McAndrew, Scott, Thornton bowl South Australia to stunning Shield title
Quicks take three wickets each as Victoria lose 7 for 37 to fall 56 runs short chasing 196
Rahane says Green not bowling disrupts KKR's 'balance with the ball'
KKR captain feels Green's unavailability is a challenge but framed it as an opportunity for other bowlers
Penalty costly for Qalandars as Kings win low-scoring thriller
Shaheen's efforts on a two-paced pitch went in vain as Waseem and Co took Kings home
Hardik wants Shardul to be at MI 'for the rest of your career'
After hopping across six franchises, Shardul returned home with a match-winning three-for
IPL 2026: 'Lord' Shardul Happy To Finally Play For MI, Shine On Home Ground
Kolkata Knight Riders: Shardul Thakur, who was a net bowler for the Mumbai Indians in their early years, celebrated his first match for the franchise with a three-wicket haul that helped them beat the Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. Thakur has played for the Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Suoer Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL before being brought to his home town franchise after a swap deal with LSG. On Sunday, he justified that faith by claiming 3-39 that halted a rampaging KKR innings and helped MI restrict them to 220/4 in 20 overs. Rohit Sharma (78) and Ryan Rickelton (81) struck blazing half-centuries to help the Mumbai Indians romp to a six-wicket win against KKR in Match 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, ending their embarrassing streak of not winning their opening match in 13 seasons. Thakur, who was named Player of the Match for his effort, said he likes to take up challenges, and Sunday presented such a situation. I've said this before, I like challenges. This was a challenging situation, especially in the sixth over. Because you expect Boult or Bumrah to get early wickets, but that didn't happen. So it was challenging coming in and bowling that sixth over. Challenges are what have made me. This ground has given me both bitter and sweet memories, said Thakur in the post-match presentation. He said that playing for the Mumbai Indians is special for him as it allows him to play at his home ground. To come and play for MI is special. To come and play on my home ground. I was a net bowler and an upcoming boy in the early years, quietly making my mark. Since then, it was always going to happen, and it's finally happened. So it feels special. I'll be very happy if I stay here [for my career]. It's my home city. The kind of backing I have got here is amazing. To trade me from LSG and play me in my first game, he said. He said that playing for the Mumbai Indians is special for him as it allows him to play at his home ground. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I like them because people give that name with love. So it's not really a 'meme' meme. Just a way for people to show love, he added. Article Source: IANS
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya was elated as his team ended a 13-year-old winless streak in season-openers in the Indian Premier League and hailed his predecessor Rohit Sharma for his majestic knock that set their six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. Rohit Sharma hammered a fabulous 78 and shared a 148-run partnership with Ryan Rickelton (81) as the Mumbai Indians scored 224/4 in 19.2 overs to overhaul KKR's score of 220/4 built on half-centuries by Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51) and win their season-opener for the first time since 2012. Obviously, it's been a long wait [to win the season opener]. Every time we wanted to start the season on a high note. The whole group is very glad we were able to do it, Pandya said in the post-match presentation at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Pandya admitted that chasing big totals is now easier in T20s and said modern cricket, batting-friendly wickets play a key role in that. He gave credit to his bowlers for not letting KKR reach 240 or 250. Credit to the bowlers, not letting KKR fly away to 240s or 250s. Those become tough targets, but 220 is always chaseable, he said. Pandya was effusive in praise for Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton for their brilliant half-centuries that made the victory possible. Rohit and Rickelton were outstanding. Ryan has done very well for us last year. And Quinny (Quinton de Kock) is a top man. He understood that we are backing the man and having continuity. Glad it worked. He hailed his former India and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma for making batting look easy at this age. Whenever I see Ro play some shots, it opens everyone's mouth. Nothing short of excellent, nothing short of outstanding, he said. He hailed his former India and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma for making batting look easy at this age. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I told him, enough hopping franchises. You have to be here for the rest of your career. The way he outsmarts batters, the way he bowls, brilliant, said Pandya. Article Source: IANS
Lahore Qalandars penalised for ball tampering
Shaheen was left fuming by the decision but did not comment on it at the presentation
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton blazed to half-centuries after Shardul Thakur claimed 3-39 in his first match for the franchise as Mumbai Indians defeated Kolkata Knight Riders to win their season-opener after 13 years in the Indian Premier League on Sunday. After pacer Shardul Thakur claimed a wicket each in his first three overs to apply the brakes on rampaging KKR, who went on to post 220/4 with skipper Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51) scoring half-centuries, Rohit Sharma struck a majestic 78 off 38 balls, and Rickelton blasted 81 off 43 balls as the Mumbai Indians reached won by six wickets in Match 2 of IPL 2026. Chasing 221, the Mumbai Indians rode on a brilliant opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton to cruise to 224/4 in 19.1 overs to secure their first victory in a season-opener since 2012, at the Wankhede Stadium. It was vintage Rohit Sharma as the former captain turned back the clock with a sensational innings, just when everyone was thinking till when he would continue to play in T20 after quitting it at the international stage. Rohit Sharma hammered a 23-ball fifty, his fastest in IPL, hitting three fours and five sixes as he gave the team a brilliant start. He also became the fourth batter to score a half-century of 50-plus scores in IPL. This was Rohit's 50th half-century in 268 IPL matches, joining the club led by Virat Kohli (73, 261 matches), David Warner (66 in 184) and Shikhar Dhawan (53 in 221). Rickelton raced to his fifty off 24 balls, hitting two fours and six maximums as he matched Rohit shot for shot. Rohit, who hammered six fours and as many sixes in a majestic knock that took the stuffing out of the KKR bowling, got out while trying to slog Vaibhav Arora in the 12th over, but managed to top-edge it, and Anukul Roy hung on to a superb catch, running back from mid-on and had to put in a full-length dive to hold on to that. The 38-year-old and Rickelton smashed 148 runs for their opening wicket partnership off 72 balls, giving Mumbai a fabulous start. Though India's T20 World Cup-winning Suryakumar Yadav did not contribute much, coming in as an Impact Substitute for his teammate Jasprit Bumrah. Surya struck three fours in his eight-ball 16. Rickelton continued to torment KKR as he hit two fours and two more sixes before getting out for 81 off 43 balls, before he was run out to a direct hit by Anukul Roy, blocked by Muzarabani as he tried to get to the non-striker end after Tilak Varma refused a call for second. Mumbai were 184/3 in the 16th over and firmly on the road to victory. Though Tilak Varma was out for 20 trying to seal victory with a big one, skipper Hardik Pandya (18 not out) helped them cross the line with a four in the final over. Earlier, after a quiet first two overs, the KKR opening pair of Rahane, on his home ground, and Finn Allen exploded into action as they hammered 54 runs in 18 balls as the team raced to their first fifty against the Mumbai Indians, reaching the mark in 23 balls. The carnage started when Hardik Pandya introduced Afghan mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, and the bowler was smashed for 17 runs in his first over, with Allen walloping him for two sixes and a four. Things got worse in the next over as Rahane hammered back-to-back sixes off Pandya in the first two balls of the fourth over, while Allen struck the Mumbai Indian captain boundaries off successive balls to end it as KKR blasted 26 runs from the over, racing to fifty in just 23 balls. Shardul Thakur, making his debut for MI in his home town, made the breakthrough in the sixth over, getting Allen (37, 17b, 6x4, 2x6) caught at long-on with a slower delivery as KKR ended the Power-play at 78/1. Allen and Rahane raised 69 runs for the opening wicket, laying the foundation for a big total. Cameron Green's first innings as the costliest overseas player ever in IPL history lasted only 10 balls and fetched 18 runs as Thakur took the pace off a delivery that bounced a bit, and Green's slap-shot went down the throat of Sherfane Rutherford at deep cover. Rahane and Green added 40 runs for the second wicket. Rahane continued the good work from the other end as he cruised to his fifty in 27 balls, hitting three boundaries and four maximums. The fall of two wickets slowed down Rahane as he tried to build another partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, but that did not materialise as the skipper was next to fall. Thakur picked up his third wicket of the night as Rahane went inside-out on a cross-seam full delivery outside off and toe-ended it to Pandya at cover, back-tracking to take a simple catch. KKR lost momentum after that, but Raghuvanshi pulled them back again by hitting Ghazanfar for a four, dropped by Rohit Sharma near the long-on boundary rope, and six straight down in the next ball to add more insult to injury. He struck Thakur for a six in the 17th over before Rinku Singh struck a four three balls later as they raised 50 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. Raghuvanshi reached his fifty off 28 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes before slicing Pandya in the air to Tilak Varma as KKR crossed the 200-run mark. KKR lost momentum after that, but Raghuvanshi pulled them back again by hitting Ghazanfar for a four, dropped by Rohit Sharma near the long-on boundary rope, and six straight down in the next ball to add more insult to injury. He struck Thakur for a six in the 17th over before Rinku Singh struck a four three balls later as they raised 50 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 220/4 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 67, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 51, Finn Allen 37, Rinku Singh 33 not out; Shardul Thakur 3-39) lost to Mumbai Indians 224/4 in 19.1 overs (Ryan Rickelton 81, Rohit Sharma 78; Kartik Tyagi 1-43) by six wickets. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Rohit, Rickelton Fifties Help MI Beat KKR, End Season-opener Jinx
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton struck blazing half-centuries to help the Mumbai Indians romp to a six-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, ending their embarrassing streak of not winning their opening match in 13 seasons. After pacer Shardul Thakur had claimed 3-39 to halt a rampaging KKR with skipper Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51) scoring half-centuries, Rohit Sharma struck a majestic 78 off 38 balls, and Rickelton blasted 81 off 43 balls as the Mumbai Indians reached 224/4 in 19.1 overs to secure their first victory in a season-opener since 2012. It was vintage Rohit Sharma as the former captain turned back the clock with a sensational innings, just when everyone was thinking till when he would continue to play in T20 after quitting it at the international stage. Rohit Sharma hammered a 23-ball fifty, his fastest in IPL, hitting three fours and five sixes as he gave the team a brilliant start. He also became the fourth batter to score a half-century of 50-plus scores in IPL. This was Rohit's 50th half-century in 268 IPL matches, joining the club led by Virat Kohli (73, 261 matches), David Warner (66 in 184) and Shikhar Dhawan (53 in 221). After two steady overs in which Rohit scored 12 runs off eight balls, the former India captain launched into the KKR bowlers. Rohit first pulled Vaibhav Arora into the stands before his opening partner, Ryan Rickelton, deposited Arora for back-to-back sixes. Rohit's second six came when he backed away and scythed Blessings Muzarabani over deep backward point. The third came when Rohit backed away and scythed Muzarabani over deep backward point. He scored three more sixes, lofting Varun Chakravarthy over covers and then helping him over square-leg. Another six against Impact substitute Kartik Tyagi, hitting him for a six as the Mumbai Indians storm to 80 for no loss in the Power-play. At the other end, Rickelton raced to his fifty off 24 balls, hitting two fours and six maximums as he matched Rohit shot for shot. Rohit, who scored three fours and one six after reaching his fifty, was the first to get out, trying to slog Arora in the 12th over, but managing to top-edge it, and Anukul Roy hung on to a superb catch, running back from mid-on and had to put in a full-length dive to hold on to that. The 38-year-old scored a superb 78 off 38 balls, hitting six boundaries and as many maximums. Rohit and Rickelton smashed 148 runs for the opening wicket partnership off 72 balls, giving Mumbai a fabulous start. Though India's T20 World Cup-winning Suryakumar Yadav did not contribute much, coming in as an Impact Substitute for his teammate Jasprit Bumrah. Surya struck three fours in his eight-ball 16. Rickelton continued to torment KKR as he hit two fours and two more sixes before getting out for 81 off 43 balls, before he was run out to a direct hit by Anukul Roy, blocked by Muzarabani as he tried to get to the non-striker end after Tilak Varma refused a call for second. Mumbai were 184/3 in the 16th over and firmly on the road to victory. Though Tilak Varma was out for 20 trying to seal victory with a big one, skipper Hardik Pandya (18 not out) helped them cross the line with a four in the final over. KKR's efforts in the field were hampered a bit by the absence of skipper Rahane, who went off the field after suffering cramps. Though Tilak Varma was out for 20 trying to seal victory with a big one, skipper Hardik Pandya (18 not out) helped them cross the line with a four in the final over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 220/4 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 67, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 51, Finn Allen 37, Rinku Singh 33 not out; Shardul Thakur 3-39) lost to Mumbai Indians 224/4 in 19.1 overs (Ryan Rickelton 81, Rohit Sharma 78; Kartik Tyagi 1-43) by six wickets. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Vintage Rohit Scores His Fastest Fifty In IPL History
Indian Premier League: Just when everyone was thinking till when he would continue, Mumbai Indians legend Rohit Sharma turned back the clock in his first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, scoring his fastest fifty in the league, reaching the mark in 23 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit, who has won five IPL titles so far, scored his 50th fifty-plus score in the IPL, becoming the fourth batter to do so in the 19 editions of the league. This is his fastest half-century in IPL so far. His previous fastest was off 25 balls, which came against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2015 final at Eden Gardens. Rohit scored his fifty off 23 balls, hammering three boundaries and five maximums, going after the KKR bowling in typical Rohit Sharma style. He became the fourth batter to score a half-century of 50-plus scores in IPL history. This was Rohit's 50th half-century in 268 IPL matches, joining the club led by Virat Kohli (73, 261 matches), David Warner (66 in 184) and Shikhar Dhawan (53 in 221). Rohit scored his fifty off 23 balls, hammering three boundaries and five maximums, going after the KKR bowling in typical Rohit Sharma style. He became the fourth batter to score a half-century of 50-plus scores in IPL history. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their third six came when Rohit backed away and scythed Blessings Muzarabani over deep backward point. Rohit Sharma scored three more sixes, lofting Varun Chakravarthy over covers and then helping him over square-leg. Another six against Impact substitute Kartik Tyagi, hitting him for a six as Mumbai Indians storm to 80 for no loss in the Power-play. Article Source: IANS
Revamped RR and CSK aim to put past failures behind
They finished at the bottom of the league in IPL 2025 and have a new look for the 2026 season
Rahane, Raghuvanshi fifties lift KKR to 220
Shardul Thakur impressed on his MI debut, taking 3 for 39
IPL 2026: Rahane, Raghuvanshi Fifties Power KKR To 220/4 Against MI
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane: Skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored half-centuries as Kolkata Knight Riders reached 220/4 in 20 overs in a start-stop-start innings against Mumbai Indians in their opening match of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Asked to bat first, Rahane provided the early impetus to the KKR innings with a 40-ball 67, while Raghuvanshi provided the late finish with a 28-ball 51 after the Mumbai Indians had fought back with a three-wicket burst by Shardul Thakur (3-39). Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh (33* off 21 balls) shared a 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket that helped KKR recover from the mid-innings slump to reach what is being considered a par score. After a quiet first two overs, the KKR opening pair of Rahane, on his home ground, and Finn Allen exploded into action as they hammered 54 runs in 18 balls as the team raced to their first fifty against the Mumbai Indians, reaching the mark in 23 balls. The carnage started when Hardik Pandya introduced Afghan mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, and the bowler was smashed for 17 runs in his first over, with Allen walloping him for two sixes and a four. Things got worse in the next over as Rahane hammered back-to-back sixes off Pandya in the first two balls of the fourth over, while Allen struck the Mumbai Indian captain boundaries off successive balls to end it as KKR blasted 26 runs from the over, racing to fifty in just 23 balls. Shardul Thakur, making his debut for MI in his home town, made the breakthrough in the sixth over, getting Allen (37, 17b, 6x4, 2x6) caught at long-on with a slower delivery as KKR ended the Power-play at 78/1. Allen and Rahane raised 69 runs for the opening wicket, laying the foundation for a big total. Cameron Green's first innings as the costliest overseas player ever in IPL history lasted only 10 balls and fetched 18 runs as Thakur took the pace off a delivery that bounced a bit, and Green's slap-shot went down the throat of Sherfane Rutherford at deep cover. Rahane and Green added 40 runs for the second wicket. Rahane continued the good work from the other end as he cruised to his fifty in 27 balls, hitting three boundaries and four maximums. The fall of two wickets slowed down Rahane as he tried to build another partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, but that did not materialise as the skipper was next to fall. Thakur picked up his third wicket of the night as Rahane went inside-out on a cross-seam full delivery outside off and toe-ended it to Pandya at cover, back-tracking to take a simple catch. KKR lost momentum after that, but Raghuvanshi pulled them back again by hitting Ghazanfar for a four, dropped by Rohit Sharma near the long-on boundary rope, and six straight down in the next ball to add more insult to injury. He struck Thakur for a six in the 17th over before Rinku Singh struck a four three balls later as they raised 50 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. Raghuvanshi reached his fifty off 28 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes before slicing Pandya in the air to Tilak Varma as KKR crossed the 200-run mark. KKR lost momentum after that, but Raghuvanshi pulled them back again by hitting Ghazanfar for a four, dropped by Rohit Sharma near the long-on boundary rope, and six straight down in the next ball to add more insult to injury. He struck Thakur for a six in the 17th over before Rinku Singh struck a four three balls later as they raised 50 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 220/4 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 67, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 51, Finn Allen 37, Rinku Singh 33 not out; Shardul Thakur 3-39) against Mumbai Indians. Article Source: IANS
RR vs CSK Match 3, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
RR vs CSKMatch 3, Cricket Tips :Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings will be up against each other in the next game of the IPL 2026. These two teams will be in action on Monday at 7:30 PM IST at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This is the first game for both sides this season. CSK will be without MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis, who are injured. But Sanju Samson's inclusion will add much-needed experience for CSK at the top. On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja's entry will provide great balance, as RR have missed a quality all-rounder for a long time now. There are plenty of superstars who will be in action; it will be a high-voltage contest. RR vs CSK: Match Details Date: March 30, 2026 (Monday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati RR vs CSK Live Streaming Details Indian fans can tune into the Star Sports Networks to watch the RR vs CSK contest on TV. Fans can also enjoy the game through the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. RR vs CSK Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 31 RR : 15 CSK : 16 No-Result : 00 RR vs CSK: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Guwahati is batting-friendly, and it is a high-scoring venue. It is an excellent wicket to bat on, and batters will get full value of their shots. The good bounce and pace make it hard for the bowlers to execute, because with a small error, batters can cash in. However, slower ones and cutters are the ideal balls to go with. RR vs CSK Possible XIs RR : Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag , Dasun Shanaka, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Dhurv Jurel (wk), Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Ravi Bishnoi CSK : Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad , Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry RR vs CSK: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi comes with a fearless approach, which makes him a dangerous batter at the top. For CSK, Sanju Samson is in excellent form, and he knows RR's bowling unit in and out. Probable Best Bowler Jofra Archer on his day can tear apart any batting unit. He will be the one to watch out for. For CSK, Noor Ahmad can be the game changer in the middle order. Today Match Prediction : Both teams have plenty of young players; that is where pressure-handling will be important. But the injuries have hurt CSK's combination, and we predict RR to win this game. RR vs CSK Match 3, IPL 2026, Today RR vs CSK Match, RR vs CSK Prediction, RR vs CSK Predicted XIs, Injury Update for RR vs CSK Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Dewald Brevis to miss CSK's opening game in IPL 2026
CSK are already without Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out of the season, and Dhoni, who is likely to miss the first two weeks
Handscomb to miss 2026 season with Leicestershire for personal reasons
Australia batter prioritises family matters but will return as captain after signing one-year extension
Shamyl, Abrar hand Gladiators their first win of the season
Shamyl, Nawaz set the platform for Gladiators before Abrar and Co put on a consolidated performance
MI opt to bowl vs KKR; Ghazanfar, Thakur and Rutherford debut for hosts
KKR also had three debutants in Finn Allen, Blessing Muzarabani and Cameron Green
'Its Extremely Important': Mbappe Shuts Down Doubts, Reaffirms Real Madrid Commitment
Kolkata Knight Riders: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Mumbai got a boost on the eve of the match as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rejoined the squad after a short dash to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a consultation. Bumrah was among the first to mark his run-up. Both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton took the gloves for practice, but in the end, the younger South African left-handed batter/wicketkeeper got the nod ahead of his senior countryman. Afghanistan mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar was handed his debut cap before the MI squad got into a huddle, which included the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Sherfane Rutherford, who received his MI cap from compatriot and team legend Kieron Pollard, is making his debut with Shardul Thakur. Cameron Green, the costliest overseas player ever after KKR picked him for INR 25.20 crore, will also be playing his first match for KKR along with Finn Allen and Blessing Muzarabani, the Zimbabwe pacer who made a last-minute switch from Pakistan Super League to IPL. Pandya said the pitch looks greener than usual, and so they want to have the first use of the pitch. Looks like a good pitch. Pitch looks greener than we're used to, so I just want to see how it does. This is our fortress, whole crowd is here to support us, so we want to play good cricket and entertain them. Jassi is going to be there, he said. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, too, was surprised by the amount of grass on the pitch and said they would have also bowled first. Playing XIs: KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, too, was surprised by the amount of grass on the pitch and said they would have also bowled first. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Blessing Muzarabani Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Focus On Ghazanfar, Cameron Green As MI Elect To Bowl Against KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Mumbai got a boost on the eve of the match as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rejoined the squad after a short dash to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a consultation. Bumrah was among the first to mark his run-up. Both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton took the gloves for practice, but in the end, the younger South African left-handed batter/wicketkeeper got the nod ahead of his senior countryman. Afghanistan mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar was handed his debut cap before the MI squad got into a huddle, which included the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Sherfane Rutherford, who received his MI cap from compatriot and team legend Kieron Pollard, is making his debut with Shardul Thakur. Cameron Green, the costliest overseas player ever after KKR picked him for INR 25.20 crore, will also be playing his first match for KKR along with Finn Allen and Blessing Muzarabani, the Zimbabwe pacer who made a last-minute switch from Pakistan Super League to IPL. Pandya said the pitch looks greener than usual, and so they want to have the first use of the pitch. Looks like a good pitch. Pitch looks greener than we're used to, so I just want to see how it does. This is our fortress, whole crowd is here to support us, so we want to play good cricket and entertain them. Jassi is going to be there, he said. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, too, was surprised by the amount of grass on the pitch and said they would have also bowled first. Playing XIs: KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, too, was surprised by the amount of grass on the pitch and said they would have also bowled first. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Blessing Muzarabani Article Source: IANS
'Rusty, But Not Far Off': Vettori Backs SRH To Bounce Back After RCB Loss
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Head coach Daniel Vettori motivated the players after Sunrisers Hyderabads (SRH) six wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday calling the performance 'rusty but far from alarming. Reflecting on the outcome, Vettori admitted it was one of those days you want to avoid, but stressed the importance of focusing on positives rather than dwelling on the result. I think today is one of those days you want to avoid because it symbolizes a little bit of rust, he said. But you also look at the things that went reasonably well and the things that went against us, he said in a dressing room video released by SRH on X. The former New Zealand captain was particularly impressed with SRHs batting effort, highlighting the teams recovery from the powerplay where they lost three wickets to post a competitive total of 201 under challenging circumstances. From a batting display, to get from that powerplay to a very good score shows the quality of that top seven, The way you guys came together in the first game, even in challenging circumstances, was really impressive, he noted Ishan and Klaasen managing that phase, and then the work at the back end to put us in a good position, was very impressive, he added. However, the coach was candid about the shortcomings with the ball, pointing out that execution of plans was well below expectations. The challenge for us is to understand what we did poorly with the ball, he said. We spoke about finding the right length and sticking to our strengths, but today we were quite a long way off it. He revealed that conceding too many hittable deliveries proved costly. Ten full balls went for six. When that happens, youre always up against the game, he explained. Despite the bowling struggles, Vettori refrained from singling out individuals, instead framing it as a collective learning opportunity I dont want to make this about bowlers not doing their job. Its a challenge for all of us heading into the next game, he said. Looking ahead to their next fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Vettori emphasized the importance of preparation and adaptability. Weve got two training days in Kolkata to rectify things, understand that wicket and plan how were going to bowl to those batsmen, he said. He also highlighted lapses in the field, attributing them to early-season rustiness. Today felt tentative. Guys were in the wrong positions at times. But when we bowl well, the fielding will come along as well, he observed. Vettori urged players to view the loss as a stepping stone rather than a setback and look to improve the fault lines. We understand it was a rusty performance and we werent at our best, but it starts now, Tidy up two balls, and suddenly things look very different. These are small margins. Vettori urged players to view the loss as a stepping stone rather than a setback and look to improve the fault lines. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite posting a competitive 201/9, powered by a blistering 80 from Ishan Kishan and a late surge from Aniket Verma, SRH were outplayed by a dominant RCB batting unit led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal as they chased down the target in just 15.4 overs against a sloppy bowling effort from the visitors. Article Source: IANS
Reyneke Becomes First Woman To Win Player Of The Match Award On Debut In Multiple Formats
With South Africa: South Africa all-rounder Kayla Reyneke capped her ODI debut with a last-ball six against New Zealand on Sunday, giving the Proteas a thrilling two-wicket win. In the process, Kayla has become the first woman in international cricket to win player of the match awards on debut in multiple formats. Kayla, 20, had already claimed the honour on her T20I debut against Pakistan earlier this year in Potchefstroom, where she also struck a six off the final ball to secure victory for South Africa. Her latest effort on ODI debut against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval makes her only the fifth cricketer overall to achieve the milestone after Elias Sunny (Tests and T20Is), Mustafizur Rahman (Tests and ODIs), Ben Foakes (ODIs and Tests) and Lungi Ngidi (Tests and T20Is). With South Africa needing 14 runs from the final over, Kayla held her nerve alongside Tumi Sekhukhune. Suzie Bates was tasked with defending the total for New Zealand, and Kayla cleared the ropes on the third ball to reduce the equation to six off three balls. She then launched the final delivery over long-on to seal a two-wicket win for the Proteas. Kayla finished unbeaten on 42 from 32 balls, a knock laced with three fours and two sixes. With South Africa needing 14 runs from the final over, Kayla held her nerve alongside Tumi Sekhukhune. Suzie Bates was tasked with defending the total for New Zealand, and Kayla cleared the ropes on the third ball to reduce the equation to six off three balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chasing 269, South Africa slipped to 30/2 before Annerie Dercksen (72) and Sun Luus (53) rebuilt with a 123-run stand. Nadine de Klerk chipped in with 39, but Kaylas late hitting proved to be decisive. The second ODI will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington on April 1, with South Africa holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch RR Vs CSK, Know All Details
Indian Premier League: The inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Rajasthan Royals, are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign on Monday with a clash against five-time title winners Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. While CSK will be aiming to make an early statement in their pursuit of a sixth crown, the Royals will be eager to turn the page after a forgettable 2025 season. Adding intrigue to the contest is Sanju Samsons first outing against his former side. Having been the face of Rajasthan for over a decade, as captain, leading run-scorer, and a central figure in their run to the 2022 final, Samson now finds himself in CSK colours. His move, part of a high-profile swap that saw Ravindra Jadeja return to Rajasthan, adds an emotional subplot to the fixture, as the all-rounder also faces his old team. Samson enters the season riding a wave of confidence following his impactful performances in Indias triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, where he notched up three consecutive half-centuries against the West Indies, England, and New Zealand. At CSK, he is expected to play a key leadership role alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with the duo likely to open the batting. The absence of MS Dhoni, who is sidelined for at least two weeks with a calf strain and has not travelled to Guwahati, shifts additional responsibility onto Samson and Gaikwad. It also creates opportunities for emerging players, including 20-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Prashant Veer and big-hitting uncapped recruit Kartik Sharma, who has earned attention in domestic cricket for his power-hitting. For Rajasthan, Samsons departure signals the end of a defining chapter and the beginning of a new phase under the leadership of Riyan Parag, who will captain the side at his home venue. The return of Jadeja adds depth and experience, though concerns remain about his recent effectiveness as a finisher. The Royals batting will largely revolve around Yashasvi Jaiswal, who now assumes greater responsibility as the senior figure in the top order. He will be supported by promising youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the in-form Shimron Hetmyer, both capable of providing explosive starts, an area where RR excelled last season. However, their bowling unit remains a concern. Following a significant revamp after last years struggles, consistency remains a question mark, particularly in the pace department led by Jofra Archer. The spin responsibilities will largely rest on Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi. Both teams head into the new season looking to rebuild after underwhelming campaigns in 2025, with CSK finishing at the bottom of the table and Rajasthan just one place above them in ninth, making this opener an early opportunity to reset and reassert themselves When: Monday, March 30, 7:30 PM IST Where: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati Where to watch: The RR vs CSK match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The RR vs CSK match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Matt Henry, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Jamie Overton, Matthew Short, Khaleel Ahmed, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Khamboj, Nathan Ellis, Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Chahar, Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Shreyas Gopal, Spencer Johnson, Gurjapneet Singh and Mukesh Choudhary. Article Source: IANS
'Our Priority Is Safety Of Fans': RCB Praise Authorities For Hassle-free Start To IPL 2026
The Karnataka State Cricket Association: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have expressed gratitude towards the authorities and the state government after the smooth conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener played at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. This was the first big match held at the ground after the drastic incident occurred on June 4, 2025, when eleven lives were lost after a stampede due to thousands of fans gathering outside the ground to celebrate RCB's maiden IPL title win. RCB sincerely and wholeheartedly thanks the Karnataka State Government, Bengaluru City Police, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Public Works Department, Fire Department and Namma Metro for enabling the smooth conduct of our home game in Bengaluru last night, RCB wrote on X. Team also reiterated their commitment towards fans' safety and wrote: Our endeavour and priorities will remain the same throughout the season - safety and well-being of our dear fans! Players, officials and fans observed a minutes silence ahead of the match in memory of eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCBs title celebrations last year. Both teams took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, while RCB also warmed up in jerseys bearing the number 11. In a symbolic gesture, 11 seats inside the stadium have been permanently reserved at the stadium to honour those who lost their lives. Players, officials and fans observed a minutes silence ahead of the match in memory of eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCBs title celebrations last year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Speaking of the match, SRH posted a mammoth total of 201 runs with the help of Ishan Kishan's 80 off 35. RCB chased down the total in just 15.4 overs to clinch the win by 6 wickets with the help of half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Article Source: IANS
Debutante Reyneke Hits Last-ball Six To Seal Thrilling ODI Win For SA Over NZ
Debutante Reyneke: Kayla Reyneke struck a last-ball six on her ODI debut to seal a dramatic two-wicket victory for South Africa over New Zealand in the series opener at the Hagley Oval on Sunday. Player of the Match Kayla finished unbeaten on 42 off 32 balls and guided the Proteas home after Ayabonga Khakas career-best 6-56 had restricted the hosts to 268. Annerie Dercksen top-scored with 72 from 93 deliveries, while Sune Luus added 53, which kept the chase alive before Kayla took them home. New Zealand, asked to bat first under overcast skies, were being led to safety by Georgia Plimmer (28) and Amelia Kerr (36) before Khaka and Chloe Tryon struck in quick succession to reduce the home side to 112/4 after 28 overs. Maddy Green anchored the innings with her 10th half-century, sharing an 80-run stand with Izzy Gaze (37) and later adding 92 runs with Jess Kerr (24) in the final overs. Khaka returned to claim four late wickets as the White Ferns were bowled out in the 50th over. South Africas reply faltered early as Jess Kerr and Bree Illing removed Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt to leave the visitors at 30/2 in six overs. Annerie and Sune rebuilt with a 123-run partnership, but New Zealand hit back through Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, who dismissed the set batters in successive overs, along with Sinalo Jafta and Chloe falling cheaply. At 190/6, the chase looked in trouble, but Nadine de Klerk (39) combined with Kayla to add 48 runs before Rosemary Mairs late strikes left the match finely poised. South Africas reply faltered early as Jess Kerr and Bree Illing removed Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt to leave the visitors at 30/2 in six overs. Annerie and Sune rebuilt with a 123-run partnership, but New Zealand hit back through Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, who dismissed the set batters in successive overs, along with Sinalo Jafta and Chloe falling cheaply. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: New Zealand 268 (Maddy Green 85, Izzy Gaze 37; Ayabonga Khaka 6-56) lost to South Africa 269/8 (Annerie Dercksen 72, Sune Luus 53; Amelia Kerr 2-31) by two wickets Article Source: IANS
BCCI Hosts Fielding Coaches Workshop At CoE, Laxman, Dilip Address Participants
ODI World Cup: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday that it conducted a comprehensive fielding coaches workshop at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) facility in Bengaluru. The programme combined in-class sessions and on-field modules, offering participation coaches a holistic view of modern fielding techniques from both technical and tactical aspects. Here is a round up from the Fielding Coaches' Workshop conducted at the BCCI CoE. The sessions included in-class and on-field modules. The participants had the opportunity to upskill themselves by hearing from some of the top fielding professionals who delivered the modules, wrote the BCCI on its X account. The BCCI also posted pictures of head of cricket VVS Laxman, current India mens team fielding coach T Dilip, womens side fielding coach Munish Bali and U19 Mens World Cup winning team fielding coach Shubhadeep Ghosh addressing the participants in the workshop. Earlier this month, former India left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had conducted specialist camps at the CoE. The three-day Zaheer-led high-performance camp, held at the start of March, was for fast bowlers who featured at India A and U19 levels and was centered around readiness to play red-ball cricket. The BCCI also posted pictures of head of cricket VVS Laxman, current India mens team fielding coach T Dilip, womens side fielding coach Munish Bali and U19 Mens World Cup winning team fielding coach Shubhadeep Ghosh addressing the participants in the workshop. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zaheer was part of the Indian team winning the 2002 Champions Trophy (jointly with Sri Lanka) and the 2011 ODI World Cup, where he was also the joint highest wicket-taker. Harbhajan, meanwhile, was a member of the Indian team winning the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Shardul Thakur Misses Out As Pathan's Mumbai Indians' Playing 12 Vs KKR
Indian Premier League: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked his strongest playing 12 for five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of their opening clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Mumbai have been dealt an early blow as two key overseas players, Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner, will miss the opening match. Their absence has forced a rethink in team combination, especially in the all-rounder and spin departments. Pathan has opted for experience at the top, picking Quinton de Kock to open alongside veteran batter Rohit Sharma, while leaving out Ryan Rickelton. He also suggested that the team management should not use Rohit as an impact player, stressing that his leadership and presence on the field remain crucial for the side. In the middle order, Pathan has placed young left-hander Tilak Varma at number three, followed by Indias T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav at number four. Captain Hardik Pandya is slotted at number five, giving the batting unit both stability and firepower. With Jack's absence, Pathan has backed Sherfane Rutherford to take up the number six role. Naman Dhir has been picked as the finisher at number seven. On the bowling front, Pathan has gone with a balanced attack. He has included young spinner Allah Ghazanfar along with leg-spinner Mayank Markande to handle spin duties. In the pace department, MI boasts a strong trio of Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah, which is expected to play a key role, especially in the Powerplay and death overs. Interestingly, Pathan has left out all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who joined the franchise from Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, indicating a preference for specialist roles in his XI. On the bowling front, Pathan has gone with a balanced attack. He has included young spinner Allah Ghazanfar along with leg-spinner Mayank Markande to handle spin duties. In the pace department, MI boasts a strong trio of Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah, which is expected to play a key role, especially in the Powerplay and death overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Mumbai Indians had made a strong comeback last season, finishing among the top sides and securing a playoff spot. However, their campaign ended in Qualifier 2 after a defeat to the Punjab Kings. Having last won the IPL title in 2020, the five-time champions will be eager to bounce back and end their title drought in the 2026 season. Article Source: IANS
'Feels Like It Has All Just Passed In A Flash': Manish Pandey On His 19-year IPL Journey
Indian Premier League: Veteran right-handed batter Manish Pandey, whos one of only four players to feature in every edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008, says his 19-season journey feels like it has gone by in a flash. Pandey will be turning out for three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2026, when they open their campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. In 174 IPL games, Pandey has made 3,942 runs at a strike rate of 121.52. It's been a great journey for me - 19 years and 19th year going on right now. Started with MI in the first year after the U19 World Cup. It was a great memory to start with, but honestly, it feels like it has all just passed in a flash, in a moment. So I've seen from 2008 to about 2026, this year going on. It's been a great memory overall in general and happy to be one of those few players who've been part of all the IPLs and trying to do justice to myself, to this game. It's purely here because of the passion and the love for the game, said Pandey in a video by IPL on Sunday. Pandey holds the distinction of being the first Indian to score a century in the IPL in 2009 and reflected on how the tournament has evolved and shaped his career. Absolutely. We were just young, 18-19 year olds. Just trying to discover the game, discover yourself. Second season, got a hundred in South Africa in the IPL 2009 for RCB, and it was a great feeling. The way the tournament was going for us, I was not expecting that I'd open the inning and get that opportunity to get those runs, which has helped me a lot. But definitely, it was a great memory being the first Indian to get a hundred and the youngest then. But now it's obviously somebody else has the record. But just being in the situation from that point of view is really amazing. This game has taught us a lot. Obviously, this tournament has taught us a lot and we are continuously evolving with it. Hopefully, we learn a lot more. It was a little different back then when we started. We all were still understanding the whole dynamics of the tournament and ourselves that we were discovering. It has come a long way. IPL has grown so much in these 19 years and I'm pretty sure that it will just keep on growing for ages to come. Not only from the players' perspective, but from everybody, the sponsors, fans and the amount of joy this game or tournament has given to a lot of fans is unbelievable, he elaborated. Pandey further stated that the IPL has grown into one of the most influential tournaments in the cricketing world and providing a platform for young talent to emerge. For us as players, back then, even a 160 would be a good game and 140 were defended. But now, the pace of the game has changed. It's a lot faster - so many high-scoring games. The kind of bowlers, the kind of variations that come in, there are too many now. So, it has really evolved and I'm happy to see it being in the center of the whole thing. IPL is one of the main tournaments in world cricket right now. Obviously, it has tested a lot of players who have seen it for one year and some who have, you know, seen it for a very long time. Obviously, it has really helped cricket to grow in general. As I said, in the center of all the affairs where it comes to discovering talents and then moving. Even as a player, I think IPL, what it has done is made the game go bigger in terms of, kind of, the talents that are coming in, the kind of requirement this game has right now. So, IPL has done all that for all the players and I am happy to see all this. We do think about playing for India all the time - that's always been our dream. So, what really helps you play for India is tournaments like these. As Indians, we always think about playing for India after this because IPL is something that people look at and selectors are following. So, definitely it is a great journey. If we talk about pressure, there is pressure because, as I said, this tournament is such where you have to perform to stay here and luckily, I've been doing that for a while, he said. Even as a player, I think IPL, what it has done is made the game go bigger in terms of, kind of, the talents that are coming in, the kind of requirement this game has right now. So, IPL has done all that for all the players and I am happy to see all this. We do think about playing for India all the time - that's always been our dream. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, it definitely helped me as a cricketer in that department and playing for India after that was very, very special as well. So, IPL has been really kind and very good. Happy to be part of this pressure, but at the same time, enjoying this game as well. Article Source: IANS
Mumbai Indians Set to Play 300th T20 Match in IPL 2026 Opener vs KKR
A historic landmark awaits the Mumbai Indians as they gear up for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Beyond the immediate goal of ending a five-year title drought, the five-time champions will mark another feather in their cap, becoming the first IPL franchise to play 300 T20 matches. MI will be only the third team to reach 300 or more T20 matches, after Pakistan and Somerset, each with 303. Among IPL teams, MI is second to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with 287 matches, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with 281. Mumbai have played 277 IPL matches over 18 seasons and 22 Champions League T20 matches across five seasons. The milestone of 300 matches is a testament not only to their longevity but also to the sustained excellence that has seen them claim five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, the joint-most by any franchise alongside Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While the franchise is still hunting for their sixth IPL crown, MI last won their IPL season opener in 2012 when they defeated CSK by eight wickets. In their last 18 campaign openers, MI have won four games and lost 14. Notably, they lost their very first match as well, to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008. The milestone of 300 matches is a testament not only to their longevity but also to the sustained excellence that has seen them claim five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, the joint-most by any franchise alongside Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the iconic Wankhede Stadium set to host its first game of this season, all eyes will be on Hardik Pandya and his men to see if they can complement this historic milestone with a winning start to IPL 2026. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'They Didn't Show Enough Responsibility After Early Wickets,' Says Pathan On SRH Batting
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Sunrisers Hyderabads (SRH) struggles in the powerplay with the bat and ineffective bowling led to their six-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 opener played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Reflecting on the defeat, Pathan pointed out that SRH failed to capitalise on the powerplay after losing early wickets, which hampered their ability to post a truly imposing total. Ishan Kishan mentioned after the game that they would have to look at their approach, especially at the start. If you lose regular wickets, you have to play with more responsibility, which didnt happen, Pathan told Jio Hotstar. SRH found themselves in early trouble after losing three wickets inside the Powerplay, forcing the middle order to consolidate rather than accelerate. While they eventually reached the 200-run mark, Pathan felt the total was below par given the nature of the pitch. They lost three early wickets, and once that happens, it becomes very difficult to push beyond 200. They eventually scored 200, but it wasnt enough on this pitch, he added. Pathan also highlighted SRHs lack of bowling resources as a major concern, especially in the absence of control during crucial phases of the game. It was a mix of not getting a good start and the bowling not being up to the mark. Kishan was under pressure, and its never easy when you are leading a side in the IPL for the first time, he noted. The former cricketer emphasised that managing the Powerplay, both with bat and ball, will be key for SRH moving forward in the tournament. It was a mix of not getting a good start and the bowling not being up to the mark. Kishan was under pressure, and its never easy when you are leading a side in the IPL for the first time, he noted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad will next face Lucknow Super Giants in their home ground, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad, on April 5. Article Source: IANS
Batting With Virat Makes Your Job A Whole Lot Easier: Padikkal
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Batting alongside Virat Kohli in a run chase is less about pressure and more about clarity, a sentiment Devdutt Padikkal summed up after Royal Challengers Bengalurus commanding win to open their IPL 2026 campaign. For Padikkal, Kohlis presence at the other end influences how a chase develops, giving him the freedom to play more openly while feeling confident that the pace is managed. In a format where chasing 200-plus totals often demands both aggression and composure, Padikkals fluent 61 off 26 balls was perfectly complemented by Kohlis unbeaten 69, as RCB cruised past Sunrisers Hyderabad with ease. The left-hander pointed to Kohlis unmatched game awareness in such situations, explaining how it simplifies decision-making and allows his partners to slot naturally into the rhythm of the chase. It feels great, you know. We missed playing here. It's good to come back to the Chinnaswamy Stadium and as usual the fans were amazing and when you have that support behind you, it's always great to start with a win, Padikkal said in a video shared by IPL. While RCBs batting dominated headlines, Padikkal was quick to acknowledge the impact of debutant Jacob Duffy, whose 3-22 helped restrict SRH despite a strong total. It's not easy for someone to come in in their first game and really make an impact, especially in a stadium like Chinnaswamy, where you can go for runs and get flustered pretty quick, he said. Padikkal highlighted the importance of early wickets against a dangerous SRH top order, crediting Duffys discipline and courage under pressure, saying, So, for someone like him, the way he showed up and the courage he showed, the lengths he bowled, especially against their top three, they have a formidable top three, so it was really important that we started well and got a few wickets up front and he did that job for us. Padikkals innings was marked by fearless strokeplay, but he attributed his form to clarity in preparation and sticking to a consistent approach rather than chasing moments. I think I've been batting really well. So, when you have that confidence and the runs behind you, it always gets a little easier when you go out there. But at the same time, every game is a new game and you have to stick to your processes and stick to things that have been working for you over the last couple of years and that's what I look to do, he stated. Padikkals innings was marked by fearless strokeplay, but he attributed his form to clarity in preparation and sticking to a consistent approach rather than chasing moments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Especially in chases, when you're batting alongside Virat, it makes your job a whole lot easier because he knows the tempo that's required to chase down totals and when you have that from one end, it makes your game a lot easier because you know the tempo that you need to go to at that point. So, just having him alongside me through all these chases so far in the last couple of years has been great, Padikkal mentioned. Article Source: IANS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper heaped praise on former captain Virat Kohli after his unbeaten 69-run knock helped the team register a dominant 6-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli smashed an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, as he registered his 64th IPL fifty and became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000 runs in chases. With the help of his innings, RCB chased down the target of 202 runs with 26 balls to spare. Virat Kohli is our number one chase master, as we know. I always admired his batting, and to watch his batting from the dugout, the way he played, the way he played his shots, the way he assessed the situation, I think that was really good to see always, Patidar said in the post-match press conference. 'I feel like he is at his peak, and I have no words to describe his innings. He is my idol, and the way I saw him in the nets - the same energy, the same eagerness to perform and dominate the game. I think that was beautiful, and I am learning a lot from watching him, he added. Patidar also described the thought behind giving Jacob Duffy, who was looking in great touch, a fourth consecutive over. It was not pre- decided, I decided after the third over. Klassen and Ishan Kishan were already there, and I thought if we get one more wicket here, we will destroy the whole batting line-up, so that's why I gave him the fourth over and he bowled beautifully, he said. Patidar also described the thought behind giving Jacob Duffy, who was looking in great touch, a fourth consecutive over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Duffy gave away just 22 runs in four overs and took three crucial wickets for the team in the power play. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'He Should Make A Comeback In Test Cricket,' Says Rayudu After Virat's Unbeaten 69 Vs SRH
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has lauded Virat Kohli's consistency and suggested a red ball return for the 37-year-old after his unbeaten 69-run knock helped the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) register a dominant 6 wickets win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) played at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday. Virat's innings included five fours and five sixes, as he registered his 64th IPL fifty and became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000 runs in chases. With the help of this, RCB chased down the target of 202 runs with 26 balls to spare. Rayudu believes that the way Virat is batting in ODIs and continuing his form in the biggest T20 league is quite amazing. According to the former player, Virat still has five to six years of international cricket left in him. I feel his best is yet to come in the IPL. What we have seen is just a trailer. Fitness was never an issue with him. I don't think he would ever get into any trouble with his physical fitness, getting late on the ball, or slowing down on the field. The only thing that can make him take a step back is his mental state. I don't think he's anywhere closer to the end of his career. I still see quality five to six years in him, Rayudu said in a video released by ESPNcricinfo on X. I think he should make a comeback in Test cricket. Hopefully, as a captain. He's been the best red-ball captain that at least I have seen in Indian cricket. He should, the way he's batting, I think it's a loss for Indian cricket, he added. I feel his best is yet to come in the IPL. What we have seen is just a trailer. Fitness was never an issue with him. I don't think he would ever get into any trouble with his physical fitness, getting late on the ball, or slowing down on the field. The only thing that can make him take a step back is his mental state. I don't think he's anywhere closer to the end of his career. I still see quality five to six years in him, Rayudu said in a video released by ESPNcricinfo on X. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Virat has previously left the T20I format after India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, and he now only plays ODI for the country. Article Source: IANS
Carey, McAndrew heroics give South Australia hope of stealing Shield title
Carey made 103, and McAndrew made 60 and took two wickets as Victoria wobbled to 102 for 5 chasing 196 for the title
'I Find Him Quite Bizarre At This Age': Ashwin's Special Praise For Virat's Enthusiasm For The Game
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India off-spin great Ravichandran Ashwin has reserved special praise for the energy Virat Kohli brought to his batting, saying he finds him quite bizarre at this age after the 37-year-old enthralled the home crowd with an unbeaten 69 balls in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli, returning to playing T20 cricket after ten months, scored an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes as RCB launched their campaign in commanding fashion, chasing down a stiff target of 202 to defeat SRH by six wickets with 26 balls to spare. I find him quite bizarre at this age. I tell him this during our chats now and then. He was batting on 40-odd, there was a partnership going on, and RCB were coasting. He ran through for the first single, stopped there, and the other batter hadnt even reached halfway, but he was already looking for a second, Ashwins said on JioStar. Chasing 202, RCB approached the task with intent. While Phil Salt fell early, Devdutt Padikkal took control of the innings with a fearless approach. At the other end, Kohli played the perfect foil, allowing Padikkal to dictate terms as the duo added a blistering 101 runs in just 45 balls. I find him quite bizarre at this age. I tell him this during our chats now and then. He was batting on 40-odd, there was a partnership going on, and RCB were coasting. He ran through for the first single, stopped there, and the other batter hadnt even reached halfway, but he was already looking for a second, Ashwins said on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That was a 57-metre boundary on the leg side, and it shows the enthusiasm he still brings to the game. He walks the talk. Its almost like hes putting on a show for people to see how the game should be played, play it hard and play it the way its meant to be played. That stood out for me with respect to what Virat did. And if this is the way RCB are going to bat, Virat just needs to bat the full 20 overs, Ashwin added. Article Source: IANS
Indian Premier League: New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy made an immediate impact on his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut but remained grounded about his place in the star-studded Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) setup, reiterating that his primary role is to support and step into Josh Hazelwoods' shoes in his absence. After picking up an impressive 3-22 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in RCBs commanding six-wicket win in the IPL 2026 opener on Saturday, Duffy reflected on both the experience of stepping into the league and the clarity around his role within the squad. It's amazing. As a New Zealander, you watch from a distance, and you see the glitz and the glamour of the IPL and to be part of it and to be part of such an epic franchise at RCB, that's pretty special, and I guess to start off the campaign with such a comprehensive win, that's pretty awesome, Duffy said in a video shared by IPL. Thrown into the high-scoring environment of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Duffy had to quickly adapt to conditions that were far from familiar. Despite SRH posting 201/9, his disciplined lengths stood out, a point even opposition coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged post-match. Duffy revealed that early preparation and observing past performances helped him settle in, as he said, Yeah, I think we had a good hit out the other day. Learned a lot of things about Chinnaswamy wicket and what works well here and the lengths youve got to bowl. And then obviously, going off last year, we got big Josh Hazelwood who obviously did really well out here and showed us of how to do it and I sort of come on trying to replicate. The Kiwi seamer admitted the surface posed a different challenge than he had encountered recently. A little bit. I don't think I've seen a wicket like that in the last two months. There's actually a little bit of bounce and something that we didn't really come across. But, man, any time you're exposed to these kind of conditions and the, you know, the batters and stuff we're coming across, it can only be good for your game. While his performance marked him as one of the standout bowlers on the night, Duffy was quick to shift focus away from personal success and towards team culture, something he said had impressed him even before joining the franchise. Great people. I've had a few mates play here over the years and they've said, you know, they've only spoken good things about RCB. Very friendly, all the staff, overseas players have been very welcoming and obviously the locals as well. So, it's a great group to be a part of, he said. In a squad that features established names like Josh Hazlewood, Duffy emphasised that his approach is rooted in humility and readiness, saying, Yeah, obviously, you come in here, you try to be a good person. That's what it's all about. Obviously, I come here with the role of being big Josh's backup, so I just want to come in and be a good team man. Great people. I've had a few mates play here over the years and they've said, you know, they've only spoken good things about RCB. Very friendly, all the staff, overseas players have been very welcoming and obviously the locals as well. So, it's a great group to be a part of, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB will next play the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the same venue on April 5. Article Source: IANS
J&K's Ranji Trophy Win Increased The Enthusiasm For Sports Among Youth: PM Modi
New York City Half Marathon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's tremendous passion for sports and lauded the historic strides made by J&K in the Ranji Trophy, stating that such success has ignited a powerful wave of sporting energy across the youth in the region. Jammu & Kashmir had scripted history last month by winning the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final on the basis of a massive first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka, marking their first title after 67 years of participation in Indias premier domestic tournament. Addressing the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said, This month has been full of excitement and enthusiasm for cricket fans across the country. When India achieved a historic victory in the T20 World Cup, a wave of joy swept across the country. We are all very proud of our team's thumping success. Late last month, a thrilling match was witnessed in Hubli, Karnataka. By winning this match, the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team secured for themselves the Ranji Trophy. It is most heartening to note that after a long wait of nearly seven decades, the team achieved its first Ranji Trophy title. He continued, This unprecedented success is the result of years of continuous efforts by the players. Team captain Paras Dogra displayed extraordinary skills. Through his leadership he played a significant role in this victory. The performance of young Kashmiri bowler Aaqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, is being talked about nationwide. This victory has thrilled the players and coaching staff, as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This impressive performance on the cricket field has further increased the enthusiasm for sports among the youth there. In the future, it will inspire many young people to take up sports. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a tremendous passion for sports. I am glad that it is now becoming a hub for major sporting events. Gulmarg has already established itself as the host of the Khelo India Winter Games. Sports like football are also very popular among the youth there. I hope this winning streak of Jammu and Kashmir sports persons continues in the future. I often say, 'The one who plays will blossom.' I am happy to see that our country's youth are now embracing sports that were not as popular before. PM Modi further lauded star distance runner Gulveer Singh for improving the national mens half-marathon (21 km) record by clocking 59:42 in the New York City Half Marathon. Gulveer Singh, a talented athlete from Uttar Pradesh, has done wonders in one such sport. Just a few weeks ago, he created history by finishing third in the New York City Half Marathon. He became the first Indian athlete to complete a half marathon in under an hour, he added. The Prime Minister also reserved praise for squash sensation Anahat Singh, who bagged her first PSA Bronze-level title in Washington and also became the youngest Asian female player to make it to the top 20 in the world ranking. Squash player Anahat Singh, who won a major international title in the Squash on Fire Open. She achieved this success at just 17 years of age. With this, she has become the youngest Asian female player to make it to the top-20 in the PSA World Ranking. I also came to know about the Asmita Athletics League, PM Modi said. He further expressed pride in women power playing playing an important role in this sporting transformation. Many sporting events were organised on the occasion of Women's Day on March 8. Around 2 lakh daughters participated in the league. It is good to see that the woman power of India is playing an important role in this sporting transformation taking place in the country. Squash player Anahat Singh, who won a major international title in the Squash on Fire Open. She achieved this success at just 17 years of age. With this, she has become the youngest Asian female player to make it to the top-20 in the PSA World Ranking. I also came to know about the Asmita Athletics League, PM Modi said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I have always urged all of you to certainly pay attention to your fitness. Now less than 100 days are left for the International Yoga Day; the attraction towards yoga is also rising continuously all over the world. Almis ji is promoting yoga through his Arvind Yoga Centre in Djibouti, Africa. He also teaches yoga to people in many other places there, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
'Deep Down, He Knows What The Right Answers Are': Hussey On Dhonis Unmatched Cricketing Instinct
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey, who once shared the dressing room with MS Dhoni and now works alongside him, believes that the veteran wicketkeeper-batters greatest strength lies not in experience alone, but in his refusal to stand still. At 44 and deep into a legendary T20 career, Dhoni continues to defy the passage of time not just with his presence, but with an unrelenting desire to evolve, a trait that still shapes the culture of CSK. Even after years of success and a return from a competitive break, Dhoni remains deeply invested in fine-tuning his game, engaging in detailed conversations, exploring subtle technical adjustments, and constantly searching for marginal gains. It is this rare blend of instinct and curiosity, Hussey revealed, that continues to set Dhoni apart in a league increasingly dominated by youth and power-hitting. He knows his game so well. So we don't have to have a lot of conversations. But one thing I've really admired about MS over the years, and probably talks to his longevity, is that he's always looking to improve or just sort of improve his game a little bit all the time. And the conversations we've been having are just around little adjustments. Whether it's a little bit of a foot movement here or a little bit of a swing change here. But he has a great feel for the game. So it's more just him bouncing different ideas off. But I think deep down he knows what the right answers are most of the time anyway. So he's awesome to work with, and what a legendary player he's been for such a long time, Hussey said in a video shared by the franchise. Hussey, who has seamlessly transitioned from a decorated player to a key member of CSKs coaching setup, spoke enthusiastically about his current role, particularly the opportunity to shape emerging talent. I absolutely love it. It's a fantastic experience to be able to work with different players from all around the world, whether they're West Indians, Kiwis, South Africans, and of course, lots of Indians as well. I'm particularly enjoying this year, because we've got a few younger players, new to the team, not that experienced yet, so to be able to sit with them, talk to them about how they see the game, work with their game, not just for this season, but hopefully for the rest of their careers, is really exciting, Hussey said. This season marks a subtle shift in CSKs traditional template, from a core of seasoned campaigners to a more dynamic mix featuring youth and explosiveness. Hussey highlighted the refreshing attitude of younger players like Karthik Sharma and Ayush Mathre, noting their ability to embrace the IPL stage without intimidation. I'm just loving their fearless attitude towards the game. You know, they're not daunted by the bright lights of the IPL, the big crowds, you know, who they're playing against, you know, some of these world-class bowlers from around the world. You know, they're excited for the opportunity to get out there, Hussey stated. At the same time, he acknowledged the practical challenges of integrating a diverse group. Sometimes the language barrier is challenging, and so we need to speak very slowly, or sometimes need to get someone to come in and interpret our conversations to make sure they're fully understanding each other, he added. What excites Hussey most, however, is the balance within the squad, pairing youth with experience across the batting order. I'm really looking forward. What I'm excited about with this batting order that we've got is we have got a nice blend of experience and youth. So, yeah, it's going to be exciting for the future. But also, I feel as though having, you know, experienced players like Rutu and Sanju Samson, Dubey, MSD, of course, some overseas players like Abrevis in there as well, will offer a lot of help as well to these younger players. We can have some experience with a youngster, experience with a youngster all the way down, and I think that'll help their development as players as well, he mentioned. As T20 cricket continues to evolve into a high-scoring spectacle, Hussey made it clear that CSKs approach remains grounded in clarity rather than chasing arbitrary targets. We don't like to put any targets in place or ceilings on what they, you know, should be trying to get to or whatever, because I think sometimes that can cloud the player's mind. For me, it's about trying to help the player learn about adapting to the situation, adapting to the conditions. What does the team need now? And then they've all got the shots. They've been playing such aggressive shots since they were young, young players. They've been growing up watching T20 cricket, so they've already got that natural sort of attacking ability in their game, Hussey said. Instead, the emphasis is on situational awareness, blending aggression with game sense. We don't like to put any targets in place or ceilings on what they, you know, should be trying to get to or whatever, because I think sometimes that can cloud the player's mind. For me, it's about trying to help the player learn about adapting to the situation, adapting to the conditions. What does the team need now? And then they've all got the shots. They've been playing such aggressive shots since they were young, young players. They've been growing up watching T20 cricket, so they've already got that natural sort of attacking ability in their game, Hussey said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But I don't like to put too much in their minds, in terms of numbers and targets, because most people play their best when they're clear-minded and they're free and they can just react to what's coming in front of them. So sometimes if we put too much in their mind, it clouds their mind and they don't play their best, he noted. Article Source: IANS
Bangar: Kohli can raise his strike rate anytime
There's a lot more to come from him, Rayudu says after Kohli's unbeaten 69 off 38 balls in RCB's dominating win over SRH in IPL 2026 opener
Miami Open tennis final: Aryna Sabalenka beats Coco Gauff to complete Sunshine Double
It was Sabalenka's second straight title at the Miami Open, Gauff's hometown tournament, and put her ahead of Gauff in their head-to-head record, 7-6
The Wait Is Over': BCCI Chief Saikia Cherishes 'electrifying Action' Of IPL 2026 Opener
Indian Premier League: As countdown to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League has ended with defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru beating Sunrisers Hyderabad, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his excitement for what promises to be another thrilling season of the tournament. Saikia was in attendance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium along with ICC chair Jay Shah, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal and other BCCI officials. Veteran Telugu actor Venkatesh Daggubati was also present during the high-octane IPL encounter. The wait is over its time for IPL2026! The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru beginning their campaign in a high-voltage opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru, setting the tone for an action-packed season ahead, Saikia shared pictures from the stadium on X. RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, chasing down a stiff target of 202 to defeat SRH by six wickets with 26 balls to spare. It was batting talisman Virat Kohli, who returned to playing T20 cricket after ten months, enthralled the home crowd with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, after Devdutt Padikkal set the tone with a rollicking 61 off 26 balls, studded with seven fours and four sixes. RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, chasing down a stiff target of 202 to defeat SRH by six wickets with 26 balls to spare. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Both teams took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. In a symbolic gesture, 11 seats inside the stadium have been permanently reserved at the stadium to honour those who lost their lives. Article Source: IANS
'One of our poorer bowling performances' - SRH head coach Vettori
At the same time, he found positives in David Payne and Harsh Dubey
'Excited' Jos Buttler Rejuvenated For IPL After Horror T20 World Cup
England's Jos Buttler insists he still has the hunger for runs, saying a complete break from cricket in the Alps has rejuvenated him for the Indian Premier League after a horror T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper cut a downcast figure opening the England batting in the global showpiece, scoring just 87 runs in eight matches up to the semi-final defeat to eventual champions India this month. It's great to have a nice break, Buttler, whose Gujarat Titans team will begin their campaign against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on on Tuesday, told AFP. I actually went to the Alps so I couldn't have been further away from cricket which was really nice. Had some time away and I'm really excited now, looking forward to another IPL season, added the former England white-ball captain. Opener Buttler, who has scored 4,037 T20 runs for England since his 2011 debut, was a shadow of his usually destructive self in the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Buttler's top score was a less-than-fluent 26 against Nepal in England's opening match. He hit a scratchy 21 against the West Indies in the next group game then had a run of five single-digit scores before scoring 25 in the semi-final defeat. Buttler's slump in form has left a question mark over his future in Harry Brook's England side, but the 35-year-old said he retained his motivation for the game. - 'Still hungry' - I'm still hungry to score runs, said Buttler. I think I'm at a stage in my career now and having just had those few weeks to reflect, I just want to look forward and play what's in front of me and not make any plans really. Whether you're playing well in terms of runs or not scoring runs... you have to have the same energy and motivation to go to practise and to the next match. As long as I've got that energy to turn up to the next one, I'll keep going, he said. Buttler has made just one half-century in his last four International Cricket Council white-ball tournaments. But is looking to regain his form in the IPL, where he has been one of the most successful overseas batsmen. In 2022, Buttler equalled Virat Kohli's record of four centuries in a season. The onus is on you to get going quickly in your innings and play aggressively, he said. But I think the biggest thing for me and maybe a lesson to learn is just to stay in my own lane and just focus on my own cricket and my own game and play my own way. Buttler plays in other T20 franchise tournaments, including England's The Hundred and Australia's Big Bash League. He agreed with recent comments from Australia captain Pat Cummins that players chasing lucrative franchise league pay days was creating tension with national selectors. England Test opener Ben Duckett was due to play for Delhi capitals before pulling out of this year's IPL to manage his workload and focus on international cricket. For players, it's becoming a thing to weigh up what is the most important thing for you and your cricket at that time, said Buttler, who believes English players put their country first. I can only speak on England's behalf and you can feel it that the guys want to play for England -- and play for England as long as they can. There is a danger that Test cricket could be marginalised, but Buttler said the five-day game would always be the ultimate format for him. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It's different for different countries, he said. I am still of the generation that (feels) Test cricket is the pinnacle.
South Africa bowl first in series opener, Kayla Reyneke gets maiden ODI cap
IPL 2026: Kohli Blows Flying Kiss To Wife Anushka After Emphatic RCB Victory
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: After guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to emphatic six wickets win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener, Virat Kohli expressed love towards his wife Anushka Sharma with a flying kiss. Kohli turned to the stands and blew a kiss to Anushka Sharma, who was accompanied by RCB women's team players including captain Smriti Mandhana. The crowd responded with cheers, adding a personal touch to an already unforgettable night. Earlier in the match, put into bat first on a two-paced pitch, SRH rode on captain Ishan Kishans sparkling 80 off 38 balls and a late blitz from Aniket Verma (43 off 18 balls) to post 201/9. Kishans fluent strokeplay, laced with eight fours and five sixes, and Anikets fearless cameo lifted the visitors past the 200-mark despite Jacob Duffys impressive debut spell of 3-22 and Romario Shepherds 3-54. In reply, RCBs top order made light work of the seemingly daunting chase. Devdutt Padikkal set the tone with a rollicking 61 off 26 balls, studded with seven fours and four sixes, while Virat Kohli, returning to playing T20 cricket after ten months, enthralled the home crowd with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes. Earlier in the match, put into bat first on a two-paced pitch, SRH rode on captain Ishan Kishans sparkling 80 off 38 balls and a late blitz from Aniket Verma (43 off 18 balls) to post 201/9. Kishans fluent strokeplay, laced with eight fours and five sixes, and Anikets fearless cameo lifted the visitors past the 200-mark despite Jacob Duffys impressive debut spell of 3-22 and Romario Shepherds 3-54. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kohli then took charge, producing trademark strokes a lofted push over the bowlers head, a whip over square leg, and a flat-batted drive through cover to underline his class and bring up his 64th IPL fifty, as SRHs bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs. Article Source: IANS
Mahela Jayawardene not worried by MI's long wait for sixth IPL title
Head coach expects experienced India players to slot back into their MI roles seamlessly
Virat Kohli: Whenever I come back to play, it's 120%
The RCB batter began his IPL 2026 season with a half-century in a commanding win against SRH
Turner, Philippe help Multan Sultans chase 172 with ease
Qamar also impressed with a three-for against Islamabad
RCB begin title defence with statement win
Duffy set up the drubbing with the ball before Padikkal, Kohli fifties took RCB home
IPL 2026: Kohli, Padikkal Fifties Help RCB Launch Title Defence With Emphatic Win Over SRH (Ld)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their IPL 2026 campaign with a statement six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on competitive crickets return at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Put into batting first on a two-paced pitch, SRH rode on captain Ishan Kishans sparkling 80 off 38 balls and a late blitz from Aniket Verma (43 off 18 balls) to post 201/9. Kishans fluent strokeplay, laced with eight fours and five sixes, and Anikets fearless cameo lifted the visitors past the 200-mark despite Jacob Duffys impressive debut spell of 3-22 and Romario Shepherds 3-54. In reply, RCBs top order made light work of the seemingly daunting chase. Devdutt Padikkal set the tone with a rollicking 61 off 26 balls, studded with seven fours and four sixes, while Virat Kohli, returning to playing T20 cricket after ten months, enthralled the home crowd with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes. Rajat Patidar chipped in with a brisk 31 off 12 balls to ensure the chase was wrapped up with 26 deliveries to spare. RCBs innings was marked by aggressive intent from the outset. Padikkal raced to a 21-ball fifty, his fastest in the IPL, before falling to Harsh Dubey. Kohli then took charge, producing trademark strokes a lofted push over the bowlers head, a whip over square leg, and a flat-batted drive through cover to underline his class and bring up his 64th IPL fifty, as SRHs bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs. Veteran left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat struck in his very first over to give Sunrisers Hyderabad an early breakthrough, as he dismissed Phil Salt with a length ball that stopped on the batter and popped up to mid-of, who dodged a collision with his fellow fielder. In the same over, Padikkal got going by flicking over deep square leg for six, while Kohli got off the mark with a slice over mid-off. Padikkal, however, continued his flying start by racing to 28 off 10 balls. He welcomed David Payne to the IPL with a six over cover-point, before whipping him for a four and six, as RCB reached 51 runs in just four overs. Kohli soon joined the assault, manufacturing pace against Unadkats cutter and flat-batting him through cover, after having whipped him for six. With Padikkal collecting two more boundaries, RCB dominated the powerplay, as they amassed 73 runs for the loss of Salt. Kohli then produced a trademark stroke against Eshan Malinga, lofting a length ball straight over the bowlers head to bring the Chinnaswamy crowd to its feet. He was reprieved on 28 when Heinrich Klaasen misjudged a chance at long-on. Padikkal continued his charge, racing to a 21-ball half-century his fastest in the IPL before falling for 61 holing out to long-off against Dubey. Kohli, meanwhile, showcased his wrist power with a whip over square leg off Harshal Patel and launching Dubey down the ground for another maximum. Rajat Patidar joined the boundary-hitting party with a crisp four through backward point and a six over long-on off Patel and Dubey. With Malinga missing his lengths, Patidar easily thumped him for a four and two sixes, as 22 runs came off the 12th over. Though Patidar and Jitesh Sharma fell on consecutive deliveries to Payne, Kohli marched forward to bring up his fifty in 33 balls, before Tim David got two quick boundaries. Kohli then lofted, pulled and carved Patel for a six and two fours before finishing off the chase with an upper-cut through third man to complete an emphatic chase in style. Previously, SRH endured a jittery start. The innings began with drama right from the word go as Duffy removed Abhishek Sharma when a top-edge on pull was caught by Jitesh Sharma. Duffy came back to have Travis Head pull straight to deep square leg and had Nitish Kumar Reddy out in the same fashion to give RCB the upper hand. Kishan then took charge, blending watchful defence with calculated aggression. He rebuilt the innings with crisp strokeplay, finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries from Abhinandan Singh and Suyash Sharma. His fifty came off just 32 balls, as he cleared boundary ropes with ease in his knock laced with eight fours and five sixes. But RCB bowlers continued to chip away, as Klaasen was caught by Phil Salt awkwardly taking a catch close to the boundary rope, though many felt he had touched the boundary rope. After Suyash took out Salil Arora, Kishans dismissal for a sparkling 80 became a turning point, as Salt made a full stretch dive to his right to take a one-handed screamer off Abhinandans bowling. His fifty came off just 32 balls, as he cleared boundary ropes with ease in his knock laced with eight fours and five sixes. But RCB bowlers continued to chip away, as Klaasen was caught by Phil Salt awkwardly taking a catch close to the boundary rope, though many felt he had touched the boundary rope. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 80, Aniket Verma 43; Jacob Duffy 3-22, Romario Shepherd 3-54) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 203/4 in 15.4 overs (Virat Kohli 69 not out, Devdutt Padikkal 61; David Payne 2-35, Jaydev Unadkat 1-29) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Kohli, Padikkal Fifties Help RCB Begin Title Defence With Six-wicket Win Over SRH
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) launched their title defence in style with a commanding six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opening game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Chasing 202, RCB made light work of the target, galloping home in just 15.4 overs, thanks to fluent half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli, playing a T20 game after ten months, remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and as many sixes to smash his 64th IPL fifty and leave the Chinnaswamy crowd enthralled. Padikkal, meanwhile, was elegant in his timing and wristy stroke-play to hit a rollicking 61 off 26 balls, studded with seven fours and four sixes, and set the tone for the chase to be wrapped up with 26 balls to spare. At the halfway stage, SRHs 201/9 looked competitive, but the manner in which Kohli and Padikkal, along with captain Rajat Patidars 12-ball 31 dismantled a toothless bowling attack suggested even 250 would not have sufficed on the night. Veteran left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat struck in his very first over to give Sunrisers Hyderabad an early breakthrough, as he dismissed Phil Salt with a length ball that stopped on the batter and popped up to mid-of, who dodged a collision with his fellow fielder. In the same over, Padikkal got going by flicking over deep square leg for six, while Kohli got off the mark with a slice over mid-off. Padikkal, however, continued his flying start by racing to 28 off 10 balls. He welcomed David Payne to the IPL with a six over cover-point, before whipping him for a four and six, as RCB reached 51 runs in just four overs. Kohli soon joined the assault, manufacturing pace against Unadkats cutter and flat-batting him through cover, after having whipped him for six. With Padikkal collecting two more boundaries, RCB dominated the powerplay, as they amassed 73 runs for the loss of Salt. Kohli then produced a trademark stroke against Eshan Malinga, lofting a length ball straight over the bowlers head to bring the Chinnaswamy crowd to its feet. He was reprieved on 28 when Heinrich Klaasen misjudged a chance at long-on. Padikkal continued his charge, racing to a 21-ball half-century his fastest in the IPL before falling for 61 holing out to long-off against Dubey. Kohli, meanwhile, showcased his wrist power with a whip over square leg off Harshal Patel and launching Dubey down the ground for another maximum. Rajat Patidar joined the boundary-hitting party with a crisp four through backward point and a six over long-on off Patel and Dubey. With Malinga missing his lengths, Patidar easily thumped him for a four and two sixes, as 22 runs came off the 12th over. Padikkal continued his charge, racing to a 21-ball half-century his fastest in the IPL before falling for 61 holing out to long-off against Dubey. Kohli, meanwhile, showcased his wrist power with a whip over square leg off Harshal Patel and launching Dubey down the ground for another maximum. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 80, Aniket Verma 43; Jacob Duffy 3-22, Romario Shepherd 3-54) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 203/4 in 15.4 overs (Virat Kohli 69 not out, Devdutt Padikkal 61; David Payne 2-35, Jaydev Unadkat 1-29) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
MI vs KKR Match 2, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
MI vs KKR Match 2, Cricket Tips :The five-time champion, Mumbai Indians, finished third last season. They are in search of their sixth title and will face three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game. This contest will begin at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium. KKR don't have a good record against MI. In fact, their record at Wankhede Stadium is also not good. But this is a new season, and they have some good players like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Rachin Ravindra, who are carrying good form from international cricket. But MI have a fortress at Wankhede Stadium, and the squad they have is probably the best, covering all the bases. MI vs KKR: Match Details Date: March 29, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai MI vs KKR Live Streaming Details The live telecast of the MI vs KKR game will be available on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website with a nominal fee. MI vs KKR Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 35 MI : 24 KKR : 11 No-Result : 00 MI vs KKR: Ground Pitch Report Wankhede Stadium is a happy hunting venue for the batters. It is a flat wicket here, which works in favor of the batters. This is a high-scoring venue, where a couple of 250+ scorers were scored in the T20 World Cup 2026. The boundaries are also short, and the outfield is very fast. Hence, this is an excellent venue for a chase. MI vs KKR Possible XIs MI : Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Sherfane Rutherford, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya , Mitch Santner, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah KKR : Finn Allen, Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cam Green, Ajinkya Rahane , Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Umran Malik, Blessing Muzarabani, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy MI vs KKR: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Quinton de Kock has been in good form at the international level, and he will be the key here. For KKR, Finn Allen is a very destructive batter at the top, and he is the one to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Jasprit Bumrah is probably the best bowler in the world, and his four overs will be crucial. For KKR, Sunil Narine will be effective here with his experience and variations. Today Match Prediction : KKR are slightly weaker with their bowling unit. MI have all the bases covered. Hence, we predict Mumbai Indians to win the second game of the IPL 2026. MI vs KKR Match 2, IPL 2026, Today MI vs KKR Match, MI vs KKR Prediction, MI vs KKR Predicted XIs, Injury Update for MI vs KKR Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Ben Stokes out of action until May due to broken cheekbone
England Test captain had been expected to play first round of County Championship for Durham
Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana were among the high-profile attendees at the opening match of the Indian Premier League 2026, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Kishan and Aniket lift SRH to 201 against RCB
Phil Salt put in an electric shift in the field to restrict SRH from scoring more. His sharp catches sent Kishan and Klaasen packing
Watson: From IPL's prespective, it's shame there's so much cricket on
The KKR assistant coach also says that he is not a big fan of the Impact Player rule
IPL 2026: Kishans 80, Anikets 43 Powers Sunrisers Hyderabad To 201/9 Against RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sunrisers Hyderabad rode on captain Ishan Kishans fluent 80 off 38 balls and a blazing late flourish from Aniket Verma (43 off just 18 balls) to post 201/9 in their 20 overs against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 opening game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Asked to bat first on a two-paced pitch, SRH lost three wickets in power-play, but then a solid 97-run stand off 53 balls between an in-form Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen (31) steadied them. After that, SRH lost wickets in a cluster again, but thanks to Anikets sparkling cameo showcasing his six-hitting prowess, the side went past 200-mark. For RCB, Jacob Duffy shined on IPL debut by executing his back of the length balls well to pick 3-22, while Romario Shepherd grabbed 3-54. Put in to bat, SRH endured a jittery start. The innings began with drama right from the word go as Duffy removed Abhishek Sharma when a top-edge on pull was caught by Jitesh Sharma. Duffy came back to have Travis Head pull straight to deep square leg and had Nitish Kumar Reddy out in the same fashion to give RCB the upper hand. Kishan then took charge, blending watchful defence with calculated aggression. He rebuilt the innings with crisp strokeplay, finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries from Abhinandan Singh and Suyash Sharma. His fifty came off just 32 balls, as he cleared boundary ropes with ease in his knock laced with eight fours and five sixes. But RCB bowlers continued to chip away, as Klaasen was caught by Phil Salt awkwardly taking a catch close to the boundary rope, though many felt he had touched the boundary rope. After Suyash took out Salil Arora, Kishans dismissal for a sparkling 80 became a turning point, as Salt made a full stretch dive to his right to take a one-handed screamer off Abhinandans bowling. His fifty came off just 32 balls, as he cleared boundary ropes with ease in his knock laced with eight fours and five sixes. But RCB bowlers continued to chip away, as Klaasen was caught by Phil Salt awkwardly taking a catch close to the boundary rope, though many felt he had touched the boundary rope. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 80, Aniket Verma 43; Jacob Duffy 3-22, Romario Shepherd 3-54) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Article Source: IANS
Mumbai Indians aim to break first-game jinx in opener against KKR
Five-time champions have not won their IPL opener since 2012
Bracewell, Samad cameos propel Zalmi to 215 chase against Pindiz
Yasir Khan scored 83 for Pindiz, and added 125 with Mohammad Rizwan, but it went in vain
IPL 2026: Minutes Silence Held In Memory Of Stampede Victims At Chinnaswamy Stadium
The Karnataka State Cricket Association: Players, officials and fans observed a minutes silence at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, in memory of eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCBs title celebrations last year. Both teams took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, while RCB also warmed up in jerseys bearing the number 11. In a symbolic gesture, 11 seats inside the stadium have been permanently reserved at the stadium to honour those who lost their lives. A moment of silence to honour the 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans who tragically lost their lives on June 4 last year. As a mark of respect, players from both teams are wearing black armbands tonight. Our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones, wrote the IPL on their X account on Saturday. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also unveiled a memorial plaque made in memory of the eleven fans and installed at the entrance of the venue, as top-flight cricket returned to the ground for the first time since May 2025. A moment of silence to honour the 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans who tragically lost their lives on June 4 last year. As a mark of respect, players from both teams are wearing black armbands tonight. Our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones, wrote the IPL on their X account on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Those changes and safety review also meant that Bengaluru missed out on being a host for 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup, and the state's KSCA Maharaja Trophy, domestic games and 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. Extensive changes have since been made by Venkatesh Prasad-led KSCA in terms of crowd management and stadium infrastructure. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch MI Vs KKR Match, Know All Details
Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will start their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against the three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. MI head into the 2026 season with a clear goal- to lift their sixth title in the tournament. The side will once again be captained by Hardik Pandya, who is leading the team for the third consecutive year and will be eager to deliver a successful campaign this time around. MI made a strong comeback in the last season and secured its spot in the playoffs. Their campaign ended after the team lost to the Punjab Kings in the Qualifiers two. The five-time champions have not won a single trophy after 2020 and they would like to end their quest in the upcoming season. With a strong core that includes Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Trent Boult, Mumbai looks like a well-balanced and dangerous team on paper. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have also put together a strong squad after making the most of their big budget at the mini-auction. The team will continue under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, who will rely on a powerful lineup featuring players like Cameron Green, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Finn Allen. Notably, this will be the first season in more than ten years that KKR will play without Andre Russell in their squad. KKR had a disastrous season last year, where the team was able to win only five matches out of 14 they played in the group stage. The team finished in 8th position despite coming as the defending champions. When: March 29, 7:30 PM IST Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Where to watch on TV: Fans can watch MI vs KKR match live on Star Sports channels. Where to watch on mobile and laptop: Fans can watch the live streaming on the JioHotstar website and mobile app. It will be available in many regional languages. Squads: Where to watch on mobile and laptop: Fans can watch the live streaming on the JioHotstar website and mobile app. It will be available in many regional languages. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Umran Malik, Varun Chakaravarthy, Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Matheesha Pathirana, Kartik Tyagi, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, Tejasvi Dahiya, Sarthak Ranjan, Rachin Ravindra, Akash Deep, Prashant Solanki, Daksh Kamra Article Source: IANS
RCB vs SRH: IPL debuts for Duffy, Salil Arora and Abhinandan Singh
Uncapped Abhinandan got a debut for RCB, while SRH gave Salil Arora a go
IPL 2026: Take It One Ball At A Time, Settle In, And See Where It Goes, Says SRHs Head
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) left-handed opener Travis Head said he was focused on settling in and taking it one ball at a time as the IPL 2026 season gets underway when they take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. SRH are appearing in the IPL opening game for the second time after 2017, which also came against the same opponent. The 2016 winners will be keen to put up a better performance after finishing at sixth place in the 2025 IPL. No pressure (when reminded of his hundred at this venue in 2024). Its nice to have good memories. Great to be starting the season here, it comes with expectations and excitement. Good to be back. It feels like that sometimes, but it depends on the wicket, conditions, and form. Its a new season take it one ball at a time, settle in, and see where it goes, said Head to broadcasters ahead of the match. No pressure (when reminded of his hundred at this venue in 2024). Its nice to have good memories. Great to be starting the season here, it comes with expectations and excitement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Head further said the squad felt settled under the leadership group of Ishan Kishan, Pat Cummins and head coach Daniel Vettori. A bit of both - Ishan is a great leader and knows the teams style. Dan and Pat have been around too, so it feels like a settled squad. Everyones excited and in form - ready to go. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Fans Return To M. Chinnaswamy With Excitement, Praising Improved Arrangements
The Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw fans return with excitement and relief, praising improved arrangements while soaking in the electric atmosphere. Supporters from across the globe, including India, Ireland, and the United States, gathered to cheer, hopeful of a great start to the season and confident of a smooth, enjoyable matchday experience. Saturdays game also marks the return of competitive cricket to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time since May 17, 2025, especially after a stampede during RCBs title-winning celebrations on June 4 that claimed 11 lives. A young Bengaluru cricket fan sharing his feelings said, Better start, condolences to the family, but some precautions have been taken. It seems from last year that the management has implemented certain measures, and the arrangements are proper. Earlier, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) handed debuts to pacers Abhinandan Singh and Jacob Duffy as captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first. Another fan said, I feel so excited because this is my second time. Last time, due to rain, it was canceled, so I cried a lot. Its always been an energetic atmosphere here at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, so we are excited. The government has made good arrangements after the tragic incident last year. Thanks to the police of Karnataka and the Bengaluru police. We are having no problem entering the stadium and the arrangements are quite good. We are here to support RCB here and we will win today. Extensive changes have since been carried out at the stadium, while RCB players will take the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives last season and sported number 11 jerseys during their practice session ahead of the clash. Another fan said, I feel so excited because this is my second time. Last time, due to rain, it was canceled, so I cried a lot. Its always been an energetic atmosphere here at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, so we are excited. The government has made good arrangements after the tragic incident last year. Thanks to the police of Karnataka and the Bengaluru police. We are having no problem entering the stadium and the arrangements are quite good. We are here to support RCB here and we will win today. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Another fan from Los Angeles said, Very excited, big game two big teams hope we have a good match.O am a big supported of Chennai Super Kings, hope they have a good season but rest all the teams are super strong, so I hope for a great games. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Abhinandan, Duffy Handed Tournament Debut As RCB Elect To Bowl First Against SRH
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have handed debuts to pacers Abhinandan Singh and Jacob Duffy as captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opening clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Saturdays game also marks the return of competitive cricket to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time since May 17, 2025, especially after a stampede during RCBs title winning celebrations on June 4 that claimed 11 lives. Extensive changes have since been carried out at the stadium, while RCB players will take the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives last season and sported number 11 jerseys during their practice session ahead of the clash. Amidst loud cheers from the RCB-supporting crowd, Patidar said, It is a season opener, so let's see how the wicket behaves. There are a lot of positives from last season. We are not defending anything, we will win in IPL 2026 as well. There are a lot of good players in the side and the backup players are great as well. All players are fit and the medical staff is looking after the players. Thank you so much (to the fans) for supporting us. We will try and win this again, he said. SRH, the 2016 winners, will be led by Ishan Kishan, the franchises second-youngest skipper after Kane Williamson, as regular captain Pat Cummins continues to recover from a lumbar stress injury in the back. Kishan, captaining in the IPL for the first time, also said Punjab batter Salil Arora will be debuting in the competition. Feeling good, and we wanted to field first as well. We want to back our instincts. You don't have to start something new just because it is the IPL. We just want to execute our plans. Obviously Pat is one of the best bowlers, but everyone looks in good touch and I feel we will be on the winning side. Salil is there (in the playing eleven), and just want him to keep things simple and trust his instincts, he said. Playing XIs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, and Suyash Sharma Impact Substitutes: Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam, Kanishk Chouhan, and Venkatesh Iyer Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, and Suyash Sharma Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Shivang Kumar, Liam Livingstone, David Payne, Smaran Ravichandran, and Sakib Hussain Article Source: IANS
Bumrah available for MI's opening game; Santner, Jacks yet to join
Mumbai Indians begin their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday
Ashwin To Become First Indian To Play In MLC After Signing With San Francisco Unicorns
Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium: Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to become the first Indian playing to feature in Major League Cricket (MLC) after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. Ashwin was a member of the Indian team winning the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In all, he picked 765 international wickets from 287 matches across all three formats and remains the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test crickets history. The MLC has proven over recent seasons that it can put on a show, bringing in world-class players and offering significant exposure to US domestic cricket talent, and the opportunity to be a part of it with the San Francisco Unicorns was an opportunity I couldnt pass up. Taking on the mantle as the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace. My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first Championship, while also putting on a spectacular brand of cricket for the Bay Area fans, said Ashwin in a statement. Ashwin is also one of the top five wicket-takers in IPL history, having represented his home franchise, the Chennai Super Kings, as well as Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals. He was supposed to play for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL), before a knee injury ruled him out of the competition. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwins stature to the Unicorns. When you talk about match-winners and cricketing intelligence, his name is at the top of the list around the world. Bringing in the first Indian-capped player is a massive moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but first and foremost, hes joining to help us win games. His experience in high-pressure situations and his skill variations will be invaluable on the pitch and in the nets, and I cant wait to get into camp and start working with him, said head coach Cameron White. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwins stature to the Unicorns. When you talk about match-winners and cricketing intelligence, his name is at the top of the list around the world. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The franchise previously retained captain Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf from its overseas players roster. The domestic retentions include Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hammad Azam. Article Source: IANS
R Ashwin joins San Francisco Unicorns for MLC 2026
This will be Ashwin's first T20 franchise stint outside IPL after he opted out of his BBL deal with Sydney Thunder because of a knee injury
'Amazing To See His Growth As A Leader': Jayawardene Praises Hardik Ahead Of IPL 2026 Opener
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised captain Hardik Pandya for his development in leadership skills ahead of the team's opening match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The first time I met Hardik was in 2017. Young, raw talent with a lot of energy, and that is something I have admired in Hardik. Even today, with that energy to play the game, he is something special. He is quite passionate about the game of cricket and talks a lot about it. I have been with MI for eight years, and it is amazing to see his growth when it comes to leadership, maturity on the field, and how he has evolved, probably one of the best all-rounders in white-ball cricket, Jayawardene said in a statement released on the Mumbai Indians website. He further also opined on Hardik doing things differently that sets him apart from the rest, When he started out, we had to pull him back a little because he was like a power house on the movewith the bat, ball, and on the field. The younger Hardiks work ethic was brilliant back then. Reflecting on the challenges Pandya faced due to injuries and workload during his ten-year-long career, Mahela said, The injuries that he later had took a toll on his body, as he was also playing test cricket. A lot of workload management had to happen. Now he understands this, and we have a structured way of handling his workload. Managing a player once they get to that important stage in their career is important. His skill work and work ethic are brilliant even todaythe training bit, working on his fitness during the season and off it too. It is good to see how he has evolved as a person and player, he added. Looking ahead to the season opener, Mahela spoke about the challenge of selecting the ideal playing XI and the importance of squad depth. It is a healthy headache to have so many good options. We play different oppositions, conditionsOnce we play in Mumbai, then we have 2 back-to-back away matches. We will need those options; squad depth is something that is very important for various reasons. It could be for injuries or different conditions that is something that we always constantly think about. Looking ahead to the season opener, Mahela spoke about the challenge of selecting the ideal playing XI and the importance of squad depth. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Hardik, made a strong comeback in the last season and secured their spot in the playoffs. Their campaign ended after the team lost to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Qualifiers two. The five-time champions have not won a single trophy since 2020, and they would like to end their quest in the upcoming season. Article Source: IANS
Mitchell Starc recovering from a shoulder and elbow injury
Australia and DC quick says he didn't know extent of the injury during the home summer
'Will Continue To Do What I Can To Be Available': Starc Vows DC Return Amid IPL Absence Criticism
New Delhi: Amid growing speculation and criticism over his late arrival for IPL 2026, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has spoken out to clarify his circumstances and counter the false reports circulating in the media. Starc, who is contracted to play for Delhi Capitals, has been sidelined with an injury to his shoulder and elbow, an issue he only fully understood after the Australian summer. His absence from the teams early matches had fuelled rumours and harsh judgments from fans and the media alike, some of whom questioned his commitment and whether he was prioritising the IPL. In a candid yet straightforward statement, Starc expressed frustration with the narratives being spread about his fitness and availability. Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, Im currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didnt know the extent of during the Australian summer. These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me. With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap, Starc wrote in a statement he put out on his Instagram story. On Friday, a fan criticised Starc in a social media post about his unavailability and was met with a response from Alyssa Healy, Starc's wife and a former Australian player. In the post, Starc was photographed standing with Healy and other athletes on a golf course. With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap, Starc wrote in a statement he put out on his Instagram story. Also Read: Live Cricket Score To this, Healy replied, Probably cause he's injured mate...if he can't bowl how's he supposed to play?! If he was fully fit he'd be there. Article Source: IANS
Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler said the Indian Premier League (IPL), whose 19th edition starts from Saturday, has had the biggest influence on his cricketing career, adding that conversations he has had during his time in the tournament have served him well while representing England in all three formats. Buttler has played 121 matches and scored 4,120 runs at an average of 40, a strike rate of 149.38, including hitting seven hundreds and 24 fifties. He enjoyed a prolific IPL 2025 by amassing 538 runs in 13 innings at an imposing average of 59.8 and a strike rate of 163, as he, Shubman Gill, and B Sai Sudharsan made for a formidable top-order in the competition. Absolutely as I said, I think the IPL has been the biggest influence on my cricket career. Some of the lessons that I've learned during IPL seasons, (then) some of the interactions I've had, and some of the people I've had the pleasure of getting to meet and work with as coaches and players. Its just in the IPL -- some of the conversations that I've taken from the IPL have served me well in playing for England in both Test cricket and T20 cricket, then 50-over cricket - so it's had a huge impact. Like Kevin (Pietersen) was saying in his interview (on Buttlers podcast), the opportunity to be a friend of Raoul Dravid and work on that technique about playing spin creates some great opportunities that would otherwise be very limited. Even for instance, I've been here for three or four days and getting to talk to Matthew Hayden about batting -- I wouldn't get that opportunity probably otherwise. So it's really had the same impact for me as for KP, Buttler told IANS in a virtual roundtable chat on Saturday. GT, the 2022 IPL champions, will open their campaign against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on March 31. Buttlers ability to consolidate and press the accelerator makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format. But Buttler heads into IPL 2026 after a lean T20 World Cup, where he managed only 87 runs in eight innings. Asked whether this IPL carries extra significance following a below-par T20 World Cup campaign, Buttler insisted his approach to the tournament remains unchanged regardless of past showings. It's no more important or less important than any other IPL I've played. No matter what's gone on before, I always turn up to the IPL -- looking forward to the season, wanting to contribute to the team, and wanting to play well. So whether I've been scoring lots of runs coming into the IPL, it's the same challenge. Like, can you prepare well? Can you get in a good headspace to go out there and give yourself the best chance to perform? And whether I've been struggling for runs, it's the same challenge. So you have the energy to keep trying, keep putting yourself out there, keep preparing well, and trying to get back into the runs, as you would say. So it's the same challenge whether you've been, like I said, in a form or out of form. I turn up to the IPL every year excited, looking forward to the tournament, and really wanting to just play well for the team. So I'll just look at the scoreboard and try and do what's required on the day, he elaborated. On whether he had been able to pinpoint what went wrong for him in the T20 World Cup, Buttler stated there was no single answer to it, adding that leaning on a small, trusted circle of advisors, along with enjoying some time away from the game, has helped him to return to IPL cricket with a clear head. There's probably a small circle of people that you turn to try and ask for their advice or their opinion on what they're seeing. Ultimately, I tried hard and put a lot of effort into that World Cup, and for a multitude of reasons, probably, it just didn't quite work out. Actually, having the capacity and discipline to just say, that's okay. I tried hard to play a game that has elements of things that I can't control, and everyone else is trying to do well as well. So it just didn't quite work out. Being a 35-year-old player, I've had 15 years of times where I've had good form, bad form, had tournaments that went really well or didn't go to plan. So I think you're always trying to reflect and do self-analysis. But pinpointing one thing, there's actually, if there was that one secret, then I think we'd all know it, and we'd all score runs every time. But I don't think that exists. So it's just, I've had a bit of space from the game, which I've really enjoyed and sort of reflected on, whether I've scored runs or not, the challenge is the same thing for me - go to practice with energy and optimism, prepare well, and then go to the game, start on nought, and take it from there, he explained. Being a 35-year-old player, I've had 15 years of times where I've had good form, bad form, had tournaments that went really well or didn't go to plan. So I think you're always trying to reflect and do self-analysis. But pinpointing one thing, there's actually, if there was that one secret, then I think we'd all know it, and we'd all score runs every time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He obviously played with Rajasthan last year, but I played against him in a practice game. He's obviously got pace, accuracy, and a fantastic slower ball. He's got a big heart, which I think you need as a fast bowler. So he's got all the attributes to be an exciting fast bowler. Article Source: IANS
Ben Stokes Return To Cricket Delayed Further After Cheekbone Injury Surgery
New Zealand Test: England captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that his return to competitive cricket has been delayed until May due to complications from a cheekbone injury. The 34-year-old all-rounder, who was hit by a ball during a training session with Durhams academy players in early February, underwent surgery a week later to repair the fractured cheekbone. Stokes had originally intended to return during Durhams County Championship opening game against Kent this Friday. However, the club is still waiting for final medical approval from specialists. Durham's head coach, Ryan Campbell, suggested that Stokes probably won't play until the matches against Worcestershire on May 8 and then against Kent at Beckenham on May 15. If Stokes is unable to return before then, those games could represent his only red-ball action before England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand, which begins on June 4. Campbell described the injury as a close call. [The incident] could have been horrific. So, so much worse than what you think. A couple of centimetres, a different way it hits him in the eye, and it could have been different. The ball was hit so hard. We are just lucky he got away with it, he was quoted by the BBC. Stokes has not played since England's disappointing Ashes campaign, during which he was hindered by an adductor injury that he sustained in the penultimate Test in Sydney. Despite the series loss, Stokes remains Englands captain, and both coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have retained their positions. Reflecting on his leadership, Stokes described the last few months as the hardest period of his tenure, but voiced confidence in the current coaching regime, backing them to steer the team forward. He has been training so hard to be ready. He has a lot to prove. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know the Ashes didn't go so well, and he is a proud man who wants England to be the best team in the world. He, as a professional, is working at getting it right and ready to go, he added. Reflecting on his leadership, Stokes described the last few months as the hardest period of his tenure, but voiced confidence in the current coaching regime, backing them to steer the team forward. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Stokes has not participated in 50-over cricket since England's 2023 World Cup campaign in India and has not featured in the One-Day Cup for Durham since 2014. Following the conclusion of the New Zealand Test series in late June, England will take on Pakistan in a three-match Test series starting on August 19. Article Source: IANS
'Frustrating when it's against you' - CA's injury sub rule causes drama in Shield final
At the end of farcical scenes on day three of the Sheffield Shield final, Mitchell Perry replaced Sam Elliott, who had tightness in his left hamstring, and struck with his first delivery
Pakistan Pacer Naseem Shah Faces PCB Action Over Controversial Comments On CM Maryam: Report
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is under scrutiny from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after a controversial social media post, since deleted, appeared to criticise Punjab (province of Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The post, which originated from Naseems official X account, quote-tweeted a PCB media update from the PSL opener between Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore. It read, Why is she treated like the Queen at Lords? a remark widely interpreted as a jab at Maryams high-profile arrival at Gaddafi Stadium, where she was escorted by a large security convoy and later seen interacting with players from both teams. The tweet was removed shortly after, and a follow-up message claimed the account had been hacked. However, the explanation reportedly failed to convince PCB officials, according to The Daily Star. Within 24 hours, the board issued a show-cause notice to the pacer, accusing him of breaching the terms of his central contract and violating the organisations media policy. The alleged violation is believed to fall under a clause that prohibits players from publicly criticising board officials, sponsors, or related entities. Despite the ongoing disciplinary proceedings, Naseem remains available for selection and is expected to feature in his sides next fixture. The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of an unusually subdued PSL season, which commenced on March 26 under strict conditions. Following consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and franchise stakeholders, the PCB opted to limit the tournament to just two venues, Lahore and Karachi, while barring spectators. Several cities, including Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, were dropped from the schedule as part of efforts to conserve fuel amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Gulf conflict. Earlier, a Pakistan-based militant group, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, had issued a warning to foreign players, urging them to withdraw from the tournament. In a strongly worded statement, the group said, The current internal security and political landscape of the country is volatile and precarious. In a climate where military operations and civil unrest dominate significant portions of the territory, the safety of international athletes cannot be guaranteed. The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of an unusually subdued PSL season, which commenced on March 26 under strict conditions. Following consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and franchise stakeholders, the PCB opted to limit the tournament to just two venues, Lahore and Karachi, while barring spectators. Several cities, including Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, were dropped from the schedule as part of efforts to conserve fuel amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Gulf conflict. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite these warnings and the tense security climate, the PSL has proceeded as scheduled, with several overseas players like David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne continuing to participate. Article Source: IANS
O'Neill stars with bat and ball as Victoria take control amid sub drama
O'Neill made 64 not out as Victoria posted 261 before South Australia slumped to 94 for 5 in their second innings with a lead of just 31
IPL 2026: Malinga To Replace Cummins As Aakash Chopra Picks SRH Playing XI Against RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has picked his strongest playing XI for the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of their opening clash against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Sunrisers Hyderabad have been dealt a major blow ahead of IPL 2026 as their captain Pat Cummins is set to miss the opening matches. India's T20 World Cup 2026 champion Ishan Kishan will lead the side in his absence. SRH have many options to replace Cummins in the playing XI, which include all-rounder Brydon Carse, David Payne, and Eshan Malinga. Aakash Chopra has gone with the Sri Lankan pacer as he feels that the team's bowling is weak and will need a death over specialist bowler. Aakash also urged the SRH management to slot Nitish Kumar Reddy not below number 5. The second big question they have is what should be done with Nitish Kumar Reddy. They haven't understood thus far at which number he should be made to bat. I feel they should make him bat at No. 5, but he is sometimes moved to No. 6 and brought in at No. 4 sometimes. They could never find a place for him, he said in a video on X. Chopra has kept the top four batters unchanged, with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set to open and Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen slotted at number three and four. He has gone with Liam Livingston at number 6 to provide a better finish, along with Sahil Arora, who is in great form at number 7. Cricketer-turned-commentator has gone with three Indian pace bowling options, which include Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, and Jaydev Unadkat, along with Malinga. Spinners Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar are his impact player options. Cricketer-turned-commentator has gone with three Indian pace bowling options, which include Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, and Jaydev Unadkat, along with Malinga. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact player: Zeeshan Ansari/Shivang Kumar Article Source: IANS
ODI World Cup: South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt remains optimistic, aiming to e a lot better in the upcoming three-match ODI series after her sides 1-4 loss to Amelia Kerr-led New Zealand in the T20I series. The three ODIs have significant importance for the teams qualification for the 2029 ODI World Cup. Ahead of the first ODI in Christchurch on Sunday, Wolvaardt expressed confidence in their preparations. Weve had some good reflections and a couple of good meetings. Obviously, we want to be a lot better in this ODI series. Its a format weve been pretty good in, or pretty consistent in, over the last couple of months, so its about thinking back to what worked for us, especially in that World Cup and what we did well, she said. Despite the T20I setback, Wolvaardt remains focused on their strength in the 50-over format. We probably didnt execute as well as we would have liked in the T20Is, but I think the plans that we have in place for the ODIs are pretty solid. So hopefully we can put up better performances, she added. South Africa have proven themselves as one of the top teams in the ODI circuit, reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the final of the 2025 edition, where they narrowly lost to India. Their position in the ICC Womens Championship standings remains strong, sitting third behind New Zealand and Sri Lanka after a 2-1 series win over Pakistan earlier this year. Wolvaardt emphasised the significance of every match in the context of the Championship, noting, The points are super important. Obviously, those points are for the championship. We want to get into a position early where we can qualify and not have to scramble at the end of the cycle, so every game is super important. It just gives that little bit of something extra to play for, makes it a pretty high-stakes game, so were looking forward to playing our best cricket, and hopefully it brings out the best in the players. The squad, featuring key performers from their win over Pakistan, such as Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, and Nonkululeko Mlaba, is ready for the challenge against a New Zealand side in excellent form. The Kiwis, who failed to advance past the World Cup group stages last year, have since dominated Zimbabwe in both T20I and ODI formats and triumphed over South Africa in the T20I series. Wolvaardt emphasised the significance of every match in the context of the Championship, noting, The points are super important. Obviously, those points are for the championship. We want to get into a position early where we can qualify and not have to scramble at the end of the cycle, so every game is super important. It just gives that little bit of something extra to play for, makes it a pretty high-stakes game, so were looking forward to playing our best cricket, and hopefully it brings out the best in the players. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Theyre obviously a very good side. You can see that they have clear plans for all of us and are very well prepared, Wolvaardt acknowledged. But I think in this series were definitely looking to be a bit more proactive, be a bit braver, make certain moves earlier and hopefully put them under a bit more pressure. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Ashwin Picks CSK's Playing XI After MS Dhoni's Injury
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has picked his strongest playing XI with Impact Player options for the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after their stalwart MS Dhoni was subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will commence on Saturday. MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, the franchise said in a statement. Ashwin has gone with Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper, and he will also open the innings with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The former CSK player has put three attacking batters in the next three spots, which include Urvil Patel at No. 3, batter Dewald Brevis at number four, followed by Indias T20 World Cup 2026 all-rounder Shivam Dube at number five. Ashwin has given two options for the number six position. His first choice is Sarfaraz Khan, while the other is India's U19 World Cup champion captain Ayush Mhatre. Former Indian spinner has ignored Prashant Veer and has selected Kartik Sharma for the number 7 spot. In the bowling department, he has selected Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad as the main spinners, with Hosein also capable of contributing with the bat at number eight. For the pace attack, Jaffer has gone with Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed. Ashwin has provided four options for the Impact Player, which include Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Rahul Chahar. CSK head into the new season after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table, the worst result in the franchises history. Known for their consistency and strong performances over the years, the teams poor showing came as a surprise to fans. Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati. Ashwin's CSK playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Player: Anshul Kamboj/Shreyas Gopal/Ramakrishna Ghosh/Rahul Chahar. Article Source: IANS
Bangladesh Lifts Ban On Broadcast Of IPL Matches Imposed After Mustafizur Row
Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan: Bangladesh has cleared the way for the telecast of the Indian Premier League, with the newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan confirming there are no restrictions on broadcasting the tournament in the country. In a significant policy shift, Swapan said the government does not intend to mix politics with sports and will instead evaluate the matter from a commercial perspective. He noted that broadcasters willing to air the IPL can approach the authorities, and their applications would be considered positively. The clarification comes in the backdrop of an earlier ban imposed by the previous interim administration, which had halted IPL telecasts in Bangladesh. The move had created uncertainty among broadcasters and cable operators ahead of the tournament. No one applied to us to telecast the IPL. We don't want to mix politics with sport. We will look at it from a commercial perspective, and if any channel applies to telecast the IPL, we will consider it positively, Swapan was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle. Swapan also indicated that international sports networks, including Star Sports, are free to broadcast the IPL in Bangladesh if they choose to. He emphasised that the government would neither impose restrictions nor compel any broadcaster, underlining a more open approach to sports broadcasting rights. We will not bar anyone from telecasting it. If Star Sports wants to telecast it, they can. If any of our channels want to telecast it, we will take it positively, but we will not force anything, he added. Earlier, Aminul Haque, the State Minister for Youth and Sports, had suggested that the authorities would revisit the issue and hold discussions with relevant stakeholders following the earlier ban. The latest remarks from the Information Minister now confirm that the government has effectively moved away from that restrictive stance. Meanwhile, the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh has also backed the development, stating that there are no directives in place to prevent the telecast of IPL matches. Its office secretary, Rezaul Karim Lablu, said cable operators would not block any broadcast feed in the absence of official instructions. Lablu further pointed out that the directives issued under the previous administration led by Muhammad Yunus are no longer relevant, making it clear that operators are free to carry IPL broadcasts unless fresh orders are issued. Meanwhile, the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh has also backed the development, stating that there are no directives in place to prevent the telecast of IPL matches. Its office secretary, Rezaul Karim Lablu, said cable operators would not block any broadcast feed in the absence of official instructions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The ban was imposed by the interim regime after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to end Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman's contract for IPL 2026, after some elements following the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh. Article Source: IANS
'The points are super important' - Wolvaardt hopes for ODI high after T20I low in New Zealand
The plans that we have in place for the ODIs are pretty solid, so hopefully we can put up better performances, Laura Wolvaardt says ahead of the three-match New Zealand-South Africa series
1st ODI: Stafanie Taylors Ton In Vain As Australia Women Cruise To 103-run Win Over West Indies
West Indies Women: Australia Women rode on a strong all-round batting effort and a disciplined bowling display to register a convincing 103-run victory over West Indies Women in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the series despite a fighting century from Stafanie Taylor. Opting to bat, Australia piled up a formidable 341 in 49.5 overs, built on key contributions across the order. Phoebe Litchfield anchored the innings with a fluent 77 off 72 balls, while Georgia Voll provided early impetus with a brisk 42, the duo stitching together a 75-run opening stand. The momentum was maintained through the middle overs as Ellyse Perry struck 44 and skipper Sophie Molineux contributed 47. A crucial 91-run partnership between Molineux and Nicola Carey, who made 49, steadied the innings after a brief wobble. Late acceleration came from Georgia Wareham, whose 42 ensured Australia surged past the 300-mark. For the West Indies, Afy Fletcher was the most successful bowler with three wickets, though she proved expensive. Chasing a daunting target, the hosts faltered early as they lost key wickets, including skipper Hayley Matthews, and struggled to keep up with the required rate. Taylor stood tall amid the collapse, crafting an unbeaten 105 off 129 deliveries, her first ODI century since 2021, but found little support from the other end. Chinelle Henry (38) was the only other batter to offer some resistance, sharing a 73-run stand with Taylor for the fourth wicket, but the chase never truly threatened Australias total. Australias bowlers maintained control throughout, with Kim Garth leading the charge with figures of 3/37, including crucial early breakthroughs. Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with two wickets, while sharp fielding, including a run-out of Deandra Dottin, further dented the hosts hopes. West Indies eventually finished on 238/8 in their 50 overs, falling well short as Australia sealed a comprehensive win to go 1-0 up in the series. Australias bowlers maintained control throughout, with Kim Garth leading the charge with figures of 3/37, including crucial early breakthroughs. Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with two wickets, while sharp fielding, including a run-out of Deandra Dottin, further dented the hosts hopes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia 341 all out in 49.5 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 77, Nicola Carey 49; Afy Fletcher 3-83, Stafanie Taylor 2-31) beat West Indies 238/8 in 50 overs (Stafanie Taylor 105*, Chinelle Henry 38; Kim Garth 3-37, Ashleigh Gardner 2-44) by 103 runs. Article Source: IANS
Novak Djokovic pulls out of the Monte Carlo Masters
Djokovics Instagram post didnt specify the 38-year-old Djokovics reason for pulling out, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion hasnt played since losing in three sets to Jack Draper in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open two weeks ago
The who's who of injured and unavailable players for IPL 2026
KKR are the worst hit so far with injuries to Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Pathirana
Dhoni 'likely to miss first two weeks' of IPL 2026 because of calf strain
MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation, CSK say in a statement on the opening day of IPL 2026
IPL 2026: Dhoni To Miss First Two Weeks Of Season Due To Calf Strain
Chennai Super Kings: Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has sustained a calf strain and has been subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the franchise said in a statement. The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the curtain-raiser at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. CSK are set to play their campaign opener on Monday against the inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals. However, Dhoni, who has led the franchise to five titles, the joint-most in the league across all seasons, will miss the first few matches and sit out for the first two weeks. MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, the franchise said in a statement on Saturday. Earlier in the day, the franchise shared a video of the teams practice match, a match-like simulation, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Dhoni batted and Samson kept the wickets. The 44-year-old unleashed some terrific shots, sending the ball over the boundary line on multiple occasions. MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, the franchise said in a statement on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While the English all-rounder has been ruled out of IPL 2026 owing to an injury, it will be interesting to see Samson and Jadeja going up against their former franchises on Monday, when RR take on CSK at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Article Source: IANS
Taylor hits unbeaten century but Australia convincing winners
Phoebe Litchfield top-scored with 77 and Georgia Wareham had an impressive all-round game
Ben Duckett Eager To Show Hunger For England Success After Ashes Flop
Ben Duckett is determined to show just how important playing for England is to him following a woeful Ashes campaign. England have insisted they are ready to adapt under coach Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge despite a 4-1 series loss in Australia marred by poor preparation and off-field incidents that led to questions about the team's professionalism. Opening batsman Duckett, who averaged 20.2 in Australia with a top score of just 42, was also filmed seemingly drunk during a controversial mid-series break in Noosa. I wasn't proud of how things went in Australia, Duckett said on Friday. Hopefully, moving forward, we'll just see over time how much playing for England means for us. Duckett has pulled the plug on a six-figure IPL deal to play for title-holders Nottinghamshire in the County Championship, prioritising his England place ahead of home Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan. This is not why I've done it but pulling out of the IPL, turning down a good chunk of money and missing the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world to be here playing for Notts is a step in the right direction to show how much playing cricket for England means to me personally, he said. I genuinely don't know whether I'll be in the England team for the first Test (against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4), but I'll do everything I can over the next four or five weeks to be in the best shape of my life. Australia's Travis Head -- who scored over 600 runs in the Ashes series including three hundreds -- labelled the reaction to 31-year-old left-hander's Duckett's conduct in Noosa a bit stiff. If we were winning it probably wouldn't have been news and nobody would have cared, said Duckett. If it had been Travis Head in that video, people are probably loving it. We were struggling as a side and I was struggling as a player so I shouldn't have put myself in a position like that. That goes for any human being, let alone a professional sportsman, insisted Duckett. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think it's no secret that we can definitely tighten up on some areas... and to be honest, I'm all for it.
England Quick Josh Tongue Backs Troy Cooley To Make Him A Better Bowler
Josh Tongue is looking forward to becoming the latest England paceman to benefit from the guidance of veteran fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley. Tongue was a rare shining light for England during a recent 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia where he was omitted for the first two Tests but took 18 wickets in the last three. The 28-year-old quick is optimistic of improving his game still further under Cooley, the fast-bowling coach of England's 2005 Ashes-winning team. Cooley has also worked with the current Australia team's celebrated trio of fast bowlers, as well as India's Jasprit Bumrah and in January the 60-year-old Australian rejoined England's coaching staff. He's coached the likes of (Mitchell) Starc, (Josh) Hazlewood, (Pat) Cummins and he was part of India as well, Tongue said on Friday. I had a little chat with him on the phone the other day, I feel like we're going to get on really well and he's going to help me get even better than where I am now. Following an England and Wales Cricket Board review into the Ashes debacle, England head coach Brendon McCullum has kept his job despite the former New Zealand captain facing widespread calls to be sacked from his post. Tongue, however, was pleased to see McCullum keep his job, saying: I've got a lot of good things to say about Baz. England were well-beaten in the Ashes but Tongue has now taken 23 wickets in four Tests against Australia at an impressive average of 22.3 apiece. Tongue was also named player of the match in England's lone success at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where he took 5-45 in the first innings and seven wickets in the match in total. I've always wanted to go away on an Ashes (tour) Down Under and to be there for the Boxing Day Test and the New Year's Test in Sydney as well, it's what dreams are really made of, he said. Doing well at the MCG was the icing on the cake. I want to bring those moments more. I want to try and make an impact when I play games for England and try and put us in good positions to win games of cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England begin their home Test season with the first of a three-match series against New Zealand at Lord's starting on June 4.
Virat Kohli at Peak of His Powers as RCB Begin IPL Title Defence, Says Andy Flower
Virat Kohli is hungry and at the peak of his powers, with his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to start their title defence, coach Andy Flower said Friday. The 37-year-old and Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League season opener on Saturday. They ended their long wait for a maiden IPL title last season at the 18th attempt. Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, now represents India in just the 50-over format. Virat is in a really good space mentally, Flower told reporters. He's very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry, and watching him strike the ball in training, he looks at the peak of his powers. RCB return to their home M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with mixed emotions after 11 fans died celebrating the team's title triumph outside the venue last year. Players will wear black armbands and 11 seats will be left vacant permanently. It was very satisfying professionally for everyone, of course, but a really emotional time for all sorts of reasons at the end of last season, Flower told reporters. It's another time, so it's time to move on from that. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The stampede took place a day after RCB won the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad and returned to a homecoming trophy parade.
