IPL 2026: Defending Champions RCB Will Look For Consistency (SWOT)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) return to IPL 2026 with a point to prove. At the centre of it all is Virat Kohli. After finally ending their title drought last season, RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, now faces the challenge of maintaining success under new conditions and higher expectations. Strengths: RCBs biggest advantage is continuity. Keeping the core of their title-winning squad ensures strong team chemistry and clear roles. Their batting lineup is one of the most powerful in the league. With Kohli anchoring the innings and explosive players like Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David supporting him, RCB has both stability and firepower. The addition of Venkatesh Iyer further boosts the Indian core, providing flexibility across the batting order and an extra bowling option. In the pace department, the experienced pair of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar offers control and wicket-taking skills at different stages. All-rounders like Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd enhance the team balance. Weaknesses: RCB will have a lot of experience in their fast bowling unit; all the fast bowlers have fitness issues that must be addressed. All of them have past instances of injuries or lack of regular matches, so Hazlewood will need to get back into playing quickly. The backup bowling options for the team, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav, do not have extensive IPL experience, so if the team sustains injuries at any positions, RCB could be challenged in terms of depth. The chance of RCBs spin bowling group being an unknown factor this season is still very much a question to be determined. While Suyash Sharma has shown to be inconsistent, he demonstrated great potential last season and now needs to become a steadier performer as part of the RCB group. The other options outside Sharma are either minor supporting bowlers or part-time spinners, and they could struggle versus slower pitch conditions. Opportunities: RCB might benefit by having the ability to play at several new venues outside of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which generally favour the batters. The new venues of Raipur and Mumbai will provide several ways for both pace bowlers to assist in making RCB more successful in their pace bowling attack. For Venkatesh Iyer, this is an opportunity for him to cement his position within the team, while achieving the type of consistency that comes only from working in a stable environment. Younger players such as Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, and Suyash Sharma will all have the opportunity for their stature to rise within a championship-type team and to make a solid contribution to the team. Threats: Historically, defending a title in the IPL is difficult, as other teams will place added pressure and use specific plans against the title defender. Performance from veterans like Kohli and Hazlewood will play a big part in RCB's chances of winning, as any drop-off in their games could affect RCB's ability to keep their winning streak going through the tournament. Threats: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy, Satwik Deswal, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Vicky Ostwal. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: With New Captain Parag And Return Of Ravindra Jadeja, RR Look For Consistency (SWOT)
Yudhvir Singh Charak: A new era begins for Rajasthan Royals as Riyan Parag takes over as captain and former India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja joins the team. After a disappointing 2025 season, the inaugural champions are relying on a revamped squad and a youthful lineup to bounce back and end their long wait for a second IPL title. Strengths: RRs biggest strength is their fearless, high-tempo batting unit. The opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi can provide explosive starts, immediately putting pressure on opposing bowlers. In the middle-order, captain Parag and Dhruv Jurel bring a balanced mix of composure and aggression, while finishers like Shimron Hetmyer add power at the end of innings. Adding Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi boosts both experience and spin options, filling a key gap from last season. Weaknesses: Despite improvements, RRs bowling unit still lacks consistency and proven dependability. Jofra Archer offers pace and a wicket-taking threat; however, support from the rest of the attack remains uncertain. Young bowlers like Kwena Maphaka, Kuldeep Sen, and Nandre Burger show promise but have not been tested over a full IPL season. A major setback is Sam Currans absence due to injury, which affects the all-round balance and depth of the team. Jadejas recent IPL form has also been somewhat inconsistent. Opportunities: IPL 2026 gives RR a chance to reshape their identity around youth and aggression. Emerging players like Suryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, and Maphaka have a chance to make their mark on the big stage. If this young core performs well and works alongside the experienced players, RR could turn into a dynamic, high-impact team capable of consistently challenging top sides. Threats: RRs heavy reliance on youth brings some risk. Players like Suryavanshi, Pretorius, Maphaka, and others might struggle with consistency under pressure during a long tournament. A poor start or loss of momentum could hurt confidence, especially with a relatively new captain in Parag. Without steady performances from senior players, RR risks another up-and-down season, where flashes of brilliance do not lead to ongoing success. Threats: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja (traded in), Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger, Adam Milne, Kwena Maphaka, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Donovan Ferreira, Ravi Singh, Shubham Dubey, Kuldeep Sen, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Vignesh Puthur, Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Punja, Brijesh Sharma, Aman Rao Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Players' Switch From PSL To IPL Reinforced The Top League's Better Product And Platform
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi: Though they are organised in neighbouring countries and in the same time frame, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are worlds apart when it comes to their potential, revenues, popularity, and influence. But they were both dragged onto the same page in the last few days, with a couple of players switching their royalties from PSL teams to IPL franchises, preferring the bigger platform that is allowing late replacement players because some of their already contracted personnel have withdrawn from the upcoming 19th edition because of various reasons, including injuries. Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe, Dasun Shanaka of Sri Lanka, Spencer Johnson of Australia, and Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies are the players who have all rescinded their PSL contracts and joined IPL instead, much to the annoyance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Muzarabani, who has represented Zimbabwe in 89 T20Is, had joined three-time PSL champions Islamabad United for 11 million PKR as a replacement for West Indies star Shamar Joseph. But just before the start of the PSL on March 26, Muzarbani joined the three-time IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from the squad following the instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Soon after, Rajasthan Royals announced that they had signed Sri Lankan all-rounder and T20I captain Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for Sam Curran for the IPL 2026 season after an injury ruled the English all-rounder out of the tournament. Shanaka went unsold at last years IPL auction in Abu Dhabi and was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming season of the PSL for PKR 75 lakh. With the signing, Shanaka became the second player, after Zimbabwes Blessing Muzarabani, to leave PSL and join IPL this year. A few days after that, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roped in Australian pacer Spenser Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out of the whole tournament due to a hamstring injury. Johnson had signed for the Quetta Gladiators for the PSL 2026 season, but pulled out just before the tournament, citing personal reasons for leaving PSL. South Africa's seam-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch was the first player to make a switch from PSL to IPL, leaving Peshawar Zalmi to sign with Mumbai Indians, prompting the PSL to impose a one-year ban on him. With three players pulling out ahead of PSL 2026 and joining the IPL, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was livid and has threatened legal action against the players. However, he seems to be forgetting one thing: nobody can stop anyone from exploring better prospects, and it is a fact that IPL presents the players with greener pastures. It is a no-brainer that cricketers all around the world want to play franchise cricket, and as IPL is tops of the tops, everyone wants to be associated with it. The IPL franchises, too, want the best players in the world in their ranks and are ready to spend mega bucks to recruit top talent that they can utilise in their teams in other leagues in case they can't use them in IPL. PSL can't compare with it on any parameters. With the cash-rich IPL offering hefty sums, highly competitive cricket, instant recognition, and an opportunity for a better lifestyle, players want to be associated with it -- this forces them to switch sides when the opportunity comes. Also, PSL is the only league that clashes with the IPL because it is deliberately held in the same time frame, thus allowing the players the option to move from the weaker platform to the stronger one. The PCB knows that they have an inferior product, but still wants to compete against IPL for semantics and to satisfy the domestic sensibilities for losing face. With the cash-rich IPL offering hefty sums, highly competitive cricket, instant recognition, and an opportunity for a better lifestyle, players want to be associated with it -- this forces them to switch sides when the opportunity comes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But with the PCB looking hell-bent on pursuing legal action against the players instead of improving and producing a better product, they may face another setback and lose more face. Article Source: IANS
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has confirmed that every MLA and MP will receive two tickets each for the IPL 2026 opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, resolving complaints over VIP ticket allocation. The match between RCB and SRH marks the start of the new season.
IPL 2026: Fresh Off 2025 Season, PBKS Look To Continue Rich Form With Core Indian Squad (SWOT)
Indian Premier League: Fresh off a runners-up finish in the 2025 edition, Punjab Kings head into Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with renewed belief and a strong Indian core. Under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, PBKS has a talented squad filled with versatile players. However, questions about balance and consistency could affect their title challenge. Strengths: Punjab Kings biggest strength is their depth and flexibility, especially among their all-rounders. With players like Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Marco Jansen, PBKS can extend their batting lineup to No. 8 without weakening their bowling. Their pace attack is also impressive. The left-arm duo of Arshdeep Singh and Jansen provides variety, control, and the ability to take wickets at different stages in the game. Additionally, PBKS has a solid Indian core that includes Iyer, Arshdeep, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Prabhsimran Singh. This gives them stability and continuity in various conditions. Weaknesses: One major concern is the absence of a proven, high-scoring Indian opener. This situation could place extra pressure on Iyer at the top of the order. While Lockie Ferguson brings speed, his inconsistency can be a liability in high-scoring matches. There are also worries about the fitness and workload of veteran players. Stoinis and Chahal still make a significant impact, but maintaining peak performance over a long IPL season might be difficult. Opportunities: PBKS has an exciting group of young players who could change their season. Players like Priyansh Arya have the potential to bring aggression in the Powerplay. Emerging talents such as Musheer Khan and Suryansh Shedge could develop into match-winning factors. If these players perform well, PBKS could evolve from a solid team into a truly dominant force. Threats: Punjabs success could depend heavily on a few key individuals. Relying too much on Iyer for runs and Arshdeep for breakthroughs may make them vulnerable. A dip in form from either player could disrupt their momentum. Moreover, even with several options, PBKS has not yet settled on their best XI. This uncertainty could affect consistency and role clarity during critical moments in the season. Threats: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Vishal Nishad, Praveen Dubey. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: PBKS Young Guns Are Fearless, Confident, Arent Into Overthinking, Says Shashank Singh
In Punjab Kings: Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh says the fearlessness and confidence shown by the franchise's youngsters is their most striking aspect going into IPL 2026, adding that their ability to stay free of overthinking sets them apart from more experienced players, including himself. In Punjab Kings having a runners-up finish in 2025, their uncapped batters shining bright made for a very compelling story. They collectively scored 1,519 runs - the most by uncapped players of any single team in an IPL season. Left-handed opener Priyansh Arya announced himself on the biggest stage by making 475 runs at a strike rate of 179 and was one of only two uncapped centurions of the tournament. When you're talking about the youngsters, the best attribute is that they're fearless. Talking about my team Punjab, everyone is fearless Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer (Khan) and Harnoor (Singh Pannu). So whoever is coming in a young lot, they are very fearless. I mean, they don't think too much because I realise that we overthink at times - even I sometimes also overthink on things. But these people don't think much at all and that is the best part. The more calm these people can be or the less they think - I mean, no one is calm here - but the less they think, the better they are. So these people don't think too much, Shashank told IANS in the JioStar Press Room ahead of IPL 2026. Prabhsimran Singh smashed 549 runs at a strike rate of 160, while Nehal Wadhera played a full IPL season and made 369 runs in 15 innings. After captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKSs next-best run-getters were Arya, Prabhsimran, Wadhera and Shashank himself. The Arya-Prabhsimran opening pair, who later played for India A, amassed 532 runs together in IPL 2025 and will be expected to make big runs in the upcoming season. Yet the question heading into the new season is a familiar one: can the youngsters replicate their great returns from last year? Shashank, for one, has no doubt about it, though he added that the fearless prodigies of PBKS will mature with time. For example, Priyansh and Suryansh are batting in nets - if four shots don't get hit and they are beaten, I would start thinking that my shoulder didn't come forward, my foot didn't reach to the ball and what happened? But these people don't think anything - even if they hit five or six balls, it goes well as this is a game of confidence, at least at the IPL level. It's more about confidence - that is how confident you are. So the best part of these people is that they are very confident and very fearless. Obviously, someone like Priyansh or Suryansh or all these people are really at a different level in terms of talent. For example, you and I see them batting every day so I feel that they have so much talent so these people should play. Sometimes I feel that there is a little bit of a lack of maturity part and that too takes time. I think and feel that I am a mature cricketer. Sometimes I feel that they might mature as soon as possible, which is good for them. But the best part of these people is that they are very confident and fearless and don't think anything and arent over-thinkers. So it feels really good to chill with them, he elaborated. On the question of unfinished business from last season - PBKS fell six runs short of winning IPL 2025 - Shashank was emphatic that they will go all the way to the trophy this year. I know that on May 31st, we will be playing at the Chinnaswamy and lifting the cup. Its not just a feeling, I know this will happen. It's self belief and team belief. Everyone is on the same page. There is confidence in everyone. We will take it match by match because the ultimate aim is to get a trophy. If we keep thinking we reached the final last year, there will be a lot of pressure on us. So our immediate aim is to prepare for our first game against GT, then against CSK and KKR. To play the final and win is the ultimate goal. But we have to focus on every match, rectify our mistakes and that will be easier. We are very motivated and excited as we are the same group. We are better prepared than last year, he said. For Shashank personally, IPL 2026 is about reclaiming lost ground after a shoulder injury and finger fracture kept him away from a large part of domestic cricket season for his state Chhattisgarh. It is more of a mental game than a skill game during the IPL. The past year didnt go well for me as I had a spate of injuries and I couldnt play competitive cricket much. My biggest goal is to make an impact for the team. For Shashank personally, IPL 2026 is about reclaiming lost ground after a shoulder injury and finger fracture kept him away from a large part of domestic cricket season for his state Chhattisgarh. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Catch Punjab Kings' season opener against Gujarat Titans at 7:30 PM, March 31, LIVE and Exclusive on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network Article Source: IANS
All Indian Captains Make IPL 2026 Quite Significant From A Leadership Perspective, Says Paranjape
BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee: For the first time, all ten IPL franchises will be led by Indian captains in the upcoming season starting on Saturday, and Jatin Paranjape, the former cricketer and national selector, feels that fact makes the tournament worth watching from a leadership perspective. This IPL feels quite significant from a leadership point of view. For the first time in a while, you have all teams being led by Indian captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad at CSK, Axar Patel at Delhi Capitals, Shubman Gill at Gujarat Titans, Ajinkya Rahane at KKR, Rishabh Pant at Lucknow, Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians, Shreyas Iyer at Punjab Kings, Riyan Parag at Rajasthan Royals, Rajat Patidar at RCB, and Ishan Kishan at Sunrisers Hyderabad. What makes it interesting is that each of them is at a very different stage in their career, but for all of them, this is a pivotal phase. Some are new to the role, while others have a bit more experience, but all of them will have to handle responsibility over a long tournament, Paranjape told IANS on Friday, on the eve of the tournament opener between RCB and SRH, to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This IPL feels quite significant from a leadership point of view. For the first time in a while, you have all teams being led by Indian captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad at CSK, Axar Patel at Delhi Capitals, Shubman Gill at Gujarat Titans, Ajinkya Rahane at KKR, Rishabh Pant at Lucknow, Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians, Shreyas Iyer at Punjab Kings, Riyan Parag at Rajasthan Royals, Rajat Patidar at RCB, and Ishan Kishan at Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The IPL has always been a platform for players, but this season its just as much about leadership. How these captains manage pressure, handle expectations, and bring their teams together over two months will be closely watched. In many ways, this is where you start seeing the next set of leaders for Indian cricket take shape, he added. Article Source: IANS
Hardik Pandya fulfills promise, gifts Rs 10,000 to every Wankhede Stadium ground staff
Hardik Pandya showed his appreciation for the Wankhede Stadium ground staff by giving each member a cheque of Rs 10,000, fulfilling a promise he had made before the T20 World Cup. The ground staff had supported him during his training sessions, helping him maintain peak fitness ahead of the tournamen
IPL 2026: Positivity From DC Coaches Gave Belief For Being Selected, Says Auqib Nabi
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Delhi Capitals pacer Auqib Nabi said encouraging words from the franchises coaching staff during pre-auction trials, particularly from head coach Hemang Badani, gave him the self-belief that an IPL call-up was within reach if he kept performing in domestic cricket. Nabi, who was picked for Rs 8.4 crore by DC in last years auction in Abu Dhabi after years of going unsold and having net bowling stints instead, had a sensational time in the 2025/25 domestic season - picking 60 wickets to make Jammu & Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title and taking four wickets in four balls for North Zone in a Duleep Trophy game in Bengaluru. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nabi showed that apart from swing, he can fire yorkers, including wide ones, to pick 15 wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 7.41. He also chipped in with a cameo 32 off 21 balls against Madhya Pradesh, showing that he can contribute with the bat whenever needed. I think when I gave the trials for Delhi Capitals, I spoke to all the coaches. There was a very positive response from everyone about me and that now they are watching me. My season was also very good and when I came back after playing in Duleep Trophy, I went for the trials for Delhi Capitals. That was also a positive that I did well and my trials were also very good here for DC. Then they said, especially Hemang sir, that we are watching you and don't go anywhere for trials. I spoke to Venu sir and Munaf sir, who also gave a positive response. I had it in my mind that if my time in Mushtaq Ali goes well, then I can get a chance this time to play, said Nabi, while replying to a question from IANS in a virtual roundtable chat on Friday. DC will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1. Despite making his name primarily in red-ball cricket, Nabi said he has no intention of overhauling his game for the shortest format, insisting that his ability to swing the ball will remain his primary weapon to execute in IPL 2026. My strength is to swing the ball from both sides. I will keep my focus on that, whether it is a red ball or a white ball game. My focus will always be on swinging the ball from a high point and getting wickets with the new ball. My focus will always be on keeping things as simple as possible and it's better because I will not step away from my strengths, which is to swing the ball from that high point and get early breakthroughs. So I will keep my focus on that, he added. My strength is to swing the ball from both sides. I will keep my focus on that, whether it is a red ball or a white ball game. My focus will always be on swinging the ball from a high point and getting wickets with the new ball. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Nabi signed off by talking about his approach to handle the weight of expectations and the pressure of a hefty price tag. I am not thinking about the outside noise. I am just trying to stick to my basics, and I will be doing that in the IPL also. I am not putting the extra pressure by thinking about outside things. So, I will be focusing on my strengths, and I will keep it as simple as I did in domestic games - here as well, in the IPL. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: When and where to watch, know all details
New Delhi: The stage is all set for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28, with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on 2016 champion Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The tournament will run from March 28 to May 31. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Thushara fails fitness test, denied NOC to join RCB in IPL 2026
Matheesha Pathirana (KKR) and Wanindu Hasaranga (LSG) are yet to take their fitness tests
IPL 2026: Sai Sudharsan Credits GT Culture For Success, Eyes Bigger Role This Season
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Gujarat Titans opener B Sai Sudharsan, who finished as the leading run-scorer of 2025 IPL, says stepping into a new identity and embracing responsibility was his biggest takeaway from a breakout campaign, adding that the franchises culture has also played a huge hand in his success in the ten-team competition. In IPL 2025, left-handed Sudharsan amassed 759 runs at an average of 54.2 and strike-rate of 156.17, which marked his best-ever season in four years of playing in the tournament. Cut to now, and Sudharsan is gearing up for the upcoming season after playing six Tests for India and recovering from a right seventh rib fracture injury sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. I feel the biggest learning from that is just getting into a new identity and taking that responsibility. I feel that is the biggest learning I have taken from that season. Yes, it is with the efforts and hard work of what we have prepared for the last year - that was the result of all of that. But again, if we have to make our team win or give our best for the team, there's still a lot of work to be done and it will be done very well this year, Sudharsan told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Friday, ahead of GT starting their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on March 31. When pressed on a specific moment that marked a turning point in his wonderful time with the bat last year, Sudharsan pointed to his unbeaten 108 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he and Shubman Gill, who was not out on 93, chased down 200 without losing any wicket. As GT or at the top, me and Shubman, we were always looking at taking the game deep, playing the game deep and winning the games for the team. The biggest threshold was I think the DC game (in New Delhi) where we both finished the game by not even losing one wicket. So, that was the biggest threshold for us and it made us believe in ourselves more. I think that was the biggest turning point. Sudharsan also spoke warmly about what he has absorbed from batting alongside Gill over the past four seasons. It's actually a very good question. I have learnt a lot from Shubman to be honest. These four years, I have had quite a lot of partnerships and conversations as well of how we can improve and how we can look into the situations. I think I have worked on those things and I am looking forward for more of that. On the environment at GT, which is widely regarded for being relaxed and nurturing young talent, Sudharsan stated the freedom to express himself has been the single most important factor in his development. I think that has shaped my career for now because as a young kid coming into the team, there will be a lot of doubts, questions or things going in your mind. I think the environment here has helped me to express myself rather than resist myself to not do this or not do that. Rather, it was more about, oh, I like doing this and I would love to do this year. There was space and platform for that. From a mental point of view, I think it gave me so much freedom to express myself. Because of that, I was able to have conversations and be more natural and that, I think, has evolved over time. Sudharsan, known for mixing elegant and unorthodox strokeplay and ability to clear the ropes with immaculate ease, said the foundation of his much-improved power-hitting skills lay in getting the basics right. I think I focus a lot on basics a lot of very simple stuff which can be replicated against each and every ball. So, my biggest pointers like that is to time or to hold my position more, which eventually helps me both in white ball and red ball cricket, and especially in white ball games, where I can generate more power when I'm batting. He further explained that sharper decision-making, rather than a wholesale overhaul of his game, has brought him in line with the ever-evolving demands of the shortest format. Actually, I don't think so much that sport has evolved or so much that. But probably, I can answer it this way - yes, the sport has evolved for sure. But I think my decision-making has improved and I feel the options which I am looking to score off bowlers have improved because I am not specifically focused on working on my power hitting game. Rather than that, I am trying to refine my timing better so that it can catch up with the game and the requirements for what it (a situation) needs when inside the field. He further explained that sharper decision-making, rather than a wholesale overhaul of his game, has brought him in line with the ever-evolving demands of the shortest format. Actually, I don't think so much that sport has evolved or so much that. But probably, I can answer it this way - yes, the sport has evolved for sure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We have not had a lot of conversations yet, but there were a few conversations where it was very interesting and I would love to use that. Obviously, as you said, he is one of the legends of Australia - so I would love to also pick his mind for the Tests as well. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan Super League: As the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) opening match between the Lahore Qalandars and the Hyderabad Kingsmen unfolded at Gaddafi Stadium, all eyes briefly shifted from the players to the ball itself, which mysteriously began to take on a pink hue. It appeared when fielders were polishing the ball against their clothing to preserve its shine, it led to an unusual complication: the maroon pigment from the Hyderabad Kingsmens jerseys began transferring onto the white ball, turning it into pink. The clips from the incident quickly made social media light up with jokes, memes, and playful theories, as former cricketer Kamran Akmal poked fun at the bizarre sight, saying it looked like the kits had been dyed at some local dupatta colouring shop. I genuinely thought Hyderabad Kingsmen got their kits dyed at some dupatta lane back home, the kind where they recolour white clothes for bargain rates, Kamran Akmal on a YouTube channel. A fan said, Did they get knock-off kits instead of authentic ones? International league or gully-level experiment? A user said, Spent all the money on buying the team i think. A fan even raised serious concerns and said that the dye could cause skin cancer after making contact with players' skin. Think about the players skin. Gonna contract skin cancer and getting treated with the PSL money. Another user wrote, Very tough competition between third class quality of bowling and kit. Following the Lahore Qalandars' victory, the Hyderabad Kingsmen took to X to offer a witty acknowledgement of the day's mishap. The franchise congratulated their opponents on winning what they jokingly dubbed the first pink-ball game in PSL. Congratulations to the opposition on winning their first pink-ball game, the franchise's official account posted. Not only that, but after 4K video resolution was promoted, many viewers expressed dissatisfaction over the broadcast's poor quality, citing shaky cameras and fuzzy footage. Additionally, a lot of people complained about the audio and video being out of sync. Congratulations to the opposition on winning their first pink-ball game, the franchise's official account posted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Camera work is very ordinary. Stream should be bit brighter, very dull colour, a fan wrote on X. Article Source: IANS
SLC To Hold EGM In April With New Playing Conditions For Domestic Competition As Key Agenda: Report
SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on April 6, with a set of resolutions set to be tabled before members for approval, said a report. According to SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, a few tweaks to the constitution will be up for discussion at the EGM. The headline item on the agenda will be the introduction of new playing conditions for SLC-conducted domestic tournaments. At present, promotion and relegation in the top two domestic competitions are decided purely on performances in the three-day format. But SLC is now looking to level the playing field, aiming to give all three formats equal relevance. We want to make white-ball cricket more competitive, Dissanayake told Telecom Asia Sport. What we have seen is teams loading up for the three-day competition and then taking their foot off the pedal when the one-day tournament comes around. By June, several players head to England for league cricket, which leaves the white-ball competitions short-changed. This is part of a long-term blueprint to ensure we are producing players who can hold their own in white-ball cricket, he added. Under the proposed system, performances across all three formats will count towards promotion and relegation, rather than just the red-ball game. However, the longer format will still carry the most weight (51 per cent), while the one-day competition will account for 25 per cent and T20s for 24 per cent. In white-ball tournaments, where knockout stages come into play, quarter-finalists and semi-finalists will earn equal points a move aimed at rewarding consistency and reducing format bias. At the business end, the side finishing with the lowest tally will be relegated. In the event of a tie on points, three-day performances will serve as the tie-breaker, underlining the continued importance of the traditional format. In white-ball tournaments, where knockout stages come into play, quarter-finalists and semi-finalists will earn equal points a move aimed at rewarding consistency and reducing format bias. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Even traditional heavyweights like SSC, boasting a squad full of Sri Lanka internationals, found themselves relegated last season. However, they bounced back immediately to regain their First-Class status. Article Source: IANS
'The Safest Bank In Every Season': Pathan Praises KL Rahul's Consistency Ahead Of IPL 2026
Former Lucknow Super Giants: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul for his consistency in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and termed him as the safest bank for any franchise. Rahul has proved to be the most consistent performer in the tournament's history. He has crossed the 500-run mark in 7 of the last eight IPL seasons. Rahul, who scored 539 runs for Delhi Capitals, is set to open the innings for the team in the upcoming season. KL Rahul is the safest bank to score 500 runs every season. He will always score runs and is capable of giving good starts consistently. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in this league. It's just that we sometimes talk about his strike rate, but as long as you win the match, you don't need to focus much on that, Pathan said on his YouTube channel. Rahul boasts a great record in the tournament. He has scored 5,222 runs in 145 matches. He also holds the record of the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL. Rahul scored an unbeaten 132 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2020. Former Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain has hammered five centuries and 40 half-centuries in the IPL. Pathan has also backed Prithvi Shaw, who is making a comeback in the Capitals, to open the innings with Rahul. Rahul boasts a great record in the tournament. He has scored 5,222 runs in 145 matches. He also holds the record of the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL. Rahul scored an unbeaten 132 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2020. Former Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain has hammered five centuries and 40 half-centuries in the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals will open their campaign against LSG on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Article Source: IANS
Nicola Carey Aims For Womens T20 WC Spot After Return To Australian Set-up
T20 World Cup: Australias seam-bowling all-rounder Nicola Carey is aiming to seal a place in the squad for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup, to be played in England from June 12 to July 5, after making a return to the national side on the ongoing tour of West Indies. Nicola played key roles in Australias triumphs at the 2020 T20 World Cup and 2022 ODI World Cup, before turning down a Cricket Australia (CA) contract due to lack of game time. Three years after that, Nicola was recalled during the recent home series against India and was retained for the tour to the Caribbean. I obviously haven't been here for a while, but coming back in, there's a lot of familiar faces, which is always nice. When youre out of it, you sit back and think, I dont know how they do it, not being at home that often. But when youre in it, you just do it. Its quite fun being around the group, Nicola was quoted as saying by ICC on Friday. With the T20 World Cup looming, Nicola admitted playing in the tournament is a major motivational factor for her. Its a massive tournament. Everyone here would want to be a part of that. Thats the carrot dangling at the end of this. Everyones trying to put their best foot forward. Im sure well find out soon, she said. Australia won the T20I series 3-0 and now turn their attention to the ODIs against the West Indies, their final assignment before the T20 World Cup takes place. The absence of Annabel Sutherland, rested to manage her workload, has opened opportunities for others, including Nicola. Belsey is massive for this team and when you take her out, that sort of leaves a couple of gaps, both batting and bowling. Theres that many all-rounders floating around, so I guess thats opportunities for different people to step up. It's been nice to sort of try different things and open the bowling. You haven't done a lot of that even back home, so it's been cool to experience different things within this team, said Nicola. Belsey is massive for this team and when you take her out, that sort of leaves a couple of gaps, both batting and bowling. Theres that many all-rounders floating around, so I guess thats opportunities for different people to step up. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Theres a fair bit we can take out of that. We had a lot of discussion around how we wanted to go about it. I think we saw that come to fruition, which was really pleasing to see, she concluded. Article Source: IANS
'Focus Will Be On Virat': Aakash Chopra Backs Kohli For Stellar IPL Season Over Dhoni And Rohit
Aakash Chopra: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has backed Virat Kohli to be the standout performer in IPL 2026 ahead of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, citing the right-handed batters fitness and consistency as decisive factors. Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB's title-winning campaign last year, scoring 657 runs at a strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, including eight fifties. The focus will be on Virat Kohli again because the guy is so fit. Yes, there are gaps between series and he felt the pinch of those gaps in Australia, but once he started scoring runs, he found a way to be super consistent for months. So, the kind of fitness that he has achieved over a period of time makes him the best suited, also because he is an opener. So, he has more time to work himself into form. The same is true for Rohit Sharma as well, but between the two of them, I still feel Virat Kohli has it a little easier just because of himself. That is the price he has to pay for the kind of fitness and legacy he has built, said Chopra on JioStar. He also explained why Dhoni may find it tough to hit the ground running in IPL 2026. It is a little difficult for Dhoni as well because he is on the wrong side of 40. For him, to not play anything for 10 months, turn up for the IPL and switch on, and also play at a number where he gets only 10-12 balls, is the toughest thing to do. Then there are also 20 overs of keeping, so his job is perhaps the toughest. Chopra further noted that Rohit is expected to continue his aggressive approach at the top of the order and set the tone for other Mumbai Indians batters to get going. When you are part of the batting order that the Mumbai Indians have, it is mandatory to set the tone for Rohit Sharma. Rohit does want to bat a certain way. He has already made his opinion very public. He also explained why Dhoni may find it tough to hit the ground running in IPL 2026. It is a little difficult for Dhoni as well because he is on the wrong side of 40. For him, to not play anything for 10 months, turn up for the IPL and switch on, and also play at a number where he gets only 10-12 balls, is the toughest thing to do. Then there are also 20 overs of keeping, so his job is perhaps the toughest. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, yes, Rohit would be expected to bat the same way, see the ball, hit the ball, that is what I am thinking for the entire Mumbai Indians setup, unless the pitch is asking you to play a slightly different brand of cricket, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Aakash Chopra Picks RCB XI, Leaves Out Bethell, Iyer
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked his strongest playing XI of the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which is set to be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. RCB has not made significant changes to their squad ahead of the new season, but the additions of Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, and Jacob Bethell, along with Devdutt Padikkal looking in great touch, have created a dilemma for the team management when selecting their playing XI. In a video shared on X, Chopra tried to solve the three difficult questions ahead of the team management while selecting the best-suited team for the season. He believes that the first big problem ahead of the RCB is who to select between Padikkal and Iyer at number 3. According to him, despite Iyer providing a bowling option, RCB should go with Padikkal, who is in great touch. Chopra has excluded T20 World Cup 2026 centurion Bethell from his team as he has gone with Phil Salt, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd as overseas batters and all-rounders. According to him, RCB will need to play an overseas fast bowler, and the defending champions should go with New Zealand pacer Duffy, who had a decent World Cup campaign for the role. He has also left out Josh Hazlewood, who arrived on Friday in Bengaluru after recovering from injury. RCB dealt with a big blow ahead of IPL 2026 as their prime bowler, Yash Dayal, has been ruled out of the whole tournament due to personal reasons. As per Chopra, either debutant Mangesh Yadav or Rasikh Salam could take his place in the playing XI. Chopra has excluded T20 World Cup 2026 centurion Bethell from his team as he has gone with Phil Salt, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd as overseas batters and all-rounders. According to him, RCB will need to play an overseas fast bowler, and the defending champions should go with New Zealand pacer Duffy, who had a decent World Cup campaign for the role. He has also left out Josh Hazlewood, who arrived on Friday in Bengaluru after recovering from injury. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav/Rasikh Salam. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Samson Is One Player Dhoni Would Want To Pass The Baton To, Says Pathan
Chennai Super Kings: Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan believes Sanju Samson could be the natural successor to MS Dhonis role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), adding that the wicketkeeper-batter is someone fans could identify and connect with. Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles, but has increasingly batted lower down the order in recent seasons. Samson, meanwhile, is coming off after being Player of the Tournament in India winning the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. This will be Samsons first season with CSK after leaving Rajasthan Royals. It looks like this will be MS Dhonis last season. The signs are there because, if you look at the Chennai setup, they have brought in a wicketkeeper-batsman who can play for the next few years. You can build your team around him and he can be the face of the franchise, that is Sanju Samson. He has also upgraded himself in terms of form in international cricket. He has just won a World Cup and has been batting fantastically well. That is one player MS Dhoni would want to pass the baton to, someone who has the caliber to do all that and whom even the fans can identify and connect with. With Sanjus arrival, I feel Dhoni can now say that maybe it is time for him to pass on that baton. But should this have happened earlier? Because I feel that a player like MS Dhoni cannot be just a two-over player. You do not build your legacy like that. So yes, I think the time is right, said Pathan on JioStar. He also noted that Dhonis role as a finisher has diminished with age, adding that he should take greater responsibility with the bat in this season for at least last four to five overs. When CSK won their last trophy in Ahmedabad, there were already talks that he was coming too low down the order, even before those discussions gained momentum. With Sanjus arrival, I feel Dhoni can now say that maybe it is time for him to pass on that baton. But should this have happened earlier? Because I feel that a player like MS Dhoni cannot be just a two-over player. You do not build your legacy like that. So yes, I think the time is right, said Pathan on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We had not seen that from MS Dhoni before. That is happening more frequently now. So, if you are playing, you have to take more responsibility for your side and bat for at least four or five overs. It will be beneficial for the team, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Labuschagne Baffled As Jersey Dye Turns White Ball Pink In PSL Opener
Pakistan Super League: Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne was left baffled as the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium saw the white ball gradually turned pink. The issue appeared to come from the routine cricketing practice of fielders polishing the ball against their clothing to preserve its shine. During the match, however, this standard procedure led to an unusual complication: the maroon pigment from the Hyderabad Kingsmens jerseys began transferring onto the white ball, turning it into pink. Labuschagne, representing Hyderabad Kingsmen, Labuschagne lodged a formal complaint with the umpire after observing that the maroon dye from his own teams kit was bleeding onto the white leather, causing the ball to transition from pink to a distinct shade of red as the innings progressed. Speaking after the match, Labuschagne said he had never seen anything like it before in professional cricket. I did say to the umpires after the second over, 'What's going on? The ball is red.' It must be from the clothes or something like that. I haven't seen anything like this before, Labuschagne told reporters at the post-match press conference. I've seen occasions where something on a bat comes onto the ball, or when it hits the pad and takes a bit of paint off. But I've never seen this happen with clothing. I'm sure they'll sort it out in the next few games, he added. Following the Lahore Qalandars' victory, the Hyderabad Kingsmen took to X to offer a witty acknowledgement of the day's mishap. The franchise congratulated their opponents on winning what they jokingly dubbed the first pink-ball game in PSL. Congratulations to the opposition on winning their first pink-ball game, the franchise's official account posted. The incident quickly caught the attention of fans on social media, with Hyderabad Kingsmen facing criticism as clips and images of the discoloured ball went viral, causing major embarrassment for the PSL. Congratulations to the opposition on winning their first pink-ball game, the franchise's official account posted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Another user wrote, Thank you Hyderabad for giving us the first ever pink ball T20 match in the history of cricket. A fan said, Change your kit ASAP, and spare yourself from further humiliation. Article Source: IANS
Parents Sacrificed All For 15-Year-Old India Prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's parents told AFP how they made a practice pitch in their village in India's poorest state to spark the teenage cricket prodigy's stunning rise -- and now his younger brother hones his skills on it. Suryavanshi was the talk of world cricket after making history in the Indian Premier League last year aged just 14 in a dazzling debut season. The supremely talented left-handed batsman, who turned 15 on Friday, belted a six on the first ball he faced for Rajasthan Royals. Days later the school boy smacked a 35-ball century, the second fastest in the T20 competition's history after Chris Gayle (30 balls). He is fearless, Manish Ojha, one of Suryavanshi's first coaches, told AFP ahead of the new IPL season starting on Saturday. That is his nature. Suryavanshi's stunning introduction to elite cricket was no flash in the pan. He then hammered 175 off just 80 balls -- an innings laced with a staggering 30 boundaries -- in February, helping India thump England by 100 runs in the Under-19 ODI World Cup final in Harare. He was named player of the match and player of the tournament, having finished with 439 runs in seven innings at an average of 62.71. The teenager's rise has been swift since first picking up a bat when he was barely five. He made his domestic debut aged 12 for his home state of Bihar in the Ranji Trophy in January 2024, then was selected for India's under-19 squad against a touring Australia team. He promptly hit a 58-ball century, the second-fastest ton in youth Tests after England's Moeen Ali in 2005. Ojha praised Suryavanshi's ability to replicate what he learned in the nets, including the one his parents had put together, in the heat of competition. What makes him special is the ability to execute plans on match days, said Ojha. - 'Cricket is his life' - Suryavanshi's blistering march to teenage superstardom from India's poorest state has involved significant sacrifice from his middle-class parents. For years his father accompanied him every other day from their home in the village of Motipur to Ojha's cricket academy in Bihar's capital city, Patna, a one-way journey of roughly two-and-a-half hours. My small business failed because of my full-time focus on training Vaibhav, Sanjeev Suryavanshi told AFP outside the family's two-storey house. For his mother it involved getting up before everyone. It was not easy to wake up at 3:00 am to cook for him so that he could take homemade food with him, said Aarti Singh. The sacrifices paid off when a 13-year-old Suryavanshi in 2024 became the youngest-ever player to be sold in an IPL auction. Rajasthan Royals snapped him up for $130,500 -- more than a hundred times the average per capita annual income in Bihar. Born on March 27, 2011, Suryavanshi is the first IPL cricketer born after the tournament's inception in 2008. In a Rajasthan Royals media interaction earlier this month, Suryavanshi cheekily said he hoped to score two-three thousand runs in this year's tournament, before playing down personal goals. The idea is to follow the process and help the team win, said Suryavanshi, whose media duties are limited by the team to protect him. Back home in Motipur, father Sanjeev said the family is now eagerly waiting for Suryavanshi to don senior India colours. He has been playing extraordinary cricket so far, a proud Sanjeev said, as he watched his youngest son Ashirwad, 11, practise on the same modest pitch he had built near their home. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket is Vaibhav's life, dream and faith.
When Legends Rode the Rails: Untold Stories of Indian Crickets Humble Journeys
There was a time in Indian cricket when fame did not come with comfortwhen even the biggest names traveled like ordinary passengers, often unnoticed, and sometimes, deliberately so. This is one such fascinating story from that erawhen not just one player, but an entire team tried to hide its identity during a train journey. This story is of the days when BCCI (and simultaneously most of State Cricket Associations) were not so rich and for BCCI tournaments, teams often used to travel by train (there were no luxury trains) that too sometimes in un-reserved compartments. During 1979-80 seasons Mumbai team travelled to Jamshedpur to play Bihar in Ranji Trophy quarter final, by train. At one of the stations in the mid-night around 3 AM, the train stopped. A crowd came in the coach and started removing blankets, shouting kidhar hai, kidhar hai. They had the information that cricketers are travelling. Dilip Vengasarkar (on one of the top births), got annoyed with the sleep disturbed and removal of the blanket. This started arguments and now the crowd started demanding his apology. They declared that the train shall not move until Dilip apologises. Captain Sunil Gavaskar sensed the worsening situation and politely asked the crowd to come out of the train and talk. They agreed. Believe it that Sunil Gavaskar alone was sitting with the crowd on the platform and talking friendly with them. This worked, and the crowd was happy that they talked to Sunil Gavaskar. The train moved only after all this. Another related incident is also very interesting. This Mumbai team had a new youngster named Ravi Shastri. Most of the Mumbai regulars had even not seen him before that. Like all others, he was also asked to assemble at the platform but he was nowhere at the fixed time. Gavaskar didnt know how to contact him or to find him out. The train started without Ravi on board. players were occupying their respective berths, it was found that someone had occupied Ravi Shastris berth and was sleeping there. He was none other than Ravi Shastri himself. He had come early and without spending time in finding out his seniors, went to sleep on his berth. Seniors then woke him up and one by one introduced themselves. There are various stories of train travel in the un-reserved compartments or with few available berths but none beats the plight of Bishan Singh Bedi. He was Indias top spinner at that time and once after a match in Nagpur, he was to play a Duleep Trophy match at Chandigarh after a gap of one day. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the travel day, he found that there was no train reservation for him to travel back to Delhi and then to proceed to Chandigarh. With no time in hand, he jumped in the moving train and spent the whole night in the baggage rack. From Old Delhi Railway Station he went to ISBT at Kashmere Gate and took a bus to Chandigarh. This incident also reflects the player's dedication to play domestic cricket matches.
All-round Qalandars take down Kingsmen with ease in PSL opener
Defending champions flaunt their muscle with bat and ball to demolish tournament debutants on opening night
CWI blocks Seales' Hampshire move in bid to manage workload
Seales, along with Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, will have their workload carefully monitored
IPL 2026: Star-studded Top Order, Pacers' Long-term Fitness A Worry For Pant-led LSG
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) enter their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with a grand makeover a logo change, jersey colours and design refurbished, and support staff having fresh faces in Bharat Arun, Carl Crowe, and Tom Moody. Having reached the playoffs in each of their first two years before back-to-back seventh-place finishes, LSG responded with an aggressive off-season strategy -- trading in Mohammad Shami, acquiring Anrich Nortje at auction, and reinforcing an overseas batting core, apart from their injury-hit Indian pacers now fully fit to fire. IANS explores whether those moves are enough for Rishabh Pant-led LSG to reverse a slide that has grown increasingly difficult to explain through a SWOT analysis:- Strength: The most compelling strength of LSG is at the top of the batting order. The troika of Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran gives the franchise a top-three combination that is, by any measure, among the most formidable in the league. All three batters went past the 400-run mark in IPL 2025, and against any bowling attack and on any surface, they have the class and elegance to construct and accelerate an innings from the first ball. If Pooran is placed at four for Pant to be accommodated at three, still expect him to bring adequate fireworks with the bat. The pace bowling stocks, which were a source of genuine anxiety in 2025, have been reinforced substantially. Shami is among the most accomplished powerplay and death-over operators the format has seen, and his vast experience of reading conditions and adjusting plans mid-innings is a tactical resource that most franchises cannot match. Alongside him, Nortje brings raw pace and the capacity to make the ball do things. At the back end of the innings, LSG carry proven finishing ability in the domestic ranks via Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad, who come into the competition on the back of great form. Weakness: While the top three of Markram, Marsh, and Pooran had a merry run, the Indian middle order from positions four to seven was a serious liability for LSG in 2025. Though the players in that position are coming in form, in a league where the middle overs are increasingly decisive, that is an area opponents will be quick to identify and ruthlessly exploit. The franchise's relationship with their home ground is also complicated. At the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, LSG have won only 9 of 21 matches on their own turf, and the 2025 campaign was even bleaker, with just 2 wins from 7 home fixtures. With LSG not having a fortress that every franchise aspires to build, it is very much a weak link for them if they dont get the balance right. Opportunity: Captain Pant is the most expensive player in IPL history, and he would be keen to bounce back in 2026 after having a forgettable 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter, whose dynamism and instinct at the crease once made him one of the most feared middle-order players in T20 cricket, averaged just 13.7 at a strike rate of 105 in 2025. Add to it, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have left him behind in the race of being the top-choice keeper-batters in the Indian set-up. How Pant, who also had a training session under Yuvraj Singh in Mumbai, responds in 2026 will shape not only the confidence of those batting around him, but also his T20 career. Mukul Choudhary enters the season with extraordinary momentum from the domestic circuit, having struck at 199 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His form offers LSG a domestic option capable of injecting momentum into the innings. If Mayank Yadav is fit and firing for the entire season, after making a successful return to action for India A in T20 World Cup warm-up games, it would transform LSG's bowling attack from strong on paper to genuinely fearsome. Mukul Choudhary enters the season with extraordinary momentum from the domestic circuit, having struck at 199 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His form offers LSG a domestic option capable of injecting momentum into the innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The probability that all five complete a full and uninterrupted IPL campaign is uncertain, and the absence of any of them simultaneously would leave the bowling attack weak. With Nortje, Marsh, Markram, and Pooran all demanding inclusion on their individual merits, the decision of where Wanindu Hasaranga (if fit) is slotted will become a huge problem for LSG. Article Source: IANS
PSL 2026: Teams allowed to submit two XIs and pick one after toss
The new rule aims to neutralise dew advantage
Happy That Cricket Is Happening In Mumbai, Will Work For Betterment, Says MCA President Naik
MCA President Ajinkya Naik: Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik said it was content to host matches in the city despite Wankhede Stadium not being allocated an IndiaAustralia Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in 2027. The BCCI had earlier announced that Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad will host the five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2027. It meant that Mumbais wait to host an India-Australia Test after 2004 continues. All matches are important -- whether it is a Ranji Trophy game, an international game, an IPL game, or a club game, all matches are the same for us. We are happy that cricket is happening in Mumbai. So we will work for the betterment of the game, and that's it. So whatever our parent association gives us, we make sure that we follow whatever the SOPs are there and we implement that. Whatever they instruct us, we make sure that we implement it, Naik told reporters on the sidelines of a felicitation event of MCA at the Khar Gymkhana on Thursday. Mumbai will get to host the third India-Zimbabwe mens ODI on January 9, 2027, and asked specifically about not getting a marquee Test, Naik said decisions like that are outside his remit. I can speak on MCA. Whatever decision we have to take as the Apex Council, we make sure we do it in MCA. Related to BCCI, you have to ask the BCCI office where an Apex Council member is. I can't answer that. Mumbai will get to host the third India-Zimbabwe mens ODI on January 9, 2027, and asked specifically about not getting a marquee Test, Naik said decisions like that are outside his remit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Whatever I did was just because of all the members present here at the club, including the secretary. Success is not of one person; it is always teamwork, and all here present are the main contributors to the success of MCA, Dilip sir, and Diana madam. They all started the journey a few years back, and now all the youngsters are playing for Mumbai. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: GT Wants To Be A Team That Consistently Scores Big Runs, Says Captain Gill
Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill said his sides focus in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be on consistently posting big totals, as the 2022 champions look to clinch another title when the ten-team competition begins on March 28. At the end of the day, you have to score more runs than the other team. Whether its by four runs or 150200 runs, the goal is to win. We are not chasing the glory of scoring 300350 in a single match. We want to be a team that consistently scores big runs and achieves the par target for that wicket. We want to win matches in different conditions. We dont want to be a team that performs only on good wickets, said Gill in a pre-season press conference on Thursday. GT will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against last years runners-up, Punjab Kings, in Mullanpur on March 31. Head coach Ashish Nehra backed his captains approach. Like the captain just mentioned, we want to be a team that can win in any condition, in any situation, home or away, he said. Since their debut in 2022, GT have reached the playoffs in three out of four seasons, winning the title in their inaugural campaign and being runners-up in 2023. Nehra also defended the criticism towards GTs middle order due to over-reliance on the top three of Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler to get big runs. First things first, as a coach, I dont feel the middle order was collapsing. Yes, the top three scored heavily and often batted through 17-18 overs, which is one of the main reasons the team was in such a strong position after 13-14 games. Since their debut in 2022, GT have reached the playoffs in three out of four seasons, winning the title in their inaugural campaign and being runners-up in 2023. Nehra also defended the criticism towards GTs middle order due to over-reliance on the top three of Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler to get big runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Whether it was Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, or Sherfane Rutherford, they did their job, and thats why we were where we were. Its always easy to talk about finishers, but its not simple when someone walks in at the 18th over needing 35 off two, especially if Jasprit Bumrah or Jofra Archer is bowling, concluded Nehra. Article Source: IANS
Harbhajan Singh Conducts A Specialist Camp For Emerging Off-spinners At BCCI CoE
Emerging Off Spinners: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has conducted a specialist camp for emerging off-spinners at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), where the aim was to sharpen skills and share tactical insights with young players. IANS had reported on March 2 that Harbhajan would conduct a camp for off-spinners at the CoE after former India left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan led a fast-bowling camp for India A and U19 pacers earlier this month. One of India's greatest spinners, Harbhajan Singh, worked with the off spinners from the High Performance monitoring group and the Emerging Off Spinners at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). From technical knowledge to tactical planning, the sessions were enriching for the participants who gained perspectives from the legend himself on various aspects that were covered through simulating scenarios and conditions, wrote the BCCI on their X account on Thursday. Amongst the spinners who got mentorship in the camp from Harbhajan from March 23 to 26 were Mumbais off-spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian and his team-mate, off-spinner Himanshu Singh. Enjoyed spending time with our future players. Love it, wrote Harbhajan on his Instagram account. From technical knowledge to tactical planning, the sessions were enriching for the participants who gained perspectives from the legend himself on various aspects that were covered through simulating scenarios and conditions, wrote the BCCI on their X account on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In an illustrious international career which began in 1998, Harbhajan was a member of the Indian team winning the 2007 Mens T20 World Cup and 2011 Mens ODI World Cup. One of the most memorable moments in his international career was picking 32 wickets in three Tests, including a hat-trick against Australia in March 2001, which came in a historic triumph, and is one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket. Article Source: IANS
Karnataka MLAs Raise IPL Ticket Issue In Assembly, Speaker Urges Government To Intervene
Karnataka State Cricket Association: The issue of tickets for Karnataka MLAs for IPL matches at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was raised in the Assembly on Thursday, with Speaker U.T. Khader urging the government to take up the matter with the authorities concerned. Khader said that MLAs are currently being issued only one ordinary ticket, reportedly due to concerns that legislators often pass on their tickets to others, leading to overcrowding and management issues in the VIP gallery. He pointed out that this arrangement was causing inconvenience and embarrassment to MLAs. When an MLA goes to watch a match, the staff may not recognise them and may not treat them with due respect. As a result, many MLAs are reluctant to attend matches, he said. The Speaker suggested that the authorities be called for discussions and a clear policy be put in place. He recommended that at least four tickets be issued to each MLA and that proper arrangements be made to ensure they are treated with respect. His remarks were welcomed by legislators, who thumped their desks in support. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka alleged that the authorities would not comply easily and suggested that the government use its regulatory powers. He questioned the granting of CL-7 liquor licences at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium during matches and the operation of bars at the venue. Tighten the screws, and they will fall in line, he remarked. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded that he would look into the issue. Several MLAs noted that the IPL matches are scheduled to begin from March 28 and demanded that at least five tickets be provided to each legislator along with proper recognition at the venue. Khader clarified that MLAs should not approach him for tickets and instead take up the matter with the Deputy Chief Minister. Some legislators also demanded the creation of a dedicated gallery for MLAs and ministers at the stadium to ensure proper seating and protocol. Ashoka maintained that MLAs would continue to approach the Speaker on the issue. Responding to the concerns, Shivakumar said he would speak to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President. There is nothing wrong with MLAs asking for tickets to watch IPL matches in Bengaluru. I will convey that this is the direction of the Speaker and a submission from the Leader of the Opposition, he said, assuring that the matter would be addressed. IPL matches in Bengaluru begin from March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The demand by MLAs has triggered a discussion on social media in the state. Responding to the concerns, Shivakumar said he would speak to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President. There is nothing wrong with MLAs asking for tickets to watch IPL matches in Bengaluru. I will convey that this is the direction of the Speaker and a submission from the Leader of the Opposition, he said, assuring that the matter would be addressed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The memorial has been constructed near the stadium premises to honour the victims of the incident that occurred during celebrations following RCBs IPL title win. Article Source: IANS
Crawley confronts the consequences of another winter of failed promise
England opener is vulnerable after limited impact in Ashes, and needs runs at Kent to make his case
Shubman Gill: 'Don't think I have anything to prove this season'
The Gujarat Titans skipper also said the Impact Player rules is 'taking the skill out of the game'
Rahul Chahar returns to Surrey for eight-game County Championship stint
The India legspinner bagged a ten-wicket haul on debut for the county in the previous season
IPL 2026: A Chance for Rishabh Pant to Shed the Unlucky Tag
For Lucknow Super Giants, the IPL 2026 is the season for redemption under Rishabh Pant. The costliest IPL franchise is yet to see any significant success in the IPL: lost in the Play-Offs in the first two seasons and then finished in the seventh position in the last two seasons. Naturally, in the new season, the focus is primarily on current captain Pant for his leadership as well as batting. He ended the last season with 118* off 61 balls against Gujarat Titans, but before that had scored only 151 runs in 13 matches. This was not the performance the franchisee expected from their Rs.27 crore signee. He has to justify the tag of being the IPLs most expensive player. The IPL 2026 season is being viewed as a make-or-break season for him with the hope of doing much better than the 269 runs he scored in 14 innings last season. He also has a chance to set the record straight as a captain. So far, he has captained two different teams in more than 50 matches but without any IPL title, with an overall captaincy record: 57 matches (30 wins + 27 losses). With Delhi Capitals (20212024), he earned the tag of a never-say-die captain and led them in 43 matches, and then LSG spent a record-breaking Rs. 27 crore at the auction to appoint him captain for the 2025 season, following their disappointment with KL Rahul, but the story remained unchanged. He may not end up as lucky as Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni as far as winning an IPL title is concerned, but he can come out of the list of the captains who led in 50+ IPL matches, without winning the title. Virat Kohli (143 matches with 68 wins, 71 losses, 3 ties and 1 no result) is leading the pack as he couldnt convert his fine batting form into an IPL title as captain (from 2013 to 2021, and again for a few matches in 2023). His is a unique case as he captained only one franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and remains the only captain to have led a team in 100+ matches without ever winning a title. Virat is still playing but not captaining the side. Similarly, Sanju Samson (67 matches with 33 wins, 33 losses and 1 no result) also doesnt have the chance to add an IPL title to his record as captain. He led Rajasthan Royals from 2021 to 2025, scored a hundred in his very first match as captain (first IPL captain to record the feat) and, like Virat, amassed a lot of runs but failed to win a title. He has now moved from the Royals. On the unlucky quotient, KL Rahul is next as he has captained in 64 matches (32 wins, 32 losses) but without winning the IPL title. Among those who have captained more than one team, he is the most unfortunate. Before the 2022 season, the Lucknow Super Giants acquired him for Rs.17 crore as a long-term captaincy prospect, but after 37 matches, they lost faith in him. It appears that they overlooked that he had not won the title for Kings XI Punjab also in the 27 matches before that. He is now not captaining his new side and his record in this capacity stands frozen at this point. Rishabh Pants story bears striking similarities with him. Virender Sehwag was a big name at the start of the IPL. As an iconic player, he was the first captain of the Delhi Daredevils (from 2008 to 2012), took the team to semi-finals in two consecutive seasons (2008 and 2009) and, in 2009, was at the top of the league table but despite captaining them for 52 matches, failed to secure a title. He also led the Punjab team for just a single match. He remains one of the few captains who, despite leading a single franchise for over 50 matches, never managed to win a title. Overall IPL captaincy record 53 matches (29 wins, 24 losses). Surprisingly, none of the Icons of the IPL met with success as captain and, like Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar also failed to taste the success. He led Mumbai Indians in 51 matches (30 wins, 21 losses), starting from the very first season of the IPL but remained empty-handed. He also holds the distinction of having captained a single team in 50 matches without winning a title. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Similarly, Royal Challengers Bangalore started with Rahul Dravid (14 matches) and then he was captain of the Rajasthan Royals between 2012 and 2013, taking over from Shane Warne in 34 matches but was unable to deliver a title.
India will host Australia in a high-profile five-Test series starting January next year to end the 2026/27 home season, the country's cricket board announced on Thursday. The season will culminate with the prestigious and much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring a five-match Test series against Australia, beginning on January 21, 2027, in Nagpur, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said. The contest will then move to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad, the board said. India suffered a 2-0 Test whitewash against South Africa at home last year and are placed sixth in the World Test Championship table led by Australia. India's home season will begin with a white-ball series including three one-day matches and five T20 internationals against the West Indies starting September 27. The cricketing powerhouse will host Sri Lanka in December 2026 for a white-ball series including three ODI and three T20I matches. Zimbabwe will be in India for three 50-over matches in January. India home fixtures 2026/27: West Indies in India: September 27: 1st ODI, Thiruvananthapuram September 30: 2nd ODI, Guwahati October 3: 3rd ODI, New Chandigarh October 6: 1st T20I, Lucknow October 9: 2nd T20I, Ranchi October 11: 3rd T20I, Indore October 14: 4th T20I, Hyderabad October 17: 5th T20I, Bengaluru Sri Lanka in India: December 13: 1st ODI, New Delhi December 16: 2nd ODI, Bengaluru December 19:3rd ODI, Ahmedabad December 22: 1st T20I, Rajkot December 24: 2nd T20I, Cuttack December 27:3rd T20I, Pune Zimbabwe in India: January 3: 1st ODI, Kolkata January 6: 2nd ODI, Hyderabad January 9:3rd ODI, Mumbai Australia in India: January 21-25: 1st Test, Nagpur January 29-February 2: 2nd Test, Chennai February 11-15: 3rd Test, Guwahati February 19-23: 4th Test, Ranchi Also Read: Live Cricket Score February 27-March 3: 5th Test, Ahmedabad
IPL 2026: I Don't Have Anything To Prove In This Season, Particularly, Says Shubman Gill
Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill said he feels no pressure to prove himself in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, adding that his focus is on making his team win another title this year rather than chasing personal milestones. Gill, Indias captain in Tests and ODIs, was left out of the T20I team to make room for Sanju Samson in the top order. It proved to be a move that paid off really well as India claimed a record third Mens T20 World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium earlier this month. Not at all. I think, if you look at the past three or four seasons, I have the most runs in IPL. So, I don't think I have anything to prove, in this season particularly. The four years that I've played for this team, I think we have done decently well as a team, and I think I've done decently well as a batsman. So, I don't think I need to prove my worth to anyone. I think I need to do what I've been doing for the past four years. As a team, we need to be consistent, which I think we have been. If we continue doing that, sooner or later, I think we will win that trophy once more, said Gill, who became GTs captain in IPL 2024, in a pre-season press conference on Thursday. The right-handed batter also voiced his opinion against the Impact Player rule, saying that it is making the game one-dimensional. Gills words come just a day after he attended the IPL captains and managers meeting in Mumbai, where it was announced that the Impact Player rule will remain till the 2027 season. Personally, for me, I don't think there should be an Impact Player rule. I think cricket in general is an 11-player game, and on the wickets and grounds that we play, adding an extra batter takes the skill out of the game. There is a certain skill in the game that you need to have, and when you know when you have a certain number of batters and if a couple of your batters get out, there is a certain amount of skill that you need to have to still get the scoreboard moving and get your team to a good score. I think with that one extra player, it's making the game more one-dimensional, and it's taking a little bit of the skill out of the game. Chasing 180 or 160 on a challenging wicket is, for me personally, way more exciting than chasing 220 on a flat wicket. So, I mean, it's gonna be there till 2027 -- it's something that we also spoke about in the captain's meeting yesterday. I understand it makes the game a bit more entertaining, but let's see if it's up to them and what the BCCI is going to take a decision on this. But personally, I don't like it that much, he elaborated. Gill signed off by reiterating that personal goals are never a priority for him in terms of targets in the immediate future, whether hes turning out for GT or India. Honestly, I am not the one to look too much into personal goals, whatever team I am playing for, whether it be for my country or for Gujarat. So, I mean, it's gonna be there till 2027 -- it's something that we also spoke about in the captain's meeting yesterday. I understand it makes the game a bit more entertaining, but let's see if it's up to them and what the BCCI is going to take a decision on this. But personally, I don't like it that much, he elaborated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If you are playing a series, you are looking to beat the other teams in the series, so those are the goals that I look forward to, and I don't really have my personal goals. Like right now, its obvious to win the IPL. Once that ends, obviously, we are going to have some other tournaments within the team. So my personal goals would change into that, and that's how I like to look at my goals. Article Source: IANS
Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar To Rejoin Surrey For Final Eight County Championship Games
County Championship Division One: India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar will return to Surrey for their final eight matches in the upcoming County Championship season, the club said on Thursday. Chahar, 26, made a stunning debut for Surrey last year, claiming 10 wickets in a victory over Hampshire, including second-innings figures of 8/51. They are also the best figures by a debutant bowler in the clubs history, breaking William Mudies 166-year-old record of figures of 7/61 in 1859. Chahar has represented India seven times in white-ball cricket and will be available from June 7 when Surrey face Hampshire at The Oval, after his commitments with five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026 are over. Im so excited to be coming back to Surrey this season. I really enjoyed my short spell in 2025 and jumped at the opportunity to come back this season when I spoke to Alec Stewart. Surrey is a successful club, and I want to help the team achieve its goals in 2026, said Chahar in a statement. Chahar has taken 101 wickets in 27 first-class matches and was part of the Mumbai Indians IPL-winning squads in 2019 and 2020. He previously played for Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL before being acquired by CSK at last years auction in Abu Dhabi. Im so excited to be coming back to Surrey this season. I really enjoyed my short spell in 2025 and jumped at the opportunity to come back this season when I spoke to Alec Stewart. Surrey is a successful club, and I want to help the team achieve its goals in 2026, said Chahar in a statement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Surrey won the County Championship Division One title from 2022 to 2024, and finished as runners-up last season behind champions Nottinghamshire. They will open their 2026 campaign against Warwickshire in Birmingham on April 3. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: SRH-RR Game To Kickstart Second Phase Of Competition, CSK-MI To Meet Twice
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Thursday that a game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals on April 13 will begin the second phase of the 2026 season. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said venues for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs will be announced later. Earlier, the BCCI announced the IPL 2026 schedule for the first 20 games due to elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. But once the Election Commission of India (ECI) gave the clear dates and timelines around it, the BCCI has now come up with the schedule of the second phase of the competition -- with 50 matches to be played across 12 venues from April 13 to May 24. The league stage will resume with SRH, the 2016 champions, hosting inaugural winners RR at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 13. Matches in the second phase of the competition will be staged in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamsala, Raipur, and New Chandigarh. The eight double-headers are lined up, with afternoon games starting at 3:30 p.m. IST and evening fixtures at 7:30 p.m. Punjab Kings will split their home matches between PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh and HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, which will host three games. RR will play their remaining four games at their primary home venue the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, while defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host three matches in Bengaluru before hosting the rest of their two home games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will face off twice in the second phase. The first meeting between CSK and MI will happen on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while the next clash is set to happen at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 2. RR will play their remaining four games at their primary home venue the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, while defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host three matches in Bengaluru before hosting the rest of their two home games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The first leg will start with a match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Article Source: IANS
Walter: Having Ben Sears fit to play an entire series is a win
NZ's head coach Rob Walter reflects on the takeaways from the five-match T20I series against SA
IPL 2026: Batting Riches, Fast Bowling Worries Cloud Kolkata Knight Riders Build-up
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders, with a new head coach in Abhishek Nayar, along with Shane Watson and Tim Southee joining in, are building up to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a curious look the batting riches look formidable on paper, yet their fast-bowling department looks a touch weak. The retirement of Andre Russell - the heartbeat of their middle-order and death-bowling plans - has created a void that the management has attempted to fill with the most expensive overseas signing in IPL auction history in Cameron Green. IANS has a look at how KKR are building up to IPL 2026: - Strength: What remains at the core of KKR is a spin attack of genuine world-class quality. The pairing of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy is a potent spin-bowling combination in the competition. In IPL 2025, KKR's spin unit recorded the best economy rate in the league at 7.9 RPO and claimed the second-highest wicket tally among spin departments with 36 wickets. Against the variety and skill that Narine and Chakravarthy bring across all formats of the innings, most batting line-ups will struggle to impose themselves. Add to it, the New Zealand duo of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are in stellar form and can handle KKRs batting duties alongside Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. Weakness: KKRs fast-bowling stocks carry their own question mark. The departure of Mustafizur Rahman has left a notable void in the pace attack, though Blessing Muzarabanis arrival papers over it to some extent. But not having Harshit Rana and Akash Deep (though Saurabh Dubey and Navdeep Saini have joined as their replacements) has made their fast bowling setup a bit short on experience. Another weak point that can hurt KKR is the problem of plenty in their overseas slots. Narine and Green are sure starters, but who between Seifert, Allen, Muzarabani, Rachin Ravindra, Rovman Powell, and Matheesha Pathirana (whenever he gets NoC) gets the other two overseas spots will have a huge effect on their campaign. Opportunity: Purchased for the highest price ever paid for an overseas player at an IPL auction, Cameron Green steps into the franchise at a moment when the void left by Russell's retirement is felt most acutely. Green's ability to strike the ball at pace, bowl with genuine seam movement, and adapt to varying roles across the innings gives KKR the versatility they would get from Russell at his peak. If he finds form early, the possibilities are endless. On the domestic front, the franchise has genuine cause for optimism, as Anukul Roy arrives as the Player of the Tournament in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win for Jharkhand. If given chances, Roy can be the lethal all-rounder KKR can bank upon to get wins. Green's ability to strike the ball at pace, bowl with genuine seam movement, and adapt to varying roles across the innings gives KKR the versatility they would get from Russell at his peak. If he finds form early, the possibilities are endless. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The indecision over whether Seifert, Allen, or Angkrish Raghuvanshi should take the gloves is also another threat to KKRs flexibility as a unit. Constant shuffling of the wicketkeeper position could disrupt team balance and affect batting order clarity for KKR. Article Source: IANS
IPL announces full league stage schedule
Dharamsala and Raipur among venues returning to the calendar
IPL 2026: Players Returning After Missing 2025 Season
The Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been pivotal in transforming modern franchise cricket, influencing not only India but also the international scene. Besides its commercial achievements, it serves as a significant platform for showcasing new talent, enhancing the reputation of domestic players, and making many of them well-known worldwide. Every season, a few high-profile players are absent due to injuries or dips in form. This year, too, many players have been ruled out before the start of the tournament, due to injury or availability concerns, forcing the franchises to look for replacements. But several players will be returning to the high-intense setup after having missed the previous edition. With this in mind, here are five players who missed IPL 2025 but are expected to return in the 2026 tournament, which starts on Saturday. Cameron Green (Kolkata Knight Riders) Fast-bowling all-rounders continue to be among the most sought-after assets in the IPL, and this season marks the return of one of Australias finest, Cameron Green. After missing the previous edition due to a back injury, Green is back in the spotlight as the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history, having been bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering Rs. 25.20 crore. Green made his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians in 2023, playing a key role in their playoff run. He scored 452 runs across 16 matches at an impressive strike rate of 160.28, highlighted by a commanding unbeaten century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final league match at the Wankhede Stadium. He followed that with another strong season at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, further cementing his reputation as a dependable performer in the league. However, injury concerns kept him out of the 2025 campaign, and he did not participate in that years mega auction. Now 26, Green joins Eden Gardens as a marquee signing for Kolkata, with high expectations despite a tough recent Ashes series. His return not only bolsters KKRs squad but also provides a potential game-changer capable of affecting matches with both bat and ball. Sarfaraz Khan (Chennai Super Kings) Sarfaraz Khan's career has been marked by sharp turns, from early promise to times on the fringes. He first gained notice during his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where his performances were good enough to secure retention ahead of the 2018 mega-auction. However, maintaining consistency proved difficult in the following years, and subsequent spells with Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals did little to secure his place, ultimately leading to his release before the 2024 season and a couple of years without an IPL contract. Despite his absence from the league, Sarfaraz continued to build an impressive reputation in domestic cricket. His outstanding performance in the 202526 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy highlighted his T20 skills, as he scored 329 runs at an average of 65.20 and an exceptional strike rate of 203.8. A blazing 73 off just 22 balls on the morning of the auction further emphasised his value. Those performances earned him a return to the IPL, with Chennai Super Kings securing his services for Rs. 75 lakh. While competition for places in a crowded batting line-up may limit immediate opportunities, conditions at Chepauk could play to his strengths against spin, and his inventive strokeplay adds depth to the side. Having already achieved a long-awaited Test debut for India before slipping out of contention again, Sarfaraz now faces another crucial moment. A strong IPL campaign could not only restore his credentials in the format but also rekindle hopes of a return to the national team. Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans) Jason Holder has long been a familiar figure in the IPL, representing multiple franchises, with his most recent appearance for the Rajasthan Royals in 2023. Despite his experience and all-round capabilities, he remained unsold in the following two seasons and instead participated in franchise cricket elsewhere, including a stint with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League in 2025. Since then, Holder has regained strong form on the international stage, delivering impactful performances for the West Indies. He also impressed as captain of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League, demonstrating both leadership and consistency. His resurgence did not go unnoticed, as the Gujarat Titans secured his services for Rs. 7 crore ahead of the 2026 season. Backed by a strong performance in the recent World Cup, Holder now returns to the IPL with renewed energy and the potential to play a vital all-round role for the Titans. Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals) Prithvi Shaw burst onto the IPL scene as an exciting teenager in 2018, showcasing his attacking flair while representing Delhi Daredevils. He soon became a key figure in the sides resurgence after they transitioned into the Delhi Capitals, with his rise reflected in his rapid elevation to Indias national team across formats. However, that early momentum proved difficult to maintain. A prolonged decline in form, combined with fitness and discipline issues, caused Shaw to fall out of favour. After two disappointing IPL seasons, Delhi released him, and his struggles worsened when he lost his place in Mumbais domestic team. A fresh start with Maharashtra seems to have reignited his game. Consistent performances across formats in domestic cricket signal a return to form, prompting Delhi Capitals to re-sign him for Rs. 75 lakh ahead of the 2026 season. Returning to a franchise where he previously thrived, forming effective opening partnerships with players like Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner, Shaw now has an opportunity to rebuild his reputation. At 26, he faces a pivotal moment. A successful run at the top of the order could signal a major resurgence, potentially realigning his career and sparking renewed debates about his role in Indian cricket. Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders) Umran Malik made an immediate impact when he emerged for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, attracting attention with raw pace that often exceeded 150 kmph. His breakthrough season reached its peak in 2022, when he took 22 wickets and received a call-up to the Indian team, highlighting his potential as one of the countrys fastest bowlers. Since then, injuries have hindered his progress, affecting both his appearances and effectiveness. After being released before the 2025 auction, Malik was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders, but another injury setback ruled him out of the season. Now fully fit and having completed a full domestic campaign with Jammu and Kashmir in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Malik returns with renewed purpose. With Kolkatas pace attack depleted following the exits of key bowlers, he has a clear opportunity to re-establish himself. Maliks focus will now be on rediscovering the form and rhythm that once made him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in the league. A strong showing this season could not only strengthen his role at KKR but also revive his chances of making a comeback to the national side. Finn Allen (Kolkata Knight Riders) Finn Allen had a quiet start to his IPL journey, spending time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021 and 2022 without making an appearance despite being regarded as a promising, hard-hitting opener. Finn Allen (Kolkata Knight Riders) Also Read: Live Cricket Score His rise was further cemented on the global stage when he scored a breathtaking 33-ball century against South Africa in the semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the fastest hundred in the tournaments history. Now returning to the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, Allen brings with him a reputation built on fearless strokeplay, and even a glimpse of that form could make him a game-changing presence this season. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans Pin Hopes On Big Names, Batting Core In Quest For Second Title
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Gujarat Titans head into the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season carrying both the weight of high expectations and the fuel of unfinished business after bowing out of the competition in the Eliminator stage last year. Winners in their debut season in 2022 and runners-up in 2023, the franchise will pin its hopes for another title on big names led by Shubman Gill and a batting core that has some vulnerabilities. IANS takes a look at how GT are shaping up ahead of a crucial IPL 2026 season: - Strength: GTs foundation rests on a batting record that entered the history books last season. In IPL 2025, GT became the first team in the competition's history to have three batters Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler -- each crossing the 500-run mark in a single season. The opening partnership between Gill and Sudharsan produced an average of 65.1, the highest of any pair in the league that year. It was batting that consistently put totals beyond reach before the opposition bowling line-up could regroup. Up front with the ball, GT's pace attack carries credentials that few sides can match. Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, the 2025 Purple Cap winner, form a formidable seam bowling unit with both the experience to execute under pressure and the variety to exploit different surfaces. Weakness: Though their top-order looks rock solid, they come in with a few concerns Gill comes on the back of being omitted from Indias T20 World Cup-winning squad. Sudharsan arrived after recovering from a rib injury, while Buttler had a poor run of form in the T20 World Cup. If one of them doesnt strike form big time, GT can find themselves in trouble. Below that trio, GTs batting order looks shaky, with no dependable finisher to apply finishing touches to the innings. The spin department also has its own set of concerns Rashid Khan struggles to get scalps at their home venue in Ahmedabad, while the rest of the spinners arrive after not having much productive time in the domestic season. Opportunity: The most transformative acquisition of GT's auction signing is of West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who can contribute meaningfully across all three phases. Young India pacer Ashok Sharmas bowling returns will also be keenly watched after having a brilliant time in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Washington Sundar, too, arrives transformed. Since IPL 2025, the Tamil Nadu allrounder has reinvented himself as a high-impact T20 batter. Apart from his handy off-spin bowling, Sundar can provide the batting insurance GT is currently missing below the top three batters. Opportunity: The most transformative acquisition of GT's auction signing is of West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who can contribute meaningfully across all three phases. Young India pacer Ashok Sharmas bowling returns will also be keenly watched after having a brilliant time in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The overseas slot selection presents another genuine headache. With Buttler, Rashid, and Rabada near-certain starters, the battle for the fourth slot between Holder's all-round utility and Glenn Phillips' explosive batting will demand a difficult call - one that could leave either a critical bowling option or a key batting resource on the bench for every match. Article Source: IANS
Amelia Kerr wins big at New Zealand Cricket awards
Jacob Duffy claims Sir Richard Hadlee medal while Martin Snedden wins Bert Sutcliffe Medal
Nuwan Thushara To Miss IPL 2026 After SLC Refuses To Give NOC Under New Fitness Policy: Report
Indian Premier League: Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara is likely to miss out on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refused to give him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), following the implementation of a strict new fitness policy, a news report claimed on Thursday. Under the revised regulations, SLC has made it mandatory for players to meet newly introduced physical performance benchmarks before being cleared to participate in overseas franchise leagues, including the IPL and Pakistan Super League (PSL). Thusharas participation depended on successfully passing these assessments, but he reportedly did not meet the required standards. According to Newswire Sri Lanka, SLC withheld the NOC, a decision that could cost the pacer his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reportedly valued at around INR 1.6 crore. The setback marks another difficult chapter for Thushara, who featured prominently during Sri Lankas 2025 Asia Cup campaign but subsequently fell out of favour ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite a spate of injuries among fast bowlers, he was overlooked for selection, raising questions about his position in the national setup. While reports indicate that Thushara is not currently dealing with any injury concerns and remains available to bowl, doubts over his overall fitness appear to have influenced the selectors firm stance. SLC has adopted a no-compromise approach in its new policy, granting NOCs only to those who have met the fitness criteria. Several players, including Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, have met the standards and secured clearance to participate in the IPL. While reports indicate that Thushara is not currently dealing with any injury concerns and remains available to bowl, doubts over his overall fitness appear to have influenced the selectors firm stance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Thushara, missing the IPL, widely regarded as the premier franchise T20 competition, represents a significant blow to both career progression and financial opportunity. Article Source: IANS
I Heard RCB Chants When Wankhede Was Silent: Bethell Recalls T20 WC Knock Vs India
T20 World Cup: Englands young batter Jacob Bethell has expressed admiration for the passionate fan base of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), revealing that he could hear chants for the team even during a tense moment in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against India at the Wankhede Stadium. Bethell, who represents RCB, said the chants stood out during a quiet phase in the stadium when England were pushing hard in the chase. I definitely heard a few RCB chants when the whole of the Wankhede was silent, which, I found remarkable, I guess that just shows the support, he said in a video shared by the franchise on X. The 22-year-old produced a sensational innings in the semifinal, smashing 105 off just 48 deliveries and bringing England close to victory. However, despite his efforts, England fell short by seven runs. Reflecting on the knock, Bethell said that while he loved the innings, the result left him with mixed emotions. I wouldnt say my life changed, you know, I saw a few edits floating around and you know, the fans over here have been getting very, you know, creative with their digital work, he said. That innings was, it was a great innings, and I enjoyed every minute of it, you know, it was still a bit bittersweet, you know, not getting over the line. Im sure you guys were pretty happy that I didnt manage to get it over the line, he added. Reflecting on the knock, Bethell said that while he loved the innings, the result left him with mixed emotions. I wouldnt say my life changed, you know, I saw a few edits floating around and you know, the fans over here have been getting very, you know, creative with their digital work, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bethell is expected to play a key role for RCB in IPL 2026, with the franchise set to begin its campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Article Source: IANS
Going where the money is - Cummins voices the danger facing Australian cricket
The Australia captain weighs in on concerns that more players might forego Cricket Australia contracts in the future if they can earn more in franchise cricket
IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Aim For Breaking Title Drought Through Familiar And New Faces
Indian Premier League: Banking on a mix of familiar players and fresh recruits, Delhi Capitals look stronger than ever to end their long wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Despite a strong start last year by winning their first four matches, DC faltered in the second half of the campaign and finished fifth to miss out on the playoffs for the fourth successive time. When the 2026 season gets underway on March 28, DC will be aiming to finally break their playoffs hoodoo and go all the way to that elusive silverware. IANS does a SWOT analysis of DC, one of IPLs perennial trophy contenders, who have often promised much but fallen short when it mattered most. Strength: DC has the most formidable spin bowling attack in IPL 2026. At the heart of that confidence is Kuldeep Yadav. The wrist-spinner finished IPL 2025 as DC's leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets and alongside captain Axar Patel, who will be on top of his bowling game after a finger injury prevented him from doing so last year, as well as leg-spin bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam present, DC have spinners that most rivals would envy. DCs batting story centers on KL Rahul, whose 539 runs in IPL 2025 made him the sides top run-scorer and a permanent return to the opening slot where his numbers have historically been most authoritative is of great advantage. Below him, Tristan Stubbs provides the sort of mid-innings acceleration that changes, while Ashutosh Sharma offers the chance to finish off games well in DCs favour. Weakness: In IPL 2025, DC's seamers took the fewest wickets of any side in the competition, with their power-play and death overs bowling being their weak links. Whether new additions in the seam-bowling department can address it, especially with Mitchell Starc yet to get the NoC, remains to be seen. At the top of the order, DC had the lowest opening partnership average and cycled through seven different opening combinations in search of stability that never arrived. While Rahul's return alleviates some of that anxiety, his partner and an ideal, settled top three needs to be figured out before last years script repeats it. Opportunity: DCs management moved decisively to enhance their batting strength by adding David Miller, Nitish Rana, Ben Duckett and Pathum Nissanka ahead of the upcoming season. All four batting options provide flexibility and the capacity to absorb pressure at different points of an innings, which in turn can make DCs batting returns brighter. IPL 2026 is also a huge platform for Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi to firmly etch himself into the minds of cricket fans. Being the lead star of Jammu & Kashmirs Ranji Trophy winning campaign via taking 60 scalps, consistent good showings from Nabi could help him nail a regular spot in DC's line-up. Opportunity: DCs management moved decisively to enhance their batting strength by adding David Miller, Nitish Rana, Ben Duckett and Pathum Nissanka ahead of the upcoming season. All four batting options provide flexibility and the capacity to absorb pressure at different points of an innings, which in turn can make DCs batting returns brighter. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DC is one of only OG IPL sides to have competed in every season of the competition without lifting the trophy. Whether that history brings motivation or add psychological weight on the players and team think-tank is something to keep a watch out for. Moreover, DC's winning rate at the Arun Jaitley Stadium stands at 44.1 percent and if they want to enter the playoffs and go all the way to the trophy, they need to have more wins at home. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan Picks LSG Playing XI, Slots Pant At No. 3 Spot
Indian Premier League: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has picked his playing 12 for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28. LSG, which finished in seventh position last season, made a lot of changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2026. LSG improved their bowling, which was under attack in IPL 2025, by adding Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trade and purchasing Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje in the Auction. Despite reports claiming that captain Rishabh Pant can open the innings for the team, Pathan suggested that LSG should not alter the Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh opening pair, who performed well in the last year. According to the former all-rounder, Pant is best suited for the number 3 position, as it will give him the opportunity to assess the wicket before coming into play, and he can also stabilise the innings if one of the openers falls early. Pathan has put Nicholas Pooran at number 4 and also raised concerns about his poor form. He has gone with all the Indian lower batting lineup with Ayush Badoni, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abdul Samad. Markram and Marsh are very important because both of them are overseas openers. For this reason, I wish Lucknow put up some good seaming wickets in home matches so that the overseas openers find it comparatively easier to play. A refreshed Rishabh Pant at No. 3, Nicholas Pooran's graph has gone downwards; he has not really performed well in the last year, but he loves playing for Lucknow, Pathan said on his YouTube channel. Ayush Badoni's graph has gone up; he got an Indian call-up as well. You then have Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed in the lower middle-order. You can also consider M Siddharth as well if you feel that seven batters are enough, he added. The 2007 T20 World Cup champion has selected Mohammad Shami and Avesh Khan as fast bowlers and Digvesh Rathi as the spinner. Ahmad and Badoni could also support the bowling. Pathan has gone with five options for impact player which include Mayank Yadav,Anrich Nortje,Mohsin Khan,Naman Tiwari and Prince Yadav. Irfan Pathan's playing XI Pathan has gone with five options for impact player which include Mayank Yadav,Anrich Nortje,Mohsin Khan,Naman Tiwari and Prince Yadav. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/Anrich Nortje/Mohsin Khan/Naman Tiwari/ Prince Yadav. Article Source: IANS
The Karnataka State Cricket Association: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for senior mens international home matches for the 2026-27 season, which features an exciting, action-packed schedule with four visiting teams, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia, across multiple formats. The Men in Blue will play 22 international matches across 17 cities, giving fans nationwide the chance to see top-tier international cricket. Notably, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set to host international games for the first time since October 2024, when India played New Zealand in the third Test of a five-match series. The Karnataka State Cricket Association announced on Saturday that the venue had received the governments permission to host Indian Premier League and international games. Cricket at the venue had been suspended in June 2024 following a stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengalurus (RCB) maiden title celebrations, which resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Additionally, a key highlight of the announcement is that the Barsapara Cricket Stadium (ACA Stadium) in Guwahati will host a Border-Gavaskar series Test for the first time. In November 2025, the venue hosted its first-ever red-ball game since its establishment in 2012, when South Africa toured India for a multi-format series, making the upcoming BGT Test only the second red-ball game to be played there. The season kicks off with the West Indies' tour of India (September 27 to October 17). It will include a three-match ODI series, followed by a five-match T20I series. The ODIs will be held in Trivandrum, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh, while the T20Is will take place in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. India will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is from December 13 to 27. The ODIs will be held in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, while the T20Is are scheduled in Rajkot, Cuttack, and Pune. In recent years, Delhi has faced intense air pollution during winters, notably affecting players during the 2017 India-Sri Lanka Test, where some experienced breathing issues and nausea. Last year, the BCCI initially scheduled a Test against the West Indies in Kolkata in October and another against South Africa in Delhi in November. These tests were eventually rescheduled so that Delhi could host the match before pollution levels rise around Diwali. At the beginning of the new year, Zimbabwe will visit India for a three-match ODI series from January 3 to 9, with games scheduled to take place in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The season will conclude with the highly esteemed and eagerly awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia from January 21 to March 3. The first match of the highly anticipated Test series will be held in Nagpur. The series will then proceed to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad, offering an exciting competition between two of the top teams in international cricket. Full schedule of Indias home international matches for 2026-27 West Indies Tour of India (2026) 1st ODI, September 27, Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum 2nd ODI, September 30, Barsapara Cricket Stadium (ACA Stadium), Guwahati 3rd ODI, October 3, PCA New Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh 1st T20I, October 6, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow 2nd T20I, October 9, Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi 3rd T20I, October 11, Holkar Cricket Stadium. Indore 4th T20I, October 14, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad 5th T20I, October 17, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Sri Lanka Tour of India (2026) 1st ODI, December 13, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi 2nd ODI, December 16, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru 3rd ODI, December 19, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad 1st T20I, December 22, Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot 2nd T20I, December 24, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack 3rd T20I, December 27, Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) International Stadium, Pune Zimbabwe Tour of India (2027) 1st ODI, January 3, Eden Gardens, Kolkata 2nd ODI, January 6, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad 3rd ODI, January 9, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Australia Tour of India (2027) 1st Test, January 2125, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur 2nd Test, January 29February 2, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 3rd Test, February 1115, Barsapara Cricket Stadium (ACA Stadium), Guwahati 2nd Test, January 29February 2, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Also Read: Live Cricket Score 5th Test, February 27March 3, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Article Source: IANS
International cricket returns to Bengaluru in busy 2026-27 season
Zimbabwe are set to embark on their first bilateral tour of India since 2002
Amelia Kerr, Jacob Duffy Take Top Honours At New Zealand Cricket Awards
New Zealand Cricket Awards: New Zealand womens captain Amelia Kerr and mens fast bowler Jacob Duffy took the top honours at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards on Thursday. While Amelia won an unprecedented fourth straight Debbie Hockley Medal, Duffy claimed the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal. Amelia led her side to a third straight Super Smash crown and topped New Zealands T20I run charts with 354 runs at an average of 70, also finishing second in wickets. She was also named Womens T20I Player of the Year. Quite simply, were talking about a dominant force in every facet of the game, and one of the most influential players in womens cricket history, said Debbie as she presented the medal to Amelia. Duffy, 31, had a prolific time in Tests, taking 25 wickets at an average of 16, including three five-wicket hauls in four matches. His marathon spells against the West Indies highlighted his durability, and he also collected the Test Player of the Year and Winsor Cup for first-class bowling. Jacobs durability, consistency, and ability to take wickets in pressure moments made him the most complete bowling performer of the season, said Sir Richard Hadlee. Among other winners, Tim Seifert was named Mens T20I Player of the Year after scoring 739 runs at a strike rate of 154, while Daryl Mitchell took the ODI award for making 692 runs at an average of 138, rising to world number one ranking in the format. Brooke Halliday won the womens ODI award for making 391 runs at an average of 71. Henry Nicholls dominated the domestic scene, sweeping the Redpath Cup and Mens Domestic Player of the Year awards, while Jess Kerr claimed three womens domestic honours - the Womens Domestic Player of the Year, Super Smash Womens Player of the Year, and Phyl Blackler Cup for womens domestic bowling. Katene Clarke was named Super Smash Mens Player of the Year, and Kate Anderson won the Ruth Martin Cup for womens batting. Chris Gaffaney was named Umpire of the Year after another outstanding season on the ICC Elite Panel, including appointments to the Ashes and the ICC Mens T20 World Cup semi-final between India and England. Henry Nicholls dominated the domestic scene, sweeping the Redpath Cup and Mens Domestic Player of the Year awards, while Jess Kerr claimed three womens domestic honours - the Womens Domestic Player of the Year, Super Smash Womens Player of the Year, and Phyl Blackler Cup for womens domestic bowling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen were inducted into the Hall of Fame, while tributes were paid to retiring players Doug Bracewell, Lauren Down, Hayley Jensen, Mikaela Franks and Felicity Robertson. The evening also celebrated two historic international milestone - Suzie Bates becoming the first woman to play 350 international games, while Sophie Devine played her 300th international game and is only the seventh woman to achieve this feat. Article Source: IANS
Barsapara Cricket Stadium: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for Indias (Senior Men) international home matches for the 2026-27 season, with the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru set to host international games for the first time since the October 2024 Test against New Zealand. Additionally, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati will be hosting a Border-Gavaskar series Test for the first time. The upcoming home season features an exciting, action-packed schedule with four visiting teams, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia, across multiple formats. It will include 22 international matches held in 17 cities, giving fans nationwide the chance to see top-tier international cricket. The season kicks off with the West Indies' tour of India (September 27 to October 17). It will include a three-match ODI series, followed by a five-match T20I series. The ODIs will be held in Trivandrum, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh, while the T20Is will take place in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. India will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is from December 13 to 27. The ODIs will be held in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, while the T20Is are scheduled in Rajkot, Cuttack, and Pune. At the beginning of the new year, Zimbabwe will visit India for a three-match ODI series from January 3 to9, with games scheduled to take place in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai India will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is from December 13 to 27. The ODIs will be held in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, while the T20Is are scheduled in Rajkot, Cuttack, and Pune. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The series will then proceed to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad, offering an exciting competition between two of the top teams in international cricket. Article Source: IANS
'It Was Quite Tough For Me': Dube On His Secret Train Journey After T20 WC Triumph
T20 World Cup: Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube said on Thursday that his train journey back home after winning the T20 World Cup 2026 with his family was exciting but also quite tough, as he had to take extra precautions to avoid being recognised. Dube had to take an unusual route to get back home from Ahmedabad after the historic win. Unlike most Indian cricketers who travel by chartered or private flights, he couldnt find any available flights from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, as they were fully booked. So, he decided to travel by train in a 3rd AC coach. Even though there was a risk of being recognised by fans, he felt it was the quickest option. In a video shared by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on X, Dube explained how he managed to avoid attention. It was quite tough. We took the train around 5 a.m., and there were many people. But since it was right after the World Cup, no one expected me to be there. I went to the top berth and slept for some time. We slept around 5:30 and woke up at 10:30, he said. Dube also shared that he had travelled by train in a similar way last year during a BPCL tournament in Baroda. I had done this before as well, wearing a mask. Last year, before the IPL, I travelled by train from a BPCL tournament in Baroda because I wanted to reach home early. I was sleeping on my berth, and there were a few friends with me, he added. Dube also shared that he had travelled by train in a similar way last year during a BPCL tournament in Baroda. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Dube is expected to play an important role for CSK in IPL 2026. The five-time champions will begin their campaign on March 30 against the Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Article Source: IANS
'Read The Speculations And Smiled...': LSG Owner Goenka Debunks Rumours Around Pants Captaincy
Lucknow Super Giants: Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), dismissed rumours about Rishabh Pants captaincy following fake reports that suggested the wicketkeeper-batter was losing his leadership role at the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season and wished the 28-year-old luck for the tournament. The LSG captain faced intense scrutiny for his subpar performances during IPL 2025. There were high hopes for the left-handed player after he was bought for an impressive Rs. 27 crores in last year's mega auction, but he could not rise to the occasion. Ahead of the 19th edition of the tournament, rumours about replacing him as captain began to circulate. However, Goenka debunked all such speculations and lauded his character and commitment before wishing for him to have a great season. Heading into the season, I had read the speculations around @RishabhPant17's captaincy and smiled. Weve spent enough time together to know his character and commitment. Have a great season, Cap! Goenka wrote in an X post on Thursday. A similar news story surfaced during the IPL 2025, when Pant took control of the situation. An X user suggested that Pant might be dropped before the 2026 IPL season because LSG owners believe his price is unjustified. The LSG skipper responded to this user, urging them to exercise some sensibility and credibility before spreading false narratives. Heading into the season, I had read the speculations around @RishabhPant17's captaincy and smiled. Weve spent enough time together to know his character and commitment. Have a great season, Cap! Goenka wrote in an X post on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pant scored only 269 runs in the 13 matches he played last season at a poor average of 24.45. His form will be observed closely when LSG start their IPL 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, their home ground, on April 1. Article Source: IANS
Rain ruins opening day after Victoria tear through SA top order
Only 28 overs were possible before rain ended play after Victoria's seamers ripped through South Australia's top order
'Keen To Play All Three Formats, We Can Make It Work,' Says Cummins On Workload And Commitments
Major League Cricket: Australia captain Pat Cummins has acknowledged the growing strain between international commitments and franchise cricket, warning that the balance may become harder to sustain for future players, even as he remains determined to represent Australia across all formats for as long as possible. Several of Cummins long-time teammates, including Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, have already stepped away from ODIs, while Mitchell Starc has given up T20Is in an effort to extend their careers. Cummins, however, is still committed to playing all three formats, even if that requires carefully managed rest periods. Still very keen to play all three formats, and at the moment I think we can make it work. I love Test cricket. Hopefully I'm in a cadence where I can keep doing that for three, four, five years and don't have to forgo Test cricket, Cummins told the Business of Sport podcast. Despite ongoing back concerns, Cummins has maintained a strong presence in Test cricket, missing just two matches in a packed schedule between mid-2023 and the start of the recent home summer. At the same time, he has largely stepped back from white-ball internationals since Australias recent World Cup campaigns. Beyond the IPL, Cummins global franchise footprint is expanding. He has already signed a long-term deal with a Major League Cricket team and expressed interest in eventually featuring in Englands Hundred competition. These commitments highlight the financial and professional pull of franchise leagues worldwide. Reflecting on the broader landscape, Cummins admitted the sport is approaching a critical juncture. I think it's at a tension point. It has been for a while, but I think it's only growing. As each of these franchise leagues get well capitalised, get more sophisticated some of these Indian franchise owners are now branching out and owning different leagues.s He noted that while countries like Australia and England continue to draw strong crowds and attention for Test cricket, the same cannot be said universally, creating uneven pressures across the global game. What we experience in Australia and in England is Test cricket is very well supported, the Test summer has big crowds and a lot of attention. That's not the same for every other international side. Every country has slightly different challenges. As Australian captain, something we speak about is how do we make sure we've got our best Australian guys to choose from when we're picking a Test side or an ODI side, because there is so much demand for them elsewhere. Even the way we contract players and talk about whether we let players go or not has evolved a lot in the last five or so years, because we dont want to lose them, so you've got to give them a little more leash than maybe you did previously, he added. Cummins also pointed to a telling example later this year: Australias two-Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled during the Hundred window. Several Australian players are expected to forgo significant earnings to prioritise national duty, a decision he believes may not always be the case in the future. The interesting point is, big Ashes series, all the main guys want to play that series. (But), for example, during the Hundred this season we've got two Test matches against Bangladesh. All our guys that will play in that Test (series) have opted out of going into the Hundred auction but that's not going to be the case forever. Some of our guys are saying no to a half a million pounds for 20 days work to go and play those two Tests matches against Bangladesh so I think it is a tension point. This is the essence: our guys are so keen to play for Australia that they're happy to forgo that, but I don't think we can just accept that's always going to be the case forever, he noted. The interesting point is, big Ashes series, all the main guys want to play that series. (But), for example, during the Hundred this season we've got two Test matches against Bangladesh. All our guys that will play in that Test (series) have opted out of going into the Hundred auction but that's not going to be the case forever. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If you're playing all three formats in Australia you're very well compensated, he mentioned. Article Source: IANS
Kohli, Suryavanshi To Light Up IPL As Stampede Dead Remembered
The IPL roars back into action on Saturday super-charged by India's home T20 World Cup triumph, but with sombre memories of the 11 fans who died in a stampede celebrating Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title last season. The richest league in cricket launches with RCB hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where June's title party turned to tragedy a day after Bengaluru's first IPL crown. Eleven supporters aged between 14 and 29 died outside the stadium in a crush. The club, sold on Tuesday for nearly $1.8 billion to an Indian-US consortium, will leave 11 seats permanently empty at the stadium while players will wear black armbands. Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, guided RCB to their maiden title on the 18th attempt and shows no sign of slowing down aged 37. He will be hungrier than ever, especially after lifting the IPL trophy last season, former India pace bowler Irfan Pathan told host broadcaster JioHotstar. He will have the same kind of passion when he comes back this season. He will want to lift the trophy once again. The spotlight will also be on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Suryavanshi, who turns 15 on Friday, will open the batting for Rajasthan Royals this season. The prodigy starred for India in their U19 World Cup win in Harare last month, smashing a record-breaking 175 off 80 balls in the final against England. - 'Go hit, don't worry' - Suryavanshi burst onto the IPL scene last year as a 14-year-old, hitting a six off the first ball he faced on his debut. A few days later he romped to a 35-ball century, the second fastest in IPL history. The Royals and fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal are keen to shield Suryavanshi from the glare of publicity. There will be hype and pressure naturally, said captain Riyan Parag. Jaiswal is more than capable of handling that. For Vaibhav, the role will be just to go, hit, and not to worry. India's T20 World Cup win produced new heroes, including opener-wicketkeeper Sanju Samson and all-rounder Shivam Dube, who are both with five-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Samson, named player of the World Cup after his 321 runs in India's last three matches propelled them to the title, begins his first season with Chennai. Two-time World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, 44, will continue to defy age in CSK's yellow, batting at number seven under skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Some overseas stars will miss the start, including Australia's pace trio Pat Cummins (Hyderabad), Mitchell Starc (Delhi) and Josh Hazlewood (RCB) because of fitness concerns and workload management. England's Ben Duckett (Delhi) has withdrawn to focus on international cricket, leaving him facing a potential two-season IPL ban. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The final is scheduled for May 31, but only the fixtures for the first two weeks have been announced because of elections in several Indian states.
Skipper Gaikwad, Samson Set To Form CSKs Opening Pair In IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped a hint about the team's opening combination for the Indian Premier League edition, revealing he, along with wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson, will open the innings in IPL 2026. CSK who had a dismal campaign last year and their top order was a major weakness. They had tried multiple combinations, but all led to disaster. The five-time winners then tried Ayush Mhatre at the top, and he provided some brisk starts. But with CSK roping in Sanju Samson for IPL 2026, the franchise opted to go in with an experienced pair. During the IPL 2026 captain's meet in Mumbai, Gaikwad was asked about CSK's opening combination, and the skipper confirmed that he will return to the top of the order, partnering with newly added member in Samson Samson was traded in from Rajasthan Royals to CSK ahead of the auction in a major move as the five-time champions traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR. Last year, CSK had struggled to find stability at the top. Gaikwad himself batted at No. 3 for a large part of the season, while the team rotated between Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi as openers. No combination worked for CSK until youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came as replacements and gave the team some much-needed aggression in the powerplay. Joining as a replacement player last season, Mhatre amassed 240 runs in seven innings, averaging 34.28 at a striking rate of 188.97, including a standout 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while Brevis scored 225 runs in six innings at the strike rate of 180. Last year, CSK had struggled to find stability at the top. Gaikwad himself batted at No. 3 for a large part of the season, while the team rotated between Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi as openers. No combination worked for CSK until youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came as replacements and gave the team some much-needed aggression in the powerplay. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their first match at home in Chennai will be on April 3 against Punjab Kings, before their next hime game against the Delhi Capitals on April 11 at M.A Chidambaram Stadium. Article Source: IANS
Australia coach sees huge value in Molineux's non-bowling series
With the T20 World Cup closing in, the West Indies tour was viewed as vital captaincy experience
Rajasthan Royals sold to consortium of US-based investors for US $1.635 billion
Bid included ownership of all of Royals' branded teams: Paarl Royals in SA20, and Barbados Royals in CPL
Prithvi Shaw: 'I needed a break to make myself mentally strong'
Back with Delhi Capitals after going unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw will compete with Nissanka and Porel to open alongside Rahul
Navdeep Saini replaces Harshit Rana at KKR; Kulwant Khejroliya in for Prithvi Raj Yarra at GT
If I have to give this opportunity another name, I will call it revival, says Saini, who last played an IPL match in 2023
IPL 2026: KKR Pick Saini As Replacement For Injured Rana; GT Bring In Khejroliya For Prithviraj
Kolkata Knight Riders: Three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have picked Navdeep Saini as a player replacement for the injured Harshit Rana for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, whereas Gujarat Titans have replaced Prithviraj Yarra with Kulwant Khejroliya. Rana was previously ruled out of the tournament because of a ligament strain in his right knee that he got during the T20 World Cup, further weakening KKRs bowling unit. Akash Deep and Matheesha Pathirana are also out with injuries. Saini has previously played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have picked Navdeep Saini and Kulwant Khejroliya, respectively, as player replacements for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the IPL said in a statement. The right-arm pacer Navdeep Saini has scalped 23 wickets in 32 IPL matches played so far, in addition to 23 wickets in international cricket for India. He will replace the injured Rana for Rs 75 Lakh. After joining KKR, Saini said, To be honest, I am feeling very good because the way we say Kolkata Knight Riders, if you have to explain this to a person, there is a feeling in it. So, I am feeling very good as a Knight Rider. I got to know about this last night. As soon as I got to know about this, I was not able to understand how to react. Because I knew that the way I am working hard and the way it is going on now, there was a plan from before, it was manifested, to be honest, the reality. So, I knew that it would happen anytime. But it is very important to have faith in God. So, I did the same thing, and as it happened, I enjoyed it a lot, Saini told 'KKR Knight Club'. After joining KKR, Saini said, To be honest, I am feeling very good because the way we say Kolkata Knight Riders, if you have to explain this to a person, there is a feeling in it. So, I am feeling very good as a Knight Rider. I got to know about this last night. As soon as I got to know about this, I was not able to understand how to react. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Khejroliya, the left-arm pacer, who has 6 IPL wickets to his name, has previously featured for GT, KKR, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He will join GT for Rs 30 lakh. Article Source: IANS
Cummins on his IPL return: 'If nothing goes wrong, I will play the back half plus the finals'
He has arrived in India and did light sprints at warm-ups at the Chinnaswamy on Wednesday, before bowling casually into an empty net
IPL 2026: I Think It's A Fresh Start Now, Says Prithvi Shaw On Return To Delhi Capitals
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Prithvi Shaw says he is treating the upcoming Indian Premier League season (IPL) as a fresh start for himself in the set-up, adding that his focus is firmly on contributing for the team and then working his way back into the Indian team. It's always a new start, hundred percent. There are a lot of memories, but its history and things can't be repeated. It's a fresh start. There's a fresh team, a lot of new things have happened. I was not here last year; I just joined this year. So there are a lot of new things, so I think it's a fresh start. Whatever we have practiced, we have done it so that the IPL can start well. So obviously it's a fresh start. All the good memories we have collected together were done previously and I think it's a fresh start now, Shaw told reporters on the sidelines of DCs practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Shaw, who missed IPL 2025, was re-signed by Delhi for the 2026 season. Between the 2018 and 2024 seasons, he scored 1,892 runs in 79 innings at a strike rate of 148, though his form fluctuated. He managed only 106 runs in 2023 but showed more explosiveness in 2024 with 198 runs at a strike rate of 164, though he had five scores of below 20. In between, fitness and behavioural issues meant he went out of favour for the Mumbai domestic team and shifted base to Maharashtra. I think everything is going well. I have never personally considered myself weak. I have always believed in myself, even if no one has. My family has supported me. I am not a person who thinks a lot. It's all about the present for me - what I am doing today, how much effort I can put in today. Obviously, there were a lot of learnings in the last few years. You have to keep learning. If there is nothing to learn, then what's the point? So obviously, we have to keep learning. I have handled all the ups and downs very well. It was a lot of fun in the last few years. There were runs and no runs. I worked hard in some places. So it's been good, he added. What has also contributed to Prithvi being in a happy space is his recent engagement to long-time partner, actor and influencer Akriti Agarwal. I am not married yet. I feel that when you get a good partner, then it's the right time and I did it. Actually, this is the first time I was asked this question. That's why I am a little flustered. I don't usually do it. Stability was there before. But obviously, she has been my lucky charm. Both of them worked hard to build a relationship. It wasn't easy for us as well. But we both understood our life and where we belong. I am a cricketer; she is an actress. But we have to sacrifice some stuff and keep all those things in mind, he said. A lot of people still feel Shaw, who has been capped in all formats for India, is still the next-door prodigy and the opener replied to that notion in affirmative. I am still a small kid and I dont feel old. Sometimes I feel that I have just now won the U-19 World Cup. But it's been more than eight years now. So sometimes you get a partner who understands you. So I think I have got the right person beside me and it's been good. Shaw had a mixed run in domestic cricket last year, scoring 183 runs in seven innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a strike rate of 161, but fell cheaply in four innings. He acknowledged the lessons learnt from a downward phase have led to him giving his 200 percent to being better at his cricket. I think that's why I am playing. There is no doubt that I have to come back to the Indian team. That's why I am working very hard. The amount of hard work that I used to do before - I think I do it three times more today. Actually, I don't like to talk about it. But I feel that I am giving not 100 percent - but 200 percent to come back to the Indian team or to win this trophy or to give 100 percent on a match day or on a practice day as well. It's not only about match days, but I try on practice day as well - not 100 percent, to give 200 percent. If I am not feeling good, then I won't be practicing. You don't get anything by practicing 50 percent. If you are on ground, you give your 100 percent or you don't come to the ground. Whatever ups and downs happened last year, I have done all this with a lot of respect. Obviously it stays in my mind when I will be back. But there is only one way - work hard and give your 100 percent. Whatever you have, if you have made some mistakes - learn from it. When you grow up, you will realize those mistakes. So you don't have to talk to anyone or your senior or mentor will tell you. Things that you already know, he will tell you. You better understand those things and then you move forward, he elaborated. Shaw acknowledged expectations from family, fans and franchise but stressed his commitment is to put his best effort over thinking of outcomes. Everyone has expectations - I am not talking about the fans or the franchise. I am talking about the family. My family has a lot of expectations as well and like you said, that cricket is such a thing, you have to give your 100 percent. If you are doing good that day - you give your 100 percent and it converts to 100 percent and you can't promise anything. How will that day go for you - it might be 30 ball 50 and 50 ball 50. It can be a 0 or whatever. So my mentality is to go out there and give 100 percent. I can understand how fans feel and how the franchise, the owners and the support staff feel. I understand that - whatever they give us, we have to obviously show them over there. But for me it's like, whenever I go there. I try my best to do and that doesn't happen. If there are some mistakes in it, then I will practice and apply it. I won't say that in all matches, I will score 100. That is practically impossible as there has to be a consistent path. The consistency, how he takes it and is mentally ready. The fans, who understand cricket from outside. They don't understand it from inside. But I still understand, as they expect that if Prithvi is there, he makes good runs. I can understand that and not from now, as since I was young, expectations have started and I understand them as well, he explained. Talking about the opening slot and any communication from DC think-tank, Shaw felt the competition is still huge. I haven't thought about it. If KL (Rahul) opens, I hope that whoever opens, does it well. I won't say that I should open or whoever opens, wins the match. Obviously there is competition - cricket is such a thing. Whether you play Ranji Trophy or IPL or India A, there will be competition. Today there are 10 openers, as you can see. So there will be competition in my team. There is a group and so I won't say that whoever plays, makes runs well because there is a team and a family. For me, team comes first, then I see myself. So whoever opens with him. I hope he has a great season. Talking about the opening slot and any communication from DC think-tank, Shaw felt the competition is still huge. I haven't thought about it. If KL (Rahul) opens, I hope that whoever opens, does it well. I won't say that I should open or whoever opens, wins the match. Obviously there is competition - cricket is such a thing. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I have seen so much in my life that I take everything not for granted. But if there is any stress, I smile. I think you have to be mentally very strong when you go through such patches. Obviously life is a challenge, you have to accept it, as you can't run away from it and have fun. Article Source: IANS
Selecting the Selector proves tricky as ECB find options thin on the ground
Rob Key begins hunt for Luke Wright's successor, but challenges abound over role's remit
Khawaja replaces Laurie Evans for Rawalpindi Pindiz
Meanwhile, Chris Green replaces Max Bryant at Islamabad United
IPL 2026: Focused On Contributing To The Team, Instead Of Personal Wicket Targets, Says DCs Mukesh
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mukesh Kumar said he is focused on contributing to the teams success in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season rather than chasing personal targets. Mukesh made his IPL debut in 2023 after being picked up for Rs 5.5 crore. He was retained for the 2024 season and finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for DC with 17 scalps. His price rose to Rs 8 crore in 2025, as DC retained him via the RTM option. In IPL 2025, Mukesh claimed 12 wickets in 11 matches, the third-most for the franchise. However, he struggled with the new ball, taking only three wickets in the Power-play despite bowling more than half his overs in that phase. He also endured a tough time in the death overs, conceding at 16.3 runs per over. All the main pacers are here. Nattu, me, and Lungi. So we will work together, and we will focus on what the team demands. As far as the target of wickets is concerned, there is no such target. My main focus is on my skills and on my variations. I want to contribute as much as I can to my team. This is my target, and I want to contribute as much as I can to my team and try to win as much as I can, Mukesh told reporters on the sidelines of DCs practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Capped in all three formats for India, Mukesh featured in only three matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury and picked up one wicket at an economy of 12.1. But on gaining full fitness, he showed improvement in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by taking 10 wickets in six games at 5.8. Obviously, I am working on everything, along with the length ball, which is required in a T20. If it's a yorker or a wide yorker, then it's optional. For every bowler, if the dew is falling or if you are getting hit, then you have to put that thing to use. So I am working on everything. When I had an injury, I started to focus more and practice purposefully. I am more focused on these things. As far as the World Cup, WTC, and Olympics are concerned, I don't think about it that much. I think about what I have to do in today's match. What variations can I bring in what I am practising? What do I have to bowl to the batters? I am more focused on these things. I have it in the back of my mind that I have to do well and come back to the (Indian) team in the future, he added. Mukesh also said he draws inspiration from senior Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, describing him as an elder brother figure in his life and career. I have been associated with him for a long time. We played matches together - T20, one-day, and Ranji Trophy. So I get to learn something from him. He has played for India for so many years and is still playing. As far as my bonding with him is concerned, he is like an elder brother to me. He keeps telling me something or the other. For example, if nothing is happening from one end, then I go and ask him what he is doing and what he is not doing. He helps me in this, and he is a very helpful person. He also spoke glowingly about Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi joining the DC team after being acquired for Rs 8.4 crore. For a bowler who has done so well in the domestic circuit, it feels good to get money and all these things. It feels good that a bowler is struggling and coming from such a small place and making such a big name. As far as my bonding with him is concerned, he is like an elder brother to me. He keeps telling me something or the other. For example, if nothing is happening from one end, then I go and ask him what he is doing and what he is not doing. He helps me in this, and he is a very helpful person. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mukesh signed off by praising the backing hes got from DC captain Axar Patel. First of all, he is a very good person, and we always talk positively. We stay together, and I get to talk to him about field placement and all these things. He says, 'Play freely', and 'I am behind you'. If a captain says this, it is a great achievement for a player. If he is doing a new experiment, he will say yes and support that. Article Source: IANS
A bet, a bat, and a breakout: The making of Esterhuizen's dream debut series
Backed by his captain Maharaj, the 24-year old anchored SA's turnaround and emerged as the defining batter of the series
T20 World Cup: South Africa skipper Keshav Maharaj lauded the efforts and the hunger of young players as the team registered a 33-run win against New Zealand in the final T20I to seal the five-match series by 3-2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday. Batting first, South Africa posted 187/4 on the scoreboard from 20 overs, with Esterhuizen leading the charge with the bat. In reply, New Zealand were bundled out for just 154 runs in 20 overs and lost the match by 33 runs. The Proteas were lagging behind by 2-1 after the first three matches, but then made a brilliant comeback and won the last two matches to clinch the series. Maharaj feels that the win will give crucial lessons to the youngsters who were playing international cricket for the first time. It's a wonderful opportunity for these youngsters to understand what international cricket is about. I think coming here, not a lot of people gave us credit with the young side that we had, but to see the hunger, desire, and passion, which you know to come back from 2-1 and clinch the series is super special. It just shows the depth in our system and how well the youngsters are sort of putting their hands up, Maharaj said in the post-match presentation. The Proteas were lagging behind by 2-1 after the first three matches, but then made a brilliant comeback and won the last two matches to clinch the series. Maharaj feels that the win will give crucial lessons to the youngsters who were playing international cricket for the first time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Five debutants took part in the series as main players were rested after the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, where South Africa lost to New Zealand in the semi-final. Article Source: IANS
Making To Playoffs Isnt Enough, LSG Have To Win Their First Trophy: Goenka
Lucknow Super Giants: With a renewed squad and clear lessons from the past, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has outlined the franchises evolution heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 and has said that having made it to the playoffs twice is not good enough as the team now aims at winning their first trophy. Reflecting on IPL 2025, Goenka pointed to the teams resilience despite significant injury setbacks, particularly within the bowling department. The positive was that we won four of our first six games despite most of our frontline bowlers being injured, he told JioStar. He also credited the team managements willingness to experiment, which paid dividends in unexpected ways. Promoting Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to opening roles, positions not typically associated with either player, proved to be a masterstroke. There were some bold moves, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh opening, which isnt their usual position, and it turned out to be their best IPL season for both of them, Goenka noted. Among the emerging positives was the rise of new talent like Digvesh Rathi, who impressed in his debut season. Digvesh Rathi came in as a complete newcomer and did well for us. However, Goenka acknowledged a key structural weakness that limited the teams overall impact, an underpowered bowling core. Addressing that gap has been a central focus during the off-season. We did realise that we lacked a strong bowling core, and weve consciously addressed that by building a domestic Indian bowling unit this time. Were happy with what we have, he said. While satisfied with the squads balance, Goenka emphasised that improvement is an ongoing process, even as the team enters the new season with confidence. You can always improve, aspire to do better, theres no end to improving. But at the end of the day, this is a squad that has everything required. More importantly, the franchise is shifting its mindset, from relying on individual brilliance to fostering collective performance. Now its about coming together and performing as a unit, rather than as individuals. Last year, there were too many individuals performing. This year, we want to perform as a team. For Goenka, the ultimate goal remains clear: winning the franchises first IPL title. Despite reaching the playoffs twice, he believes true identity and recognition come only with championship success. Now its about coming together and performing as a unit, rather than as individuals. Last year, there were too many individuals performing. This year, we want to perform as a team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yes, weve made the playoffs twice, but thats clearly not good enough we have to win our first trophy, he noted. Article Source: IANS
If You Win A Home World Cup, You Can Go And Play And Win Anywhere, Says Harmanpreet
ODI World Cup: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the teams triumph in last years home Womens ODI World Cup has given them the belief to succeed in any showpiece event in the world, adding that preparations were in full swing for the upcoming Womens T20 World Cup, to be played from June 12 to July 5 in England. Before taking part in the mega event, Harmanpreet will lead India in a five-match T20I series in South Africa from April 17-27, before squaring off against England in a three-game series. India have never won the Womens T20 World Cup, but Harmanpreet & Co will be aiming to clinch the title after gaining confidence from winning the ODI World Cup at home. See, we always try to do our best in the ICC World Cups. We have definitely gained a lot of confidence after winning the last World Cup. Thing is, if you win a home World Cup, you can go and play and win a World Cup anywhere. There is a lot of pressure in the home World Cup, which we all felt when the tournament was happening from September-November last year. I think the upcoming World Cup is also something we all are really working hard for. We played in India last year and now we are going to South Africa before going for the World Cup in England. So I think this is the time where we are preparing more. We are really looking forward to the World Cup and hopefully we can play there very well, Harmanpreet told reporters on the sidelines of a 1,500-plus seat section in the North Pavilion section of the Omaxe State Stadium in Dwarka, New Delhi, being named after her. The stand named after Harmanpreet will host only female fans and their families and is part of a 30,000-seat facility at a Rs 2,500 crore, 50-acre integrated sports and lifestyle destination in Dwarka Sector 19B, developed in partnership with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The honour also makes Harmanpreet the only womens cricketer in India to have two stadium stands named after her. Making a stadium is one thing, but to dedicate a stand for only girls is something which really touched my heart. For a girl, playing cricket is a big dream, but for some girls who are not able to play and fulfill their dreams, but have a strong desire to watch games giving them that security, freedom to go and enjoy their favourite sport, not only cricket, as we can watch football also that is a very good thing and a very emotional moment for me because as a cricketer, I only had the dream of playing. I never thought that one day a stand will be named after my name. So this is a very emotional moment for me, but I really want to thank them for giving me this reward. I think such things are very rare in the life of a cricketer and I am going to remember this all my life. I will be playing cricket for a few more years, but these are the things which are going to stay with me forever, said a deeply emotional Harmanpreet. On the role of the Womens Premier League (WPL) in raising standards of womens cricket in the country, Harmanpreet said, Well, I think I have been asked this question many times before. You can take for example, IPL has played a very big role in improving and taking men's cricket to another level. Due to that, we got back-to-back T20 World Cups there. So I think it has played a very important role in how you can improve your team at what stage. Similarly, WPL has played a very big role in improving women's cricket. If you look at our team's attitude, it has completely changed now. We have won the ICC title only after three editions of WPL. So I think WPL is going to play a very big role in the future. Hopefully, WPL will continue to support us like this and we will keep winning ICC titles. Asked about the reception and rise in recognition and visibility for herself and the team after Indias ODI World Cup win, Harmanpreet explained, Look, I believe that in any field, you have to do something special. You have to win a title. Then only you will get the recognition. Otherwise, it feels like whatever hard work you have done, it all goes to waste. So I think in all these years, it is not that we have only worked hard this year. We have been working hard for so many years. Not only our team, but all the women's cricketers who have come before us, they have been working even though they spend money from their own pocket. So I think winning a title was very important. After winning that, the response we are getting from Indian fans, media and everyone, I think it is a very big thing for us. Speaking on the occasion, Mohit Goel, MD Omaxe, said, Harmanpreet's journey is about discipline, resilience, and leadership. Naming a stand after her at The Omaxe State is our way of honouring that journey and acknowledging how far women's sport has come in India. Not only our team, but all the women's cricketers who have come before us, they have been working even though they spend money from their own pocket. So I think winning a title was very important. After winning that, the response we are getting from Indian fans, media and everyone, I think it is a very big thing for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score To bring this vision to life, we have partnered with Bentel and other global consultants to ensure that the design, whether for the stadium or the hotel and commercial spaces, meets world-class standards. In fact, the stadium is designed keeping in mind Indias long-term ambition of hosting international sporting events such as the Olympics, FIFA tournaments, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games. Article Source: IANS
Delhi HC Grants Injunction In Favour Of Gautam Gambhir In Personality Rights Case
The Delhi High Court: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it will pass orders directing social media intermediaries and e-commerce platforms to take down online content unauthorisedly using the name and images of former India cricketer and current head coach Gautam Gambhir for commercial gains. A single-judge Bench of Justice Jyoti Singh observed that directions would be issued to tech platforms, including Meta and Google, to remove objectionable links flagged on behalf of Gambhir and to furnish details of the entities responsible for uploading such content. The Delhi High Court also granted protection to Gambhirs personality and publicity rights, directing the removal of objectionable posts and content circulating online without his consent. During the hearing, it was contended on behalf of Gambhir that his name, voice and photographs were being exploited for commercial purposes without authorisation, including through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and deepfake technology. The Delhi High Court directed Meta, Google and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon to take down the offending URLs and online posts misusing Gambhirs identity. Justice Singh said a detailed order would be passed, including directions to provide Basic Subscriber Information (BSI) of the entities behind such content. The development comes in a plea filed by Gambhir before the Commercial Division of the Delhi High Court, alleging a coordinated campaign of digital impersonation involving AI-enabled face-swapping and voice-cloning tools. The suit names multiple defendants, including social media platforms, e-commerce websites and intermediaries, accusing them of facilitating the spread of misleading and fabricated content as well as unauthorised sale of merchandise bearing his name and likeness. Gambhir has argued that there has been a sharp rise in such content across platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook, including viral deepfake videos falsely attributed to him, which garnered significant public attention. He has submitted that such misuse not only misleads the public but also causes serious reputational and professional harm, particularly in light of his current role as head coach of the Indian mens cricket team. The plea seeks a permanent injunction restraining all defendants from using his name, image, voice or persona without consent, along with damages of Rs 2.5 crore and directions for removal of infringing content. He has submitted that such misuse not only misleads the public but also causes serious reputational and professional harm, particularly in light of his current role as head coach of the Indian mens cricket team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In recent months, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, actors Nagarjuna, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Abhishek Bachchan, singer Jubin Nautiyal, film-maker Karan Johar, and podcaster Raj Shamani have secured court protection against the unauthorised use of their identity, likeness, or AI-generated imitations. Article Source: IANS
Jasprit Bumrah Checks Into BCCI CoE For Workload Management Ahead Of IPL 2026: Report
Indian Premier League: Indias pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly checked into the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as part of a structured workload management programme ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Bumrahs stint at the CoE is primarily focused on strength and conditioning, with the programme designed by the BCCIs medical team keeping Indias white-ball tour of England in July as a key priority. The tour will feature five T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals (ODI). The premier fast bowler is understood to have continued bowling during his time at the facility and is expected to link up with his IPL franchise, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), shortly, ESPNCricinfo reported. He is likely to be available for their IPL 2026 opener against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29. Bumrah was the wrecker-in-chief for Team India in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup final, where he picked up a four-wicket haul in his four-over spell to help his side defend their crown and clinch a second consecutive title. The fast-bowler concluded his campaign as the tournaments joint-highest wicket-taker alongside his teammate Varun Chakaravarthy and was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his heroics throughout the summit clash against New Zealand. The Men in Blue defeated the Black Caps by 96 runs to win the tournament on Sunday (March 8), at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This victory made India the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and the first to win the tournament on home soil. Bumrah was the wrecker-in-chief for Team India in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup final, where he picked up a four-wicket haul in his four-over spell to help his side defend their crown and clinch a second consecutive title. The fast-bowler concluded his campaign as the tournaments joint-highest wicket-taker alongside his teammate Varun Chakaravarthy and was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his heroics throughout the summit clash against New Zealand. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have begun their preparations at the Wankhede Stadium as they endeavour to secure a record sixth IPL title. The franchise last lifted the trophy in 2020 and is currently experiencing its longest title drought since its first triumph in 2013. Article Source: IANS
5th T20I: SA Beat NZ In Decider To Clinch Series 3-2
Connor Esterhuizen: Wicketkeeper batter Connor Esterhuizen's half-century, followed by a scintilating effort from the bowlers, helped South Africa register a 33-run win against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I to seal the five-game series 3-2 here at the Hagley Oval on Wednesday. Batting first, South Africa posted 187/4 on the scoreboard from 20 overs, with Esterhuizen leading the charge with the bat. In reply, New Zealand were restricted to 154 in 20 overs. Coming to bat first after losing the toss, the Proteas scored 43 runs in the powerplay, losing just one wicket of opener Tony de Zorzi (21 off 22). Rubin Hermann and Wiaan Mulder forged a 55-run partnership and took the team to 76 runs at the midway stage. New Zealand got the breakthrough on the first ball of the 10th over when Mulder (31 off 29) got out. Last match star player Esterhuizen continued his form and formed a 49-run partnership with Hermann, who was dismissed in the 16th over. Esterhuizen completed his fifty off 25 balls and scored 75 runs in just 33 balls. He hammered four boundaries and six sixes during his innings and took the team to a challenging total of 187 runs. Chasing 188, New Zealand scored 46 runs but lost two big wickets during the power play. Dane Cleaver and Bavon Jacobs showed fightback in the middle overs, but the Proteas struck at regular intervals, which derailed the chase, and the hosts were able to score just 154 runs while losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Esterhuizen completed his fifty off 25 balls and scored 75 runs in just 33 balls. He hammered four boundaries and six sixes during his innings and took the team to a challenging total of 187 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: South Africa 187/4 in 20 overs (Connor Esterhuizen 75, Rubin Hermann 39; Ben Sears 2-37, Josh Clarkson 1-14) beat New Zealand 154/8 in 20 overs (Bevon Jacobs 36, Tim Robinson 25; Gerald Coetzee 2-21, Wiaan Mulder 2-28) by 33 runs. Article Source: IANS
To Live In The Change After Womens ODI World Cup Win Is A Great Feeling, Says Harmanpreet
ODI World Cup: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said living through the change in visibility and recognition of womens cricket after winning the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup triumph was a great feeling, adding that she and her team knew change would arrive in the country once they had a big trophy against their name. Since the time India won the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, it had transformed the visibility of womens cricket in the country, with tons of accolades coming in for Harmanpreet and her team from all quarters. Obviously, I am feeling good. We all knew that when we win a World Cup, things will change. So, to feel that change and to get a chance to live that change, it's a great feeling, Harmanpreet told IANS in an exclusive conversation, on the sidelines of a 1,500-plus seat section in the North Pavilion section of the Omaxe State Stadium in Dwarka, New Delhi, being named after her. The naming of Harmanpreet Kaur Stand is aimed at encouraging more female spectators to attend matches in what is also the countrys first dedicated Pink Stand, which will take shape when the stadium opens at the end of 2027. I think it's a great achievement. It's a big thing to bring even such a thought in this world. Nowadays, we are talking about girls going into playing sports. But still, we never thought about how things should be for those who are going to watch. So, keeping them in mind and giving them the same kind of attention is also very important. So, I think it will be great to see girls coming to the stand and cheering for their favorite team. So, it's a great initiative, added Harmanpreet. The right-handed batter also stressed on the importance of building infrastructure for womens cricket, including stadiums, residential academies and training facilities, to ease the path for the next generation of female cricketers aspiring to play at the highest level. I think it's going to be very good for them because they are not going to see those hard days. Our seniors saw it before us and we also saw it a little bit. So, now I think people like Omaxe, they are really taking care of it - so that it should be a good stadium for the kids. It's not only about international cricket - it's about the people and even the college kids. They will start thinking about the pitches where they can come and train. They can feel the same kind of atmosphere that players feel at the international level. So, I think it's a great initiative and hopefully the new generation will take the best out of it, she added. I think it's going to be very good for them because they are not going to see those hard days. Our seniors saw it before us and we also saw it a little bit. So, now I think people like Omaxe, they are really taking care of it - so that it should be a good stadium for the kids. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This year, we have won all the trophies so far. So, I think that shows how much efforts BCCI is putting to improve all formats of cricket at all stages. So, I think their hard work is paying off. It feels good that all the teams have performed well and all the teams have won the ICC titles. Article Source: IANS
From Truck Drivers Sacrifice To Rs. 5.2 Crore Glory: Mangesh Yadavs Inspiring Rise To RCB
Madhya Pradesh T20 League: Before Mangesh Yadav ever pitched a ball in professional cricket, his father Ramavadh Yadav worked overnight, contemplating how he would secure funds for his sons dream. He invested all his resources in a boy who initially played cricket in a modest courtyard with his mother. Today, Mangesh Yadav has a contract worth Rs. 5.2 crore with the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Reflecting on their financial woes, Mangeshs father said, I had to struggle a lot for money. Sometimes I couldnt sleep at night, thinking about how I would raise money for him. The life of a truck driver is no life at all. You dont have time to eat or bathe. When the truck is full, you worry about offloading, and when its empty, you have to worry about filling it up. A 23-year-old from Borgaon in Madhya Pradeshs Chhindwara district, raised in humble conditions, developed his cricket skills early on. His uncle recognised his talent at tennis tournaments and motivated him to go to Delhi to train with coach Phool Chand Sharma. The 23-year-old said, If I am playing cricket today it is because of Phool Chand sir. When I went to Delhi, my father had given me Rs 24,000 with great difficulty. I dont even know how that money got over in the first month. His father often had to contact people close to him to arrange the funds required for Mangeshs training. Phool Chand Sharma said, Mangesh was staying with someone in Delhi. I saw that he was a good bowler, but he didnt even have enough to eat. I told him to come and stay at the hostel. Thats where his journey really began. I dont care if someone has money or not. If the player is good, he can come, eat, stay, and practice. Mangesh also recalled a brief phase where he lost focus. I had started becoming lazy. One day sir called me and told me to pack my bag and go home. After some time, I apologised and told him it wouldnt happen again. Then I realised what I was missing and what I had. I looked at my family and thought, Dad is working so hard. Everyone is so dedicated for me. Eager to seize the opportunity, the young fast bowler dedicated himself fully to training. He competed in the DDCA league, local tournaments, and even attended the UP U-19 camp, yet the next step still remained out of reach. His father added, There were times he would go all the way to a selection camp, and he would be told his name had been called by mistake. Those were the days I felt helpless, like I had made a grave mistake by giving my son this dream. The pivotal moment occurred during the Madhya Pradesh T20 League, when Mangesh took 14 wickets in six matches with an impressive average of 12.00. After playing for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket alongside RCB captain Rajat Patidar, he finally received the long-awaited call from Royal Challengers Bangalore. At the trials, his ability to adapt to different match situations was put under the scanner. At the trials, DK [Dinesh Karthik] sir came up to me and said, You are bowling well. Now show me this ball. He made me bowl in different situations; with the new ball, the fifth over, the tenth over, the fourteenth over, and even the eighteenth and twentieth overs. It was surprising for me to see how a player at that level thinks. After the auction, Mangesh appreciated the coach who had supported him throughout the journey. When I came back to the club, I just wanted to meet him and touch his feet, thank him for trusting me and investing so much. At the trials, his ability to adapt to different match situations was put under the scanner. At the trials, DK [Dinesh Karthik] sir came up to me and said, You are bowling well. Now show me this ball. He made me bowl in different situations; with the new ball, the fifth over, the tenth over, the fourteenth over, and even the eighteenth and twentieth overs. It was surprising for me to see how a player at that level thinks. Also Read: Live Cricket Score His father added, I never thought a truck driver could get so much respect. Mangesh has done more for me than I could ever ask him. Article Source: IANS
Esterhuizen, bowlers lead South Africa to 3-2 series win
Esterhuizen hit his second consecutive fifty before South Africa's bowlers ensured New Zealand never threatened in the chase
RCB sold for record 16,660 crore; now owned by Aditya Birla Group and others
The acquiring consortium includes Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. Following regulatory approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India, the consortium will take over operations of both the IPL and WPL teams.
Rajat Patidars Historic Rise: From Unsold Player to RCBs IPL 2025 Title-Winning Captain
History will always remember that Rajat Patidar was appointed as RCB captain on February 13, 2025, and by June 3, 2025 he had led the team to its maiden and most awaited IPL title. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was the culmination of the ups and downs, seen in the 18 seasons of the IPL. For skipper Rajat Patidar, it was a history-making moment because he had achieved something which some other big names, while leading the side, couldnt achieve. However, this all puts extra pressure on his young shoulders as now RCB are the defending champions. Rajat Patidar won an IPL Trophy, after leading the side in only 13 matches and is at par with Rohit Sharma in this respect. The number of matches taken as a captain to win an IPL Trophy by some others: Hardik Pandya and Shane Warne (15 matches), Adam Gilchrist (24), David Warner (33), MS Dhoni (43), Gautam Gambhir (47) and Shreyas Iyer (70). He is the sixth Indian and ninth captain overall to win the IPL trophy. Another outstanding record generally missed is that Shane Warne and Rajat Patidar are the only 2 captains to have won the IPL, but have never played a T20 International for their respective nations. The Madhya Pradesh cricketer has a chance to play. Shane Warne played in the IPL after he had retired from International cricket and many consider him to be one of the unluckiest not to captain as well as not to play T20 Internationals. Incidentally, both Warne and Rajat won IPL titles in their first season as IPL captain. Warne couldnt add another IPL title to his record, but Rajat Patidar can enter his name in the history books by defending the title. So, at the moment, Rajat is the first Indian cricketer to win the IPL title as captain without playing a T20I for his national team. The right-hand batsman has so far played three Tests and one ODI, Rajat Patidar was taken up by RCB, ahead of IPL 2021 and the start was not very encouraging. After playing only four games that season (and scoring only 71 runs), he was released. In the auction for the 2022 season, he was on the unsold list as none of the ten sides took any interest in the 29-year-old batter from MP, but destiny had written another story. The mid-season injury to Luvnith Sisodia created a vacancy in the RCB dug-out, and they signed him for the remainder of the season for the price of INR 20 Lakh. He was unsold, unnoticed, and with nothing to lose, he joined. This replacement player ended the season as their third-highest run-scorer (333 at a strike rate of 152.75). He made headlines for scoring 112* off 54 balls in the Eliminator played against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens. This career turning point performance earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian ODI squad against South Africa. A Test debut followed soon after, against England in Visakhapatnam. 2023 would have been a season to establish him in the side, but he missed the entire season due to an injury. However, he returned with a bang in the 2024 season (395 runs from 13 innings). A replacement player of Rs. 20 lacs in 2022 was retained by the side for Rs 11 crore ahead of the mega auction. With Faf du Plessis leaving the franchise, Rajat was named as the captain for the 2025 season (the 4th Indian and 8th overall captain of RCB). The team has no regrets about their choice. The 2025 IPL edition was a season of reckoning for the RCB. Their women's side had won the WPL title in 2024 and now many senior men faced the challenge to match them. RCB played with such a vengeance that they became the first team in the IPL to win all the away matches and looked like champions. Rajat scored 312 runs in 15 matches, including two half-centuries, against CSK and MI. Only Virat Kohli (657) and Phil Salt (403) scored more runs than him in the season. So a replacement player led RCB to their first IPL title in 18 years. What a turnaround, were the words from Kohli for Rajat and he added, Injury replacement to IPL-winning captain, bloody hell, that's a turnaround. He also gave Rajat one of his bats, which the RCB skipper accepted with a kiss on the willow. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He is such a devoted cricketer that he sacrificed a lot in his personal life, especially his marriage. Rajat had to postpone his wedding to Gunjan Patidar repeatedly due to his cricket commitments. However, unlike other wives, Gunjan is rarely seen in the stands but was there for him when he lifted the IPL Trophy.
NZ Pacers Surge In T20I Rankings After SA Series Shake-up
T20I Bowling Rankings: A strong showing from New Zealands pace attack has headlined the latest update to the ICC Mens T20I Bowling Rankings, with four seamers from New Zealand making notable gains. The ongoing T20I series between New Zealand and South Africa has delivered fluctuating results, and performances across the first four matches have led to significant movement in the rankings for players from both sides. Experienced quick Lockie Ferguson was one of the biggest beneficiaries. His match-winning spell of 1/9 in Auckland, which earned him the Player of the Match award, propelled him up 12 places to joint 39th among T20I bowlers. He was not alone, as fellow pacers Ben Sears, who jumped 20 spots to 59th, Kyle Jamieson, rising five places to 76th, and Zakary Foulkes, up eight spots to 81st, also climbed the ladder following consistent displays. South Africas bowlers also made gains, with stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj rising five spots to 47th. Teammates Ottneil Baartman, up seven places to 66th, and Gerald Coetzee (up 46 places to 88th) were rewarded for their efforts during the series. Among all-rounders, George Linde continued his impressive run, edging up one position to 22nd after valuable contributions with both bat and ball. At the top of the T20I all-rounder rankings, Sikandar Raza retained his place, while the batting charts saw minimal changes. Indias Abhishek Sharma continues to lead the T20I batting rankings, staying ahead of compatriot Ishan Kishan. Indias T20I World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, climbed two places to move up to seventh. At the top of the T20I all-rounder rankings, Sikandar Raza retained his place, while the batting charts saw minimal changes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand opener Tim Robinson was among the few batters to make progress, rising two spots to 34th following his knock of 32 in Wellington. Article Source: IANS
Gautam Gambhir Enjoys Family Time In Singapore After T20 WC Glory
ICC T20 World Cup: Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir is enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Singapore with his family, including his wife Natasha and their two daughters Aazeen and Anaiza. Gambhir travelled to the Asian country after leading India to a historic victory in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026. India sealed the title with a commanding 96-run win over New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The victory made India the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first to successfully defend the trophy on home soil. Gambhir's family was also present in Ahmedabad when India won their third T20 World Cup title. Gambhir chose a casual outfit during his trip and was seen smiling when clicked with his daughters. He also put his youngest daughter Anaiza on his shoulder while walking on the streets of the city. Gambhir, who was a key member of India's title-winning side in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, has added another milestone to his career by winning the tournament both as a player and as a coach. With the latest triumph, he also joined the elite group of coaches that includes Rahul Dravid and Lalchand Rajput, who have guided India to T20 World Cup glory. Gambhir, who was a key member of India's title-winning side in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, has added another milestone to his career by winning the tournament both as a player and as a coach. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As far as Gambhir is concerned, he and the Indian cricket team will next be involved in a multi-format series against Afghanistan, which involves a test and three ODIs in June 2026, before going to Ireland for two T20Is. India will then travel to England for a five-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. Article Source: IANS
Stoinis, Connolly Join PBKS Squad In Mohali Ahead Of IPL 2026
New International Cricket Stadium: Punjab Kings have received a timely boost ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, with Australian duo Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly joining the squad in Mohali. The pair linked up with their teammates at the New International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, where they were greeted warmly by the franchise. Both players appeared relaxed and upbeat as they integrated into the camp. Their arrival significantly strengthens the Punjab lineup, adding a blend of proven international pedigree and emerging talent as the team fine-tunes its preparations. PBKS, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition, have been undergoing intensive training in recent weeks and are now entering the final phase of their build-up. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS head into the new season after finishing runners-up in 2025 and will be aiming to go one better in the 19th edition. The side is set to play 14 league matches and scheduled to open their campaign against the Gujarat Titans on April 31. Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy, Iyer had said, speaking at the teams jersey unveiling event. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS head into the new season after finishing runners-up in 2025 and will be aiming to go one better in the 19th edition. The side is set to play 14 league matches and scheduled to open their campaign against the Gujarat Titans on April 31. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The former Australian captain underlined that the focus at this stage is purely on preparation rather than immediate results and urged the players to reconnect with the traits that made them successful as a unit. Article Source: IANS
Aditya Birla Group Kumar Mangalam: Aryaman Vikram Birla will become the new chairman of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and Times Internet Limited acquired the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women's Premier League champions for Rs 16,660 crore. Bolt Ventures (Bolt) and Blackstone's perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE, Blackstone) are the other members of the consortium that have jointly bought the RCB, one of the eight original franchises of the IPL that was formed ahead of the inaugural edition in 2008. Aryaman, the son of chairperson of Aditya Birla Group Kumar Mangalam Birla, is a former cricketer who played for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. Aryaman enrolled himself for district trials in Madhya Pradesh in 2014. Prior to that, he had a three-month stint in England under former Middlesex cricketer Paul Weekes, playing for West Hampstead Cricket Club and the London Schools Cricket Association. He spent four years in the junior circuit in Madhya Pradesh and also captained the MP U23 team, before being handed a Ranji Trophy debut in October 2017. The left-handed batter played nine first-class matches for Madhya Pradesh and scored 414 runs, including one century against Bengal at the Eden Gardens. He also scored 36 runs in four List-A matches. He registered in the IPL 2018 mega auction and was bought by inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals for Rs 30 lakh. However, he did not play a single match for the franchise and was released ahead of the 2020 season. Aryaman had been through a number of injury setbacks and, in 2019, took an indefinite sabbatical from cricket, citing severe anxiety related to the sport. He did not return to cricket and is currently the director of the Aditya Birla Group. Aryaman, who holds an MBA with honours from Harvard Business School, a Masters degree in Global Finance from Bayes Business School, and a Bachelors degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai, has held leadership roles across multiple businesses of the Aditya Birla Group, including fashion, paints, and real estate. Aryaman had been through a number of injury setbacks and, in 2019, took an indefinite sabbatical from cricket, citing severe anxiety related to the sport. He did not return to cricket and is currently the director of the Aditya Birla Group. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He is the founder of Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, the Groups fast-growing hospitality platform, and Aditya Birla Ventures, its venture capital arm focused on investing in high-growth start-ups across emerging sectors. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'Pant Is A Prisoner Of His Own Reputation,' Says Aakash Chopra
Lucknow Super Giants: Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that India's wicketkeeper batter and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant is a prisoner of his own reputation of playing unorthodox shots and needs to reassess his approach especially in the white-ball format as he gears up for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will commence on March 28. Chopra pointed out that Pants tendency to play risky shots has often worked against him and recommended that he should return to fundamental techniques in order to regain his position in the Indian T20I setup. The scrutiny around Rishabh Pant is justified. He is a prisoner of his own reputation for playing unorthodox shots and rarely looks to grind out runs when the situation demands it. Last season, despite opportunities to take time and rebuild his form, he continued to play risky shots, which drew criticism, Chopra said on JioHotstar. Having been part of Indias T20 World Cup-winning squad in Barbados, he is now completely out of the conversation for the national side. The selectors and management went from selecting a middle-order keeper to an opener keeper and a keeper who can bat at three. While the IPL is massive, representing India remains the ultimate priority, and losing that spot means its time for him to go back to the drawing board, he added. Chopra also highlighted that Pant's unique way of viewing the game has set him apart. He also revealed that Pant's batting approach despite bringing good results in test was not liked by former Indian coach Rahul Dravid. We sometimes fail to understand what Rishabh Pant brings to the table and how he sees the game unfold. In Test cricket, he had conversations with Rahul Dravid when he was the Head Coach. Rahul bhai was not very happy with Pants batting approach. To give credit where its due, Pant sees the game very differently from most of us who see it conventionally, he said. Chopra added that Pant's willingness to seek guidance from former all rounder Yuvraj Singh is a positive sign, indicating his intent to evolve and improve the game. We sometimes fail to understand what Rishabh Pant brings to the table and how he sees the game unfold. In Test cricket, he had conversations with Rahul Dravid when he was the Head Coach. Rahul bhai was not very happy with Pants batting approach. To give credit where its due, Pant sees the game very differently from most of us who see it conventionally, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pant scored just 269 runs in the 13 matches he played last season at an poor average of 24.45. His form will be in focus when LSG begin their campaign in IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals at their home ground, Ekana Stadium on April 1. Article Source: IANS
New Zealand bowl, both teams unchanged for decider
The series is locked in at 2-2 after South Africa won games one and four, and New Zealand won games two and three
5th T20I: Amelias Century Powers NZ To 4-1 Series Win Over SA
Amelia Kerr: A brilliant all-round display, led by Amelia Kerrs 105-run knock and a two-wicket haul, guided New Zealand to a commanding 92-run victory over South Africa in the fifth WT20I here at Hagley Oval, sealing the five-game series 4-1. Batting first, riding on Amelia's 105 off 55, the hosts posted 194/6 in their allotted 20 overs, their fourth-highest team total. In response, the Proteas were restricted to 102/9 in front of sensational New Zealand bowling, suffering their third-worst loss in T20Is (by runs). Opting to bat first, New Zealand were powered by a sensational innings from Kerr, who struck 105 off just 55 balls. Her knock, laced with 19 fours and a six, formed the backbone of the innings and ensured the hosts maintained a high scoring rate throughout. She found support from Georgia Plimmer (27) and Brooke Halliday (26), while late contributions from Maddy Green and others helped push the total close to the 200-run mark. Despite picking up three wickets, Ayabonga Khaka could not prevent New Zealand from finishing strongly. In reply, South Africas chase never gained momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. The visitors were reduced to 40/4 inside the powerplay, putting them firmly on the back foot. Annerie Dercksen top-scored with 23, while Sune Luus (13) and Laura Wolvaardt (9) failed to convert their starts. The lack of substantial partnerships hurt South Africa, as they struggled to cope with New Zealands disciplined bowling attack. Kerr capped off an outstanding outing by claiming two wickets, while Sophie Devine also struck twice to dent the middle order. Lea Tahuhu and Flora Devonshire chipped in with crucial breakthroughs as New Zealand maintained control throughout the innings. Annerie Dercksen top-scored with 23, while Sune Luus (13) and Laura Wolvaardt (9) failed to convert their starts. The lack of substantial partnerships hurt South Africa, as they struggled to cope with New Zealands disciplined bowling attack. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: New Zealand 194/6 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 105, Georgia Plimmer 27; Ayabonga Khaka 3-32, Tumi Sekhukhune 3-32) beat South Africa 102/9 in 20 overs (Annerie Dercksen 23, Sune Luus 13; Lea Tahuhu 3-26, Amelia Kerr 2-6) by 92 runs. Article Source: IANS
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: When Yash Thakur talks about bowling in the death overs in T20s, he does not talk about variations first - he speaks about the clarity in mind and plans before turning his attention to execution. The clarity in his words mirrors Thakurs reputation as an end-overs specialist in IPL - 13 of his 25 wickets have come in the crunch 1720 overs phase. I feel that death overs are the most challenging. So I always try to do my best for the team in the most challenging situations. My mindset is always the same. That's why I prefer bowling in death overs. For death overs, your mind and plans should be clear. Then your execution comes in the end. These three things I feel are the most important in bowling in death overs. If it is there, you can click it well. Sometimes it won't happen, but this is a process. The more it goes on, the better it will be, said Thakur in an exclusive conversation with IANS ahead of IPL 2026 starting on March 28. It is this simple framework of clarity and execution that has helped Thakur excel since having impactful 2023 and 2024 seasons with Lucknow Super Giants. Though he got only two games with PBKS in the 2025 season, Thakurs numbers in recent domestic cricket season suggest he can get a longer run: 18 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 6.8 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He had the third-best economy rate amongst pacers who bowled at least 25 overs in the domestic T20 competition. It was followed by 19 scalps in nine games in Vidarbha winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Thakur knows what those numbers mean for his IPL 2026 ambitions, especially with PBKS looking to complete an unfinished business after falling six runs short of winning the title. I am ready from day one to play matches. Our tactical call and more so, team call will always be on top. Whatever role I am given, I will try to do my best for the team, which is more important. Punjab Kings as a team has only one goal that we have to win the final match and win the trophy for the team. The trophy that was left last year should be in our dressing room this time, he said. The death overs specialism that has now become a part of Thakurs identity traces back to 2018/19, when he turned out for India U19 team. This process started long ago. It started from under 19 days in 2018/19, when I was playing for India - that's when it started that I had to be a death overs bowler. Its because if I wanted to play for India, the better I would do in death overs, the better my chances of playing for the country would become. So, all of this is one step at a time. Actually, when I played T20 for the first time in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I didn't have much idea. I just played in the tournament, but I got to learn that in death overs, there is always a challenge the batters come hard on you and from then I started this. In Syed Mushtaq Ali (Trophy), I thought I will excel more in death overs and achieve mastery in it. Then slowly I came to IPL and right now, the thing is, the more I am clear in death overs and better I perform there - it stays in my mind, he explained. Before joining PBKS camp, Thakur spent time at the NCA club in Nagpur for a focused block of preparation. For one or two days, he would practice bowling yorkers only by keeping his shoes on the blockhole and try to consistently hit it. The same plan would be in place for honing his wide yorkers and slower balls, apart from spending 1.5 to 2 hours on batting practice. As per my bowling plan, I work there on my thinking, execution, the specific deliveries I have to work on so I prepare for IPL and that makes me feel that I am not unprepared. So I get a good stage to prepare there. The same goes for batting - I think about the deliveries that I have to prepare against, the shots that can work well. So I practice there for 6-7 days and then I come to the IPL with a feeling that I am prepared. That preparation feeds directly into his death overs approach on match days, where instinct and planning for specific batters coexists under significant pressure. In death overs, execution is most important. Whether your plan is getting executed or not. Second thing is planning - what have you planned for specific batters and wickets? These two things are most important. The plans are mostly batter specific. You have to see who is batting and what are their strengths and weaknesses, irrespective of the ground conditions and wickets. Keeping both these things in mind, you have to plan the best balls which can work and give you wickets and save runs. That is the process which is there in that phase, he stated. Spending time in the India A camp for series against Australia A, South Africa A and Rising Stars Asia Cup has also been a huge boon for Thakur. It is a step closer to India and the experience was such that it felt like international cricket for me. It was a good experience personally for my skills and development and how I can excel more in that. I learnt a lot of things about how I have to keep my temperament and patience. Pressure increases a lot when you represent a country, but when you are calm and composed, you get to learn and experience a lot. The adaption of his bowling plans as per different formats has further sharpened Thakurs adaptability skills. As a professional cricketer, this is a part of your life that your format will change, so as the time to play, but you have to adapt very quickly because the game has become so fast. You are playing T20 today, then after a week you have to play Test cricket and later one-day cricket. So the time and format will change, but your adaptability should be very fast as per the pace of the modern-day game. For every player and professional cricketer, it has become mandatory that your adaptability should be good. What makes this PBKS side different since 2025, as per Thakur, is a cultural shift that captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting have brought since joining the side. When Shreyas bhai joined the team last year, he changed the environment. Shreyas bhai and Ricky sir changed the environment of the team and made it a positive, fun-loving team. Everyone cares for each other and will think about each other. Our team building started from there - from day one last year till the final. All the players who were not playing had a thought that how can I do my best for my team? Even if I am not playing, how can I do my best from here? Everyone has the same mindset this year, as we had last year. As a team, we have to move forward, play for each other and make the team win. Guided by calmness, clarity in plans and the disciplined execution he has honed since his teens, Thakur shapes up as a compelling option to be in the PBKS playing eleven. In a competition where control in the death overs can tilt the balance, his presence could prove to be decisive in IPL 2026. Our team building started from there - from day one last year till the final. All the players who were not playing had a thought that how can I do my best for my team? Even if I am not playing, how can I do my best from here? Everyone has the same mindset this year, as we had last year. As a team, we have to move forward, play for each other and make the team win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As soon as any situation comes, the more calm and positive you are, the better you will be able to execute. So I saw this in the domestic games and now I want to do the same thing in the IPL, signed off Thakur. Article Source: IANS
