Cricket

Afghanistan Head Coach Pybus Arrives In Kabul For A Month-long Training Camp Ahead Of India Series

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Afghanistan's newly-appointed head coach Richard Pybus arrived in the capital city on Saturday to take charge of a month-long skill development camp aimed at preparing for the series against India, to be played in June. Pybus, who has taken over the top job from Jonathan Trott, was received by Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Naseeb Khan on his arrival in Kabul. During their meeting, the CEO outlined the ACBs strategic goals and shared high expectations for the future of the national team as the new coach begins his tenure. Marking his first visit to the Afghan capital, Mr. Pybus also held meetings with officials from the Selection Committee, the International and Domestic Cricket departments, and the High-Performance Centre, the ACB said in a statement shared on the social media platform X. National captains Hashmatullah Shahidi and Ibrahim Zadran also joined the discussions, which focused on the upcoming series against India and tactical planning for the immediate training schedule. The month-long training camp is scheduled to commence on Sunday and will run till May 16. According to the ACBs plan, a month-long training camp featuring nearly 40 Afghan players will be conducted under the direct supervision of the High-Performance Centre and in the presence of the new Head Coach. During this period, the AfghanAtalan will undergo rigorous and comprehensive preparation for their highly anticipated Test match and the three-match ODI series against India, added the ACB. Afghanistans tour of India will begin with a one-off Test to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host its first-ever red-ball international game. During this period, the AfghanAtalan will undergo rigorous and comprehensive preparation for their highly anticipated Test match and the three-match ODI series against India, added the ACB. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It is understood that discussions are reportedly ongoing between the ACB and BCCI regarding a potential three-match T20I series to be hosted by Afghanistan later in the UAE in 2026. Article Source: IANS

IPL Does Not Just Find Talent, It Forces Talent To Declare Itself: Lalit Modi

The Indian Premier League: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to produce a new wave of fearless young cricketers who are rapidly transforming into global stars, the tournaments founder Lalit Modi has reflected on the leagues original vision, stating that the tournament helps not just in identifying talent, but also forces the talent to declare itself by accelerating onto the world stage. He said the IPL was conceived as a system that would force emerging talent to prove itself under pressure at the highest level rather than through prolonged domestic progression. The Indian Premier League was never meant to follow crickets traditional pathwaysit was built to disrupt them. From day one, the idea was simple: stop waiting years to discover greatness and instead force it to reveal itself under the brightest lights, against the best in the world. What we are seeing today with players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Mukul Choudhary, and a relentless wave of fearless young cricketers is not evolutionit is disruption playing out exactly as designed, Modi told IANS. The up-and-coming players have changed the face of the game and have been playing fearlessly, even while facing some of the finest cricketers and legends of the game on the other side. Expanding on how the league has reshaped talent discovery, Modi highlighted how quickly players can now transition from obscurity to prominence. The IPL has done what no system before it could. It has collapsed in time. A player who would once have spent five years in the shadows now gets five matches to prove he belongs. And if he does, the world knows his name overnight. Mukul Choudhary didnt arrive slowlyhe exploded into relevance. Vaibhav didnt learn the ropeshe walked in and took control. This generation is not asking for permission. They are taking it. That is the IPL effect, he said, praising young talents like Sooryavanshi and Mukul. He further argued that the league has redefined scouting and talent identification in world cricket. Lets be clearthis is not accidental scouting success or a lucky pipeline. This is the most efficient talent identification and acceleration system the sport has ever seen. In the last few years alone, we have seen players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, and others go from unknowns to international mainstays in record time. The IPL has effectively rendered the old model of waiting your turn obsolete, he opined. According to Modi, the league has also broken long-standing hierarchies in cricket, allowing talent from any background to emerge rapidly based purely on performance. He said, More importantly, it has broken the hierarchy of cricket. Reputation, geography, and legacy no longer guarantee relevance. Performance does. A teenager from a small town can walk into a dressing room with global superstars and, within days, become the headline act. That is not just an opportunitythat is a complete reset of the system. He also pointed to the psychological shift in modern cricketers shaped by the IPL environment, stating, And with that reset has come a new breed of cricketer. Faster. Bolder. Unapologetically confident. These players are not overawed by big names or big momentsthey are conditioned for them. The IPL has removed fear from the equation. It has replaced it with ambition and belief. Reflecting on the leagues journey since its inception, Modi said early scepticism has been replaced by undeniable impact and global acceptance. There was always scepticism when the league was conceivedquestions about format, sustainability, and impact. Those questions have now been answered, decisively. The IPL has not just changed cricket; it has redefined how talent is discovered, developed, and delivered to the world stage, he expressed. Reflecting on the leagues journey since its inception, Modi said early scepticism has been replaced by undeniable impact and global acceptance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As its founder, I can say this unequivocally: the IPL does not just find talentit forces talent to declare itself. Every season, new names emerge, new stars are created, and the game moves forward at a pace no traditional system could ever sustain. The names will keep changing. The phenomenon will not, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharmas 74 Guides Sunrisers Hyderabad To 219/6 Against Punjab Kings

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Abhishek Sharma smashed 74 runs off just 28 balls as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted a massive total of 219 runs in 20 overs while losing six wickets against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 17th match of IPL 2026 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday. Batting first after losing the toss, Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a flying start. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head looked in great touch and attacked the bowlers from the very beginning. Abhishek took charge early and scored 20 runs off Arshdeep Singh in the third over, putting pressure on the opposition. He continued his aggressive batting and reached his fifty in just 18 balls, hitting two consecutive sixes off Vijaykumar Vyshak in the fifth over. Travis Head also joined the attack in the next over, hitting three boundaries off Xavier Bartlett. Thanks to their brilliant batting, SRH reached 105/0 at the end of the powerplay. Punjab Kings made a comeback in the ninth over when Shashank Singh dismissed Head with a slower ball, breaking the 120-run opening partnership. Head scored 38 runs off 23 balls, including five fours and one six. Just two balls later, Abhishek was caught by Arshdeep Singh at deep cover while trying to play a shot on the off side. He scored 78 runs with five fours and eight sixes. After two quick wickets, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the innings. They rotated the strike well and kept the scoreboard moving with singles and doubles. Arshdeep Singh broke their partnership in the 14th over when Kishan was caught by Marco Jansen at deep mid-wicket after scoring 27 runs off 13 balls. SRH suffered another setback in the 17th over when Aniket Verma was run out due to a mix-up with Klaasen after hitting a four and a six. Salil Arora, who replaced Livingstone, failed to make an impact and got out for 9 runs off 8 balls in the 19th over. Klaasen struggled to accelerate and scored 39 runs off 33 balls, as SRH managed only 43 runs in the last five overs. Shashank Singh was the best bowler for Punjab Kings, giving away just 20 runs in three overs and taking two important wickets. Arshdeep Singh also picked up two wickets, while Xavier Bartlett took one. SRH suffered another setback in the 17th over when Aniket Verma was run out due to a mix-up with Klaasen after hitting a four and a six. Salil Arora, who replaced Livingstone, failed to make an impact and got out for 9 runs off 8 balls in the 19th over. Klaasen struggled to accelerate and scored 39 runs off 33 balls, as SRH managed only 43 runs in the last five overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad 219/6 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 74, Heinrich Klaasen 39, Travis Head 38; Shashank Singh 2-20, Arshdeep Singh 2-50) against Punjab Kings Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch LSG Vs GT, Know All Details

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants will host 2022 champion Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 19th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpaaye Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday. LSG didnt have the best start to their IPL 2026 campaign, but theyve quickly turned things around with back-to-back impressive performances. The team has shown great composure in pressure situations, pulling off thrilling last-ball wins while chasing. In their latest outing, it was Mukul Choudhary who played the hero, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans havent quite found their rhythm this season and have looked inconsistent overall. They lost both opening matches against the Punjab Kings and the Rajasthan Royals. However, their convincing win over the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium could prove to be a turning point. With Shubman Gill leading the side, it will be interesting to see whether they can build on that momentum in the upcoming clash in Lucknow. GT have a small edge over LSG in the head-to-head record. Both teams have played seven matches so far, in which the Gujarat Titans have won four matches, while the Lucknow Super Giants have come victorious in three matches. When: Sunday, April 12, 3:30 PM IST Where: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpaaye Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Where to watch: The LSG vs GT match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The LSG vs GT match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (c), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Ayush Badoni, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: May That Continue For As Long As You Want, Says Suryakumar On Rohits 15-year-long Association With MI

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium: Indias T20I captain and batting ace Suryakumar Yadav had some thoughtful words for former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, who completed 15 years with the franchise, as he wished the veteran opener a long association with the team while also congratulating him on the achievement. It's a fantastic achievement, 15 years playing for one franchise. Also, I remember, before entering this dressing room, I made my debut in first-class cricket when you were around, in 2010-11. And then I came here in 2011, though the first three years with the Mumbai Indians were very electrifying. Couldn't get a lot of time to spend with you on the field, off the field also. But then, when I came back in 2018, it was a wonderful journey till now. And as Polly says, may long that continue for as long as, as long as you want to. We're very excited. I think 15 years is an incredible achievement. Congratulations, said Surya in a video shared by the franchise across social media platforms. Rohit began his Indian Premier League (IPL) career with the Deccan Chargers in 2008 but moved to MI in 2011, a transfer strongly endorsed by the then-captain Sachin Tendulkar. He made his MI debut on April 10, 2011, against Delhi Daredevils (now named Delhi Capitals) at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, scoring an unbeaten 27, sharing a match-clinching partnership with Tendulkar in a dominant eight-wicket win. But then, when I came back in 2018, it was a wonderful journey till now. And as Polly says, may long that continue for as long as, as long as you want to. We're very excited. I think 15 years is an incredible achievement. Congratulations, said Surya in a video shared by the franchise across social media platforms. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rohits teammates at MI this season, Shardul Thakur and Hardik Pandya, and the teams former all-rounder and current batting coach Kieron Pollard also congratulated the 38-year-old, reflecting on his contributions as both a captain and a mentor to younger players. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: PBKS Wear Black Armbands Vs SRH For Vrindavan Victims

New International Cricket Stadium: The Punjab Kings (PBKS) players wore black armbands during their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the New International Cricket Stadium here on Saturday, as a mark of respect for those affected by the tragic boat accident in Vrindavan. The franchise stood in solidarity with the grieving families and the community during this difficult time. Standing in solidarity with the families affected by the tragic incident in Vrindavan, the franchise said in a statement on X. Before the match began, PBKS had put out another post on the platform, writing, Vrindavan Boat Tragedy. Deeply saddened by the tragic accident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. May their souls rest in peace. Speaking of the match, SRH produced a blistering start after being asked to bat first, racing to a commanding position in the first 10 overs at the expense of just two wickets. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set the tone early with fearless intent, dismantling the bowling attack from the outset. Abhishek was the chief aggressor, smashing boundaries and sixes at will, racing to a rapid half-century and putting Punjabs bowlers under sustained pressure. Head provided strong support, capitalising on anything loose as SRH stormed past milestones at a furious pace. The carnage in the powerplay saw SRH breach the 100-run mark in record time, with the duo showing exceptional power-hitting and clean striking. Even when Punjab tried to vary pace and lengths, the momentum barely shifted, as both openers kept finding boundaries across the ground. Speaking of the match, SRH produced a blistering start after being asked to bat first, racing to a commanding position in the first 10 overs at the expense of just two wickets. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set the tone early with fearless intent, dismantling the bowling attack from the outset. Abhishek was the chief aggressor, smashing boundaries and sixes at will, racing to a rapid half-century and putting Punjabs bowlers under sustained pressure. Head provided strong support, capitalising on anything loose as SRH stormed past milestones at a furious pace. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the wickets, SRH reached 132/2 at the halfway mark in the innings, with Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen at the crease, looking to rebuild and carry forward the momentum after the explosive start. Article Source: IANS

Lahore Qalandars' Parvez Hossain Emon out of PSL with injury

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter suffered a shoulder injury during an on-field collision

IPL 2026: Not Everyone Can Pull Off What He Has Done, Says Shardul As Rohit Completes 15 Years With MI

Feroz Shah Kotla: Mumbai Indians stalwart Rohit Sharma on Friday marked a remarkable 15 years with the franchise, a journey that has seen him evolve from a promising batsman into the most successful captain in IPL history. As the celebrations continued, seamer Shardul Thakur offered heartfelt words for Rohit in front of the players and support staff in the dressing room, highlighting the other side of his leadership. Well, everyone has spoken about his cricketing part, but just off the field things, not everyone can pull off what he has done, he has been the same person for a lot of years, of course much more improved version, but yes, he has not changed a lot, he treats us the same way off the field from day one till now, so I would just say one line that dont let the child die in you, Thakur said in a video shared by the franchise across social media platforms. Rohit began his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers in 2008 but moved to MI in 2011, a transfer strongly endorsed by then-captain Sachin Tendulkar. He made his MI debut on April 10, 2011, against Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla, scoring an unbeaten 27 in a dominant eight-wicket win, sharing a match-winning partnership with Tendulkar Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard also congratulated Rohit, reflecting on his contributions as both a captain and a mentor to younger players. Under his leadership from 2013 to 2020, MI clinched five IPL titles, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful captains in the leagues history. Rohit began his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers in 2008 but moved to MI in 2011, a transfer strongly endorsed by then-captain Sachin Tendulkar. He made his MI debut on April 10, 2011, against Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla, scoring an unbeaten 27 in a dominant eight-wicket win, sharing a match-winning partnership with Tendulkar Also Read: Live Cricket Score The former India skipper emphasised that the achievements were the result of a collective unit rather than individual brilliance, and underlined how the backing from the franchise and its stakeholders played a pivotal role in his evolution, both as a captain and as an individual. He also extended his gratitude to the franchise ownership, acknowledging their role in backing him during crucial phases of his career. Article Source: IANS

The Era Of Sooryavanshi Has Just Begun: Saba Karim

Saba Karim: Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim highlighted the emergence of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who set the pace with an explosive 78-run innings, continuing his impressive performance at the top of the order. Karim stated that the 15-year-olds era has just begun. Currently, the world is abuzz about Sooryavanshi's ability to face some of the finest fast bowlers without hesitation, helping Rajasthan Royals (RR) achieve fiery starts in the IPL 2026 powerplay. On Friday, bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood faced the challenge as Sooryavanshi targeted the experienced RCB duo, scoring 78 runs off 26 balls. This was an astounding display. It feels like the era of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has just begun, and its a pleasure to watch him bat. There is an abundance of talent, combined with confident stroke play and a mature approach. He looked equally comfortable against pace and quality spin, with shots all around the wicket. It also seemed like he was building towards a hundred, after his aggressive start in the Powerplay. He began rotating the strike and looking for singles. Unfortunately, it didnt materialise, but it reflects a very sound mindset, Karim told JioStar. Currently, the world is abuzz about Sooryavanshi's ability to face some of the finest fast bowlers without hesitation, helping Rajasthan Royals (RR) achieve fiery starts in the IPL 2026 powerplay. On Friday, bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood faced the challenge as Sooryavanshi targeted the experienced RCB duo, scoring 78 runs off 26 balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Its a T20 game. Yes, he is young, but he is batting very well and very maturely. We never feel that somebody is trashing us. If a 15-year-old can bat like this, whether he is a 25-year-old or 15-year-old, its part of T20 cricket. The way he is hitting shots he is not slogging, he is playing proper cricket shots. For a 15-year-old, he is too mature. He deserves all the credit for the way he is batting. The way Vaibhav batted in the powerplay, he took the game away from us, Bhuvneshwar said after the game. Article Source: IANS

PBKS bowl; SRH bring in Salil and Hinge

SRH left out Livingstone, Unadkat while PBKS remained effectively unchanged

IPL 2026: Unchanged Punjab Kings Opt To Bowl Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bowl against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. PBKS have not made any changes to their team, while Sunrisers Hyderabad has dropped Liam Livingston and Jaydev Unadkat. Praful Hinge is making his debut for the team, and Salil Arora is back in the playing XI. Shreyas Iyers Punjab Kings have enjoyed a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten in their first three matches. They secured a three-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans and followed it up with a five-wicket victory against the Chennai Super Kings. Their latest outing against the Kolkata Knight Riders, however, was abandoned due to rain. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad have had an inconsistent campaign so far. They began with a six-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bounced back with a convincing 65-run win over Kolkata, but head into Saturdays clash after suffering a five-wicket defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants. After winning the toss, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said, We're going to bowl first. It's a day game and obviously want to get a knack of how the wicket is going to play and a fair idea. But other than that, that's what we've been doing in the last couple of games. We've been thriving on that. (Things to address?) I personally feel that you can't control the nature of the weather, he said. You've just got to go with the flow. And I personally feel that we don't have to address anything at any point in time. Just back each other, back all the youngsters in the team. The more you tell them, the more confusing it gets for them. So, it's better that they live in their own nature and express themselves. No, we're going with the same team, He added. After losing the toss, Ishan Kishan said, We would have loved to bowl first. But yeah, I think wicket looks pretty hard to me. And it's about playing good cricket in the first innings. Obviously, it's a big disadvantage for any team. Pat is a tremendous bowler. He gets on with an experience of his. But still, I feel we've got a young side, young bowlers today in the team. Hopefully, we'll just try and execute the plans, which is the most important thing in T20 cricket. Yeah, there are two changes. Salil comes in in place of Livingstone and Praful Hinge; it's his debut game, in place of Jaydev Unadkat, he added. Playing XIs: Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Impact Substitutes: Impact subs: Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Jaydev Unadkat, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Praful Hinge, Kamindu Mendis Article Source: IANS

There Are Very Few Areas Where You Can Contain A Batter Like Jurel In T20s: Bangar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Dhruv Jurels masterful innings on Friday highlighted why he is emerging as one of the most dangerous young batters in T20 cricket and former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes that the RR wicketkeeper batter hitting all parts of the ground proved that a batter like him can be contained in very few areas in a format like T20s. The 25-year-old scored an unbeaten 81 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leaving bowlers struggling to find a weakness. Jurels composure, Vaibhav Sooryavanshis aggression, and Shimron Hetmyers athletic fielding ensured RR not only chased a competitive total but also demonstrated the importance of versatile performances in T20 cricket. It was a very good innings from Dhruv Jurel. RCB tried to bowl slightly wider to him, especially since in the last match, he had scored nearly 80% of his runs on the onside. However, he was equally strong on the offside, which shows there are very few areas where you can contain a batter like him in this format. It was a fantastic batting display, Bangar told JioStar. Bangar also praised Hetmyers contributions in the field, highlighting the importance of athleticism and sharp reflexes in T20 cricket. It was a very good innings from Dhruv Jurel. RCB tried to bowl slightly wider to him, especially since in the last match, he had scored nearly 80% of his runs on the onside. However, he was equally strong on the offside, which shows there are very few areas where you can contain a batter like him in this format. It was a fantastic batting display, Bangar told JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He followed it up with another good catch to dismiss Krunal at long-off, which was probably more difficult, especially while diving forward. Thats always challenging to time, but he executed it perfectly. Overall, it was a fantastic effort in the field and ensured that the opportunities created by the bowlers were converted, Bangar added. Article Source: IANS

'Blessed To Have You': Pollard Congratulates Rohit On Completing 15 Years With MI

Feroz Shah Kotla: Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard congratulated teams former skipper Rohit Sharma on completing 15 years with the franchise and delivered a heartfelt speech in the dressing room, admiring Rohit for his commitment and inspiring the youngsters. Rohit started his IPL journey with Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 10 before moving to MI in 2011, a transfer strongly supported by Sachin Tendulkar, who was the captain then. Rohit made his MI debut on April 10, 2011, against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at the Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), scoring an unbeaten 27 runs in a dominant eight-wicket victory, sharing a match-winning partnership with Tendulkar. After 15 years, he is still an important part of the team. Not often you get the opportunity to spend 15 years in a franchise. I'm one of the few lucky ones as well to see a journey in Mumbai Indians. 15 years is an incredible journey, and you'd have, you know, gotten a lot of experience, knowledge, and also a lot of money, He said in a video released by MI on X. So for 15 years, 15 crores, you put it in this box, and we all share it because this is one family, all right. You know, all jokes aside and on a serious note, I think it's an amazing achievement. No matter what you look at it, the longevity you've had in the international game, franchise cricket, the youngsters, you're all blessed to have someone like yourself here, all right, he added. Pollard also praised the 38-year-old's presence in the dressing room and lauded his determination. So for 15 years, 15 crores, you put it in this box, and we all share it because this is one family, all right. You know, all jokes aside and on a serious note, I think it's an amazing achievement. No matter what you look at it, the longevity you've had in the international game, franchise cricket, the youngsters, you're all blessed to have someone like yourself here, all right, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rohit Sharma has played in 230 IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians, scoring 5994 runs while scoring two centuries. However, his most significant contribution lies with the captaincy as he helped Mumbai win five titles 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Article Source: IANS

Bangladesh name unchanged 15-man squad for first two ODIs against New Zealand

Five players in Bangladesh's ODI squad are currently involved in the PSL in Pakistan, but are expected to link up with the squad soon

IPL 2026: Hardik congratulates Rohit on completing 15 years with MI, thanks him for 'inspiring' other cricketers

Hardik Pandya congratulated Rohit Sharma on completing 15 years with the Mumbai Indians, praising his leadership and impact on the team. In a heartfelt dressing room speech, Pandya thanked Rohit for inspiring several players, including himself and Jasprit Bumrah, who made their debuts under his captaincy.

IPL 2026: Bangar, Pujara, Harbhajan, Karim Share Their Thoughts Ahead Of High-voltage 'Rivalry Week'

Indian Premier League: The Rivalry Week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 promises a high-voltage sequence of fixtures, with some of the season's most anticipated matchups lined up. On that note, several former Indian cricketers have shared their insights into what fans can expect at this crucial juncture of the tournament. Sanjay Bangar highlighted the emergence of young talent as a key storyline. Rivalry Week comes at a crucial juncture in the tournament, where teams will begin to assess their form two weeks in. What has stood out for me so far in the tournament is the emergence of these fearless prodigies, which bodes well for both Indian cricket and the tournament. Im looking forward to the contest between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. It promises to be a fascinating battle. Everything is set up beautifully, and fans are in for a treat, he told JioStar. The week kicks off on April 12 with a blockbuster clash between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), reigniting the Rohit SharmaVirat Kohli rivalry. The Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal, will face off, while Kohlis encounter with MIs Jasprit Bumrah adds another layer of intrigue. While MI lead the overall head-to-head 1915, RCB have dominated recent meetings and will look to extend that streak. Cheteshwar Pujara pointed to the Southern Rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 as a marquee fixture. One of the highlight fixtures of Rivalry Week is the Southern Rivalry between CSK and SRH where high-decibel action is guaranteed. CSK are in a transition phase, while SRH have one of the most explosive sides in this competition. That said, this presents an opportunity for CSKs heavyweights, like Sanju Samson and Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, to step up and make a statement. It will be interesting to see who seizes early momentum. This will be anyone's game, he said. Harbhajan Singh highlighted the MI-PBKS clash on April 16, particularly the influence of Shreyas Iyer. Were witnessing a fascinating trend in the IPL 2026, where the fearless prodigies are firmly seizing the spotlight. Rivalry Week will only build on that momentum, bringing together not just the fearless prodigies but also some of the games heavyweights. You look at the likes of Shreyas Iyer, and its hard not to think of the PBKS vs MI clash. They come into this game on different trajectories: MI with stutter in the form after thumping start, and PBKS carrying forward their momentum from 2025. But for me, the playmaker here is Iyer, expect a big performance from the skipper, leading from the front on his home ground. This one has all the makings of a thriller, he expressed. Cheteshwar Pujara pointed to the Southern Rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 as a marquee fixture. One of the highlight fixtures of Rivalry Week is the Southern Rivalry between CSK and SRH where high-decibel action is guaranteed. CSK are in a transition phase, while SRH have one of the most explosive sides in this competition. That said, this presents an opportunity for CSKs heavyweights, like Sanju Samson and Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, to step up and make a statement. It will be interesting to see who seizes early momentum. This will be anyone's game, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This edition of Rivalry Week brings together high-stakes fixtures that not only showcase veteran stars but also highlight emerging talents shaping the tournament. From MI vs RCB to CSK vs KKR, PBKS vs MI, and the Southern Rivalry of CSK vs SRH, fans can expect a week of thrilling cricket, strategic battles, and unforgettable moments. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026 Rivalry Week Set to Ignite with Blockbuster Clashes Featuring MI, RCB, CSK, KKR and More

The 2026 edition of theIPL is heating up, with teams gradually settling on their best XIs and gaining a better understanding of their home conditions as the tournament progresses. Two weeks in, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals look the most settled in terms of balance, squad depth, and players delivering consistently. Now, with Rivalry Week on JioStar around the corner, some of the most celebrated teams are set to lock horns in iconic contests that could define the tone for a blockbuster second half of the season. Here are five reasons why Rivalry Week promises unmissable action for fans. Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 12) There could not be a bigger fixture to kick off Rivalry Week. Two of Indias modern icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, now seen in just one format in India colours, go head-to-head once again. The last time MI faced RCB, both were still active Test cricketers. Add to that the subplot and battle of the Pandya brothers, Hardik vs Krunal, and it only elevates the contest. Another interesting match-up is the battle of the GOATs, with Kohli facing the guile and firepower of Jasprit Bumrah. While MI lead the overall head-to-head 1915, RCB have had the upper hand in recent meetings and, on current form, the defending champions will be keen to make it three wins in the last four against a star-studded MI line-up. Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (April 14) A rivalry shaped by title-denying moments, KKR halted CSKs bid for a hat-trick in 2012, while CSK returned the favour in 2021. In recent years, this fixture has also been defined by the crossover of personnel, with former CSK players like Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, and others representing KKR, alongside familiar faces in the support staff like Dwayne Bravo and Shane Watson. CSK won all three contests in 2021, but since IPL 2022, the head-to-head stands evenly poised at 33, with both teams sharing the spoils. With both of them currently near the bottom of the table, this clash is not just about points, but also about gaining the upper hand in an evenly matched rivalry in recent years. Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings (April 16) This fixture is often remembered for the iconic double Super Over clash in the 2020 edition. There have been several notable overlaps between the two sides over the years, from Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan to Axar Patel, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik and more recently Nehal Wadhera. One name that adds an interesting layer is Shreyas Iyer, a Mumbaikar, closely tied to both Mumbai as a city and PBKS as a side. While he has never represented MI in the TATA IPL, his impact for PBKS last season was significant, playing a key role in knocking out the five-time champions. With the head-to-head evenly poised at 17-17, this clash on April 16 promises another gripping chapter. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals (April 18) From growing up as a West Delhi boy to now becoming the face of RCB, this fixture evolved into a rivalry with Virat Kohli at the heart of it for his connections between both cities. But last season added a new layer: KL Rahul with that Kantara celebration, marking his territory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, injected fresh intensity into the rivalry. Both teams have consistently featured in the top half of the table in recent years, leading to closely fought contests. RCB hold a 20-12 head-to-head advantage, but with the clash being in Bengaluru first up, Rahul will once again be under the spotlight. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings (April 18) Also Read: Live Cricket Score This Southern Rivalry traces back to the 2018 final, where CSK outclassed SRH to lift the title. However, in recent seasons, the tide seems to have turned. While CSK are navigating a transition phase, SRH have emerged as one of the most explosive sides, powered by a fearless batting unit. CSK still hold a commanding 157 head-to-head advantage, but SRH have won the last two encounters. Over the last four seasons, its a deadlock at three wins and three losses against each other. On current form, CSK will need to raise their game to counter SRHs high-powered batting, especially on a typically flat Hyderabad surface.

IPL 2026: Hardik Congratulates Rohit On Completing 15 Years With MI, Thanks Him For inspiring The Cricketers

Feroz Shah Kotla: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya congratulated the teams former skipper Rohit Sharma on completing 15 years with the franchise and delivered a heartfelt speech in the dressing room, expressing his gratitude to the veteran and thanking him for inspiring several MI players. Rohit started his IPL journey with Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 10 before moving to MI in 2011, a transfer strongly supported by Sachin Tendulkar, who was the captain then. Rohit made his MI debut on April 10, 2011, against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at the Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), scoring an unbeaten 27 runs in a dominant eight-wicket victory, sharing a match-winning partnership with Tendulkar. The rest is history. From 2013 to 2020, Rohit led MI to five IPL titles, cementing his reputation as the franchise's most successful captain. Ro, congrats for 15 years! Thank you for leading the way you have led for so many years for this franchise. I made my debut, Boom (Bumrah) did, so many of us, we have made our debuts under you. Thank you for inspiring so many people who have come to play for this franchise, at the same point of time for India. You have been amazing and fantastic as a human. You have been so friendly and open. You have led from the front, so many many congrats and thank you for the way you have led for so many years, Pandya said in a video shared by Mumbai Indians across social media. The rest is history. From 2013 to 2020, Rohit led MI to five IPL titles, cementing his reputation as the franchise's most successful captain. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The former India skipper emphasised that the achievements were a result of a collective unit rather than individual brilliance and underlined how the backing from the franchise and its stakeholders played a pivotal role in his evolution both as a captain and as an individual. He also extended his gratitude to the franchise ownership, acknowledging their role in backing him during crucial phases of his career. Article Source: IANS

World Needs To Talk About Him More: Rayudu Lauds Dhruv Jurel After Match-winning Knock For RR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes that wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel deserves greater recognition after the youngster produced a composed, match-winning knock to guide Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Friday. Chasing a challenging 202, Rajasthan rode on a blistering start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 78 off just 26 balls, before Jurel anchored the innings with an unbeaten 81 off 43 deliveries, his highest score in T20 cricket, to seal the chase with two overs to spare at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Impressed by his temperament and skill, Rayudu said Jurel is an amazing talent who is currently not getting his due recognition. He has shown a lot of class in terms of skill as well as his temperament. He really stood out. He looks to be a very, very mature batsman now. It's time that he steps up in terms of all the formats of the game, hopefully for India, Rayudu told ESPNCricinfo. Entering at No. 3 after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed early, Jurel displayed exceptional composure during a tense chase. While Sooryavanshis aggressive batting helped RR reach a record score of 97/1 in the powerplay, Jurel maintained stability through the middle overs, particularly as RCB fought back with disciplined bowling. He has shown a lot of class in terms of skill as well as his temperament. He really stood out. He looks to be a very, very mature batsman now. It's time that he steps up in terms of all the formats of the game, hopefully for India, Rayudu told ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Highlighting how Jurel has flown under the radar despite strong performances, Rayudu added, I think the world needs to talk about him a little more than what they generally do. He's flying under the radar right now. In Indian cricket, I don't see many people being more talented than him in terms of being a complete batsman. So he's an amazing talent and I don't think he should be [overlooked]. He should be given his due. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: We Will Continue To Play The Brand Of Cricket That We Are Playing, Says RR Spinner Bishnoi

After Rajasthan Royals: After Rajasthan Royals registered their fourth win on the trot in the IPL 2026 with a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi shared his thoughts on the team atmosphere, the key differences in the side this year, and fearless prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshis form. Bishnoi claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli deceiving with a googly and then went on to remove Krunal Pandy as his second wicket. He ended hos spell with 2-32 and continie to hold purple cap of the season. Ravi Bishnoi explained the key aspect of RRs start to the tournament. We are really happy because we have won four out of four and are the table-toppers. Hopefully, we will continue to play the brand of cricket that we are playing. We are playing some good cricket and performing as a team. Its not like one or two players are performing. The starts we are getting with the bat, we will keep finishing games quickly. Winning always makes a difference to a team atmosphere. It remains ultra-positive. Most of us are in the same age group, so we understand each other very well, and I think that is creating a big difference for this team. On the technical changes he made to his run-up and action. Technically, I just made one slight change. I used to start a bit far away from the umpire, due to which the diagonal run-up that I used to have had stopped, and I was bowling with a normal jump. I dont have much idea about the use of the crease, but I have worked on my USP, which is the jump-start from outside in the run-up. As far as my action is concerned, my non-bowling arm keeps getting stuck. I tried to improve it, but its still happening. Last year, I was bowling with a very heavy front foot. So, these are two or three small technical things I have worked on and am still working on. It isnt as clean as I want it to be, a few things still seem to be missing, but hopefully that will get better as I go ahead. Sooryavanshi delivered an incredible performance, scoring 78 runs off just 26 balls to lead Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In their chase of 203 runs, the 15-year-old kept the pressure off RR, attacking RCB's bowlers with impressive skill. On the technical changes he made to his run-up and action. Technically, I just made one slight change. I used to start a bit far away from the umpire, due to which the diagonal run-up that I used to have had stopped, and I was bowling with a normal jump. I dont have much idea about the use of the crease, but I have worked on my USP, which is the jump-start from outside in the run-up. As far as my action is concerned, my non-bowling arm keeps getting stuck. I tried to improve it, but its still happening. Last year, I was bowling with a very heavy front foot. So, these are two or three small technical things I have worked on and am still working on. It isnt as clean as I want it to be, a few things still seem to be missing, but hopefully that will get better as I go ahead. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On Vaibhav Suryavanshi targeting RR bowlers in the nets, he said, Oh, he does, he targets each one of us in the nets. I keep saying in the dressing room that I am really thankful that he is in our team. It doesnt matter if I get hit in the nets. When he took a single off Krunal bhais first ball, we were all in disbelief because usually he goes after left-arm spinners from ball one. But outstanding, the way he is batting at the moment, its second to none. Article Source: IANS

Wouldn't Have Learned The Art Of Being A Leader If It Was Not For MI: Rohit Sharma

Indian Premier League: Marking 15 years with the Mumbai Indians at the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude to teammates, support staff and the franchise management, crediting the team environment for shaping his leadership journey. Rohit acknowledged the collective effort behind the teams success and the personal milestones he achieved during his long stint. Thank you so much for making it so special. Thanks Polly (Kieron Pollard), Hardik (Pandya), Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), Shardul (Thakur), Mali (Malinga), coach, and also rest of you all. Thank you so much. It couldn't have been what it is for me without the effort of all you guys. This is a very very special team, very very special franchise and very very special people involved in this team, he said in a video shared by the franchise on social media. Rohit, who led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, emphasised that the achievements were a result of a collective unit rather than individual brilliance. The former India skipper underlined how the backing from the franchise and its stakeholders played a pivotal role in his evolution both as a captain and as an individual. He also extended his gratitude to the franchise ownership, acknowledging their role in backing him during crucial phases of his career. Yes, we won five trophies but obviously we all know that it is not possible without an effort of the entire team who's involved in making this franchise so so special. Akash (Ambani) is not here, Bhabhi is not here, but I sincerely want to thank them as well for you know putting that support behind me because their support obviously was very much needed at that point for me to grow as a captain, grow as a player in this franchise because I wouldn't have learned the art of being a leader if it was not for this franchise. Obviously, there's a lot of people to thank for that. A lot of people helped me grow into that leadership role and also now as a player as well you know, there's been immense support from everyone, he said. Yes, we won five trophies but obviously we all know that it is not possible without an effort of the entire team who's involved in making this franchise so so special. Akash (Ambani) is not here, Bhabhi is not here, but I sincerely want to thank them as well for you know putting that support behind me because their support obviously was very much needed at that point for me to grow as a captain, grow as a player in this franchise because I wouldn't have learned the art of being a leader if it was not for this franchise. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Even the guys who are not here I sincerely from the bottom of my heart would like to thank everyone for making this special journey like obviously Polly keeps saying long may that continue for this franchisee and long may that continue for all the players, staff and everybody. Let's keep this legacy of this franchisee growing higher and higher. Thank you guys, Rohit concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Dear Vaibhav, Well Done - Kohli's Note To Sooryanavanshi

Royal Challenegers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli had a special message for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the latters breathtaking knock against Royal Challenegers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday night. Virat signed Vaibhav's cap post match writing, Dear Vaibhav, well done. The moment came after Sooryavanshi delivered an incredible performance, scoring 78 runs off just 26 balls to lead Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In their chase of 203 runs, the 15-year-old kept the pressure off RR, attacking RCB's bowlers with impressive skill. Kohli, who witnessed the action firsthand, took a moment after the game to encourage the young player. He signed his cap and left a note, creating a moment that quickly fascinated fans online. Sooryavanshis innings featured eight fours and seven sixes, earning him the IPL 2026 Orange Cap. He has now scored 200 runs in just four matches, which is an amazing achievement for someone so early in his career. He received strong support from Dhruv Jurel, who remained not out at 81, as the duo completed a commanding chase for Rajasthan. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led a powerful attack to kick off Rajasthan Royals chase, easily dismantling Royal Challengers Bengalurus bowling with bold shots as hosts continue to be on top with a six-wicket win over RCB. The teenager played with stunning audacity, his clean, powerful swings sending the ball racing to the fence at will, with 15 of his 26 deliveries fetching boundaries. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led a powerful attack to kick off Rajasthan Royals chase, easily dismantling Royal Challengers Bengalurus bowling with bold shots as hosts continue to be on top with a six-wicket win over RCB. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RR captain Riyan Parag praised the young player, focusing on his performance and his positive presence in the dressing room. Parag described Sooryavanshi as someone everyone loves having around. He added that the team makes sure he enjoys himself, whether its through food or outings, as long as he continues to perform well with the bat. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rajasthan Captain Parag Hails 'clinical' Team Performance After Win Iver RCB

Riyan Parag admitted Rajasthan Royals were not at their best at the venue in previous seasons, but praised his sides clinical all-round display after their win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while adding that despite a strong effort, they still felt they conceded 20 runs above par. Keeping previous years in mind, we were not up to the mark (at this venue but todav was verv clinical. The way we bowled, the way we started, we would have taken 200 but still felt 20 above par (because of the wickets we took through the middle). Should have restricted them to 170ish. This is a wicket where not a lot of sixes are hit down the ground off the spinners. We gave room and played into the batter's hands. We put enough prep in Guwahati and Jaipur. We knew what the black soil does here. We were well prepared for any home game. Did not feel like a home game, but we were prepared. Before the start of the season, we wanted to be a team that assesses and adapts well. Having played on some sticky pitches, once we get a belter, we will do even well, RR captain Parag said after the match. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led a powerful attack to kick off Rajasthan Royals chase, easily dismantling Royal Challengers Bengalurus bowling with bold shots as hosts continue to be on top with a six-wicket win over RCB. The teenager played with stunning audacity, his clean, powerful swings sending the ball racing to the fence at will, with 15 of his 26 deliveries fetching boundaries. By the time he miscued one off Krunal Pandya, the damage had already been done, putting Rajasthan Royals firmly in control. Though they endured a brief wobble, slipping from 129/1 to 134/4, the foundation laid by Suryavanshi ensured the chase remained well within reach. Everyone loves him and having him around. He likes eating stuff anc going out. We try to make that available for him He is still a kid. And he loves batting, Parag added. By the time he miscued one off Krunal Pandya, the damage had already been done, putting Rajasthan Royals firmly in control. Though they endured a brief wobble, slipping from 129/1 to 134/4, the foundation laid by Suryavanshi ensured the chase remained well within reach. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Romario Shepherd offered a brief counterattack, scoring a rapid 22 before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Debutant Venkatesh Iyer then partnered with Rajat Patidar, shifting the momentum. Patidar went from a cautious start to a fast half-century, marked by several sixes. However, he ultimately fell to Sandeep Sharma. A late effort from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Iyer (29 off 15) helped RCB reach a good total of 201/8 in their 20-over quota. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026 - Sooryavanshi snatches Orange Cap from Jaiswal

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CSK vs DC Match 18, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

CSK vs DC Match 18 , Cricket Tips : It has been a tough start to the IPL 2026 for the most successful IPL team, Chennai Super Kings. They have lost three games on the trot and are at the bottom of the points table. A couple more defeats can hurt them big, and they might face an early exit. Hence, it is important for CSK to get some wins. They will face Delhi Capitals in the upcoming game on Saturday at Chepauk Stadium, starting at 7:30 PM IST. DC have two wins and one defeat so far. They lost the last game against Gujarat Titans after David Miller failed to score two runs off the last two balls. But a contribution from KL Rahul was the biggest positive from the game. CSK vs DC: Match Details Date : April 11, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai CSK vs DC Live Streaming Details The live action will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can watch the live stream of the CSK vs DC clash on the Jio Hotstar app or website. CSK vs DC Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 31 CSK : 19 DC : 12 No - Result : 00 CSK vs DC: Ground Pitch Report Chepauk Stadium has proved to be a good venue for the batters. India scored 250+ here against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026. In the last IPL game here, PBKS chased down 200+ against CSK a few days back. So, it is a high-scoring total with less help for the bowlers. CSK vs DC Possible XIs CSK : Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed DC : KL Rahul (w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), Sameer Rizvi, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar CSK vs DC: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter KL Rahul scored 90-odd in the last game and looked good with the bat. He will be a key batter for DC at the top. For CSK, Sanju Samson will have a big role. His runs can play a crucial role in the team's success. Probable Best Bowler Lungi Ngidi has improved as a T20 bowler and has taken the most wickets for his team. For CSK, Noor Ahmad is expected to deliver a good spell of spin bowling.Today Match Prediction: On the basis of the current form, we predict Delhi Capitals to win this game in Chennai. CSK vs DC Match 18, IPL 2026, Today CSK vs DC Match, CSK vs DC Prediction, CSK vs DC Predicted XIs, Injury Update for CSK vs DC Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

'Vaiball' Takes Over IPL 2026: 15-yr-old Sooryavanshi Stuns Cricket World With Explosive Knock

Royal Challenges Bengaluru: The cricketing world didnt wait for the match to endsocial media exploded mid-innings as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals launched a jaw-dropping assault on the Royal Challenges Bengaluru bowlers in Match 16 of IPL 2026 in Guwahati on Friday. Former India opener Virender Sehwag summed up the mood perfectly, writing: Not many can provide this kind of excitement at this age there is a method to his madness, fearlessness and sky is the limit. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin coined a new phrase that instantly went viral: This is insane! This is Vaiball Suryanvanshi. Lets vibe with this fella #IPL2026 Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan raised an intriguing observation: Does Vaibhav Sooryavanshi target big bowlers purposely? I like to think so. Within minutes, 'Vaiball' began trending, with fans flooding timelines in disbelief at the teenagers fearless hitting. In the 16th match of the Indian Premier League 2026, the Rajasthan Royals defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium. Chasing a competitive total, Rajasthan got off to a dream start thanks to Sooryavanshis blistering 78 off just 26 balls. His fearless approach dismantled RCBs bowling attack early, taking the pressure completely off the chase. At the other end, Dhruv Jurel anchored the innings brilliantly with a composed 81 off 43 deliveries, ensuring there were no late hiccups as Rajasthan cruised to victory. Sooryavanshis innings stood out not just for its pace, but for the audacity. He took on experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar early, converting a near-perfect yorker into a boundary before finishing the over with a lofted stroke over cover-point. There was no respite for RCB as even Josh Hazlewood was put under pressure. The teenager attacked relentlessly, finding gaps, clearing the field, and adapting quickly to every change in length. He took on experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar early, converting a near-perfect yorker into a boundary before finishing the over with a lofted stroke over cover-point. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If the reactions pouring in are anything to go by, IPL 2026 may well be remembered as the tournament where 'Vaiball' was bornand where a teenage prodigy announced himself to the world. Article Source: IANS

PBKS vs SRH Match 17, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

PBKS vs SRH Match 17 , Cricket Tips : After the first 16 games of the IPL 2026, only two teams are undefeated in the tournament. Punjab Kings are one of them, who are currently sitting on the second spot on the table. PBKS will now take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming contest on Saturday. This match will be held at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur at 3:30 PM IST. Another win here will help PBKS to move to the top of the ladder. Meanwhile, SRH have only one win in three games. They need this won to get back on the track. PBKS vs SRH: Match Details Date : April 11, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur PBKS vs SRH Live Streaming Details Fans can watch the game live on the Star Sports Network. The live stream option of the match will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. PBKS vs SRH Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 21 PBKS : 07 SRH : 14 No - Result : 00 PBKS vs SRH: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Mullanpur is good for batting and doesn't have much help for the bowling sides. But fast bowlers will be in the game for the first few overs. With time, the wicket will get flatter, and the run-scoring will become even better in the second innings. PBKS vs SRH Possible XIs PBKS : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (w), Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal SRH : Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk & c), Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat. PBKS vs SRH: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Priyansh Arya has the ability to change the game within a few overs, and he will be a big threat. For SRH, captain Ishan Kishan holds the key, because of his form. Probable Best Bowler Yuzvendra Chahal has looked good in recent outings and is bowling well. For SRH, Jaydev Unadkat is a crucial bowler because of his experience. Today Match Prediction : SRH are struggling because of their poor bowling performances. Hence, we predict Punjab Kings to get a win here. PBKS vs SRH Match 17, IPL 2026, Today PBKS vs SRH Match, PBKS vs SRH Prediction, PBKS vs SRH Predicted XIs, Injury Update for PBKS vs SRH Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

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IPL 2026: The Way Vaibhav Batted Made All The Difference, Says RCB Captain Patidar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar admitted that despite posting a 200-plus total, his side was outplayed by Rajasthan Royals explosive batting, particularly singling out Vaibhav Sooryavanshis impact as the difference-maker. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led a powerful attack to kick off Rajasthan Royals chase, easily dismantling Royal Challengers Bengalurus bowling with bold shots as hosts continue to be on top with a six-wicket win over RCB. The teenager played with stunning audacity, his clean, powerful swings sending the ball racing to the fence at will, with 15 of his 26 deliveries fetching boundaries. By the time he miscued one off Krunal Pandya, the damage had already been done, putting Rajasthan Royals firmly in control. Though they endured a brief wobble, slipping from 129/1 to 134/4, the foundation laid by Suryavanshi ensured the chase remained well within reach. Everyone would have loved seeing Vaibhav bat. The way Vaibhav and Yashasvi bat, it feels like the wicket isn't doing much. The way we started in the powerplay, we lost wickets, getting to 200+ was a positive sign for us. In the same way, their batters, especially Vaibhav, made the difference. I think the way we are batting in the last matches was brilliant. There are a lot of learnings from this game, said Patidar after the match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a dramatic start as Jofra Archer dismissed Phil Salt with a sharp bouncer on the very first ball. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal countered well, putting together a quick 45-run partnership in just 17 balls, but Rajasthan responded strongly. Archer removed Padikkal, while Ravi Bishnoi changed the game with two quick wickets, bowling Kohli and getting Krunal Pandya out. Sharp fielding from Shimron Hetmyer made things worse for RCB. Jitesh Sharma also got out shortly after, leaving RCB struggling at 76/5 in 8.4 overs. Romario Shepherd offered a brief counterattack, scoring a rapid 22 before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Debutant Venkatesh Iyer then partnered with Rajat Patidar, shifting the momentum. Patidar went from a cautious start to a fast half-century, marked by several sixes. However, he ultimately fell to Sandeep Sharma. A late effort from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Iyer (29 off 15) helped RCB reach a good total of 201/8 in their 20-over quota. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a dramatic start as Jofra Archer dismissed Phil Salt with a sharp bouncer on the very first ball. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal countered well, putting together a quick 45-run partnership in just 17 balls, but Rajasthan responded strongly. Archer removed Padikkal, while Ravi Bishnoi changed the game with two quick wickets, bowling Kohli and getting Krunal Pandya out. Sharp fielding from Shimron Hetmyer made things worse for RCB. Jitesh Sharma also got out shortly after, leaving RCB struggling at 76/5 in 8.4 overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yeah, but not that much because Venky and Shepherd were there. We had to manage those overs with three bowlers. It wouldn't have made much difference. If you are playing this kind of competitive cricket, there will be a lot of errors. You have to look at them and learn from your mistakes. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi The Hero Again As RR Thrash RCB By Six Wickets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: An opening blitz of 78 off 26 balls by batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a steady knock of 81 off 43 deliveries by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel helped Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Sooryavanshi led a powerful assault on the bowling to kick off Rajasthan Royals chase, easily dismantling RCBs bowling with bold shots. He started strongly against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, driving a near yorker for four and ending the over with a high shot over cover-point. There was no slowing down as he attacked Hazlewood, hitting a series of boundaries that showed his goal to target anything in his range. Even when RCB changed their lengths, Sooryavanshi continued to find ways to score, hitting with impressive skill. At the other end of the wicket, Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) offered some support before edging a cross-seam delivery, but it hardly affected RRs momentum. Sooryavanshi quickly reached a remarkable 15-ball half-century, matching his previous record. He got there with back-to-back sixesone a powerful hit over long-on and the other a top-edge pull that went over the boundary. His ability to dominate both fast and bouncing deliveries left RCB searching for answers. The onslaught continued as Dhruv Jurel joined in, hitting boundaries with ease and keeping up the pressure. RR raced to a record 97/1 in the Power-play, their best in IPL history, with Abhinandan Singhs overs turning out to be particularly costly. They maintained this momentum into the middle overs, crossing 100 in just 6.2 overs, the fastest in their IPL history. Krunl Pandya ended Sooryavanshis stay with a pace-up delivery as the young left-handed batter handed it straight to Virat Kohli in deep mid-wicket after playing a handy knock of 78 off 26 deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer followed Sooryavanshi on the very next delivery, handing an easy catch to Hazlewood at short third man. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a dramatic start as Jofra Archer dismissed Phil Salt with a sharp bouncer on the very first ball. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal countered well, putting together a quick 45-run partnership in just 17 balls, but Rajasthan responded strongly. Archer removed Padikkal, while Ravi Bishnoi changed the game with two quick wickets, bowling Kohli and getting Krunal Pandya out. Sharp fielding from Shimron Hetmyer made things worse for RCB. Jitesh Sharma also got out shortly after, leaving RCB struggling at 76/5 in 8.4 overs. Romario Shepherd offered a brief counterattack, scoring a rapid 22 before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Debutant Venkatesh Iyer then partnered with Rajat Patidar, shifting the momentum. Patidar went from a cautious start to a fast half-century, marked by several sixes. However, he ultimately fell to Sandeep Sharma. A late effort from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Iyer (29 off 15) helped RCB reach a good total of 201/8 in their 20-over quota. RCB made a short comeback in the middle overs. They strung together a series of tight deliveries that included wickets and dot balls, which slowed down the Rajasthan Royals' momentum and built pressure. Krunal Pandya led the effort well by preventing boundaries and reducing the asking rate to about seven runs per over. He even ended a 24-ball boundary drought before Ravindra Jadeja broke the spell with a lucky inside edge to fine leg. However, Dhruv Jurel stayed calm during the slowdown. He anchored the chase with a well-timed knock and reached his half-century in 25 balls. With wickets in hand and Jurel doing well, RR remained on track despite RCB's determined fightback. Jurel finished unbeaten on a superb 81 off 43 balls - his highest score in T20s -- as Rajasthan Royals chased down 202 with two overs to spare. Despite a brief wobble in the middle overs, Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the innings with a composed 68-run stand off 50 balls, ensuring there were no late alarms as RR sealed a comfortable win. However, Dhruv Jurel stayed calm during the slowdown. He anchored the chase with a well-timed knock and reached his half-century in 25 balls. With wickets in hand and Jurel doing well, RR remained on track despite RCB's determined fightback. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru 201/8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 63, Virat Kohli 32; Ravi Bishnoi 2-32, Jofra Archer 2-33) lost to Rajasthan Royals 202/4 in 18 overs (Dhruv Jurel 81, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 78; Krunal Pandya 2-40, Josh Hazlewood 2-44) by six wickets Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Patidar's Fighting 63 Propels RCB To 201/8 Vs RR In Guwahati

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Skipper Rajat Patidar's fighting 63 off 40 deliveries and a late blitz of 29 off 15 by Venkatesh Iyer propelled defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to 201/8 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 16th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Royal Challengers Bengalurus innings started dramatically as Jofra Archer sent down a vicious bouncer to dismiss Phil Salt on the very first ball. It was an eventful opening over. Archer troubled Virat Kohli with steep bounce, while Devdutt Padikkal found early boundaries, including a streaky edge and a crisp cut. Kohli responded in his usual style, whipping and driving with authority to relieve the early pressure. He took on Sandeep Sharma with a couple of strong boundaries. Padikkal supported him well, and the two put together a quick 45-run stand in just 17 deliveries for the second wicket. This briefly put RCB ahead, despite Nandre Burgers probing deliveries that repeatedly beat Kohli with seam and swing. However, the momentum changed quickly. Archer returned to break the partnership, as Padikkal (14) miscued a flick to long leg, where Shimron Hetmyer made a sharp catch. The turning point came soon after when Ravi Bishnoi delivered a cleverly disguised googly to outsmart Kohli, who was bowled for a quick 32 off 16. Bishnoi struck again in his next over, removing Krunal Pandya (1), who hit a catch to long-off, where Hetmyer made another fantastic catch. Rajasthan Royals tightened their hold when Brijesh Sharma returned with a wicket, trapping Jitesh Sharma (5) in front. From an early promising position, RCB fell to 76/5 in 8.4 overs, undone by Archer's fiery spell and Bishnois crucial double strike, leaving them in urgent need of a steady partnership. Romario Shepherd sparked RCBs innings briefly. He hit the first six in the 12th over, cleanly lofting Bishnoi over long-off on the first ball he faced. It showed his intent in what was otherwise a struggling innings. However, just as he started to pose a threat, Shepherds time ended when he top-edged a slog off Ravindra Jadeja to short fine leg. He scored 22 off 11 balls while wickets fell around him. Venkatesh Iyer came into a tough situation on his RCB debut, replacing Devdutt Padikkal as an Impact substitute. Initially, RCB planned to bring in Suyash Sharma, but the batting crisis led to a change. Iyer walked in with his Madhya Pradesh teammate Rajat Patidar and quickly changed the pace of the game. Patiday started cautiously with 20 off 22; he exploded to a brilliant half-century, reaching 50 off just 35 balls within three overs. The turnaround featured powerful shots, particularly against Nandre Burger in the 15th over. A smooth swing sent one ball sailing over long-off, and a quick pull off a short ball flew over deep square leg. He followed it with back-to-back sixes against Bishnoi but was eventually removed by experienced Sandeep Sharma with a slower delivery on the pads. Patidar, looking to go big, launched it high only to get caught on deep mid-wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Iyer added some quick runs, including two boundaries and as many maximums as RCB reached in 20 overs. For the Royals, Archer, Bishnoi, and Brijesh snared two wickets each as Sandeep Sharma and Jadeja took a wicket apiece. Patidar, looking to go big, launched it high only to get caught on deep mid-wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Iyer added some quick runs, including two boundaries and as many maximums as RCB reached in 20 overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru 201/8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 63, Virat Kohli 32; Ravi Bishnoi 2-32, Jofra Archer 2-33) against Rajasthan Royals Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: RCB Bring In Hazlewood For Duffy As RR Elect To Bowl In Guwahati

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss and elected to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Rajasthan Royals made a change to their XI with Brijesh Sharma coming in for Tushar Deshpande, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru bolstered their pace attack by bringing back Josh Hazlewood in place of Jacob Duffy, adding experience and control to their bowling lineup. Riyan Parag said the pitch was expected to be dry, but rain could leave early moisture, while stressing that his side has been clinical and focused on playing strategic cricket as planned before the tournament. Parag also noted he is content having less to do personally as long as the openers continue their strong form at the top. We are going to be bowling first. It was supposed to be a dry wicket, but it has been raining, and there will be some moisture on this pitch. We would like to extract the most from the pitch, said RR captain Parag. Rajat Patidar said the strong crowd support is making it feel like a home game for his side, while confirming that Duffy has missed out with Josh Hazlewood coming into the lineup, describing him as an experienced addition. However, just as he spoke, rain returned to interrupt proceedings, halting momentum after it seemed the weather had cleared. This is the first away game. Thanks to everyone. You are making us feel that it is a home crowd. We all love you. Unfortunately, Duffy misses out on this game. Josh Hazlewood is in the team in place of Duffy. Duffy also bowled brilliantly in the last two games. We know Josh is an experienced player. His presence will definitely put us in a good frame of mind, said RCB captain Patidar. Playing XIs: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood Impact substitute: Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Kanishk Chouhan Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitute: Shubham Dubey, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tushar Deshpande, Ravi Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Confidence Is High, And I Am Happy With How Things Are Going, Says Natarajan

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals (DC) left-arm fast bowler T. Natarajan stated that a rigorous six-month training regime has helped him regain bowling rhythm and ability to bowl high-velocity yorkers, adding that his confidence is at a high and he is pleased with how things have been going now. in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Natarajan, who has been plagued by injuries in the last few years, has picked four wickets in three games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at an economy rate of 7.9. Last year, I had a collarbone injury, and it was a difficult phase for me. The team management, support staff, and coaches kept motivating me throughout and guided me on the kind of training I needed to do. I attended multiple camps in Delhi, Surat, Hyderabad, and Dubai, and all of that helped me gain rhythm and confidence again. Coming back after injury is never easy, both mentally and physically. Every time I was doing well, unfortunately, an injury came in the way. For the last six to seven months, I have worked extremely hard on my fitness and bowling. I have practised a lot to get back to my yorkers and regain my rhythm. My confidence is high now, and Im very happy with how things are going, said Natarajan in the pre-match press conference on Friday, ahead of DC taking on Chennai Super Kings on Saturday afternoon. Reflecting on the evolution of T20 bowling, Natarajan was quick to point out the importance of tactical clarity ahead of execution. Cricket has changed a lot, and batters are much smarter now. They prepare very well and plan against bowlers. So for me, clarity of plans is the most important thing. I need to know what I want to execute in every situation. Even if I get hit, if my plans are clear, I back myself to deliver, he added. Known for his expertise with yorkers, Natarajan revealed he used a mix of tennis and red-ball training to refine his lengths, following advice from veteran India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. I have played tennis-ball cricket since childhood, and that has helped me a lot. To improve my execution, I practised with tennis balls, weighted balls, and red balls. I also discussed with Bhuvneshwar Kumar earlier, and he suggested practising with the red ball slowly to improve length control. That has helped me a lot in improving my bowling. Known for his expertise with yorkers, Natarajan revealed he used a mix of tennis and red-ball training to refine his lengths, following advice from veteran India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Our bowling attack has been performing really well. We have world-class spinners and quality pacers in the group. Mukesh Kumar, our spinners - everyone is contributing, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Spirit Of Sports Matters: Commonwealth Sport Chief Donald Rukare Praises Indias T20 World Cup Triumph

T20 World Cup: Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, praised India for their triumph in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup, despite missing the final due to travel disruptions. Rukare, who is currently visiting India, revealed that logistical challenges prevented him and his delegation from arriving in time for the much-anticipated clash against New Zealand. We were supposed to have come here a few weeks ago, but unfortunately, we missed the final, he told IANS. While expressing disappointment at not witnessing the match live, Rukare congratulated India on their victory, acknowledging the teams strong performance on the global stage. We are happy that India won, he said, adding a touch of humour as he noted that a colleague from New Zealand was less pleased with the result. Emphasising the values that define international sport, Rukare highlighted the importance of respect and sportsmanship. In sports, we say may the best team win.. You shake hands and go back to train, he remarked, reinforcing the spirit of fair competition. Indias T20 World Cup victory has been widely celebrated, marking another milestone in the nations rich cricketing history. Rukare noted that such tournaments go beyond results, serving as a platform to unite people across countries. Emphasising the values that define international sport, Rukare highlighted the importance of respect and sportsmanship. In sports, we say may the best team win.. You shake hands and go back to train, he remarked, reinforcing the spirit of fair competition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to successfully defend their title to win two consecutive titles (2024,2026) and the first tournament hosts to win. Suryakumar Yadav became the fourth Indian captain to win a major ICC event after Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rain Delays Start Of RCB Vs RR Match In Guwahati

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: The 16th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was delayed due to rain at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The weather forecast was better before the start of the game, but the rain, which started with a slight drizzle, intensified as on-field umpires had to call for the covers. Initially, the covers were only placed around the square boundaries, which were later expanded to cover the whole ground. The good news for the fans is that the stadium has a good drainage system, and it will hardly take half an hour to 45 minutes to start the game after the rain stops. Rajasthan Royals have surged to the top of the standings after winning all three of their matches so far, with victories over Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the contest on the back of consecutive wins against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai. Both sides boast formidable batting units, though Rajasthan appear slightly more settled with the ball under the leadership of Riyan Parag. The pace attacks on either side are equally threatening with the new ball. Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar spearhead Bengalurus attack, while Jofra Archer partners with Nandre Burger at the top for Rajasthan. Rajasthan Royals have surged to the top of the standings after winning all three of their matches so far, with victories over Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the contest on the back of consecutive wins against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With a talent for explosive starts, he has consistently defied the idea of second-season pressure. Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal has quietly transformed into a T20 powerhouse. Now batting at No. 3, he combines technique with aggression, hitting at over 200 this season and showing significant improvement against short-pitched bowling. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch CSK Vs DC, Know All Details

Chennai Super Kings: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash with Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 18 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday as they look to end the quest for their first win in this season. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a poor start to their campaign this season, with the five-time champions still searching for their first win after losing all three matches so far. Their run began with a defeat to the Rajasthan Royals, followed by another setback against the Punjab Kings. In their latest outing, they were comfortably beaten by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With pressure mounting, CSK will be eager to bounce back and finally get off the mark in front of their home fans. In contrast, the Delhi Capitals have looked like a composed and well-rounded side in IPL 2026. They kicked off their season with back-to-back victories over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, impressing with both their strong batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack. However, their winning momentum was halted in their previous match, where they fell agonisingly short, losing by just one run to the Gujarat Titans. The head-to-head record between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in T20 matches shows a clear edge for CSK. Out of 31 matches played between the two sides, Chennai Super Kings have won 19, while Delhi Capitals have secured 12 victories. There have been no tied matches or no results in their encounters. The rivalry began on May 2, 2008, with Delhi Capitals winning the first-ever fixture, and in their most recent meeting on April 5, 2025, Delhi Capitals emerged victorious. When: Saturday, April 11, 7:30 PM IST Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to watch: The CSK vs DC match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The CSK vs DC match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (C), KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Rana, Abishek Porel (WK), Ajay Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, Kuldeep Yadav, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mukesh Kumar, David Miller, Ben Duckett, Auqib Nabi, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Sahil Parikh, Prithvi Shaw, and Kyle Jamieson. Article Source: IANS

George Linde replaces Wanindu Hasaranga at LSG

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IPL 2026: It Was Just Something Different, Says Andre Russell On Adjusting As KKRs Power Coach

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legendary all-rounder Andre Russell has admitted that his first match-day experience as the sides power coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 felt a little different as he didnt know what to do at that time while being in the dugout. My first game on match day, I didnt know what to do with myself. I was just there ensuring that, okay, Im a coach now it was just something different. Ive had those moments where I see the game getting into a situation where I would be the man for the job, and I just have to catch myself, Russell said in a candid video conversation with KKR assistant coach Shane Watson. Discussing the specifics of his coaching role, Russell explained that he focuses on positional awareness rather than technical overhauls. No team has ever had a power coach. My job is to show how important boundaries are in T20s, especially sixes. My role is basically to get players into the right position for whatever delivery a bowler is going to try to outfox them with. The job is not to change a player or coach him on how to swing his bat or make contact, but actually to be clear and add more power-hitting skills to his game. So its going fantastic so far, he said. Discussing the specifics of his coaching role, Russell explained that he focuses on positional awareness rather than technical overhauls. No team has ever had a power coach. My job is to show how important boundaries are in T20s, especially sixes. My role is basically to get players into the right position for whatever delivery a bowler is going to try to outfox them with. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Watson, who shared several competitive moments with Russell during their playing careers, lauded the former all-rounders impact on the sport. There arent too many who have come through pushing the limits of being a fast-bowling all-rounder, and Ive always had that much respect because I know how hard it is. Weve had some great battles over timebut utmost respect for Dre, he said. Article Source: IANS

ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC Look To Bounce Back Against In-form East Bengal

Indian Super League: Chennaiyin FC will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, looking to build back momentum after their recent setback. With East Bengal currently fifth in the standings, having won three of their six matches so far, the clash promises to be a stern test. The Marina Machans, however, will look to draw from their previous performancesCFC registered a commanding 3-0 victory in the league when the teams last metand make home advantage count as they seek to climb up the table. For me, East Bengal are the most balanced team in the division. Its not easy to play against them because they are very strong in the middle and extremely quick on the wings. They also have one of the leagues best strikers, if Im not mistaken. Its a team that is very, very well-balanced, capable of playing possession football as well as going direct. I think they are one of the most difficult teams in the league, Chennaiyin head coach Clifford Rayes Miranda told the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday. Its going to be difficultvery difficult. But we will try, we will work, and we will go out there to win. Thats what we want to do, especially because this is our home. Miranda also addressed Chennaiyins lack of goals so far this season, outlining the tactical evolution underway and the next steps for his side in the attacking phase. Right now, we dont have many goals to show for our efforts. But thats also because we havent had enough forays into the final third, and I understand the reason why. When I came here, the team was playing more direct football, and I needed time to change the way we wanted to play. I have a different approach, which is more possession-based, what I call progressive possession-based football. We can go direct if the opponent is pressing us, but if they sit back, we keep the ball. Its about patient, controlled possession, explained the CFC head coach. So first, I needed to shift the team towards a more positional, possession-based approach, and that took time. Now that we are getting there, the next step is to work on the other aspect: helping the players make better decisions when it comes to going forward. Joining Miranda for the press conference was senior stalwart Mandar Rao Dessai, who started the first five games this season and was subbed in for the sixth. The fullback addressed the teams form while setting firm targets for the future. So first, I needed to shift the team towards a more positional, possession-based approach, and that took time. Now that we are getting there, the next step is to work on the other aspect: helping the players make better decisions when it comes to going forward. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lastly, Miranda confirmed that, for the first time this season, he expects to have the entire squad at his disposal for East Bengals visit. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: LSG Sign George Linde As Replacement For Injured Wanindu Hasaranga

TATA Indian Premier League: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed South Africa batting all-rounder George Linde as a replacement for Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the remainder of IPL 2026, the tournament organizers announced on Friday. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed Protea all-rounder George Linde as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, an official IPL media advisory stated. Hasaranga, who was acquired by LSG for Rs 2 crore during the player auction held in Abu Dhabi last year, has been ruled out of the ongoing tournament due to a hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lankas opening fixture of the 2026 ICC Mens T20 World Cup. We are preparing for the fact that he isn't going to be able to join us. We are looking at replacements, that should be announced in 24-48 hours, LSGs Director of Cricket Tom Moody had said during the game at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, which LSG won by three wickets on the last ball. Linde, a seasoned left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox, will be making his maiden appearance in the IPL. He has represented South Africa in three Tests, four ODIs, and 37 T20Is. In the shortest format for the Proteas, Linde has amassed 403 runs and claimed 35 wickets. We are preparing for the fact that he isn't going to be able to join us. We are looking at replacements, that should be announced in 24-48 hours, LSGs Director of Cricket Tom Moody had said during the game at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, which LSG won by three wickets on the last ball. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In all, he has taken 218 wickets in 250 T20s at an economy rate of 7.42. He now joins the Rishabh Pant-led side at his base price of Rs 1 crore. LSG will next face Gujarat Titans (GT) at their home ground BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday afternoon. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch PBKS Vs SRH, Know All Details

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Unbeaten Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Shreyas Iyers Punjab Kings have enjoyed a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten in their first three matches. They secured a three-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans and followed it up with a five-wicket victory against the Chennai Super Kings. Their latest outing against the Kolkata Knight Riders, however, was abandoned due to rain. They are currently placed in second position with five points. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad have had an inconsistent campaign so far. They began with a six-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bounced back with a convincing 65-run win over Kolkata, but head into Saturdays clash after suffering a five-wicket defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants. They are currently placed at sixth position with 2 points and a +0.275 net run rate. In head-to-head encounters, Sunrisers Hyderabad have clearly dominated Punjab Kings over the years. Out of the 24 matches played between the two sides, SRH have won 17 games, while PBKS have managed just 7 victories. The rivalry began on April 19, 2013, with SRH winning their first-ever meeting, and they also came out on top in the most recent clash on April 12, 2025. When: Saturday, April 11, 3:30 PM IST Where: PCA New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh Where to watch: The PBKS vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The PBKS vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Salil Arora, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins, Liam Livingstone, Kamindu Mendis, Krains Fuletra, Brydon Carse, Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, David Payne, Harsh Dubey, Amit Kumar, Zeeshan Ansari Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'It's Good To Be In That Position,' Says Sangakkara On RR's Unbeaten Run

Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara said his team is happy with their unbeaten start but knows the challenge will only get tougher in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as they prepare for an important match against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Barsapara Stadium on Friday. Its nice to be in that position. You dont really plan for it. Its all to do with how well the team plays, and the team has been playing really well. Theyve been keeping things simple and trying to execute as well as possible. When you do that, results usually tend to go your way, he said in a video released by IPL on X. However, the former Sri Lanka captain underlined the strong competitive nature of the tournament and said that no team can be taken lightly. But the beauty of the IPL is every game is a big game. There are no weak teams. There are no teams that you can take for granted or take lightly. That is the power of the competition, he added. Sangakkara also dismissed the narrative around age, highlighting the importance of experience within the squad. I dont really think about age or young or old. Experience is a vital thing in cricket. We are very lucky to have that experience. Even the younger players, including our captain, have played in the IPL for many years, he noted. Speaking about the teams identity, Sangakkara made it clear that the Rajasthan Royals are committed to an aggressive brand of cricket. I dont really think about age or young or old. Experience is a vital thing in cricket. We are very lucky to have that experience. Even the younger players, including our captain, have played in the IPL for many years, he noted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals have surged to the top of the standings after winning all three of their matches so far, with victories over Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians, but they will face a tough challenge against RCB, who are also coming with victories against CSK and SRH in their opening matches. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Wherever We Go, We Can Adapt Our Game,' Says RCB Coach Ahead Of RR Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower has shown confidence in his team in adapting to new conditions as the side prepares for their first away match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Stadium on Friday. Reflecting on the teams approach, Flower noted that RCB takes pride in adjusting their game according to conditions, regardless of the venue. Wed like to think that wherever we go, we can adapt our game and make it appropriate for the conditions. That adaptability, whether were in Guwahati or anywhere else, is something that we are proud of and well be looking to repeat, he said in a video released by RCB on X. RCB had a stellar record in away games last season, where they created history by winning all seven away games. They eventually went on to lift the title for the first time in the history of IPL. The RCB coach also hinted at an exciting contest ahead, expecting aggressive batting from both sides. The guys were on fire and really enjoying it. I expect some exciting batting to be on show from both sides, he added. Despite the absence of key pacer Josh Hazlewood, Flower lauded the teams powerplay bowling unit for stepping up, highlighting the performance of Jacob Duffy, who is playing his first season in IPL. Duffys been brilliant. Hes picked up five wickets in his two games, including crucial top-order scalps. Hes taken to the IPL and RCB like a duck to water, Flower said. Duffy, who is looking in great touch, said that he is really enjoying the tournament, and it's great to win both games. Duffys been brilliant. Hes picked up five wickets in his two games, including crucial top-order scalps. Hes taken to the IPL and RCB like a duck to water, Flower said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB is expected to face a tough challenge against Rajasthan Royals, who have surged to the top of the standings after winning all three of their matches so far, with victories over Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. Article Source: IANS

On-the-rise Connolly 'keen to stick to my own strengths' at big-hitting Punjab Kings

I think there's still some slight things that I do that I still haven't mastered yet, 22-year-old Cooper Connolly says about life in the fast lane

Honoured And Humbled To Have A Stand At My 'karmabhoomi' Wankhede: Ravi Shastri

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri expresses his deep gratitude after a stand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium named after him was unveiled, describing the venue as his karmabhoomi where his cricketing journey first took flight. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday inscribed the names of cricketing stalwarts, Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, recognising their contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket. The Level 1 stand below the press box is now named the Ravi Shastri Stand, honouring a prominent figure in Indian cricket. A member of Indias 1983 World Cup-winning team, Shastris contribution spans generations as a player, captain, coach and commentator. Honoured and humbled - to have a stand at Wankhede, my karmabhoomi, is incredibly special. This is where the journey began, and where I learned what it takes to compete, fight and never give an inch. I missed my father dearly, but Im grateful my mother and family could be there to witness the moment, Shastri posted on X. The honours were unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as a stand was named after Ravi Shastri and stadium gates were dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji. The ceremony was also attended by Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar, along with MCA Apex Council members, office-bearers, and members of the cricketing fraternity. The honours were unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as a stand was named after Ravi Shastri and stadium gates were dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gate No. 3, Gate No. 6, and Gate No. 5 will now be named the Dilip Sardesai Gate, Eknath Solkar Gate, and Diana Edulji Gate, respectively, marking the contributions of three legends from Mumbai. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Mukul Is A Real Athlete; He Runs Between The Wickets Like Kohli, Opines Langer

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer has hailed young batting sensation Mukul Choudhary, calling him a great athlete with a sharp brain, comparing his game sense and elite running between the wickets to that of the legendary Virat Kohli. Choudharys match-winning unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, laced with seven sixes and two fours, against KKR has propelled him into the spotlight. What I love the most is that he is a real athlete, and the way he runs between the wickets is elite. It is like how Virat runs between the wickets, but the other thing about him is his game sense. We have had some practice games, and the way he talks about the game is like he has been playing 300 matches. So, he has got some power, he is a great athlete, and he has got a sharp brain. He has a very curious mind and wants to get better. He went away and worked on the short ball. We have been doing drills with him every day, and then it came out in practice and in the game, said Langer on JioHotstar. He also revealed how their team analyst Shrinivas Chandrashekaran was crucial in getting Choudhary on board. We saw him at a training camp a few months ago. There is so much talent in this country. A real big shout-out goes to Shrinivas, our data analyst, who said, Coach, we have got to get this kid. Asked about his thought process when LSG were needing 54 runs required off the final 24 balls, Langer said, I was probably thinking about what I was going to say to our players. I thought we bowled brilliantly on this wicket; we were outstanding. He also revealed how their team analyst Shrinivas Chandrashekaran was crucial in getting Choudhary on board. We saw him at a training camp a few months ago. There is so much talent in this country. A real big shout-out goes to Shrinivas, our data analyst, who said, Coach, we have got to get this kid. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Langer believes that pulling off such a heist early in the tournament acts as a magic tonic for team morale. If you win the close ones, you get that little bit of belief, dont you? It doesnt matter whether you do it with the ball or with the bat, these tight wins are like a magic tonic. So, hopefully, it is a bit of a confidence booster that we like at the start of the season, and we have got a lot of upside left in our game as well. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Some Of Choudhary's Shots Reminded Me Of Watching Dhoni, Feels Du Plessis

Former South Africa: Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has showered rich praise on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) young batting sensation Mukul Choudhary, adding that his finishing prowess and flick shots to give the side a three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were akin to the batting style of the legendary MS Dhoni. At Eden Gardens, Choudhary smashed an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, laced with seven sixes and two fours, and helped LSG get a win on the last ball. Its incredible to see the awareness to take the game through. The power from the young man, unbelievable batting. What a game of cricket, with lots of ebbs and flows, and stealing it towards the end. Some of the shots reminded me of watching MS Dhoni back in the day, especially those flick shots, so much power, said du Plessis on JioHotstar. While LSG found a new hero in the inexperienced but talented Choudhary, Du Plessis pointed out that three-time champions KKR are currently struggling to find the rub of the green in their favour. What a game of cricket, with lots of ebbs and flows, and stealing it towards the end. Some of the shots reminded me of watching MS Dhoni back in the day, especially those flick shots, so much power, said du Plessis on JioHotstar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR, who are yet to win a game in IPL 2026, find themselves in a precarious position. They are a team that has now had three losses and one rained-off game, those 50-50 moments are just not falling in their favour. I think back to the first ball of the last over, when an easy single was on offer for Avesh. Those are the kinds of things you have to make sure you are switched on for as a team if you want to get across the line, concluded du Plessis. Article Source: IANS

WTC expansion: ICC to consider allowing one-Test series in next cycle

An ICC working group led by Roger Twose is expected to present the recommendation to board heads at an ICC meeting soon

'Couple Of Batters Were Seriously Searching For Form': Finch On KKR's Middle-order Struggles Vs LSG

Kolkata Knight Riders: Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) middle order lacked confidence and form in their innings against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Despite posting a competitive 181/4, Finch felt a few KKR batters struggled for rhythm and clarity during the middle overs. There was a couple of batters that looked like they were seriously searching for form, Finch told ESPNcricinfo while analysing the innings. KKR were well placed at 98/1 at the halfway stage, thanks to a solid partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. However, the momentum dipped after their dismissals, with the middle order failing to maintain the same tempo. Finch pointed out that Cameron Green appeared uncertain at the crease during the early part of his innings. When Cameron Green first walked in, it was like he was so unsure about his game. Do I play a big shot? Do I just accumulate for a bit? And what that does is you end up losing all your intent. You face a lot of dot balls. It builds pressure, he explained. The former opener was also critical of vice-captain Rinku Singh, who looked out of touch and scored just four runs off seven balls. Rinku, on the other hand, he just looked totally out of sorts. It was almost like he wasn't watching the ball as closely as what he could have. He's looking to play the shot, but all his weight is going away from the ball. It was really unusual, which is something that I haven't seen from him before, Finch added. According to Finch, the overall body language of the KKR middle order suggested a lack of confidence at a crucial stage of the innings, which eventually led to the team not crossing the 200-run mark. Rinku, on the other hand, he just looked totally out of sorts. It was almost like he wasn't watching the ball as closely as what he could have. He's looking to play the shot, but all his weight is going away from the ball. It was really unusual, which is something that I haven't seen from him before, Finch added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR eventually managed to recover in the death overs, with late hitting pushing them to 181/4, but it was not enough as LSG chased down the total on the last ball with the help of a match-winning 54-run knock from youngster Mukul Choudhary. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan To Host Zimbabwe For White-ball Series Ahead Of Womens T20 WC

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday that Pakistan will face-off against Zimbabwe in a six-match white-ball series starting next month. The series will serve as a critical preparatory series for Pakistan ahead of the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup, to be played in England from June 12 to July 5. The tour also marks Zimbabwe's first-ever visit to Pakistan for a womens bilateral series. All six fixtures - comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is - will be staged at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The tour will commence with the ODI leg on May 3, followed by the T20I series, which will begin on May 12. The Zimbabwe side is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on April 29, before both teams have practice sessions from April 30 to May 2. The three-match ODI leg, scheduled for May 3, 6, and 9, carries significant weight as it comes under the ICC Womens Championship 2025-29 cycle. Pakistan currently occupies fifth place in the championship table with two points. Following the series against Zimbabwe, Pakistan will travel to Ireland for a T20I tri-series featuring the hosts and 2016 champions the West Indies, from May 28 June 4, before heading to England for the showpiece event in the shortest format. Pakistan are in Group 1 of the T20 World Cup alongside India, South Africa, Bangladesh, six-time champions Australia and the Netherlands. Schedule: 1st ODI - May 3, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 2nd ODI - May 6, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 3rd ODI - May 9, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 1st T20I - May 12, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 3rd ODI - May 9, National Bank Stadium, Karachi Also Read: Live Cricket Score 3rd T20I - May 15, National Bank Stadium, Karachi Article Source: IANS

Commonwealth Sport Delegates Visit VBF In Ahmedabad To Check Preparation Ahead Of CWG 2030

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel: Commonwealth Sport Director of Sport, Ann Louise Morgan, along with Neil Carney, Technical Consultant, visited Ahmedabads Vijayi Bharat Foundation (VBF) to take a tour of the facility and understand the workings of the centre ahead of the CWG 2030 Games. Morgan and Carney are part of the high-level delegation that is currently visiting Gujarat to take stock of the preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking their first engagement since the city was officially announced as the host of the Centenary Games. The delegation began its programme with a courtesy meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. Accompanied by Olympic medallist Gagan Narang and VBF Directors Durgesh Agarwal and Dilip Thaker, the duo undertook a tour of the VBF campus, including its High - Performance Centre (HPC) and various Field of Plays (FOPs). They also expressed their appreciation for VBF's contribution to the development of sports through its grassroots initiative - Khele Sanand and especially for the gender equity in VBFs high-performance programmes through active efforts towards supporting young women athletes in good numbers. The delegation, led by Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, is currently in India to assess Amdavads infrastructure, plan timelines, and check venue suitability. The visit is part of the review process as part of initial coordination efforts with host nation and authorities. The five-member team, accompanied by officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) is in the state from April 8 to April 11. The delegation, led by Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, is currently in India to assess Amdavads infrastructure, plan timelines, and check venue suitability. The visit is part of the review process as part of initial coordination efforts with host nation and authorities. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India was awarded the hosting rights for the Games on November 26 last year, at the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport in Glasgow, making it the countrys second time hosting the event after the 2010 edition in New Delhi. Article Source: IANS

'Don't Overthink': Mukul Reveals Pant's Advice That Sparked His Heroics Against KKR

Indian Premier League: Indian Premier League's (IPL) new superstar Mukul Choudhary revealed an important piece of advice from skipper Rishabh Pant, which helped him remain calm in the pressure situation as he played a match-winning knock of 54 runs for his side Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Chasing 182, LSG were under pressure in the final overs, but Mukul held his nerve and turned the game around with fearless hitting. He smashed crucial sixes in the closing stages, including two in the final over, to take his team over the line. After the match, Mukul revealed how Pants words helped him stay calm and trust his instincts. The main thing is calmness. Over the last one or two years, earlier I used to rush a bit, but in the past few months, Ive worked on this in practice, so that I want to bat as long as possible. If I take the game till the end, I believe I can win it for my team, Mukul said at the post-match press conference. Even in the last match, I played 4 to 5 balls, I didnt get out, but I wasnt timing it well. So I spoke to Rishabh bhai. He told me that I was overthinking, thinking, 'I will do this, I will do that.' He said dont think so much. Just focus on your job, your process, what youve always done. If you overthink, youll feel pressure. Watch the ball. When you hit it, you hit it well. I believe in you, but you need to believe in yourself too, he added. The main thing is calmness. Over the last one or two years, earlier I used to rush a bit, but in the past few months, Ive worked on this in practice, so that I want to bat as long as possible. If I take the game till the end, I believe I can win it for my team, Mukul said at the post-match press conference. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I will dedicate this knock to my father. He had a dream even before he got married that his son would play cricket. I watched MS (Dhoni) sir and how he finished the game. I bat in the same position, and I also want to dedicate this finish to him, he said. Article Source: IANS

Learoyd shines in Green vs Gold contest with over 200 runs

NSW batter made scores of 142 and 68 without being dismissed, while state team-mate Frankie Nicklin claimed eight wickets

Lister called up for Bangladesh tour after Clarke injury

Ben Sears will also miss the ODI leg of the trip having been signed as a replacement player in the PSL

Ben Lister Replaces Injured Kristian Clarke In NZ Squad For Bangladesh Tour

Bir Shreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur: Left-arm seamer Ben Lister has been recalled to New Zealands ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh as a replacement for the injured Kristian Clarke. Lister, who last played for New Zealand more than two years ago, has been drafted into the squad after sustaining a laceration to the webbing of his right hand while attempting to take a catch for the New Zealand A in their second one-day match against Sri Lanka A earlier this week. The 30-year-old seamer has four and 11 scalps from three ODI and 12 T20I appearances, respectively, for New Zealand. Lister, who is also part of the New Zealand A one-day squad in Sri Lanka, will link up with the BLACKCAPS in Bangladesh on Sunday ahead of the ODI series which gets underway in Mirpur on Friday, said New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in a statement. NZC further said pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the ODI leg of the tour of Bangladesh after being signed as a late replacement by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Rawalpindiz. Sears wont be replaced in the BlackCaps ODI squad for Bangladesh and will instead join up for the T20 series which gets underway in Chattogram on Thursday April 30, added NZC. NZC further said pacer Ben Sears has been ruled out of the ODI leg of the tour of Bangladesh after being signed as a late replacement by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Rawalpindiz. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The action then shifts to the T20I series with back-to-back fixtures in Chattogram on April 27 and 29, while the final game will be held in Dhaka on May 2. New Zealand will come to Bangladesh on the back of being runners-up at the 2026 ICC Mens T20 World Cup before losing a home T20I series to South Africa 3-2. Article Source: IANS

'One Good Knock And Then Failing': Kaif Urges Pant To 'find Consistency' After Batting Failure Against KKR

Lucknow Super Giants: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant needs to take more responsibility as a captain and needs to find consistency in his approach after lacklustre batting in a thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Pant, who scored just 10 runs in the match, came under scrutiny from Kaif, who felt the wicketkeeper-batter should have played a bigger role in the chase. Rishabh Pant will not be happy with his knock of 10 runs. He played a match-winning innings in the previous game against SRH, helping LSG get over the line. But against KKR, the team needed him to stay till the end, Kaif told Jio Hotstar. The former batter stressed that leadership comes with added responsibility, especially in pressure chases. As captain, if you dont take responsibility, you cannot help your team win games. Yes, he did well against SRH, but he needs to find consistency. Playing one good knock and then failing in the next few games is not enough, Kaif added. Chasing 182 at Eden Gardens, LSG got off to a strong start, reaching 41 in the first five overs. However, they lost momentum in the middle phase before a brilliant unbeaten 54 from Mukul Choudhary guided them to a last-ball, three-wicket win. Kaif pointed out that the situation did not demand excessive risk when Pant walked in to bat. He is an experienced player, having been in the IPL since 2016. The situation when he came out to bat was not particularly difficult. LSG had already scored 41 in the first five overs. One batter needed to take responsibility and bat through the chase. That role was meant for Pant. He has to read the match situation better and learn when to shift gears. A captains job is to stay till the end in a chase, and that is something Pant must work on, he noted. Kaif also feels that Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy was top-class in the game, and KKR did so many good things in the game, but lost the plot against Mukul, who played a match-winning knock of 54. He has to read the match situation better and learn when to shift gears. A captains job is to stay till the end in a chase, and that is something Pant must work on, he noted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cameron Green gave them a couple of overs, got a wicket, and showed he had the capability to score runs with the bat. It looked like a victory would complete the effort. But then Mukul Choudhary took the game away from KKR. Ajinkya Rahane and his men had the match almost in their hands, but a fearless knock from a prodigy turned things around, he added. Article Source: IANS

'A little bit of smart cricket' - the missing ingredient in KKR's season so far

Dale Steyn and Aaron Finch criticise Green's performance with bat and the decision to give him the ball for the 19th over of the chase

Mukul Choudhary: 'I practise hitting 100-150 sixes every day'

I have practised that shot since childhood, the MS Dhoni fanboy says of the helicopter shot after setting IPL 2026 alight

BCCI mourns passing of former India cricketer CD Gopinath

Member of Indias maiden Test-winning team and Madras Ranji Trophy champion dies in Chennai

FIFA adds new even more expensive World Cup ticket categories

The World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in 16 cities in the US, Mexico and Canada

FIFA picks 52 referees for the World Cup, including 2 women

American Tori Penso and Mexican Katia Garcia are the two women on the list of referees

KKR's Raghuvanshi, Rahane in top five of Orange Cap race

Their side lost a thriller to LSG at Eden Gardens, but both batters continued to be among the runs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hasaranga out of IPL; LSG to name replacement soon

ESPNcricinfo has learnt South Africa's George Linde is the likely replacement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soaring RR and surging RCB look to stretch unbeaten run

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

Unchanged LSG opt to bowl; Narine back for KKR

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

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

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

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

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