confirmed. One more win and they will be officially in. RCB will take on Punjab Kings in match no. 61. Both teams will take on Sunday at 3:30 PM IST at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. PBKS have now lost five games in a row. They need this win to make their chances stronger. If they lose, they can get eliminated also. PBKS vs RCB: Match Details Date : May 17, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala PBKS vs RCB Live Streaming Details The live action of the PBKS vs RCB clash will be on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also access the live stream through the Jio Hotstar app or website. PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 37 PBKS : 18 RCB : 19 No - Result : 00 PBKS vs RCB: Ground Pitch Report HPCA Stadium offers a good batting wicket. Already teams have chased down 200+ scores in both games played here. However, there is enough help for the fast bowlers on this wicket. The bounce and pace are good, and bowlers can trouble the batters with the new ball. PBKS vs RCB Possible XIs PBKS : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal RCB : Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood PBKS vs RCB Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Virat Kohli is coming off a century and is the player in form. For PBKS, Priyansh Arya is someone who can put RCB under pressure. Probable Best Bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been superb and is bowling well at different stages. For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh bowled well in the last game and will be key. Today Match Prediction : PBKS have lost five games in a row and will be under pressure. Hence, we predict RCB, who are in form, to win this game. PBKS vs RCB Match 61, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, PBKS vs RCB 2026 Prediction, PBKS vs RCB Predicted XIs, Injury Update for PBKS 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.
'It is simple math' for GT but the 'upper ceiling' complicates matters
If you have to score targets further than 225, it will come back and hurt them, Sanjay Bangar says after GT fell 29 runs short of KKR's 247
Babar scraps after Taskin and Mehidy leave Pakistan in deep trouble
Pakistan, responding to Bangladesh's 278, went to lunch on the second day at a rickety 96 for 4
IPL 2026: Cameron Green Says KKR Have Finally Found The Right Balance After Crucial Win Over GT
Kolkata Knight Riders: Cameron Green believes Kolkata Knight Riders have finally found the right balance in their playing XI and batting order, with the Australian all-rounder insisting the defending champions are still firmly in the hunt for an IPL 2026 playoff spot after their commanding 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens. Green played a pivotal role in KKRs massive total of 247/2, hammering an unbeaten 52 off 28 deliveries while stitching together a match-defining 108-run partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Reflecting on KKRs campaign so far, Green admitted the side took time to settle on the ideal combination but praised the calmness within the dressing room despite inconsistent results earlier in the season. The coaching staff have been awesome. There was no panic behind closed doors. I think it just took us a while, maybe a bit too long, to figure out the right roles and get the right people in the right positions. I like to think I can bat in a few positions, but its about what is best for the team. Ajinkya Rahane has been awesome at the top for us, and the same goes for Angkrish, our youngster at number three. So, its just about where I fit into the team, and number four seems to be it. Weve found that now, so yeah, were giving ourselves a little chance here, Green told JioStar. Greens innings provided the finishing flourish after Finn Allens explosive 93 had dismantled the Titans bowling attack early in the evening. By the time Green arrived at the crease, KKR already had momentum on their side, and the Australian ensured there was no let-up in intensity. One of the standout moments of his knock came against Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green once again managed to attack the Afghanistan leg-spinner successfully, continuing a trend that has worked in his favour in previous encounters as well. However, the Australian dismissed suggestions that he has found a special formula against Rashid, instead crediting the platform laid by the top order. One of the standout moments of his knock came against Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green once again managed to attack the Afghanistan leg-spinner successfully, continuing a trend that has worked in his favour in previous encounters as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After a season marked by inconsistency, the Knight Riders now appear to have rediscovered momentum at the right time, powered by a settled batting order and a series of aggressive performances with the bat. Article Source: IANS
'I was probably a shell of a human for a bit' - being dropped helped, says Allen
I probably wasn't enjoying it as much as I should have at the time, because I was putting so much pressure on myself, Finn Allen says of his struggles early on in IPL 2026
IPL 2026: Dropped Catches Cost Us The Game, Says Parthiv Patel After GT Defeat
Kolkata Knight Riders: Parthiv Patel admitted that dropped catches hurt Gujarat Titans after their five-match winning streak ended in a high-scoring loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Saturday. KKR set a huge total of 247/2 at Eden Gardens before limiting Gujarat to 218/4, winning by 29 runs and keeping their playoff hopes alive. After the match, Gujarat Titans assistant coach Patel pointed out fielding mistakes as the key factor in the game. I think catching is something that made a huge difference, Patel said after the match. When you are playing high-scoring games against strong batters, you don't get many chances. When you get that chance, you have to make sure you catch the balls. I thought that was the difference. GT missed important opportunities against all three KKR batters who made significant contributions. Finn Allen was dropped by Mohammed Siraj at long-on when he had scored 33. The explosive opener took full advantage, blasting 93 off just 35 balls, including 10 sixes. Cameron Green got another chance on 23 when Arshad Khan dropped a catch and accidentally knocked the ball over the boundary for four. Green finished with an unbeaten 52 off 28 balls. Angkrish Raghuvanshi also benefited from a missed catch on 53 when Washington Sundar dropped a chance. The young batter ended his innings not out on 82. Once KKR passed the 240-run mark, Gujarat's chase became more challenging, even with a strong effort from their batting lineup. However, Patel especially praised Allen for how he took on Gujarats strong pace attack led by Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. He played a very good innings, there is no doubt about it, Patel said. However, Patel especially praised Allen for how he took on Gujarats strong pace attack led by Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the loss, Gujarat remains in the hunt for the playoffs. However, this defeat cost them a chance to secure qualification. Article Source: IANS
Svitolina beats Gauff to win Italian Open
In the men's final on Sunday, home favourite Jannik Sinner will face Casper Ruud
IPL 2026: Bangar Calls Narine legend Of The League After Another Masterclass
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sanjay Bangar described Sunil Narine as a legend of the league after the veteran spinner once again played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders important win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Narine posted figures of 2/29 in KKRs 29-run victory on Saturday and received the Player of the Match award during his 200th IPL appearance. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Bangar ranked Narine among the top players in IPL history and praised his impressive consistency over more than a decade in the tournament. Many great names have played in this league, but longevity is a factor, Bangar said. He has had to overcome many issues related to how his bowling action was questioned at times, but he seems to have found a way to deliver with the same overspin thats usually part of his skill set, while still getting the ball to turn both ways. And that creates doubt in the batter's mind. I think those qualities make him a legend of the league. Bangar noted that Narines latest performance felt routine due to the high standards hes maintained throughout his IPL career. These are standard figures for him. He hasnt done anything extraordinary; he just did what he does regularly, Bangar said. The former India batting coach also shared an interesting off-air conversation with Ambati Rayudu about how batters have approached Narine over the years. Rayudu said that he tended to bat defensively against him; those singles and twos were the way to go, Bangar revealed. But there have been times when people have tried to slog-sweep him or play off the back foot through the off-side. However, nobody has really taken him down the way other spinners have been handled in the IPL. He seems to be a complete revelation because none of the batters over the last 12 or 13 years, in the 15 years that he has played in the IPL, has been able to dominate him. But there have been times when people have tried to slog-sweep him or play off the back foot through the off-side. However, nobody has really taken him down the way other spinners have been handled in the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With 205 wickets and three IPL titles to his name, the mystery spinner's legacy keeps growing with each season. Article Source: IANS
Rayudu Hails Narine As 'greatest IPL Player' Of All Time
Indian Premier League: Ambati Rayudu believes Sunil Narine is the best player in the history of the Indian Premier League. The veteran all-rounder once again delivered a match-winning performance for Kolkata Knight Riders. Narine had figures of 2/29 in KKRs 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 on Saturday, earning the Player of the Match award in his 200th IPL appearance. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show after the game, Rayudu said Narine's consistency and ability to impact matches with both bat and ball make him the greatest player the tournament has ever seen. Best IPL player, according to me, of all time, Rayudu said. Hes a proper match-winner with the ball and with the bat. There have been great players in the IPL, but this guy always stands out. He's at the top of the list for me. Narine's long career and impact continue to set him apart in the league. He is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 205 wickets, behind only Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. A one-franchise player since joining KKR in 2012, Narine has played a key role in all three of Kolkatas IPL title wins. He took 24 wickets at an economy of 5.47 during KKRs title-winning season in 2012, followed that with 21 wickets in 2014, and added 17 wickets during their championship run in 2024. Remarkably, Narine has never given up more than eight runs per over in a single IPL season. He remains one of the leagues most economical bowlers, even in an era dominated by batters. Rayudu also explained why Narine is such a tough bowler to face compared to other leading T20 spinners. I think Rashid Khan has a unique problem, especially on pitches like that, because everything is a topspinner, Rayudu said. Rayudu also explained why Narine is such a tough bowler to face compared to other leading T20 spinners. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As a batsman, it's always tough to line up against someone like Sunil Narine because the ball tends to hold. You often lose your shape. Article Source: IANS
Finn Allen admits IPL pressure made him a shell of a human before stunning KKR comeback
Finn Allen admitted he had become a shell of a human after putting too much pressure on himself during a tough start to the Indian Premier League 2026 season. However, stepping away briefly and rediscovering his love for batting has helped turn his fortunes around for Kolkata Knight Riders. On Saturday, Allen delivered one of the best innings of the tournament. He scored 93 runs off just 35 balls, hitting four boundaries and 10 sixes. This effort propelled Kolkata Knight Riders to a huge total of 247 against Gujarat Titans. Gujarat finished with 218/4, leading to a vital 29-run victory that kept KKR's playoff hopes alive. The explosive New Zealand opener had a rough start to the season, managing only 81 runs in his first five matches before being dropped for three games. However, his return to the lineup earlier this month marked a significant turnaround, starting with an unbeaten century off 47 balls. After Saturdays win in Kolkata, Allen opened up about the mental struggle he faced during his slump. To be honest, at the start of the tournament, I was putting far too much pressure on myself to perform, and I was probably a shell of a human for a bit there. It was all self-inflicted, Allen told reporters. I love playing cricket, I love batting, and I wasnt enjoying it as much as I should have at the time because I was putting too much pressure on myself. So having those few games off really helped me. Allen mentioned that simplifying his approach and focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations made a big difference in his batting during the shortest format. I think what I really worked on was being relaxed and enjoying myself. If I watch the ball harder, I am in a better position and Im a better cricketer for it, Allen said. Allen mentioned that simplifying his approach and focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations made a big difference in his batting during the shortest format. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This victory kept Kolkatas playoff hopes alive in a tightly packed mid-table race. KKR currently ranks seventh with 11 points but still has two matches left in the league stage. Article Source: IANS
Rayudu calls Narine the 'best IPL player of all time' after latest heroics
These are regulation figures for him, he has not done anything extraordinary, Sanjay Bangar says after Sunil Narine's 2 for 29 in KKR's win over GT
Gill: 'We didn't deserved to win this one'
GT dropped four catches, three of them sitters with Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green all benefiting from the chances
Taylor and Miles all smiles as Gloucestershire hit back in seesaw contest
Northants lose 6 for 42 in chaotic evening session before hosts reach stumps three down
Sai Sudharsan and Gill make it a GT one-two at the top of IPL 2026 Orange Cap table
Nothing much changed on the Purple Cap table with contenders Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan and Kartik Tyagi all going wicketless
IPL 2026: Score Of 200210 Was Par, But We Dropped Too Many Catches, Admits GT Skipper Gill
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders ended Gujarat Titans fivematch winning streak with a 29run victory at Eden Gardens on Saturday, a result that lifted them to sixth place on the points table and kept their playoffs hopes alive. GT skipper Shubman Gill admitted his sides fielding lapses proved costly, including dropping Finn Allen twice as he went on to smash a fiery 93. Looking at the wicket, 200210 was par score, but we dropped too many catches. Pitch was good, the odd one was stopping, but I felt we batted well to get to the score we did. No concerns, but our fielding could've been a lot better. We set a certain standard, and dropping 3 sitters - we didn't deserve to win this one. Looking at it that way, best to have a game like this now than in the Qualifiers. I think rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, see how the wicket is, and then plan accordingly (for the next game), Gill said at the conclusion of the game. KKR are now at sixth spot and behind the Punjab Kings, who are at fourth place. GT, who had thrived in bowlerfriendly conditions during their winning run, were undone by Eden Gardens batting surface and a poor fielding display, with Allens explosive 93 proving to be the difference. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded his batters for their intent, as they posted a massive 247/2. Very good game, really happy with two points. Amazing to see Allen, Angkrish, and Green's knocks. Credit goes to these batters. Preparation has always been fantastic. Talk was all about taking one game at a time. Intent was amazing. Don't forget they're a quality bowling attack. It was amazing to see batters going out there and dominating. Speaking of bowlers, Rahane lauded Saurabh Dubey and Sunil Narine. It's all about trusting their ability. All these guys have been doing well in the domestic season. Saurabh Dubey played well in the Vidarbha league. When he came here, all the coaches thought he had the talent. Credit to these guys who have been doing well, working hard, it's all about belief and confidence. Makes my job easy when you know Sunil Narine is in the team. Varun was struggling, but credit to him as well. The courage to play with a sore foot, he said. Player of the Match Sunil Narine reflected on his milestone appearance, as his spell of 2-29 ensured GT ended 29 runs short. It comes with hard work. The guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards, and it's showing. Hope it continues, no matter what the tournament has in store for us. It's all about planning what is in front of you. Every game brings a different challenge. All about trying to win the scenarios and trying not to overthink. Being a senior guy, God has given me the talent and health to play 200; hopefully, I play many more, he said. Player of the Match Sunil Narine reflected on his milestone appearance, as his spell of 2-29 ensured GT ended 29 runs short. It comes with hard work. The guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards, and it's showing. Hope it continues, no matter what the tournament has in store for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I'm not used to the keeping duties; it's taking everything out of me. The score says it all. I thought it was a great surface. Hope we can play on these surfaces every game. They have to kick me out of the nets, I play a lot of balls. Ever since I was a kid, my coach, Abhishek Nayar, has gotten me used to hitting 1000 balls a day. Article Source: IANS
Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green trump Gill, Buttler and Sai Sudharsan to keep KKR alive
Fireworks from the KKR trio lifted them to the highest total any team has put up against Gujarat Titans
Tom Abell, Craig Overton hundreds turn screw for Somerset
Sussex made to toil between showers as home side run up 526 for 8 declared
Aitchison makes history with century after five-for for Derbyshire
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IPL 2026: Mohammed Siraj Completes 200 T20 Wickets In Match Against KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders: Gujarat Titans' experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj reached a milestone in his career on Saturday by claiming his 200th wicket in T20 cricket during their match against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The fast bowler from Telangana reached the landmark by claiming the wicket of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, becoming the 21st Indian bowler to register 200 wickets in the shortest format of the game. Siraj claimed the all-crucial wicket in the fifth over of the innings with a fuller inswinging delivery that breached Rahane's defence and crashed into the stumps. It also added to Siraj's strong record against the former India batter in the IPL, dismissing him for the third time. The milestone underlines Siraj's position as one of India's leading fast bowlers across formats over the last few years. The Indian pacer reached the 200-wicket mark in his 174th T20 appearance, at an average above 25 and an economy rate slightly over eight runs per over. He also has six four-wicket hauls in the format. Of the right-arm pacer's 200 wickets in T20 cricket, 123 have come in 121 IPL matches with three four-wicket hauls to his name. Siraj made the breakthrough as Kolkata Knight Riders posted 247/2 in 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans. Powered by Finn Allens blistering 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshis composed 82 not out, and Cameron Greens unbeaten rapid halfcentury, KKR posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. Article Source: IANS
Glamorgan seamers prosper on damp day in Birmingham
Warwickshire off the pace despite Oliver Hannon-Dalby's second successive five-wicket haul
Ekansh Singh makes mark with bat and ball as Durham stutter
Kent allrounder profits from Ben Stokes no-ball, with Division Two leaders under the pump
Pathirana walks off with hamstring issue against GT
Pathirana's KKR debut lasted just eight balls after he suggested hamstring discomfort in his second over
Fisher finishes with four as rain limits Surrey reply
Overnight centurions Bairstow and Lyth unable to go big for hosts
IPL 2026: You Dont Captain When You At-bat, Says Sangakkara As He Decodes Roles Of Fit-again Parag
Indian Premier League: In the high-stakes ecosystem of the Indian Premier League (IPL), managing young talent burdened with multi-faceted responsibilities is one of the toughest challenges for any modern coach. Ahead of the Rajasthan Royals crucial game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kumar Sangakkara, RRs head coach and director of cricket, provided an expansive masterclass into how the franchise navigates the development of its young captain, Riyan Parag. In a major boost for the inaugural champions as they look to solidify their playoff credentials, Sangakkara confirmed that the team expects Parag to be fully fit from a hamstring niggle and be ready to lead the side from the front. Parag was back batting in the nets after a hamstring niggle ruled him out of RR's last game against the Gujarat Titans, which they lost by 77 runs. Parag has averaged just 23, and his one good knock, ironically, came against DC, when he cracked 90 in Jaipur. We were expecting him to be fully fit and ready. I think Riyan has three roles. One is captain, leader, and batter. Every single time, he's got to separate the three a little bit. Captaincy and leadership go a little bit more hand-in-hand, whereas batting, he just has to enjoy his batting as Riyan Parag, the batter. You saw in the Kings game and then in the game after that against DC how well he did in terms of his execution, his real short skill, and situational awareness. Those are three key things for a batter. Unfortunately, he had a little hamstring niggle after that game, so he couldn't really continue that momentum. But every game is an opportunity for him to do that, and he's one of our best batters by far. So I have no issues with his skill, and the conversation is all about just making sure that you are batting as Riyan Parag, the batter. You don't captain when you bat. I thought his captaincy this season has been excellent - very, very good. He's learning very quickly. He's making some good, great decisions out there, said Sangakkara in the pre-match press conference. Stepping into RRs captaincy brings intense scrutiny, but Sangakkara revealed that Parag has displayed an exceptionally mature appetite for self-improvement. But also, he's got a process for when plans are set, and how to follow them. He has a lot of time with the players and the bat group staff to try and get his plans right. Then, in his leadership role, he has spent quite a good time with the players, the overseas, the Indians, just talking to them, understanding them a little bit more. I think he's been in those roles, and he's been very, very good. So I think he just needs to keep believing in himself and go out there, and when he bats, just have some fun with a smile because everyone knows what he can do. Then do the other two roles as well as he's been doing so far, he added. Sangakkara also described the team's itinerary as weird, characterised by a rapid succession of back-to-back games followed by twin eight-day breaks. It's not too difficult. Sometimes you do tend to think too far ahead. So we have these little conversations with the players about keeping their focus, taking it ball by ball. They've been pretty good. You can't really shy away from the fact that you've got to keep winning each game, and that's a good challenge for these guys. The real key is to be consistent in your standards. We've had really good days with both bat and ball. Some days with the ball, not so much with the bat, and that happens in T20 cricket. We've had a kind of weird schedule. We've had quick games one after the other, then an eight-day break, one game, another eight-day break. So sometimes it's good, sometimes it's counterproductive. The primary antidote, as per Sangakkara, to be fresh in a staggered schedule is psychological freshness. But the whole point is, once you know the schedule, just kind of keep your standards up. You practice really with purpose, you don't have to overtrain, and then you just have to keep believing that we have the skills as a unit to really go out there and compete against and beat any side. The real proof of preparation is being able to execute properly in a game. Once you're executing well, the result can go whichever way to the side that plays a little bit better and smarter in those big moments. So those big moments are what we're trying to win and really set up games for us to take advantage of. The guys have been in a good space. They know when things go right, they know when things don't go so well. So you don't really have to beat them over the head with it. Just keep supporting them and just lead them down to kind of the right focus, and then it's just skill versus skill after that. Sometimes, during breaks, just over-training is a problem. So we are here to practice and just to play. So we will have different sessions, but a lot of these breaks have been about refocusing, refreshing, keeping those guys having fun and having them really love being together as a group, and then you train in the last three days. RR, suffering five defeats in their last seven outings, has sparked fears of them entering a chronic second-half wobble, a trend that proved fatal for the franchise in the last two seasons. RR once looked invincible after four successive wins, but now finds itself on a slippery slope and at fifth spot on the points table, with Sangakkara remaining pragmatic about the highs and lows of the league. I think we've had a few close games. We had a 224 game that was chased down. We had a few fielding mistakes in the SRH game. Then, we were not really disciplined in terms of execution in the DC game. I mean, I have no problems when teams have done as much as they can to execute well, give their best effort on the field, and then you walk out and say, 'We got beaten by a better side.' RR, suffering five defeats in their last seven outings, has sparked fears of them entering a chronic second-half wobble, a trend that proved fatal for the franchise in the last two seasons. RR once looked invincible after four successive wins, but now finds itself on a slippery slope and at fifth spot on the points table, with Sangakkara remaining pragmatic about the highs and lows of the league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Every side goes through the IPL in the same way. Highs, lows, highs, lows, good starts, good middle overs, good ends, bad ends, bad middles - that's the nature of the game. So you've got to keep focusing on the next game, just getting your training right, your focus right. You can't change the past. You don't know what tomorrow will bring, but all you can do is just be ready for it. Article Source: IANS
Porter's maiden fifty inspires Essex batting fightback
Nightwatcher finds form as Allison, Mulder and Harmer follow lead to reduce deficit
O'Neill five sets up Notts on rain-truncated day
Ben Slater leads reply as Hampshire fight to stay in touch after being bowled out for 214
Jonassen heroics not enough as Warwickshire sneak home by three wickets
Aussie allrounder scores century and takes three wickets in losing cause for Yorkshire
IPL 2026: Sometimes You Get A Little Bit Lucky, Says Allen After Hitting An Explosive 93 Against GT
Indian Premier League: Kolkata Knight Riders opener Finn Allen admitted fortune played its part in him hitting a blazing 93 against the Gujarat Titans, but insisted clarity of thought and adapting to conditions were key as his side piled up 247/2 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Saturday. His knock, studded with 10 sixes and four fours, set the tone for KKR before Raghuvanshi (82 not out) and Cameron Green (52 not out) ensured the innings closed with a flourish, leaving GT staring at a daunting chase. Sometimes you get a little bit lucky (talking about the luck he got early on). I just tried to continue as long as I could. Yeah, it's a beautiful ground to bat at. Boundaries are quite small, and the wicket is usually pretty good. It was a little bit tricky at the start, but we just tried to push through that, Allen said to broadcasters at the innings break. Asked if the pitch improved as the innings went on, he replied, Definitely. It was quite challenging with the new ball. Again, two quality bowlers. So, as I said, I just tried to push through that and get to the middle phase. Allen was effusive in his praise for young teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck a careerbest 82 not out. He's a proper player. The way he gets up and starts his innings, the batsmanship that he shows at such a young age, he's a quality player. On whether he had a total in mind while batting, the New Zealander added, No, I think personally, I just try and worry about that towards the back end of the innings if I'm there. Allen was effusive in his praise for young teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck a careerbest 82 not out. He's a proper player. The way he gets up and starts his innings, the batsmanship that he shows at such a young age, he's a quality player. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Allen backed his sides batting depth to defend the imposing total and keep themselves alive in the race to the playoffs. I think I'll definitely back our boys. We've got a serious lineup, and I back our boys, he said. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Allens 93, Raghuvanshis 82 Not Out Help KKR Post 247/2 Against GT
Kolkata Knight Riders: Powered by Finn Allens blistering 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshis composed 82 not out, and Cameron Greens unbeaten rapid halfcentury, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Green provided solid support by sharing an unbroken 108-run stand with Raghuvanshi for the third wicket and helping himself to 52 not out off 28 balls, laced with three fours and four maximums as the runs continued to flow unchecked for KKR. Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. After being given two reprieves, Allen was in imperious touch, punishing Rashid Khan with backtoback sixes and raising a 21ball halfcentury. He continued to toy with the attack, hammering Arshad Khan for three sixes in an over and racing to 93 off just 35 balls. His dismissal of Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, caught by Rashid at longon, ended a breathtaking knock but left KKR well placed for a huge score. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Green provided the late fireworks, smashing Rashid for a straight six and then hammering Rabada and Siraj for boundaries with powerful pulls and drives. He reached his fifty off 26 balls and finished unbeaten to ensure KKR had a fantastic finish and left GT staring at a daunting chase. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 247/2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out; R Sai Kishore 1-38, Mohammed Siraj 1-50) against Gujarat Titans Article Source: IANS
Levick takes six as Durham leap off the bottom with 120-run win
Armitage, Heath and Rogers in the runs as Somerset are condemned to heavy defeat
Parag's fitness in focus as RR look to regain lost ground against DC
DC's playoff chances hang by a thread and if they lose on Sunday, they will be out of the race
IPL 2026: Sometimes The Best Thing Is To Let Vaibhav Be Vaibhav, Says Sangakkara
Indian Premier League: In an era dominated by hyper-analysis, data tracking, and relentless media scrutiny of teenage prodigies, Rajasthan Royals head coach and director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has revealed they have a no clutter policy for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, adding that sometimes the best thing is to let him be himself. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I think handle is a strange word. Vaibhav is a supremely talented batter. He's very young. The key thing for Vaibhav is to enjoy every moment. He'll have good days, he'll have not-so-good days. It's absolutely fine. The worst thing we can do is clutter his mind, and that's something we avoid. We have a conversation with him. If he needs it, it's never technical. It's never to do with cricket. Sometimes you've got to get their minds off the game. One thing Vaibhav loves is batting. He loves batting, and that's a great sign to see from a young player. He enjoys playing cricket, but the most important thing about Vaibhav that I've seen is that he reads the game very well. So he's a smart little kid, and he'll keep understanding himself and the game and how to be in groups as he grows up. But so far, he's been a wonderful addition to our team, not just in terms of the runs he scores, but around the group. He's held his own with all his senior players. He loves a joke, smiles, and loves a bit of banter, and he's forged some really good relationships. So sometimes the best thing is to let Vaibhav be Vaibhav, said Sangakkara in the pre-match press conference. Despite Sooryavanshi's staggering metrics and his ability to pull off astonishing shots that veteran batters struggle to execute in T20s, Sangakkara flatly rejected the notion that the youngster is receiving specialised elite curation or being treated differently than the rest of the squad. I think one of the most important things in managing or coaching or whatever it is, is to understand your players. Each player is different, so you can't fit everyone into one box. You've got to first spend enough time with them to understand how they think, what their personalities are, how they react to a challenge, what their emotional intelligence is, all of these things. Vaibhav, for being such a young player, is very, very attuned to tactics; he's very attuned to reading bowlers, reading the game. He's very good with his peers and also his older teammates. He's great with internationals. So there's not a lot to do with Vaibhav. Everyone knows how talented he is. I don't have to sit here and tell you he's incredibly good. He's not a special project for us. He's a special player, but we try to treat every single player the same. We're very even-handed in how we treat our players. We're very mindful of the fact that each player is important, especially the players who haven't played as yet. Sometimes they're more important than the ones that play because they bring a lot of energy and support from the outside. So you have to support those players as well. It's not easy, and up to now, Vaibhav's been lovely to have with us, he added. However, Sangakkara was quick to issue a realistic reminder that the honeymoon period will eventually evolve into a tactical chess match for Sooryavanshi as opposition video analysts begin to dissect the teenager's game. The key to surviving that transition, according to the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, lies in preserving the inner child within Sooryavanshi, who fell in love with the sport a few years ago. But for Vaibhav, this is just the start, and he'll face different challenges as he grows older, as he starts playing more international cricket, as bowlers try to plan against him. The one thing he should never lose is his enjoyment of batting, and he should always bat with the same love he had for this skill. At 12, 13, 14, he's 15 now - he must never lose that love and fun that he has with batting. So the thing we try to do with Vaibhav is allow him to be himself. Have him have fun and be light. He loves his batting. So we always say, tell us how much you want to bat. Just make sure that you're not too tired, that you're fresh for a game. Then, in terms of managing him, we try to look after him as well as we do any other player. Sangakkara then offered an equally robust defense of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who started brilliantly as number three batter, but has averaged under 19.7 in his last seven innings. I think for Dhruv, it's very simple not to be too hard on himself. I know there are a lot of expectations from around him, a lot of expectations from himself. But you can't beat yourself up about it when things go perfectly well. Nothing really goes perfectly well. Dhruv is, again, a very, very wholesome young man. His head's always in the right place. He's very grounded, very focused on doing everything right, and works hard. He's got some great interests outside cricket, one of which is coffee. All he needs to do is bat like Dhruv Jurel. I mean, he's got everything. He's got all the shots. He's superbly fit. He's very good with his gloves. It's just a matter of time. If he just keeps doing what he's doing currently, just keeps that focus, keeps working hard, no one's going to stop him. You look at his close friend, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Yash is, to me right now, one of the top five most accomplished batters in the world in every format. We're very lucky to have him. So he's got some great cricketers around him that he can feed off, he can talk cricket with. He's got some really good staff in Vikram Rathour, Trevor Penney, Sid Lahiri, all of these that he can speak with about batting. You can have all these conversations, but ultimately, making those decisions is up to you. I have no doubt that Dhruv Jurell is destined for very good things in the future, not just in RR colours, but also in Indian colours, elaborated Sangakkara. Speaking further on Jaiswal, whos averaged 18.9 in his last seven innings, Sangakkara highlighted how the left-handed opener provides a completely different kind of tactical reassurance compared to the explosive Sooryavanshi, adding that his ability to grind out runs in hostile environments makes him an interesting case study. See, when you focus, I mean, everyone focuses a lot on Vaibhav because he's young, exciting, and does things sometimes other batters can't. But that's the same thing with a batter like Yash. Yash does things other batters can't do - that is just slow runs in any condition against any moving attack, anywhere in the world, at any moment. Speaking further on Jaiswal, whos averaged 18.9 in his last seven innings, Sangakkara highlighted how the left-handed opener provides a completely different kind of tactical reassurance compared to the explosive Sooryavanshi, adding that his ability to grind out runs in hostile environments makes him an interesting case study. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ultimately, you play cricket, you have to be able to take responsibility for what you do for your side. Sometimes that means doing well for yourself because it helps the side, and Yash just needs to keep focused, smile, relax, and enjoy his batting. Every time he does that, he does well for us. Article Source: IANS
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Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Ian Bell drew glowing parallels between wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and England batting greats Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, praising the Indian batters relentless work ethic and intelligence in evolving as a modern T20 batter ahead of Sundays Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rahul, who has been the linchpin of DCs misfiring batting line-up this season, has endured a lean patch since smashing a record-breaking, unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings last month. The elegant right-hander has crossed the 30-run mark just once in his last five innings. Overall, Rahul remains DC's top scorer this season with 477 runs from 12 matches at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 178, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 152. It's been amazing to work with KL, to be honest with you. Again, I didn't have to say too much. He's a smart cricketer. He knows what he needs to do to keep evolving his game. Again, if he wants to get back in the India T20, he knows where that game has gone in the power play and where you have to be. So I think he's a really intelligent cricketer, which, again, as a coach and working alongside. Again, when I've been fortunate enough to play with great players, Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, they're very similar. They work extremely hard away from the cameras. They know what they're doing. They come to training with a purpose. So he's been really great to work with, really, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. DC will be desperate for Rahul to find his groove as he faces a challenging battle against RRs pace spearhead Jofra Archer. Historically, Rahul enjoys an exceptional record against RR, aggregating 826 runs from 18 innings at an average of 51.62 and a strike rate of 135, featuring eight half-centuries. His last five scores against the Royals read a consistent 75, 38, 76, 58, and 39. I've picked his brains a lot as well, which has been great for me as well. But he's great, again, around the group with the younger batters. But I think for his own game, he knew what he wanted to do coming to this club. We know he can score a volume of runs. But can he then slightly take that more to where the game is going now? I think he's proven to everyone he can do that. Hopefully this is the, like I said, for the next few years, that's where it's going, and who knows where it can go after this, and I think that's the impressive thing. The same is true when you watch Virat as well. I think players who've played so much cricket and get to that stage in their career, if you are willing to improve and get better, I think that shows hunger and desire. KL, as I said, around the group, shows that every day, added Bell, who played 118 Tests and 161 ODIs for England. While Rahul has spearheaded DC batting, Bell emphasised the need for individual ownership within the wider batting order, especially while batting first. I think there's no doubt about the way the game is going in T20 cricket. We've seen the scores this year. I mean, we've managed ourselves to score 265 and then not defend it. So we know where the game's going and plan A is to be ultra aggressive, but we've also seen here in Delhi where the wicket can be a little bit different, and you've got to use different skills. If the ball's turning and it's a bit tacky, then you have to adapt. You've got to be able to play the likes of Narine differently. You've got to find your options as well as using your power game. So I think there's a part of play when the surface isn't absolutely true. But again, I think for us here, we still want to give the guys absolute clarity and license to be as aggressive as possible. We know that you're not going to win T20 cricket anymore by playing safe and building a foundation. But I think the best teams can adapt. I think that's where we have to be, certainly here at home, and we've got to be better at doing that by adapting to when the wicket is really good, to when the wicket maybe is holding a little bit and finding what is a match-winning score if we bat first. Bell also strongly voiced his backing for skipper Axar Patel, who has faced turbulent form this season. Axar has managed just 100 runs from nine batting innings at a disappointing average of 12.5 and a strike rate of 112. Barring a 30-ball 56 against the Punjab Kings, Axar has registered single-digit scores in seven of his other eight outings. Statistically, this is Axar's third-worst season with the bat in tournament history, only slightly ahead of his averages in 2021 (8) and 2014 (10.3). His primary struggle has come against spin, where he averages a meagre 9.5 with a sluggish strike rate of 70, compared to an average of 13.5 and a strike rate of 131 against pace. On the bowling front, Axar has fared better but has lacked his trademark penetration, picking up 10 wickets from 11 innings at an economy rate of 8.10. Furthermore, while he has been restrictive against right-handers this season - yielding seven wickets at an economy of 7.2, he has been taken to the cleaners by left-handed batsmen, conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 12. I think it's been really important to really support him and get around him. It's not easy - he's an important player not just for this franchise, but for India as well in T20 cricket. As somebody who can bat and field, they're so important to your team. He's obviously disappointed, as more than probably anyone. I know that people on the outside, supporters, want him and individuals like him who work hard at the game. He's desperate to do well for this franchise and for himself as well. It was great to see the way he played the other day. He put the positive option, I think the first boundary, on a seamer-friendly pitch. He advanced down and really took the momentum back to our side in that game, and hopefully, he can finish on a real high. We know what he can do at his best, and we've got to keep supporting him through that, and it happens to all cricketers. We've all been there when, unfortunately, cricket is a tough game, and sometimes you have to ride it; you've got to keep backing yourself. You've got to keep putting yourself out there in pressure situations, and it will all come good. He works hard, is respected and supported by the playing group, and we hope that he can come through. He's a great character in that dressing room, as we know. In all the teams he's played for, he's the kind of person you want in your dressing room, and we want to help him as the leader of that team. Hopefully, the other day was just the start of him finishing on a high at the back end of this competition, explained Bell. Turning his attention to their immediate opponents, RR, Bell openly acknowledged the threat posed by their young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, branding him the ultimate prized wicket that DC must take out early. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century. Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile chasing pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. So the guys would have done a lot of work. I'm sure he's chomping at the bit as well because we got him out early last time, so he'll be desperate to, I suppose, put that right, as all top players want to do. So, it's really important to take him out quickly. I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I know Trevor Penney and Kumar Sangakkara well. He's got some amazing people there that can guide him well, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we see him with India as well, but he's a scary talent, really. It's amazing to watch. So, we'd love to get him out early tomorrow, but I suppose from a neutral point of view, when he's playing against other teams, it's nice to watch him bat, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS
