Sai Sudharsan has his 'limitations' but he 'did his part' against RCB
The other guys around him have to come in and strike at, maybe, 160, 170 and above, Ian Bishop says of the Gujarat Titans batting plan
Nahida Akter, Sarmin Sultana Fined For ICC Code Of Conduct Breach In Second WODI Vs SL
Emirates ICC International Panel: Bangladesh cricketers Nahida Akter and Sarmin Sultana have been fined 10 per cent of their match fees for separate Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI of the ICC Womens Championship series against Sri Lanka. The sanctions were imposed following incidents during the match in Rajshahi, where both players were found to have committed offences under different articles of the Code. Nahida breached Article 2.5, which pertains to using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match. Sarmin, meanwhile, was found guilty under Article 2.8, which relates to showing dissent at an Umpires decision during an International Match. In addition to the fines, both players have received one demerit point each on their disciplinary records. It marks their first offence within a 24-month period. The incidents occurred in consecutive phases of the match. Nahida gave a send-off to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu after dismissing her in the 17th over, gesturing towards the pavilion. Earlier, in the 16th over of Bangladeshs innings, Sarmin showed visible dissent after being adjudged LBW, pointing towards her bat and delaying her departure from the crease. The charges were levelled by the on-field umpiring team comprising Eloise Sheridan and Rokeya Sultana, along with third umpire Dolly Rani Sarkar and fourth umpire Shathira Jakir Jesy. Both players admitted their respective offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Supriya Rani Das of the Emirates ICC International Panel; hence, no formal hearings were required. The incidents occurred in consecutive phases of the match. Nahida gave a send-off to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu after dismissing her in the 17th over, gesturing towards the pavilion. Earlier, in the 16th over of Bangladeshs innings, Sarmin showed visible dissent after being adjudged LBW, pointing towards her bat and delaying her departure from the crease. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the field, Sri Lanka bounced back strongly in the contest, clinching the second ODI to level the three-match series 1-1 and set up a decider. The two sides are currently playing the series decider, underway at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Article Source: IANS
Kings XI Punjab: Eighteen years after the infamous IPL 'slapgate' incident, former India pacer Sreesanth made a scathing attack on ex-spinner Harbhajan Singh, accusing him of making profit from the incident. Sreesanth comments referred to the recent advertisement for a retail seller, where Harbhajan is yelling at a group of people trying to fix electronic equipment by beating them; Sahi se thappad lagao, sab theek ho jata hain (Slap them properly. You can fix everything.) The former pacer stated that he never spoke about Harbhajan or the incident in any public interview but when the advertisement came out, it infuriated him and he instantly blocked Harbhajan on Instagram. I have never spoken about Bhajji in any interview. This is going to be the first time. Until recently there were no problems, but he made an ad about it once again. He made around Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore off it. He then called me and asked me to put a story on it. I told him, I'll forgive but I'll never forget, Sreesanth told Malayalam news outlet 'Mathrubhumi' If someone wrongs you, you should forgive them but never forget. If you forget, they will do the same thing again. He is the biggest example for that. There is no doubt about that. I have no relationship with that person. I used to call him a brother. But in that last 1 or 2 months he did that ad and now I have blocked him on Instagram, he added. My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don't have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin, he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it's all an act. That act is something Sreesanth doesn't accept, said Sreesanth. Sreesanth was on the receiving end of the infamous Slapgate incident in the inaugural 2008 edition of the tournament. During a match between the Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, Harbhajan and Sreesanth got into a heated altercation which ended with the spinner slapping his national team compatriot. The incident caught the media's attention and sparked widespread criticism of Harbhajans behaviour, and he later apologised for the physical altercation. The incident led to a disciplinary hearing and Harbhajan was banned for the rest of the season. My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don't have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin, he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it's all an act. That act is something Sreesanth doesn't accept, said Sreesanth. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Reacting to this, Harbhajan had told IANS, Whatever happened 18 years ago, bringing it up again in public, I really dont understand the motive behind that. I dont know what he was thinking when he released the videomaybe he was under the influence or just messing around. If I were in his place, I wouldnt have let any such video come out like that. Article Source: IANS
Gavaskar Blames Dropped Kohli Catch for GTs Loss as RCB Seal Chase
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Gujarat Titans paid a heavy price for dropping Virat Kohli, early in the chase, that helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) seal a five-wicket win. After being put in to bat, GT posted a competitive 205/3, but a crucial moment unfolded in the very first over of RCBs chase when Kohli was dropped on zero by Washington Sundar off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj. The missed opportunity proved decisive as Kohli went on to anchor the chase with a brilliant 81 off 44 balls, guiding the defending champions towards victory. That dropped catch of Virat Kohli off Sirajs bowling definitely cost Gujarat Titans a lot. We all know he is not just known as a king. He is known as a chase master as well. He loves these kinds of situations where he comes in to bat, knows the target, and can play according to the situation, Gavaskar told JioStar, reacting to the turning point of the game. Speaking about the impact of the early reprieve, he added, You drop him on the first ball, then he will definitely make you pay. That is exactly what he did. After that dropped catch, what a knock he has played. Kohlis innings not only laid the foundation for the chase but also saw him achieve milestones, becoming the first player to reach 800 fours in IPL history and only the third to hit 300 sixes in the tournament. Gavaskar further highlighted Kohlis mastery in run chases, stating, Chasing down huge totals with ease has been Virats trademark batting style throughout his career. GT must be thinking about that dropped catch. At one point in the run chase, when the spinners were bowling, the ball was gripping a bit. It would not have been that easy once the ball got a little older. But this man is one of the greatest in the game. He made it look easy. In addition to Kohlis brilliance, Gavaskar also praised Devdutt Padikkal for his aggressive approach in the middle overs, where he scored a quickfire 55 to keep RCB ahead of the required rate. Devdutt Padikkal played an excellent innings. Virat Kohli rightly pointed out after the match that Padikkal has been hitting some very clean cricketing shots. Earlier, he was seen as an off-side player. His main scoring areas were cover and mid-off. He used to struggle on the on-side. But now he has overcome that limitation. He is hitting sixes and boundaries behind square as well, Gavaskar said. In addition to Kohlis brilliance, Gavaskar also praised Devdutt Padikkal for his aggressive approach in the middle overs, where he scored a quickfire 55 to keep RCB ahead of the required rate. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With contributions from both Kohli and Padikkal proving vital, RCB continued their strong run in the tournament, capitalising on key moments to outplay GT in a high-scoring encounter. Article Source: IANS
'Everything has to come to an end': Samit Patel bows out of English cricket after 24 years
Spinning allrounder reflects on formidable career, as he targets future role as coach ... and maybe selector
Krunal Pandya on India Dream, Pressure Handling After Match-Winning RCB Cameo
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya reflected on his ultimate goal, stating that his aim has always been to play for India and stated that theres no better feeling than donning the national jersey. He also spoke about handling pressure situations and the importance of experience after playing a decisive cameo in his teams five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans in their recently concluded IPL 2026 match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a stiff target of 206, RCB rode on a commanding 81 from Virat Kohli and a blistering 55 by Devdutt Padikkal to stay on course. However, a mini-collapse in the latter stages left the side needing composure in the death overs before Krunal stepped up with an unbeaten 23 off 12 balls to seal the chase on Friday. Walking in at a tense juncture, Krunal admitted the pressure was palpable, especially given his limited time in the middle this season. There was pressure. Obviously, this was the 7th or 8th match, and before this game, I had played only two innings with the bat. Sometimes, when theres no continuity, you can suddenly get into a pressure situation, Krunal told JioHotstar. He added that his versatility and experience across batting positions helped him stay composed. But Ive been doing this role for a long time, from No. 3 to No. 8. So, whatever experience I have, I try to use it, and I try to be as calm and present as possible in that situation, he said. Krunals counterattack came at a crucial moment when RCB needed quick runs to regain control of the chase. In the 18th over, he took on left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, smashing boundaries and a six to shift momentum decisively in RCB's favour. Speaking about his aspirations beyond the IPL, Krunal reiterated his desire to return to international cricket. Theres nothing bigger than playing in the blue jersey once again. My goal has always been to play for India. But again, what do I have in my control? Consistent performances and how I win games for my team, thats what I try to focus on, he expressed. Krunal emphasised the role of handling pressure and personal growth in shaping his approach, saying, Ive always enjoyed pressure situations. Ive learned a lot from my life in cricket, because you only have one brain and you use the same brain in life and in sports. So, Ive always focused on how I can get better as a person, and that is the reason Im able to play cricket this way. Krunal also spoke about evolving as a bowler in the fast-changing T20 landscape, where batters are constantly innovating. Every year, batting is evolving at such a pace that you genuinely feel, while standing on your mark, 'Where will you bowl?' Because you feel like the batter can hit you anywhere. Krunal emphasised the role of handling pressure and personal growth in shaping his approach, saying, Ive always enjoyed pressure situations. Ive learned a lot from my life in cricket, because you only have one brain and you use the same brain in life and in sports. So, Ive always focused on how I can get better as a person, and that is the reason Im able to play cricket this way. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Krunal further acknowledged the backing of RCBs spin-bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan in helping him develop his craft. I felt that last year was very good for me, so coming into this season, I was thinking about what else I can add to my bowling. A lot of credit goes to our spin-bowling coach, Malolan, who has left me free. He has backed me a lot and gave me confidence. So, that also makes a difference, he mentioned. Article Source: IANS
KL Rahul Eyes Must-Win Approach as Delhi Capitals Gear Up for Crucial Home Clashes
Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has emphasised the importance of maintaining a must-win mindset as the side prepares for crucial back-to-back home fixtures against the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at their home ground- the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC are currently placed sixth in the points table with three wins and three losses from six matches. They began their campaign with consecutive victories over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, before suffering back-to-back defeats against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. While they bounced back with an away win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a third loss in their campaign in their previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad has left them looking to regain consistency. Personally, I always take every game as a must-win game and for me I'm pumped that the next two games are against teams that are sitting very comfortably at 1 and 2 in the table, Rahul said in a video shared by Star Sports on X ahead of their clash against PBKS. Highlighting the value of testing themselves against the strongest sides, he added, So, like I said, you want to challenge yourself against the best teams and for us as a team, I think beating RCB and Chinnaswamy gave us a lot of confidence because they're a really good team. Punjab Kings, who currently sit atop the standings, have been one of the standout teams this season, and Rahul acknowledged the challenge they pose. Punjab right now are playing some exceptional cricket. They seem unbeatable at the moment. So, that's what is challenging and that's what is exciting for us to take it on ourselves to see how we can put pressure on Punjab early in the game and see how we can get two points. The wicketkeeper-batter stressed that wins against top teams could significantly boost the squads belief and standing. That will give us tremendous confidence and then from there, we'll go on to RCB and if we can get back-to-back wins, that will obviously give us points and help us sit pretty in the table but also give us that confidence within the group that there's no doubt that we have the skill and we have the talent and we have everything that is required for us to be a champion team, he said. Rahul further underlined the importance of translating potential into results. Only when that translates to performance and victories against good teams, that's when you start feeling confident and you sort of get a little bit of arrogance which you need in today's game and in modern T20 game, you need a bit of arrogance to walk in there telling the opposition that we're too good, we feel like we can beat anybody on a given day or even if we don't have a good day, we'll still beat you. The wicketkeeper-batter stressed that wins against top teams could significantly boost the squads belief and standing. That will give us tremendous confidence and then from there, we'll go on to RCB and if we can get back-to-back wins, that will obviously give us points and help us sit pretty in the table but also give us that confidence within the group that there's no doubt that we have the skill and we have the talent and we have everything that is required for us to be a champion team, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru occupying the top two spots respectively, Delhi Capitals will be aiming to make the most of their home advantage and climb up the table in what promises to be a defining phase of their campaign. Article Source: IANS
Steyn in awe of Kohli's ability to find 'a road to get to the final runs'
When you see someone really so driven and so passionate about the game, it really rubs off to everybody in the side, Devdutt Padikkal says about Virat Kohli
Former New Zealand Cricketer Bracewell Given 2 Year Ban For Cocaine Use
Former New Zealand and Essex all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been given a two-year suspension after testing positive for cocaine during an English County Championship match last year. Bracewell's positive test came on September 25, 2025 while he was playing for Essex against Somerset at Chelmsford. The 35-year-old admitted using cocaine after the first day of the fixture and in the early hours of the morning prior to the second day's play. After being notified of the positive test, Bracewell retired from cricket on December 28. Despite his retirement, Bracewell, who had signed for Essex for the final three Championship matches of last season, was still issued with the two-year ban by the Cricket Regulator. He previously served a one-month ban in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine during New Zealand's 'Super Smash' Twenty20 event. The two-year suspension is backdated to November 24, 2025, the date of his provisional ban, and will run until November 23, 2027. Bracewell, who played in 69 matches for New Zealand across all formats, has accepted the ban and Essex will not face punishment. Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025, the club said in a statement on Friday. The club supports the Cricket Regulator's decision to impose a period of ineligibility of two years. All employees are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While the club does not condone Bracewell's behaviour, we are committed to supporting him through rehabilitation in line with our policies and procedures.
United book playoffs berth after routing Kingsmen for 80
Kingsmen will now compete for the fourth playoffs spot with Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings
Kohli returns to the top of the IPL 2026 Orange Cap table
Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar and B Sai Sudharsan also rose on the highest run-getters' table at IPL 2026 after the RCB vs GT game on Friday night
Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from 2026 French Open as wrist injury dashes three-peat dreams
Alcaraz's absence boosts Jannik Sinner's chances for a Career Slam
DC vs PBKS Match 35, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
DC vs PBKS Match 35 , Cricket Tips : Punjab Kings have been unstoppable in the IPL 2026 so far. They are the only team without a defeat in the IPL 2026 and are a few wins away from making it to the playoffs. PBKS will now take on Delhi Capitals in an away game. This encounter has a scheduled start of 3:30 PM IST at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. PBKS will look to stay at the top of the table. DC faced a defeat against SRH in the last game. They made several errors, and it cost them the game. So, they will be keen to address the issues and come hard. DC vs PBKS: Match Details Date : April 25, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi DC vs PBKS Live Streaming Details Indian fans can tune into Star Sports Network to watch the live action of the game. Fans can also enjoy the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. DC vs PBKS Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 35 DC : 17 PBKS : 17 No - Result : 01 DC vs PBKS: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Delhi is very flat and helpful for the batters. There is nothing for the bowlers in this wicket. This is a high-scoring venue, and the par score here in the IPL is around 190-200. Batting second will be a good option, because of the weather and pitch conditions. DC vs PBKS Possible XIs DC : KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar PBKS : Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett ,Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak DC vs PBKS Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Priyansh Arya and KL Rahul will be the two batters to watch out for from both teams. Probable Best Bowler Lungi Ngidi has bowled well and will be the key bowler for DC. For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh's role with the new ball will be important. Today Match Prediction : DC have not been consistent this season. Hence, we predict PBKS, who are in good form, to win this game. DC vs PBKS Match 35, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, DC vs PBKS 2026 Prediction, DC vs PBKS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for DC vs PBKS 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.
Kohli, Padikkal hit fifties as RCB ace the chase against GT
Sai Sudharsan's century in vain for GT as they slump to their fourth defeat
Barnard, Woakes lead Warwickshire fightback as Tongue claims five
Notts pushed back after making early inroads as visiting skipper notches unbeaten hundred
IPL 2026: I've Been Working Hard To Get Where I Am, Says Devdutt Padikkal After Fiery Fifty Vs GT
Indian Premier League: Devdutt Padikkals comeback continued to gain steam as his impressive 55 off 27 balls set the stage for Royal Challengers Bengalurus five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. Reflecting on his return to form, Padikkal emphasised the effort behind the scenes. Feels great. I've been working hard to get where I am, and I'm glad its paying off. I think a lot of this is thanks to the self-belief that the management has given me. At the same time, Ive made some technical changes in the past few years. You have to stick to those changes. Now I am seeing the results. Chasing a tough target of 205, RCB needed a strong start, and Padikkal delivered just that. He took on the pace of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj confidently, hitting boundaries and maintaining the required run rate. One shot stood outa beautiful lofted drive over extra coverwhich he highlighted: It was probably my favourite shot of the day for sure. Padikkal approached the innings with a clear strategy rather than recklessness. At the end of the day, I need to play according to the situation and assess whats happening out there. We were chasing 210, so we needed to make the most of the Power-play and keep the momentum going for the next few overs, he explained. This clarity showed as he dominated the middle overs, taking apart Prasidh Krishna and applying pressure on Rashid Khan with a mix of sweeps and lofted shots. Chasing a tough target of 205, RCB needed a strong start, and Padikkal delivered just that. He took on the pace of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj confidently, hitting boundaries and maintaining the required run rate. One shot stood outa beautiful lofted drive over extra coverwhich he highlighted: It was probably my favourite shot of the day for sure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Looking ahead, Padikkal expressed his desire to contribute more significantly. I want to help finish games, so hopefully I can do that soon, he said, while also recognising the depth of talent that gives him freedom to perform at the top. We've seen what Tim, Romario, and Jitesh can do down the order, so with that kind of firepower, you can feel free to go out and express yourself. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: We Needed To Take Wickets, Says GT Skipper Gill After Five-wicket Defeat Vs RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Shubman Gill did not shy away from pinpointing where the game slipped for the Gujarat Titans after their five-wicket defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 34th match of the Indian Premier League (2026) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. Definitely. From the 16th to the 19th, those three overs, we couldn't get any boundaries. Those overs were crucial for us. At the end of the Power-play, we were in a good situation. We needed to take wickets, he said. I mean, when a batsman gets dropped on nought, it's always tough on the fielder. But it's about how you come back in the game. We had our moments. But we weren't able to hit the right lengths consistently, which was important. But they batted very well in the middle overs. The dropped chance he referred to allowed Virat Kohli to flourish, and the veteran made GT pay with a commanding 81 off 44 balls. Alongside him, Devdutt Padikkal produced a stunning 55 off 27, dismantling the attack through the middle overs. Their partnership ensured RCB stayed ahead of the asking rate, even as GTs bowlers searched for control. Gill admitted there was some assistance in the pitch, particularly from Krunal Pandyas bowling: When we were batting, the balls that Krunal bowled, it was gripping a bit. I thought if we could get a few wickets, we would come back in the game. Earlier, the Gujarat Titans had posted a formidable 205/3, powered by a superb century from Sai Sudharsan, who struck 100 off 58 balls and became the fastest to 2000 IPL runs. Contributions from Gill and Jos Buttler added heft, but the total ultimately proved insufficient. Alongside him, Devdutt Padikkal produced a stunning 55 off 27, dismantling the attack through the middle overs. Their partnership ensured RCB stayed ahead of the asking rate, even as GTs bowlers searched for control. Gill admitted there was some assistance in the pitch, particularly from Krunal Pandyas bowling: When we were batting, the balls that Krunal bowled, it was gripping a bit. I thought if we could get a few wickets, we would come back in the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gill also hinted at expectations from his top order moving forward: He was quite upset with the way he got out in the previous game. But in the upcoming games, hopefully, he gives me some more strike in the Power-play. It was a telling note from a captain whose side had their chancesbut were ultimately outplayed in the moments that mattered most. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Kohli, Padikkal Guide RCB To Five-wicket Victory Over GT
Impact Player Jacob Bethell: Veteran Virat Kohli (81) and Devdutt Padikkal (55) led a strong charge as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) surged to a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. RCBs reply got a lucky break early on when Kohli, trying his signature flick off Mohammed Siraj, hit it too high and was dropped by Washington Sundar at short midwicket. This mistake proved costly. Kohli quickly found his rhythm, while Impact Player Jacob Bethell had a brief moment of luck before he edged one to backward point and fell to Kagiso Rabada. Padikkal wasted no time making an impact. He took on Rabadas pace, which was clocked at 153.6 kph, hitting a six over deep square leg. He then punished Siraj for his mistakes with boundaries and a lofted six over extra cover. Kohli joined in soon after, stepping down the track against Rabada and scoring his 800th IPL four, becoming the first batter to hit this milestone. The momentum swung as Padikkal dominated the middle overs, taking apart Prasidh Krishna with a series of boundaries and sixes, including a flick, a pull, and a loft over long-off. He then targeted Rashid Khan, launching him for six over long-off and sweeping for another six, bringing up a blazing half-century off just 30 balls. At one point, he raced to 50 in only 20 deliveries. Meanwhile, Kohli made the most of his early chance. He reached a significant milestone by pulling Rashid for his 300th IPL six, joining an elite group behind only Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle. Not willing to take a back seat, Kohli attacked Rabada, hitting a flick for four and a towering six over deep midwicket, which kept the required rate manageable. Padikkal's innings ended on 55 off 27 balls when Rashid fooled him with a googly that clipped the bails. However, Kohli continued, taking on Jason Holder with two consecutive sixesone a powerful flick over deep midwicket and the other lofted over mid-off. The veteran eventually fell for 81 off 44 balls, chopping a slower ball from Holder onto his stumps. By then, RCB had taken control of the chase, scoring quickly and staying well ahead in their pursuit. Earlier, the Gujarat Titans set a competitive total of 205/3, highlighted by a brilliant century by Sai Sudharsan. The left-hander overcame a tough start against Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who both extracted movement and bounce, before seizing control as the conditions improved. Sudharsan raced to 41 off 27 balls, helping GT to 57/0 in the powerplay. He reached his half-century in 33 balls and continued to dominate the middle overs with a mix of creative strokes and calculated aggression. A standout moment occurred when he uppercut Krunal Pandya for six and followed it with a slog sweep to reach his 2000th IPL run, becoming the fastest to this milestone in 47 innings, ahead of Gayle, Shaun Marsh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and KL Rahul. Sudharsan eventually fell for an excellent 100 off 58 balls to Hazlewood, ending hopes for a late surge. Contributions from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, along with a late push from Holder and Washington Sundar, ensured GT crossed the 200-mark. However, RCBs aggressive response, led by Kohli and Padikkal, kept them ahead in what became a high-scoring contest. Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma tried to end things quickly by hitting sixes off Rashid Khan, but the leg-spinner fought back by having Jitesh caught in the covers. From the other end, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar tricked Patidar in the air, getting him to hit a miscue to extra cover and leaving RCB five down. Krunal Pandya took charge just when the chase looked like it might fall apart. In the 18th over, he hit back-to-back boundaries and then a huge six over deep midwicket to start a decisive counterattack against Suthar. Krunal's unbeaten 23 off 12 balls, which included 17 runs in the over, helped RCB win the game by five wickets. Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma tried to end things quickly by hitting sixes off Rashid Khan, but the leg-spinner fought back by having Jitesh caught in the covers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans 205/3 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 100, Shubman Gill 32; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1-31, Suyash Sharma 1-36) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 206/5 in 18.5 overs (Virat Kohli 81, Devdutt Padikkal 55; Rashid Khan 2-49, Jason Holder 1-28) by five wickets. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: It Was Always Coming, Says Sudharsan After Scoring A Century Against RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sai Sudharsan played a calm yet strong innings, leading Gujarat Titans to a solid score of 205/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After scoring 100 off 58 balls, he said his innings was as much about finishing well as about finding form. It was always coming. I was touching the ball well in the last few innings and was really grateful to God. Really happy to contribute to the team. I think with the level of communication we understood it was two-paced and sticky, and it was a natural instinct to take the game deeper. The left-handed batter had a challenging start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood found early movement, beating his outside edge and concerning him with bounce. A fortunate edge for four helped him settle in, but once the conditions improved, Sudharsan picked up the pace. He started finding boundaries with accuracy and hit the first six of the innings in the fifth over. He dominated the powerplay, reaching 41 off 27 balls as GT scored 57/0, before smoothly moving into the middle overs. Combining smart aggression with effective strike rotation, he reached his half-century in 33 balls. Then, he stepped it up further, taking on Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya with inventive shots, including a daring uppercut for six. The left-handed batter had a challenging start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood found early movement, beating his outside edge and concerning him with bounce. A fortunate edge for four helped him settle in, but once the conditions improved, Sudharsan picked up the pace. He started finding boundaries with accuracy and hit the first six of the innings in the fifth over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Even with this achievement, Sudharsan kept his focus on the bigger goal. I have such high standards for myself, I want to always put my team in a good position. I've been starting well but not finishing well, so it was more than just a century for me. I didn't try to take too much control of the innings and let go. I let it go really well today. I personally feel it is a really good score for the bowlers. Not so easy to play shots as it's not so true. Article Source: IANS
DC have lots of catching up to do to give PBKS a fight
Rehan Ahmed has joined Delhi Capitals whereas Cooper Connolly is available for Punjab Kings after a quick trip to Australia
Cummins set to return and take back SRH captaincy
Parag's form under the scanner as RR host SRH in Jaipur
IPL 2026: Sudharsans Ton Lifts GT To 205/3 Against RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sai Sudharsan anchored Gujarat Titans' (GT) innings with an impressive 100 off 58 balls and helped visitors put up a competitive total of 205/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 34th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. Sudharsan started a bit shaky when Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the ball to move away, creating a thick outside edge that went past the short third for four. On the other end, Josh Hazlewood made things tough early on. He hit Sudharsan on the pads and repeatedly beat his outside edge, with Sudharsan often late on his shots. However, as the initial movement faded, Sudharsan began to settle, steering one deliberately past the short third and punching another through the covers to find his rhythm. The breakthrough came in the fifth over when Sudharsan hit the first six of the innings. After scooping Hazlewood past the keeper for four, he cut the seamer over cover-point for a maximum and followed it up by slicing another boundary behind point, racing to 41 off 27 balls while Shubman Gill had faced just three deliveries. The Gujarat Titans finished the Power-play strongly at 57/0, with Sudharsan in control. He kept attacking, facing Rasikh Salam with successive boundariesa pull and a cutwhile ensuring the scoring rate stayed above 10 runs per over. Gill contributed with a boundary in the final over of the Power-play, but the focus remained firmly on Sudharsan. Even when Krunal Pandya tried to tighten things briefly with variations in pace and angle, Sudharsan smartly rotated the strike to prevent any slowdown. The left-hander brought up his half-century in style, reaching 50 off just 33 balls with a scoop for six off Romario Shepherd, followed by a sharp boundary through covers. The over became the most expensive of the innings as Gill joined in with a classic pull. Sudharsan then delivered one of the highlights of the innings by uppercutting Krunal for a six over deep thirdan audacious shotbefore slog-sweeping another maximum to mark his 2000th IPL run. He became the fastest to reach this milestone in 47 innings, surpassing Chris Gayle (48), with Shaun Marsh (52), Ruturaj Gaikwad (57), and KL Rahul (60) following behind. Sudharsan kept the momentum going into the middle overs, hitting Suyash Sharma for a six over wide long-off and smashing a straight drive that struck the bowler, briefly stopping play. Suyash returned to dismiss Gill with a googly, caught at long-on. Jos Buttler, in his 500th T20 match, added some energy with 17 off nine balls, including a four and a six. Hazlewood eventually ended Sudharsans excellent innings by forcing a mistimed pull that resulted in a return catch. With Sudharsan out for 100 off 58, Gujarat lost the chance for a late surge, but Washington Sundar provided some quick runs with a six and a four. Suyash Sharma delivered a tidy four-run 17th over before walking off for medical attention following the earlier blow to his hand, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar followed it up with an equally economical five-run over while dismissing Jos Buttler, who reverse-scooped a low full toss to short third. Drama unfolded ahead of the final over as Rasikh Salam pulled up near the umpire with cramps and had to walk off despite brief treatment, forcing Rajat Patidar to hand the ball to Krunal Pandya to complete the innings. Holder hammered two maximums and a boundary in the last over to help GT reach 205/3. For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Suyash Sharma picked up a wicket each. Holder hammered two maximums and a boundary in the last over to help GT reach 205/3. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans 205/3 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 100, Shubman Gill 32; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1-31, Suyash Sharma 1-36) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Sai Sudharsan Becomes Fastest Batter To Reach 2000 Runs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sai Sudharsan made Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 runs, achieving this milestone in just 47 innings during the Gujarat Titans game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on Friday. The left-hander surpassed Chris Gayle, who previously held the record by reaching the mark in 48 innings. Sudharsan now has over 2,000 runs from 47 matches with an impressive average and strike rate, showing his consistency at the top of the order with several fifties and centuries. Interestingly, this milestone comes in what has been a modest IPL 2026 season for Sudharsan. He scored only 135 runs in his first six innings, including just one fifty against the Rajasthan Royals, and had trouble converting good starts in other games. He became only the second player, after Shubman Gill, to hit this milestone for the franchise. At the end of nine overs, he was batting 85 off 49 balls and led the innings with nine fours and four sixes. The left-hander also became one of the fastest players to reach this mark in terms of balls faced, totalling 1,361. He joined an elite group that includes Abhishek Sharma, Virender Sehwag, and Rishabh Pant, highlighting his consistency and impact. Interestingly, this milestone comes in what has been a modest IPL 2026 season for Sudharsan. He scored only 135 runs in his first six innings, including just one fifty against the Rajasthan Royals, and had trouble converting good starts in other games. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is nearing another significant milestone. The RCB star, already the highest run-scorer in IPL history, now needs just 92 runs to become the first player to reach 9,000 IPL runs, adding another potential landmark to the competition. Article Source: IANS
BCL round-up: Pritom, Amite, Akbar tons give North and East Zones winning start
Pritom, Amite and Akbar hit centuries this week, while Sofor and Robiul grabbed five-wicket hauls
IPL 2026: Happy To Bat At No.3 If The Team Asks Me To Do It, Says DCs Tristan Stubbs
Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals (DC) middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs said he has no reservations about batting at No.3 if the team demands it, adding that his past experiences of holding the fort in tough situations will come of huge help if slotted in the top order for their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. DC, with three wins from six games, will be looking to arrest their inconsistency in the competition when they host table-toppers PBKS, who remain the only unbeaten team in IPL 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon. Stubbs has drawn attention for his calmness while playing a big part in bailing DC out of tough situations against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with scores of 39 not out and 60 not out, respectively. In all, Stubbs has aggregated 196 runs from six innings at an average of 65.3 and a strike rate of 137. I think being in the middle order in general, you come in different situations all the time. So you are sort of mentally prepared for that, but you also have past experiences you have had in those types of situations. So, I don't really mind where I come in. Then, going up the order, if the team asks me to do it, I will be more than happy to do it. So, yeah, that's about it, Stubbs told reporters on the eve of the match. He credited his adaptability to shift gears as per the situation to a career spent batting across multiple positions, and the experience gained through playing Test cricket for South Africa. Like I said, I have batted through my whole career pretty much. I have batted three in one game and six in the next game. So, it changes all the time, and that sort of allowed me, with Test cricket, to be able to try and change gears and do what I think is right out there. Those two games, fortunately, the rate never got away from us. So, there was always one partnership in both those games, and that's about it. I firmly believe in batting in partnerships, and that's what I try to do my best, he said. But Stubbs' overall scoring rate this season has remained on the conservative side. In IPL 2026, he has been too slow and failed to accelerate in the manner he managed to do in the last two editions. The breakdown of his strike rates across phases, as per stats from Cricket-21, highlights the dip in Stubbs' tempo. Since 2024, his strike rate in the first 10 balls has hovered around 127, but in 2026, it has dropped to 118. The middle phase (balls 1120) has seen a sharper decline from 282 in 2024 and 189 in 2025 to just 144 this season. For balls above 21, Stubbs' finishing burst has also lost some sting, sliding from 233 in 2024 and 155 in 2025 to 149 in 2026. One can hope that Stubbs' potential promotion to No.3 can arrest this slide and bring about a turnaround in his strike rates across phases. On what to expect from the pitch for the high-stakes mid-season clash, Stubbs said, I think from the World Cup to still here now, we haven't really seen here like an absolute belter. So, it will probably be pretty similar. Hopefully, it's really low, ragging, and 120 plays 120 - that'll be great, he said with a smile. DC have faced questions about their batting consistency this season, including their inability to chase down anything 200 and beyond. But Stubbs pushed back against the notion, adding that once the small moments align together, they can show their best batting performance in the competition. One can hope that Stubbs' potential promotion to No.3 can arrest this slide and bring about a turnaround in his strike rates across phases. On what to expect from the pitch for the high-stakes mid-season clash, Stubbs said, I think from the World Cup to still here now, we haven't really seen here like an absolute belter. So, it will probably be pretty similar. Hopefully, it's really low, ragging, and 120 plays 120 - that'll be great, he said with a smile. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On a bad day, we have won three out of six. But also, when we've lost it, we've still scored 190. We know a couple of small moments here and there in the games that we're scoring these big scores. We're not too worried. Everyone's really positive and everyone's batting well, so that's quite exciting, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'I Visualise These Situations,' Says Jadeja On His Fighting Knock Vs LSG
Lucknow Super Giants: Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja credited his mental preparation and ability to visualise pressure scenarios for his match-winning performance in RRs 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. I had a magic wand in my pocket. As soon as I put my hand in it, I felt something. Why did you move ahead in such a team? I have played in such a situation for so many years. My batting has never been in such a situation in my entire career. I have played in such a situation very rarely. I have got used to this thing, Jadeja said in a video released by Rajasthan Royals on Friday. In a low-scoring encounter, Jadejas unbeaten 43 off 29 balls lifted Rajasthan Royals to 159/6, with a crucial late flourish alongside Shubham Dubey. His late assault, including a 20-run final over, proved decisive on a tricky surface. Reflecting on his mindset, Jadeja emphasised the importance of mental rehearsal. This thing keeps running in my mind. This situation can also come in a T20 game. If the wicket fell 3-4, then I would have to go and handle the batting. I visualise this and see myself in the same situation. I get a lot of help in this. I keep thinking about that situation. I get a lot of benefit from it, he said. Defending 159, which is the lowest total successfully defended this season, RR's bowlers produced a clinical effort to bundle out LSG for just 119 in 18 overs. Jofra Archer starred with 3-20, while Nandre Burger and Brijesh Sharma picked up two wickets each as LSG slumped to their fourth straight loss despite Mitchell Marshs fighting 55. Jadeja noted that the pitch conditions played a significant role in shaping his approach with both bat and ball. Wicket was not that easy. Personally, I felt that it was not a typical T20 wicket. There were some fast bowlers on the wicket. There was a seam. There was a swing, too. It was not that easy to hit a shot in the T20 format in today's wicket. Jadeja, who also took one crucial wicket, explained his bowling strategy, where he mixed his pace effectively to trouble the LSG batters. When I came to bowl, I felt that I could use the pace of the ball. My plan succeeded. When I was batting, I felt that the ball was not coming well on the bat. It was getting stuck. There was a little grip, he said. Jadeja, who also took one crucial wicket, explained his bowling strategy, where he mixed his pace effectively to trouble the LSG batters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, with this win, the Rajasthan Royals are placed at number 2 in the points table with five wins in seven matches. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their home ground, Sawai Mansingh Stadium, on Saturday. Article Source: IANS
Bethell in for Salt as RCB bowl; GT bring in Holder
Holder came in for Phillips, and Suthar for Ashok Sharma for GT
IPL 2026: Bethell Replaces Injured Phil Salt As RCB Elect To Bowl Against GT
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and elected to bowl against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, on Friday. RCB opener Phil Salt has picked up an injury, as his countryman Jacob Bethell replaced him in the playing eleven. For GT, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, and Manav Suthar come in for Prasidh Krishna, Glenn Philips, and Ashok Sharma. RCB captain Rajat Patidar said, It's pretty obvious we want to bowl first. As we all know, chasing gives a sort of clarity about the wicket and the score. There's one change. Salty got injured, and Bethell comes in. On doing well at home, he said, A great point that I like, we are assessing the wicket and the situation pretty well. Of course, there's a lot of planning behind it. Whenever you come here to Chinnaswamy, it's a good wicket to bat on. There's no grass on it. It might be a bit tacky in the first innings. GT captain Shubman Gill said, Not really. Generally, on this ground, teams have had success chasing. But it looks like a good wicket. Honestly, it's about assessing the conditions quickly. If you can get a good Power-play, you can build on that. Just keep mounting on the good start. On losing their previous game, Gill said, Games like that in tournaments like this can happen. But it's about reminding us what has worked for us as a team and backing ourselves. We have a couple of changes. Jason Holder comes, and he is making his debut tonight. Manav also comes in. Playing XIs: Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj. Impact substitutes: Prasidh Krishna, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Arshad Khan Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Venkatesh Iyer Article Source: IANS
'We're walking away stronger for it' - Walter on NZ's depth despite series loss
After claiming a 1-0 lead, NZ ended up losing the three-match series in challenging conditions in Bangladesh
IPL 2026: Connolly Is Available And Ready To Feature For PBKS Against Delhi Capitals, Says Bahutule
Indian Premier League: Australias batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly is available and ready to feature for Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Delhi Capitals on Saturday afternoon, confirmed spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. As previously reported by IANS, Connolly had briefly returned to his hometown, Perth, to undergo scans on his back after injury prevented him from bowling left-arm spin in IPL 2026. Connolly has since rejoined the squad and is available to play, though its yet to be known if he will still play as a specialist batter for PBKS, the lone unbeaten side in the competition. Yes, he is very much available. So, he had to go back and report to his state team. He just went there, and he has come back. So, he is very much ready and raring to go because I think he is somebody who's in his first year in IPL and first year in Indian conditions. He has responded really well, and he is a great kid. He has done well in the under-19 levels and played in the Big Bash League. He is definitely a player who is looking forward to every game and is very keen to perform for the side, Bahutule told reporters on the eve of the match. Bahutule also lavished praise on explosive left-handed opener Priyansh Arya, who has lit up IPL 2026 yet again with his audacious hitting. He had a fabulous season last year as well. I think he is somebody who must have gone during the off-season playing domestic cricket for Delhi and understood a few things where he needs to improve, and that's what he has got better at. He has come back and understood that this is what I need to improve for the second season. Yes, challenges are there in the second season. But it doesn't look like he has left off from the way he was playing last year. He is a very calm and composed cricketer and has very good shoulders. He doesn't get fazed by success or failure. He is very well-balanced, and I think in the coming future, he will be a great prospect to be playing for the country, he added. On the spin-bowling front, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has so far shouldered the slow bowling workload as the sole specialist spinner in PBKS's playing eleven. However, Bahutule indicated that Harpreet Brar, who has done well for PBKS whenever given a chance, remains firmly in their plans. I am sure he has also been considered. But again, we will have to look at the pitch again today, how it is tomorrow, and at some stage, and then take a call on things. Yes, Yuzi has actually taken all the pressure as the lone spinner because he is also aware that, being that lone spinner, the opposition will always look to target him. But with his experience and with his guile, he can execute his skills brilliantly. Harpreet is a fabulous bowler. He has been bowling exceedingly well from the domestic season to getting into the IPL. He is in a very good frame of mind. He is very keen and eager to play, too. But sometimes, the combination and you have to take certain decisions which are favourable for that particular pitch and that particular opposition. Yes, definitely, he is in the scheme of things, and we will take a call tomorrow, and hopefully, he can get a game, he added. With the match scheduled to be played in the afternoon, temperatures are expected to be very high, leading to cramps affecting players being a strong possibility. Asked about how the team, particularly the overseas contingent, was preparing to cope with the scorching Delhi heat, Bahutule said, Again, IPL has been there for so many years. Overseas players are also aware of it. I think they start the preparation at least a day before, in terms of hydration. But sometimes, the combination and you have to take certain decisions which are favourable for that particular pitch and that particular opposition. Yes, definitely, he is in the scheme of things, and we will take a call tomorrow, and hopefully, he can get a game, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That is the reason why they are well-equipped when they respond. Yes, but sometimes it can be that the heat is too much, or the conditions can get worse. But overall, they are very well-equipped for it, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: PBKS Unbeaten Run A Product Of Culture Built Last Year, Says Spin Bowling Coach Bahutule
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Punjab Kings spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has attributed the franchise's unbeaten run in IPL 2026 to the culture and values instilled by head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer from last year. PBKS head into Saturday's afternoon fixture against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as the only unbeaten side in the tournament, and Bahutule was emphatic in saying that the groundwork was laid well before this season began. See, I think it started from last year and the way they have played and operated on the field from last year. I think the culture which has been built by Ricky, the values which have been built by him from last year itself, have been taken forward this year. So the success of last year, whatever, yes, we didn't go further and win the finals. But I think that culture which was created, the same sort of values have been taken forward. Each one is understanding their responsibilities. With Shreyas being the captain and Ricky being the head coach, the collaboration is so good that we are very clear in terms of how we want to approach each game. I think all of us know that this tournament is quite a high-risk, high-pressure tournament. Yes, we started really well. We have been playing really well in terms of batting, bowling and fielding. But I think as a group we know that we have to take one game at a time and not go too ahead of ourselves and be as much in the present as possible and that's what we have been doing each game. One is understanding who we play against, what the opposition is, where we are playing. So all these points we just consider and move slowly and steadily in terms of each game. So now we look forward for the game tomorrow. It's an afternoon game. Things change in terms of adaptation. So small steps will take us to where we want to go, Bahutule said, while replying to a query from IANS in the pre-match press conference. Punjab Kings' bowling attack, particularly in the death overs, has been brilliant in applying the squeeze on opposition batters in the death overs. Bahutule credited fast bowling coach James Hopes for the sharpness of the pace bowling unit, which includes Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett and Marco Jansen. I think with our Indian bowlers, with Vyshak, Arshdeep and obviously Bartlett, it makes a huge difference in terms of understanding how and what is needed for them in the different phases. In the second phase, obviously a lot of execution is important. I think in all the games till now, they have executed according to the plans. We try and keep it very simple. We don't complicate things and whatever the bowlers, all these bowlers who are bowling really well. Marco also can be used in any phase. We try and see how they can be used to their optimal in different phases and they have been responding really well. I think James Hopes, who is our fast bowling coach, he has done a wonderful job with all these bowlers. I think the clarity is so good that it helps them to perform better, he added. Bahutule, who has watched Iyer develop closely over the years due to both of them hailing from Mumbai, described him as a natural leader whose composure under pressure sets him apart. I think he has been a Mumbai boy and I have seen his growth over a period of time. His leadership qualities are something which are special in the way that he is not only responsible towards himself but also to the 10 guys who are playing on the field as well as his collaboration with all the support staff as well as guys who are not playing is phenomenal. I think the rapport he has with each player and he understands them, he knows how to get the best out of a player on the field. He is somebody who is very calm and composed in terms of his understanding towards the situation. Once you are calm and composed, you obviously have clarity in your thought process and I think that is what he does. In a pressure situation, he knows exactly how to handle that. If any of the players by chance don't play to their potential that particular time, he will still make sure that he believes in them and calms them off and gets the best out of them. So I think he is very special. I think in the coming time, he will have some future as a captain as well, he elaborated. Asked whether sustaining the winning momentum would bring added pressure, Bahutule, the former India spinner acknowledged that challenging situations lie ahead but backed the squad's depth to weather any storm. In a pressure situation, he knows exactly how to handle that. If any of the players by chance don't play to their potential that particular time, he will still make sure that he believes in them and calms them off and gets the best out of them. So I think he is very special. I think in the coming time, he will have some future as a captain as well, he elaborated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But I think we are so well equipped in our batting order that there is a depth in it. When it comes to bowling, again, new ball bowling is something which, again, it's good. But we need to improve on that. But otherwise, again, the mid and the death overs have been fabulous for us. So I think each department has its own understanding, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
'Been A Long Time Coming': Cummins Confirms His Availability For RR Clash
ICC T20 World Cup: 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have received a big boost ahead of their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium as their designated captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that he will play his first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Cummins arrived in India ahead of the season, but didn't take part in the match. The 32-year-old flew back to Australia right after SRH's thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2 for the scan on his back. Australian Test captain cleared the fitness test on Friday and has now confirmed that he will take the field against the Rajasthan Royals. Been a long time coming, stinging to get back into it tomorrow, Cummins shared in a social media post via his official Instagram handle, hinting at his return to the dressing room. The Australian pacer has not played a single match since the Ashes series at home against England. He also missed the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia exited for the first time from the group stage. In his absence, SRH experimented with their pace attack and found success in debutant fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, both of whom claimed four-wicket hauls against RR at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium earlier this week. The Australian pacer has not played a single match since the Ashes series at home against England. He also missed the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia exited for the first time from the group stage. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cummins is likely to replace fast bowler Dilshan Madhushanka, who played just one match in the IPL 2026 so far and gave away 36 runs by taking just one wicket in four overs. Travis Head, Heinrich Klassen, and Eshan Malinga will be the other three overseas players in the SRH playing XI. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'Mumbai Indians Have Certainly Missed Rohit Sharma,' Says Aakash Chopra
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed to the absence of veteran opener Rohit Sharma as a key reason behind the struggles of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, following their heavy 103-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Mumbai Indians' most successful captain and opener Rohit Sharma suffered a hamstring injury sustained against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The injury forced him to retire hurt, leading to him missing matches against the Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings. They have certainly missed Rohit Sharma. Without strong starts, chasing totals in the 210220 range becomes very difficult, Chopra told Jio Hotstar. He further noted that key senior batters, including India's T20 World Cup champions Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, have failed to deliver consistently. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya havent contributed enough so far. While there have been positives like Tilak Varmas hundred, the rest of the batting unit needs to step up, he said. Suryakumar has managed just 157 runs in the seven matches he has played for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026 season at an average of 22.43 and a strike rate of 142.72. He has only one half-century to his name in the 19th edition of the T20 tournament, scoring 51 runs against the Delhi Capitals. He has just hit four sixes in the ongoing IPL season so far, along with 17 boundaries. While Hardik Pandya has had a challenging IPL 2026 season for the Mumbai Indians, scoring 97 runs in six matches at an average of 19.00. His scores include 1, 15, 14, 40, 9, and 18 not out, with a total strike rate of 140.58. MI, chasing a massive 208, were bundled out for just 104 as CSKs bowling attack dominated. Akeal Hosein led the charge with four wickets, while Noor Ahmad and others ensured regular breakthroughs. While Hardik Pandya has had a challenging IPL 2026 season for the Mumbai Indians, scoring 97 runs in six matches at an average of 19.00. His scores include 1, 15, 14, 40, 9, and 18 not out, with a total strike rate of 140.58. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this loss, the Mumbai Indians have moved down to the eighth position with just four points in seven matches. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 29 at the same venue in a must-win encounter. Article Source: IANS
Indian Premier League: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are yet to find their rhythm in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 and need to improve their mistakes to get back to winning ways. After suffering a thumping 103-run defeat, their biggest defeat in terms of runs in T20 history, against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, MI are hanging in the bottom half of the points table. The Mumbai Indians is a strong team, but they havent found their rhythm yet and are currently on a losing run. There have been a few mistakes, and the spinners have not performed as expected, Harbhajan told IANS. Former MI champion also urged other players to step up with their performances and to reduce the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah, who has a lot of burden of expectations. There are high expectations from Jasprit Bumrah, and he carries a significant workload... Other players also need to contribute and step up with their performances. The Mumbai Indians are a side that, once it starts winning, can be difficult to stop. They need to find the right approach to get back to winning, he added. Despite a poor start in the campaign, Harbhajan believes that the Mumbai Indians can still qualify for the playoffs if they follow the path of winning. Harbhajan's statement comes at a time when MI suffered their biggest loss against CSK in IPL history at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. CSK delivered a dominant all-round performance, posting a formidable 207/6 after opting to bat first. Sanju Samson led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten 101, while contributions across the batting order ensured the total crossed the 200-run mark. Despite a poor start in the campaign, Harbhajan believes that the Mumbai Indians can still qualify for the playoffs if they follow the path of winning. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this loss, the Mumbai Indians have moved down to the eighth position with just four points in seven matches. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 29 at the same venue in a must-win encounter. Article Source: IANS
Chennai Super Kings: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson for his exceptional game awareness after his brilliant century helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) register a dominant 103-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI). CSK posted a commanding 207/6 after batting first, with Samson anchoring the innings with his sparkling 101 off 54, while contributions from the middle order pushed the total past 207. In response, the Mumbai Indians collapsed to 104 in 19 overs despite brief resistance from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. Sanju Samson stood out because of his game awareness. A lot of players have talent, but very few understand how to pace an innings in different situations, Harbhajan told Jio Hotstar. He recognised the importance of batting till the end, especially with a young side around him. After his half-century, he shifted gears, focused on singles and doubles, and ensured he stayed till the last phase. With wickets falling at the other end, he took responsibility and finished strongly. For me, this was one of the finest innings in terms of awareness and determination, he added. Harbhajan also praised CSKs spinners Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmed, who took six wickets combined, especially their intent to get a breakthrough rather than opting for a defensive approach. After his half-century, he shifted gears, focused on singles and doubles, and ensured he stayed till the last phase. With wickets falling at the other end, he took responsibility and finished strongly. For me, this was one of the finest innings in terms of awareness and determination, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Akeal Hosein, in particular, was outstanding. The way he dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, knowing his strength against the sweep, showed great awareness. For me, his spell was just as impactful as Samsons century. Four wickets in a game like this is no less than a match-winning contribution, he added. Article Source: IANS
Happy Birthday Sachin: As India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar is celebrating his 53rd birthday on Friday, the cricket fraternity took to social media to extend heartfelt wishes. Conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2014, Tendulkar is a veteran of 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, besides amassing 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs. He had been a part of the Indian team at ODI World Cups since 1992 but had to wait till 2011 to fulfil his ultimate dream of clinching the World Cup after missing out on five previous occasions. Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have scored 100 centuries. Of his 100 international tons, 51 came in Tests and 49 in ODIs. He retired from ODI cricket in 2012, and a year later, in November 2013, he bid adieu to the game by retiring from all forms of cricket after playing his 200th Test. His retirement marked the end of an era in Indian cricket, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring cricketers around the globe. On the occasion of his 53rd birthday, the sports fraternity showered him with love and wished Tendulkar good health and happiness. ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed Tendulkar's contribution to the development of cricket. Sharing a post on X, the ICC Chairman wrote, Wishing our sport's icon @sachin_rt a very happy birthday. Your amazing contribution to cricket continues to inspire generations across the world to play and watch our great game, while your empathy and humanity has an ongoing and significant impact on society. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a post on X on Tendulkar's birthday and wrote, 664 international matches. 34,357 international runs. Only cricketer to score 100 international hundreds. Member of #TeamIndia's ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2011 winning campaign. Wishing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar a very happy birthday. Gujarat Titans batting coach and Aussie legend Matthew Hayden wished Sachin Tendulkar on his 53rd birthday through a heartfelt video posted on the franchises social media handles. I have seen God. He used to bat at number four for India. Happy birthday, Sachin, Hayden said in a video released by GT on Instagram. Sachin's son Arjun, who is playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, had a sweet, short and simple birthday wish for his father, the Master Blaster. But, refused to eat cake, even on his birthday, as he is off sugar. In a video posted by his IPL team, Lucknow Super Giants, Arjun was seen pointing towards a cake, Happy Birthday. But I'm not going to eat this because I don't have sugar very often. I'll see you soon. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted on X, Happy Birthday Paaji, sharing the field with you was an honour, but learning from you was even bigger. Your discipline, humility and love set the standard for all of us! Thank you for the memories and the inspiration you continue to be. Lots of love. Ex-India spin master Harbhajan Singh said, Happy Birthday paaji . May Waheguru continue to bless you with good health, wealth, happiness & peace. True legend, Master not just on the field but off the field too . Love Always. While Irfan Pathan wrote, When you say GOAT, I hear Sachin Tendulkar. When you say Master Blaster, I hear Sachin Tendulkar. When you say university of Cricket, I hear @sachin_rt.Your forever a student, wishing you a very happy birthday, Paaji. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan wrote, Happy Birthday @sachin_rt paaji.An inspiration to generations, on and off the field. Wishing you great health and happiness always Sachin's IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians, wrote, The little boy who became every cricket lovers heartbeat. Happy Birthday, @sachin_rt Chennai Super Kings wrote,100/100 every time you stepped on the field. Every inning, a story defines the game for decades. Happy Birthday to the God of Cricket. Sachin's IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians, wrote, The little boy who became every cricket lovers heartbeat. Happy Birthday, @sachin_rt Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tendulkar shared a post on X with a photo of his wife, mother and pet dog and wrote, Perfect start to my day with Aai, Anjali and the trouble maker! What more could a man ask for? Article Source: IANS
RCB vs GT Match 34, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
RCB vs GT Match 34 , Cricket Tips : Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered a heartbreaking defeat in their previous match against Delhi Capitals. Romario Shepherd failed to defend 15 runs in the final overs. That was their second defeat of the season. RCB have slipped to third on the table. They will take on Gujarat Titans on Friday. This contest will kick off at 7:30 PM IST at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. GT also lost their last game. They faced Mumbai Indians and suffered their biggest defeat in the IPL. Shubman Gill and co. will also be looking to get back into the winning ways with a good performance. RCB vs GT: Match Details Date : April 24, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : R. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru RCB vs GT Live Streaming Details Fans can watch the live action of the high-profile game on Friday on the Star Sports Network. The live stream will be played on the Jio Hotstar app or website. RCB vs GT Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 06 MI : 03 CSK : 03 No - Result : 00 RCB vs GT: Ground Pitch Report Chinnaswamy Stadium is an excellent wicket to bat on. It is flat and doesn't do much for the bowlers. The shorter boundaries and fast outfield are another areas of concern for bowling sides. RCB vs GT Possible XIs RCB : Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood GT : Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ashok Sharma RCB vs GT Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill will be two batters, who are expected to score runs for their respective teams. Probable Best Bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan are two experienced bowlers for each team and they are expected to deliver with the ball.Today Match Prediction: RCB have a strong batting unit. Hence, we predict Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win their game. RCB vs GT Match 33, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, 2026 Prediction, 2026 Predicted XIs, Injury Update for RCB vs GT 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.
Sachin Tendulkar turns 53, celebrates birthday with family and fans in Mumbai
Widely regarded as one of crickets greatest players, Tendulkars milestone birthday also brought renewed attention to his unmatched records, including being the highest run-scorer in international cricket and holding the most centuries across formats
'We Both Work Well In Tandem': Hosein On Match-winning Spell With Noor
Spinner Akeal Hosein: Spinner Akeal Hosein credited clear communication and game awareness with teammate Noor Ahmad after the duo played a key role in Chennai Super Kingss (CSK) dominant 103-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium. Explaining their bowling approach, he said the focus was on sharing information from the pitch and help each other in proper execution. Im just going to talk you through the match. From a bowling perspective, for myself taking the first ball, for me it was just about passing on what information I was getting from the surface, what deliveries were working, what lengths were working, and just passing that on to Noor, Hosein said in a video released by IPL on X. So when he comes in, hes got a clear plan on what he has to execute and how hes going about his game. And, you know, thankfully we both work well in tandem and we had a fantastic spell tonight, He added. Hosein finished with great figures of 4-17 while his partner Noor also picked two crucial wickets as CSK bowl out MI for just 104 runs in 19 overs while chasing 208 and won the match by 103 runs. Hosein also reserved praise for CSKs batting performance, especially Sanju Samson, who scored a brilliant unbeaten century. Lets not forget a brilliant knock by Sanju Samson. What a way to finish! And it was another fine innings. Faced the innings well. At stages, it was a bit tricky to bat on, especially when you now come in. But I thought that Sanju played a fantastic knock and facing the innings well and sort of keeping that anchor at the crease, he said. And, you know, thankfully he got his 100 in the end as well. So good job to him, he added. Reflecting on the high-profile clash, Hosein said it was a special occasion and felt good to perform for the team against MI. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a big rivalry. Two teams with the most IPL trophies coming up against each other. And to have this sort of performance in Mumbai, its always a brilliant achievement. So for me, just happy to be a part of this rivalry and to come out on the winning side as well. Reflecting on the high-profile clash, Hosein said it was a special occasion and felt good to perform for the team against MI. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Its very challenging. The fact that you only have two guys out. But with that being said, I think once you do your homework well and youre clear on your plans, as long as you go out there and execute, then you know its a 50-50 battle, He concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Unbeaten PBKS Aim To Extend Perfect Run Against Inconsistent DC (Preview)
Indian Premier League: An unbeaten Punjab Kings will look to maintain a perfect run in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season when they face an inconsistent Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The contrast between the two teams is pretty evident PBKS have won five of their six games, with one ending in no-result, and sit at the top of the table. DC, meanwhile, have three wins and as many losses, to be at sixth position in the points tally. What makes Punjab so formidable is the stability in their line-up. Shreyas Iyer's side has used only 12 players all season - the fewest personnel used by any team - and that stability in selection has translated directly into role clarity. Their batting unit has been the finest in the ten-team competition - their overall run-rate chart is at 11.3, they are the joint-best scoring team in the powerplay (11.3) and best in scoring runs in the middle overs (11 runs per over). They have hit 69 sixes - the second best for a team in the tournament - and have simply not allowed opposition bowlers to settle. Their openers, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, have been the foundation of this dominance. Delhi-based Arya has 211 runs at a strike rate of 248 and his powerplay numbers are equally surreal: 152 runs at a strike rate of 258. Prabhsimran has matched him almost exactly - 211 runs at an average of 52.8, with a strike rate of 187 against pace. As an opening pair, Arya and Prabhsimran have carried on the good work done in IPL 2025 they have put on 197 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 221. Behind them, Cooper Connolly has emerged as one of the finds of the season. The Australian batting all-rounder has scored 223 runs at 55.8 and, crucially, he has shown the temperament to absorb an early wobble before accelerating. Skipper Shreyas Iyer has been in fine nick by scoring three fifties and returns to a venue familiar to him owing to being previously the captain of Delhi Capitals, including being runners-up in the 2020 season. Iyer is all set to play an IPL game in New Delhi for the first time since 2019 and he will be keen to treat the crowd to a great show from his willow. PBKS bowling has been about them performing as a collective rather than being a one-man effort. Arshdeep Singh, wicketless in his first three outings, has found his rhythm and confidence and picked six wickets in the last three games. Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Vyshak Vijaykumar have done their jobs well, while leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal remains their main threat in the middle overs. In short, PBKS are firing on all cylinders and to derail their winning juggernaut, DC must find a way to bridge the gap between flashes of individual brilliance and collective execution. If Arya and Prabhsimran get going at their usual clip, DC will need their bowlers to take wickets quickly - something that has not happened consistently. DCs run-rate of 8.7 in the first six overs with the bat is the third-lowest in the competition, and onus will be on openers Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul to match that intent, especially if they are to successfully chase down anything above 200. Beyond them, DC have shuffled their batting order in almost every game and constantly changing their impact player choice has meant they havent zeroed on a settled combination. While David Miller has been excellent in the death overs, despite falling for a duck in the last game, Tristan Stubbs, despite adapting his game very well as per the situations, needs to overcome his slow starts. With the ball, Axar and Kuldeep Yadav need to produce their best performances simultaneously - something that has not happened enough. Against SRH, they curiously bowled only two overs each, even as part-time off-spinner Nitish Rana bowled four overs and leaked 55 runs. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan are among the most economical bowlers in overs 17-20 this season and are DCs best hope of inflicting a late-innings squeeze on a formidable PBKS batting line-up. For now, another win for PBKS would see them maintain their best start in an IPL season, while a defeat for DC will put them at the risk of falling further behind in a tightening race to the playoffs. When: Saturday, April 25, 3:30PM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, and Vishal Nishad Article Source: IANS
'Intensity Of MI-CSK Rivalry Brought The Best In Me': Samson
Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson revealed that the high expectations and the pressure to score against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) motivated him to perform to the best of his capabilities and score a match-winning hundred at the Wankhede Stadium. Samson's sparkling 101 off 54, laced with 10 fours and six sixes powered CSK to a total of 207/6. In reply, MI kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and were shot out for just 104 in 19 overs. It's a very big occasion in IPL, everyone looks up to the CSK, my game, and I have been a part of this for the first time. So I could see the build-up, I could see the intensity coming on, so that's when my best also comes out, Samson said in a video released by IPL on X. I like the challenges, I like when it's tough, so I really enjoyed the game today, I think the wicket was not a normal Wankhede wicket, the ball was swinging around, Bumrah was bowling with a new ball, so it was a very competitive game to be honest, so I think I'm very happy that I contributed and we had a victory today, he added. CSK delivered a dominant all-round performance after opting to bat first. Samson led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten 101, while the likes of Dewald Brevis (21) and Kartik Sharma (18) also contributed handy runs. In response, MI struggled from the outset and were eventually bowled out for 104 in 19 overs. Akeal Hosein starred with the ball, picking up four wickets, while Noor Ahmad provided crucial support. According to Samson, even the small contributions from every player made a huge difference in the game. I think with the amount of youngsters in the team, I would definitely like to give credit to all the players who have contributed, it's not about the 100 or the 4 wickets, I think all the small contributions from the batsmen and bowlers really counts in this big game, so very happy for the victory, I think we would like to keep the momentum going and look positive from the next game, he said. The 31-year-old also shed light on the feeling when he came close to a hundred and revealed the conversation with Akeal Hosein before the last over, in which Samson played all the deliveries and smashed 16 runs against Krish Bhagat and completed his second century of the season. I think with the amount of youngsters in the team, I would definitely like to give credit to all the players who have contributed, it's not about the 100 or the 4 wickets, I think all the small contributions from the batsmen and bowlers really counts in this big game, so very happy for the victory, I think we would like to keep the momentum going and look positive from the next game, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So luckily I got a big over and I got close to the 100 and me and Akhil had a chat before that over that I would like to face all six balls that over, I think we were looking to get maximum there and he also felt the same, so very happy, I think and definitely always feels very special to score a 100 and when it comes against MI in Wankhede, it's a super special feeling, he added. Article Source: IANS
Chennai Super Kings: After questions were raised about why Shardul Thakur had replaced Mitchell Santner as a concussion substitute during Mumbai Indians (MI) chase against Chennai Super Kings despite not being in the playing XI, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene explained that Santner went for a scan after he complained of dizziness, and it was then that they approached the match referee for a concussion substitute. Santner was seen walking off the field holding his shoulder after he ran in from sweeper cover to pull off a diving catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma, with replays showing that the Kiwi all-rounder's head hit the ground while attempting the catch. During the chase, MI had subbed out AM Ghazanfar to bring in opener Danish Malewar as the impact player. However, with MI's chase going nowhere, Shardul walked in to bat at No. 8 as a concussion substitute, raising more than a few eyebrows. Explaining the decision, Jayawardene said Santer went for a scan after he complained of dizziness, and the team requested a concussion sub only after the player reported feeling unstable I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back, he felt dizzy. So, he was lying down. Yes, the ice was there for the shoulder. But he felt that he wasn't stable. So, we took him for a scan in that situation. We requested (for a concussion substitute). Obviously, it is at the match referee and the umpire's discretion. They allowed Shardul. Mitch will be disappointed that his batting powers are matched to Shardul Thakur. But it is what it is. But hopefully, it's not too bad, Jayawardene said in a post-match press conference. I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back, he felt dizzy. So, he was lying down. Yes, the ice was there for the shoulder. But he felt that he wasn't stable. So, we took him for a scan in that situation. We requested (for a concussion substitute). Also Read: Live Cricket Score Praising the young spinners effort, Mahela shared, Allah Ghazanfar bowled well. He is very brave and maturing with time. The more games he plays in the middle. he will learn a lot. We, as a unit, will keep backing him to do what he does best, he added. Article Source: IANS
I Thought We Found Rhythm After Ahmedabad Win, But We Lost It: MI Coach Jayawardene
After Mumbai Indians: After Mumbai Indians' (IANS) thumping 103-run defeat against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted that his side have done well in patches but there is hole in MI's bowling and stressed the importance of regrouping, learning and coming back with positive intent. Ridding on Sanju Samson's (101 not out), laced with 10 fours and six sixes, CSK 207/6. In reply, MI never got going, as the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and were shot out for just 104 in 19 overs. Akeal Hosein was outstanding for CSK, registering figures of 4-17. We have managed just four points from seven matches. Disappointed to have lost this game. We lost our rhythm in the two powerplays itself, first with the ball and then with the bat. We have a break now, we will think and discuss what we need to do in the next seven games. Here too, we bowled well in patches but when 20-plus extra runs are given away, it is difficult to claw back into the game. As a team we all have to improve, Jayawardene said in a post match presser. If you analyse the seven games, yes, there was a hole in our bowling and we got some fresh faces in there. The win against Gujarat Titans in] Ahmedabad looked good. Again, here, I thought in patches we bowled well. It is just execution-wise, consistency-wise, I think we are one of the teams that has given the highest number of big overs - 18-plus overs, if you look at the half-season, he added. MII fell short in the powerplay, both with ball and bat. They scored their lowest powerplay total against CSK in the IPL on a day when their opponents had scored their second-highest total in that phase against them. Once you lose a match like that, it's difficult to even analyse it. But probably where we lost both the powerplays with the ball and with the bat, we just couldn't get to the game. We had a great game in Ahmedabad, I thought we found some rhythm, but again, we lost that rhythm. MII fell short in the powerplay, both with ball and bat. They scored their lowest powerplay total against CSK in the IPL on a day when their opponents had scored their second-highest total in that phase against them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With two wins in seven matches, MI are hanging in the bottom half of the points table, and now have a five-day break to regroup when they host Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29. Article Source: IANS
Was Krish Bhagat MI's best option for the 16th and 20th overs?
Ambati Rayudu and Mitchell McClenaghan feel the batting positions of Tilak Varma and Sherfane Rutherford should be swapped
Samson moves to No. 3 on IPL 2026 Orange Cap table, Kamboj reclaims Purple Cap
Here's what the Orange and Purple Cap tables at IPL 2026 look like after Chennai Super Kings' big win over Mumbai Indians on Thursday
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'Milestone' As Building Starts On LA Olympic Cricket Stadium
Cricket's return to the Olympic Games after 128 years reached an important milestone Wednesday when construction began on the new Los Angeles 2028 cricket venue. International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah and other officials took part in a ground-breaking ceremony on the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona, Los Angeles County. Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it, said Shah. The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket's return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC members and stakeholders worldwide. ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the Games would be a significant step in expanding the game outside of its traditional heartlands. The momentum for our game has never been stronger, with strong participation growth across the world, he said. The inclusion of cricket at LA28 provides a platform to inspire more young people to take up the game, the ICC said, and broaden the fan base across continents, accelerating the game's global growth. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket at the Los Angeles Games will feature T20 competitions for both men's and women's teams.
Speed takes over, and 'the momentum changes' for Bangladesh
I feel confident when I see the ball in his hand in crisis moments, Mehidy Hasan Miraz says of Mustafizur Rahman after the quick picked up five wickets to win Bangladesh the last ODI
'We lost that rhythm' - Jayawardene points to powerplays for big loss to CSK
We are one of the teams that has given the highest number of big overs, Mahela Jayawardene says about Mumbai Indians' lack of consistency in IPL 2026
Gaikwad dedicates CSK's 103-run win against MI to Mukesh Choudhary
The left-arm seamer played his part in CSK's win against MI following the death of his mother on Tuesday
IPL 2026: 'I Would Dedicate This Win To Mukesh,' Says Gaikwad As CSK Beat MI
Chennai Super Kings: Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated Chennai Super Kings comprehensive 103-run victory to Mukesh Choudhary, who featured in the match despite the recent demise of his mother, as players wore black armbands in tribute during their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Pretty tough on him (Mukesh Choudhary), I would dedicate this win to him. All glory to him. Everyone chipped in and wanted to be there for him. Feels good (on the win), Gaikwad said after the match. CSK delivered a dominant all-round performance, posting a formidable 207/6 after opting to bat first. Sanju Samson led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten 101, while contributions across the batting order ensured the total crossed the 200-run mark. In response, the Mumbai Indians struggled from the outset and were eventually bowled out for 104 in 19 overs. Akeal Hosein starred with the ball, picking up four wickets, while Noor Ahmad provided crucial support. Speaking about the decision at the toss, Gaikwad revealed it was instinctive. My gut feeling wanted me to bat first. Sanju and I said that it wasn't coming on nicely. He credited the collective batting effort, highlighting the importance of small contributions. Everyone chipped in really well. Even the 20s helped. Sanju played a magnificent knock and took us home, He said. Mukesh to Quinton de Kock, that set the momentum. He started really well, he added. Praising the bowling unit and team balance, he added, Its a blessing to have Akeal and Noor. Everyone is settling. Everyone is calm and composed. Mukesh to Quinton de Kock, that set the momentum. He started really well, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, after the win, CSK have moved up to the fifth position in the points table with six points in seven matches. They will next face the Gujarat Titans on April 26. Article Source: IANS
Bates to retire from international cricket after T20 World Cup
I have one final mission: to head to the UK and win another World Cup, she says
Khushdil pulls off stunning chase to end Karachi Kings' losing streak
Karachi Kings chased down Lahore Qalandars' total of 199 with eight balls to spare
IPL 2026: 'We Could Not Cope After Losing Early Wickets,' Says Pandya As MI Suffer Heavy Defeat
Chennai Super Kings: Skipper Hardik Pandya admitted that early wickets in the Power-play hurt the Mumbai Indians (MI) badly as they stumbled to a heavy defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. I think that in the power play, losing that early wicket is always going to be tricky. You are always chasing the game, and we could not cope after that, Pandya said after the match. Chasing a daunting 208, the Mumbai Indians never found momentum and were bowled out for just 104 in 19 overs. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein starred with the ball, picking up four wickets, while Noor Ahmad chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Earlier, Sanju Samson had powered CSK to 207/6 with a brilliant unbeaten 101, supported by handy contributions from the middle order. Pandya, however, refused to blame the pitch conditions for the defeat. I would not say that. Im not someone who would like to say that. They batted well; they scored 207. It was the same track, it was the same soil. We should have just batted well, he added. He acknowledged the role of spinners but credited CSKs batting effort. Yes, I think even our spinners bowled pretty well. Its just that Sanju played an outstanding knock. At the same point in time, their batters kept coming and kind of chipping in and got them to a decent total, I think more than a decent total on that track. For us to chase this down, we needed to have a good power play, and the momentum had to be with us, but that could not happen, he added. He acknowledged the role of spinners but credited CSKs batting effort. Yes, I think even our spinners bowled pretty well. Its just that Sanju played an outstanding knock. At the same point in time, their batters kept coming and kind of chipping in and got them to a decent total, I think more than a decent total on that track. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, after the defeat, MI have moved down to the eighth position with just four points in seven matches. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 29. Article Source: IANS
Samson century, Hosein four-for hand Mumbai Indians their biggest defeat
Noor Ahmad also picked up two wickets as MI, chasing 208 were bowled out for just 104 in 19 overs
New Zealand Great Suzie Bates To Retire After Women's T20 World Cup
T20 World Cup: New Zealand great Suzie Bates has decided to retire from international cricket after this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday. Bates will hang up her boots following this year's T20 World Cup that commences in England and Wales on June 12, where the 38-year-old will get her final chance to add to her current tally of 362 international appearances for her country. Reflecting on a wonderful career, Bates told New Zealand Cricket, When I look back on the past twenty-plus years, I cant quite believe how quickly the time has gone. I'm immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and Ive been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete for this team. Words cant truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way. I have one final mission: to head to the UK - a place that holds so many special memories for me - and win another World Cup, Suzie Bates was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket. Bates has scored a whopping 14 centuries across all formats and taken 145 wickets. The all-rounder will leave the game with one of the most impressive resumes in recent times, having consistently performed at the highest level for her country since making her debut against India in Lincoln back in 2006. Bates will retire as New Zealand's highest-ever run scorer in women's cricket across all formats, and only Australian great Meg Lanning (15) and India opener Smriti Mandhana (14) can boast to have scored more ODI centuries than the 13 she has managed in 50-over cricket. Her best ODI score of 168 came against Pakistan at the 2009 edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, while she also reached triple figures against the same opposition at the 2022 edition of the tournament on home soil. While best known for her batting skills most regularly at the top of the batting order, Bates has also excelled with the ball across the majority of her career and especially at a younger age, with the medium-pacer having picked up four-wicket hauls at both ODI and T20I level in 2009 and 2011, respectively. Bates enjoyed a stint as captain of New Zealand between 2011 and 2018 and was perhaps at the peak of her powers in 2013 when she was adjudged the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year, having dominated the World Cup in India when she finished as the leading run-scorer. She was also named the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year and ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2016 following a dominant period in bilateral cricket in both formats. Bates enjoyed a stint as captain of New Zealand between 2011 and 2018 and was perhaps at the peak of her powers in 2013 when she was adjudged the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year, having dominated the World Cup in India when she finished as the leading run-scorer. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The New Zealand legend will be aiming to help her side to back-to-back T20 World Cup trophies when the 20-over showcase commences in June, with the White Ferns drawn in Group B alongside hosts England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Article Source: IANS
'He brings that magic dust' - The inside story of Bellingham's Phoenix investment
Warwickshire and Knighthead Capital apply Tom Brady model by bringing Birmingham's highest-profile footballer on board
BCB withdraws NOCs for Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana for remainder of PSL 2026
Mustafizur has been nursing a knee injury and Rana will manage his workload
IPL 2026: Samsons Unbeaten Ton Powers CSK To 207/6 Against MI
Chennai Super Kings: Opener Sanju Samson hammered a brilliant unbeaten century, his second of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) posted 207/6 in 20 overs against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. After being asked to bat first, CSK got off to a strong start. Samson and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad attacked from the beginning, scoring 26 runs in the first two overs, including 19 runs off Hardik Pandyas second over. Mumbai got their first breakthrough in the third over when Gaikwad was dismissed for 22 off 14 balls. Despite losing a wicket, Samson kept the momentum going and again took on Pandya, collecting 19 runs in the fourth over bowled by the Mumbai Indians skipper as CSK crossed the 50-run mark quickly. Sarfaraz Khan played a few attacking shots but was bowled by Mitchell Santner for 14 off 8 balls in the last over of the Power-play. CSK ended the first six overs at 73/2. After the fielding restrictions were lifted, the Mumbai Indians struck again as AM Ghazanfar bowled Shivam Dube with a clever carrom ball. Dewald Brevis then struck some runs, hitting two sixes and a four before getting out for 21 off 11 balls to Ashwani Kumar. At the other end, Samson continued to bat with confidence and reached his fifty in just 26 balls. He held the innings together even as wickets kept falling. Young batter Kartik tried to accelerate in the middle overs with a couple of sixes but struggled later and was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah for 18 off 19 balls. Jamie Overton provided a late boost with a quick 15 off 7 balls. In the final overs, Samson dominated the bowling and brought up his century in style, reaching the milestone in 54 balls with a six. He remained unbeaten on 101, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes, helping CSK cross the 200-run mark. For the Mumbai Indians, Ghazanfar was the pick of the bowlers with 2/25, while Ashwani Kumar also picked up two wickets. In the final overs, Samson dominated the bowling and brought up his century in style, reaching the milestone in 54 balls with a six. He remained unbeaten on 101, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes, helping CSK cross the 200-run mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings 207/6 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 101*, Ruturaj Gaikwad 22; AM Ghazanfar 2-25, Ashwani Kumar 2-37) against Mumbai Indians Article Source: IANS
Ben Charlesworth to join Lancashire at the end of the season
Allrounder to remain at Bristol for the summer before moving to Emirates Old Trafford on a three-year deal
IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Announce Rehan Ahmed As Ben Duckett's Replacement
Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals (DC) have signed England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed as a replacement for his compatriot Ben Duckett for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. According to an official IPL media advisory, Rehan has been roped in for a fee of INR 75 lakh. The 21-year-old right-arm leg-spinner has represented England in all three formats, featuring in five Tests, nine ODIs, and 13 T20Is, and has taken a total of 49 international wickets so far. Duckett had withdrawn from what would have been his maiden IPL stint just before the start of the tournament in order to focus on his England commitments following a challenging Ashes tour. The Capitals did not name an immediate replacement at the time, instead opting to reshuffle their batting order, with Pathum Nissanka opening alongside KL Rahul. Rehan, who initially gained attention for his wrist-spin bowling, has also made significant progress with the bat. Playing for Leicestershire, he enjoyed an impressive 2025 County Championship campaign, scoring 760 runs at an average of 50.66, including five centuries, while also picking up 23 wickets at an average of 19. He made waves earlier this year during the 2026 T20 World Cup for breaking crucial partnerships. Rehan has represented England in 13 T20Is, picking up 15 wickets. He also has experience in playing other global tournaments like the BBL and The Hundred. Rehan, who initially gained attention for his wrist-spin bowling, has also made significant progress with the bat. Playing for Leicestershire, he enjoyed an impressive 2025 County Championship campaign, scoring 760 runs at an average of 50.66, including five centuries, while also picking up 23 wickets at an average of 19. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Axar Patel-led side will next face table toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Priyansh And Vaibhav Already Know Exactly How They Want To Play The Game, Says Pujara
Indian Premier League: The rise of fearless prodigies has been the defining theme of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with young Priyansh Arya and teenaged Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as the standout names. Both have consistently provided explosive starts in the Power-play, combining intent with maturity beyond their years. Former India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara pointed out that the success of Arya and Sooryavanshi is because they know exactly how they want to play T20 cricket. What stands out for me is not just the stroke play, its the clarity. At that age, most players are still figuring out where they belong, but Priyansh and Vaibhav already know exactly how they want to play the game. Its not about reckless hitting; its about backing your intent without second-guessing. Vaibhav brings that raw, uncompromising power, while Priyansh gives you time on the ball that you simply cant teach. Together, theyre redefining what a Power-play can look like, and more importantly, theyre doing it on their own terms. Obviously, they will continue to improve and grow, but what I am seeing at such a young age is very exciting, said Pujara on JioHotstars Champions Waali Commentary. The performances by Arya and Sooryavanshi have underlined five key traits fearlessness beyond their age, a game plan which is tailor-made for T20 cricket, contrasting methods of brute power versus timing, fetching them big runs, the ability to shift gears, and staying original without imitating established stars. Sooryavanshis raw muscle power has allowed him to clear boundaries with ease, while Aryas timing and placement have produced equally destructive results. Both have shown adaptability in pacing innings when required, as seen in Sooryavanshis fifty against Chennai Super Kings and Aryas measured half-century in a steep chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sooryavanshi has made 254 runs in seven innings, while Arya has amassed 211 runs in five matches. Umesh Yadav, veteran Indian pacer, also praised the young batters for being in a rich vein of form in IPL 2026. There's no question about talent, but what separates these boys is their ability to adapt within the same innings. Sooryavanshis raw muscle power has allowed him to clear boundaries with ease, while Aryas timing and placement have produced equally destructive results. Both have shown adaptability in pacing innings when required, as seen in Sooryavanshis fifty against Chennai Super Kings and Aryas measured half-century in a steep chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The fearless approach is just the surface; underneath that is game awareness, match-ups, and a strong sense of identity. Theyre not trying to be like anyone, theyre comfortable being themselves, and thats why theyve become the standout young batters this season, he added. Article Source: IANS
Clash of contrasts at the Chinnaswamy as RCB host GT
The two sets of batters couldn't be more different from each other, but where RCB and GT are similar is in the ability of their fast-bowling packs
Rehan Ahmed replaces Ben Duckett at Delhi Capitals
This will be the England allrounder's first stint in the IPL
Rawalpindiz break duck in penultimate game of their season
Asif Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Saad Masood and Dian Forrester combined forces to stop Islamabad United at 137, before the Rawalpindiz batters got to the target with 11 balls in hand
UAE captain Waseem fined and handed demerit point for criticising umpiring
Waseem said the umpiring was biased during the second T20I against Nepal
IPL 2026: 'I Am Comfortable Everywhere,' Says Naman Dhir On Batting Role For MI
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Naman Dhir said he is ready to bat in any position for the team, stressing his flexibility ahead of their high-profile clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. I am comfortable everywhere, I do not have any problem with that. But yes, if you get more time in a game to settle in, then obviously why not, Dhir said while speaking to broadcasters before the match. The youngster revealed that he was asked to prepare for a top-order role at short notice due to Rohit Sharma dealing with a minor hamstring niggle. Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma bhai had a niggle in his hamstring. After that, one day before the match, I was told. Mahela Jayawardene told me that I might bat at number three, he said. The young batter grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he smashed 45 runs off just 32 balls against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their last match. Dhir added that the shift was not new to him as he bats in the top order in domestic cricket. Actually, I bat in the top order for my domestic team as well, so it was nothing new for me. I just faced the new ball in the nets, so I felt I was ready, he explained. Looking ahead to the clash, Dhir expects a charged-up atmosphere given the rivalry between the two teams. There are some very big players playing for both teams, like MS Dhoni bhai is here. Both teams are five-time champions, so I guess that is why it is such a rivalry. The special moment is that the atmosphere today will be very good; it will be electrifying. There will be tremendous support for both teams, so we are looking forward to winning this game, he said. Dhir added that the shift was not new to him as he bats in the top order in domestic cricket. Actually, I bat in the top order for my domestic team as well, so it was nothing new for me. I just faced the new ball in the nets, so I felt I was ready, he explained. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There are a lot of positive conversations happening. And if you look at slow starts, it has been a trend with the Mumbai Indians, so we are not too worried. We have just come here to play good cricket, and we will do that today, he added. Article Source: IANS
Shanto century, Mustafizur five-for seals series win for Bangladesh
Dean Foxcroft's late charge, during which he put up a fifty-run stand with No. 11 Ben Lister, could not get New Zealand over the line
UAE Skipper Waseem Fined 15 Percent Match Fee For ICC Code Of Conduct Breach
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground: United Arab Emirates (UAE) captain Muhammad Waseem has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I against Nepal. Waseem was found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an International Match or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match Official or team participating in any International Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made. The charge stemmed from Waseems remarks at the post-match presentation ceremony, where he alleged that the umpiring was biased. On-field officials Buddhi Pradhan and Vinay Kumar, along with third umpire Durga Subedi and fourth umpire Sanjay Sigdel, reported the matter. Waseem admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Wendell La Brooy of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, thereby avoiding a formal hearing. In addition to the fine, Waseem has received one demerit point, his first offence in 24 months. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a players match fee, and one or two demerit points. Waseem admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Wendell La Brooy of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, thereby avoiding a formal hearing. Also Read: Live Cricket Score UAE, who won the opening T20I by six wickets, went down by eight wickets in the second match as Nepal levelled the series at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Article Source: IANS
No Dhoni or Rohit; MI opt to bowl vs CSK
This is the first ever MI vs CSK game without either Rohit or Dhoni
IPL 2026: Unchanged Mumbai Indians Opt To Bowl Against Chennai Super Kings
MI Skipper Hardik Pandya: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Rohit Sharma is still out due to injury as MI have not made any changes in the team. While CSK have made only one change, Prashant Veer has come in place of Matthew Short. The clash between the two five-time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, has gained added interest after Mumbai snapped their four-match losing streak with a win over the Gujarat Titans earlier this week. Led by Hardik Pandya, the side has managed two victories from six outings so far. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in a similar position, also registering two wins and four defeats in six matches. After a shaky start with three consecutive losses, they recovered with back-to-back victories, but their momentum was halted in the last game, where Ruturaj Gaikwads team went down by 10 runs to the Sunrisers Hyderabad. After winning the toss, MI Skipper Hardik Pandya said, We are going to bowl first. I think a lot of boxes were ticked. The intensity was there. I think we needed that kind of game where everyone comes in and chips in. Yeah, we had a perfect game. Yes, I think that was a conscious effort - that no matter what happens, intensity is in your control. I just wanted to make sure that we enjoy ourselves. I think things were becoming quite serious. Cricket is played best when you are enjoying the sport. A lot of things happen, right? So yeah, we just wanted to have fun. Things went our way, and it was a good game. This pitch looks green, but it did against the KKR game as well, and it played pretty well. Its going to be a good track. Just want to see how much we have on the board and chase it. Same team, he added. While after losing the toss, Ruturaj Gaikwad said, We would have bowled first as well, but it was a 50-50 call. It looks like a good wicket, and coming here at Wankhede Stadium, you have to bat well irrespective of whether youre batting first or bowling first. So it is just about putting up a great show even if youre batting first. We are doing really well. Its just that we are not able to cash in on a couple of moments. But I think we pulled it back really well during our bowling in the last game. Even batting, we had started really well. But as I said, its just a couple of moments where we have to make sure we cash in, and we get that win. Obviously, all thanks to the legend (Dhoni), who is not here unfortunately. But obviously it is because of him. Everywhere you go, we have a lot of support. So hopefully well make them happy tonight. Weve got a couple of changes, He added. Playing XIs: Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Kris Bhagat, Jasprit Bumrah, Allah Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar Impact substitutes: Mayank Rawat, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Danish Malewar, Raghu Sharma Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Kris Bhagat, Jasprit Bumrah, Allah Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Matt Henry, Akeal Hossein, Urvil Patel. Article Source: IANS
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: When Praful Hinge ran in to bowl his first over in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against an in-form Rajasthan Royals batting line-up, there was no doubt in him being overwhelmed by the occasion. The young fast bowler from Nagpur was just focused on executing what he had already rehearsed in the nets nailing his line and length with precision. By blocking out the crowd, trusting the process, and staying calm, Hinge got a stunning four-fer, including three scalps in the opening over, to give SRH a memorable win over RR and etch his name into the history books. Now nearly ten days since that magical night at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hinge recalled that, being at the top of his bowling mark, he just wanted to be calm in executing his plans to perfection. It was nothing like that. I had thought about getting the crowd out of my head and mind first, and I wanted to be as calm as possible. I had bowled under pressure when I was bowling in the practice sessions. So, I had to execute all those things in the match, and I felt really good when I did that, Hinge told IANS on JioStar Press Room. As he took out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Riyan Parag, Hinge said he didnt realise that he was making history. I was just focused on bowling the ball. Its not in my hands to take a wicket or not. I just had to bowl well. So, that was it. I was just focusing on bowling well and helping my team win. Cricket is like, if you bowl well, you'll get the wicket. Behind that calm composure and a little shy demeanour lies a journey rooted in stubborn ambition and a childhood dream stitched while growing up in Nagpur. I started playing cricket at the age of 13. But I didn't know what leather ball cricket was. So, I used to play tennis ball cricket, and I used to play a match with it. Gradually, I told my dad that I wanted to start a club. So, he took me there. I said I would play at the age of 12, but he said that I was too young and he would take me there next year. So, when I turned 13, he took me to the club. I wanted to do a summer camp, as I wanted to see what happens after playing leather ball cricket. So, while I was playing, my dad said that the two-month camp was over. I said that I wanted to continue. So, my dad thought that I would go and go and if I continued, I would get tired, come home, and go to sleep. But I was stubborn - I knew that I wanted to play for India. I didn't know what domestic cricket was or what club matches were. I just knew that I wanted to play for India and that blue jersey. Obviously, everyone wants that. So, I slowly got to know about the process and worked hard according to it. Then in 2016, I played for the under-16s, under-19s, and for the VCA., I represented them in various age groups. Then, last year, I got my debut match against Pondicherry and took four wickets. Then, this year, I got my debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy - something like four overs, 23 runs, one wicket, I took. So, I'm happy, I'm doing well, it's all about hard work, and I'm doing that, he elaborated. A key chapter in shaping this fearless prodigy has been his time at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where an exposure trip to Australia and being under bowling coach Glenn McGrath sharpened both his skills and his sense of where he stood among the country's best pacers. I got a lot of confidence there, and especially I got to know how much I can develop myself and my fitness when foreign fast bowlers came. I mean, fast bowlers from every state came there, and I got to know where I stand and where I have to be. So, then I started working on myself. After that, I went to Australia as well. It was a very good experience there. Every year, two boys are taken to Australia. So, when I bowled on their wickets and came to India, it was very good, and I enjoyed it. While recovering from a stress fracture in the back, Hinge found a guide in Varun Aaron, the current SRH pace bowling coach and ex-India pacer, who himself had multiple stress fractures. Aarons own experience as a fast bowler gives him a unique understanding of what Hinge needs - without overcomplicating things. He's been very good. Like, he was a fast bowler, and he understands fast bowlers. So, the mutual understanding between a fast bowler can only be understood by a fast bowler. He works on what I feel is right. He doesn't tell me anything extraordinary - like, you do this, you do that. He just tells me what my body needs and something that can help me in bowling. While recovering from a stress fracture in the back, Hinge found a guide in Varun Aaron, the current SRH pace bowling coach and ex-India pacer, who himself had multiple stress fractures. Aarons own experience as a fast bowler gives him a unique understanding of what Hinge needs - without overcomplicating things. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Catch Sunrisers Hyderabad in action against Rajasthan Royals in TATA IPL 2026, April 25, 7:30 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS
Naseem Shah limps off after hurting his knee in the field
The Rawalpindiz fast bowler hurt his left knee while trying to stop a boundary against Islamabad United
Indian Premier League: South Africas left-arm fast bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen has been emerging as a genuine all-rounder for Punjab Kings (PBKS). In last years Indian Premier League (IPL), Jansen finished as PBKS joint second-highest wicket-taker with 16 scalps from 14 matches. While known for his Power-play spells, Jansens best returns came in the middle overs, where he claimed six wickets at 8.5 runs per over. After having a good time for the Proteas in the T20 World Cup, Jansen has been a vital cog in PBKS bowling wheel, as the side remains the only unbeaten team in IPL 2026. In a virtual roundtable chat facilitated by the franchise ahead of their clash against Delhi Capitals, Jansen reflected on skipper Shreyas Iyer, being a first-change bowler, how hard lengths have given him good returns in the shortest format, and more. Excerpts: Q. What kind of leader is Shreyas Iyer, and the reason behind him being an inspirational skipper A. Shreyas, as a captain, is definitely up there, if not on top. He's a pleasure to work with. He knows what he's doing. He knows what he wants from the players. He motivates and drives us to play our best. It gives us the space to do what we do well, if that makes sense. It's not a case of it's his way or the highway type of thing, which I think is a very nice feeling as a bowler and a player. He knows what he wants. He knows what he wants to achieve. He's very goal-driven. He's very headstrong. It's very easy to see when we are in meetings and stuff like that, and in training. He's very driven. I think from a team's point of view, it's nice to have a captain like that. So it's like you sort of just follow his lead. He's going to lead the team in a way where it's going to put the team in a position to not just win games, but also, if you're lucky enough, win a trophy as well. It's nice to play under his captaincy. He's up for discussions. He's always welcoming. It's never a case of it feels like a dictatorship. He makes everyone feel valued and welcomed. As a player, it's very, very nice to have a captain like that where you feel you can go to the captain, you can express, or you can speak about certain things about the game. Not just that, but he'll give his advice, or he'll give his two cents about it as well, and then he'll formulate a plan with you to help you get better if need be and to take the team forward and stuff like that, which is nice. Q. With Xavier Bartlett sharing the new ball with Arshdeep Singh, how has it been for you to adapt, especially with batters looking to hit hard at the bowlers? A. I'm used to taking the first or second over, but I also know that I do have the skills to adapt to whatever situation or to adapt to any situation or any particular time in the match to come in and do a job for the team. Obviously, as a swing bowler or someone who's used to bowling with the new ball, you do have a weapon in your hand as well. So coming in in the third, fourth, or sometimes fifth over is definitely a different approach that I had to take. But it's not a case of me thinking that I can't do a job or I can't take wickets or thinking, okay, cool, there is my weapon taken away. It's nothing like that. Its actually the opposite because Arshdeep and Xavier swing the ball consistently and more than I do. I understand that. At the same time, I also realise and understand that I have different attributes, different skills that I bring to the bowling unit and to the table. It's just from a bowling unit; everyone knows that wherever we bowl, there's a plan, there's a reason. It's not a case of, in my case, that they don't believe I can't do a good job bowling the first or second over with the new ball. It's a case of how are we going to bowl well with the ball as a unit, if that makes sense. Yuzi (Chahal) is bowling in the middle, Shashank is not bowling in the first few games, and then all of a sudden comes in and takes two in his first over in this season. So I think it's a good place to be. It's a nice place to be at as a bowler and a player and as a bowling unit because we know it doesn't matter where we bowl, or where Shreyas decides to bowl a certain bowler or a particular bowler. We know there's a reason behind it, and we know that whoever has the ball in his hands at that particular time, whether it's in a power play in the middle or at the death, we fully believe and we trust that that guy will do the best job for the team. Q. You have been sticking to hard lengths more often than not. Do you think that has been one of the reasons for you doing well in both Test cricket and T20 as well? A. It doesn't surprise me because Josh Hazlewood does the exact same. People still ask the same. I still ask the same question. How does he just hit a length and he picks up wickets, he doesn't go for a lot of runs, and he's consistent as well. He also has variations. I also have one or two variations. But I think it comes down to both of us. We're tall bowlers. We bowl different lengths. There's something different we give to a bowling unit that makes sense. I think the problem, especially when I was younger, was that I came in where I was trying to bowl similar to what other guys were bowling, if it makes sense. Not realising that what I bring to the table is different or is completely different from what other bowlers are bringing to the table. I have to find my own way to be effective and to put in consistent performances for the team. I think the last year or so, I've felt comfortable in my own skin. I've felt comfortable in doing what I feel is best to help me stay consistent and perform consistently. Obviously, you're going to get your off days, but the goal is just to try and stay consistent and not have those good performances few and far between so try and stack them as close as possible. Q. Do you have a different approach to your bowling plan for the afternoon matches compared to the evening ones, keeping in mind the pitch and conditions? A. No, it's the same approach. I think just what I bowl or the options change based on the conditions. So if a wicket is good, like the previous game, the wicket was really, really good for batting, we felt. That approach, sort of on the go, you sort of try and formulate a way of going about it. There's no set way of bowling, or there are no preconceived ideas about how I want to go about it. I obviously have the basics that I stick to and that I always do, and I always follow the processes that I follow. But it's always a case of trying to sum up the conditions as quickly as possible and then finding a way to be as effective as I can be on that particular day. Q. What has been the discussion within the bowling group, and how have you been able to support each other on the field in terms of defensive tactics in death overs? A. It's not a case of going defensively. I think it's a case of we're trying, we're always assessing and thinking of ways to stop the opposition from scoring and obviously make it as hard as possible for them to score runs, especially at the death and in the power play as well. But we just approach it differently because in the power play, you only have two fielders out, and at the death and in the middle overs, you have five fielders out. So it makes it a bit easier for us as a bowling unit to sort of bowl towards a certain plan if it makes sense to bowl. There are more fielders who can help you get wickets. A. It's not a case of going defensively. I think it's a case of we're trying, we're always assessing and thinking of ways to stop the opposition from scoring and obviously make it as hard as possible for them to score runs, especially at the death and in the power play as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Because batters are so good, they hit sixes over the point these days. I don't know how they do it, but they do it. So it's quite difficult to set a particular plan for all the batters. It's just about trying to be smart and just basically keeping them on their toes. You always have to make the batter think twice or guess what the next ball is going to be. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch RCB Vs GT, Know All Details
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will clash with 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 34th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. The defending champions suffered their first home defeat of the season when they went down to the Delhi Capitals on April 18. Despite that setback, they have been among the standout sides in IPL 2026 and will aim to bounce back strongly in their final home fixture at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following this game, they are scheduled to play their remaining two league-stage home matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans head into the contest after a heavy 99-run defeat against the Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 20. That loss ended their three-match winning run, and they will be keen to regroup quickly. However, overcoming one of the IPLs most challenging venues presents a significant test. The head-to-head record between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans has been evenly contested over the years. In six matches played so far, both teams have won three games each, with no ties or no results recorded. Their first-ever meeting came on April 30, 2022, which was won by the Gujarat Titans, and they also emerged victorious in the most recent encounter on April 2, 2025. When: Friday, April 24, 7:30 PM IST Where: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Where to watch: The RCB vs GT match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The RCB vs GT match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Satvik Deswal Article Source: IANS
CSK sign up Akash Madhwal as Ayush Mhatre's replacement
Madhwal has played 17 games in the IPL so far and has been part of the MI camp as a net bowler this season
IPL 2026: 'We Back Each Other' - Jansen Credits Collective Thinking For PBKS' Good Run With Ball
Indian Premier League: Punjab Kings left-arm fast bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen said the team's impressive run with the ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is down to one simple principle - collective thinking and backing each other to thrive. While the power-packed PBKS batting unit continues to hog the limelight, Jansen, along with Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Yuzvendra Chahal, have provided a lot of variety to their bowling attack in this season so far, with their economy rate standing at 9.64. All the attention and all the fireworks, as you say, are around our batting. I think it's not just our batting, but it's the whole IPL in general. People want to come out and watch the ball fly everywhere. People hit 110-meter sixes and stuff like that, which is understandable. That's what makes the game attractive to the viewers. We as players understand that. But at the same time, people also value, and they also appreciate good bowling. For us as a unit, I think we know exactly what each and every bowler can do and what he does best. I think on a particular day, it's a case of reading the conditions, trying multiple options, Jansen told IANS in a virtual roundtable chat organised by the franchise on Thursday. At the heart of that collective approach, Jansen explained, is a dressing room culture in which every bowler's voice carries weight and no single template is imposed on anyone. If it needs to be, if not, then we just keep it simple. But I think everyone has different skills. Everyone has a different way of going about it. Everyone has a different way of going about bowling in different situations. I think what we've done really well is that it's not a one-size-fits-all approach, if it makes sense. It's sort of like, okay, Vyshak, what do you do? Or what are you thinking? Arsh, what are you thinking? Marco, what do you think? I think we've done really well in embracing each and every opinion and each and every one's view on how they think would be best to go about it, and we sort of back each other. We understand and support one another in whatever way they feel is the best way for them to do a good job for the team, he added. PBKSs attack has built a quiet reputation for control, showing sharp defensive skills at the back end by holding Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians to totals well below expectations. Jansen also made it clear that this spirit of backing one another translates directly onto the field, where bowlers feel confident enough to execute skills they have specifically worked on in the nets. PBKSs attack has built a quiet reputation for control, showing sharp defensive skills at the back end by holding Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians to totals well below expectations. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I think for us, it's nice to see that we're at least executing what we're training to do. Also, we're actually going into games and match days where we've trained a particular skill and are executing that and putting the team in a position where we can win that particular game, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: CSK Sign Akash Madhwal As Replacement For Injured Mhatre
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, for a fee of Rs. 30 Lakh. Having served as a net bowler for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2021, Madhwal, a right-arm fast bowler, made his debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2023, wherein he took a five-wicket haul with impressive figures of 5/5 in his debut season for MI in the crucial IPL 2023 Eliminator against the Lucknow Super Giants. However, his performance declined in the 2024 season, where he took only five wickets in five matches. In the previous edition, he played for Rajasthan Royals, claiming four wickets in four games. Overall, he has 23 wickets from 17 matches in the tournament but went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction. Madhwal, a 32-year-old uncapped Indian right-arm medium-fast bowler from Roorkee, was named captain of Uttarakhand for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of the 2022-23 domestic season, highlighting his rising prominence in the circuit. However, his performance declined in the 2024 season, where he took only five wickets in five matches. In the previous edition, he played for Rajasthan Royals, claiming four wickets in four games. Overall, he has 23 wickets from 17 matches in the tournament but went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai played their first match without Khaleel against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), conceding 194 runs in 20 overs, and then lost the game. Meanwhile, Mhatre, Indias U19 World Cup-winning captain, began the season strongly for CSK, scoring two fifties in six matches before suffering a left hamstring injury while batting in their recent game against SRH. Article Source: IANS
'Team audit' done, Kirsten hopes Sri Lanka keep 'progressing and improving'
For me, what's important around that is that we have a lot of depth in the group across the different formats, Gary Kirsten says about the time ahead with Sri Lanka
Nuwan Thusara withdraws lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket
Nuwan Thushara is yet to join RCB at IPL 2026 but the team hasn't named a replacement for him yet
Shanto century takes Bangladesh to 265 in humid Chattogram
He stitched together 160 runs during his fourth-wicket stand with Litton Das, who scored his first ODI fifty in almost three years
'Pooran Is The Catalyst In This': Steyn Points To Instability Behind LSGs Home Struggles
Former South Africa: Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn offered a critical assessment of Ekanas surface, pointing towards inconsistent selection calls and the dip in form of key batter Nicholas Pooran as underlying issues after Lucknow Super Giants struggles at home continued with a 40-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals, marking their third consecutive loss at home. Head coach Justin Langer attributed the latest setback to the teams inability to adjust to local conditions, describing the surface as a rilliant cricket pitch but stressing that the players failed to adapt effectively. LSG's batting order has seen frequent reshuffling this season. In the latest game, Mitchell Marsh opened alongside Ayush Badoni, while Aiden Markram, who had previously opened, was pushed down to No. 4, following Rishabh Pant and Pooran. The constant tinkering, particularly in the middle order, has disrupted continuity, with players adjusting to unfamiliar roles. Steyn believes the uncertainty stems largely from the team managements dilemma over Poorans form and place in the XI. Pooran is the catalyst in this. The poor form of Pooran just means that you're moving good batters (around) to try and shepherd him. Because I think there's a seed of doubt in the coach's minds that they know they need to play him because of what his potential is, Steyn told ESPNCricinfo. Elaborating further, Steyn suggested that this lack of decisiveness is affecting the overall structure of the batting lineup, forcing proven performers to shift positions in search of balance. Pooran is the catalyst in this. The poor form of Pooran just means that you're moving good batters (around) to try and shepherd him. Because I think there's a seed of doubt in the coach's minds that they know they need to play him because of what his potential is, Steyn told ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With three losses in as many home games, LSG now find themselves under pressure to address both form and strategy, as questions continue to mount over their team combinations and decision-making in a tightly contested season. Article Source: IANS
'If County Cricket Was As Strong As...': Pietersen Hits Back At Cook Over Bethell's IPL Stint
Chennai Super Kings: England great Kevin Pietersen hit back at former teammate Alastair Cook for advising Jacob Bethell to leave the IPL due to no game time and return home to play County cricket, saying the ex-England skipper has no idea what it's like to be in the IPL. RCB acquired Bethell for Rs 2.60 crore ahead of IPL 2025 and retained him for the 2026 season. The all-rounder, who played two games and impressed with a 33-ball 55 against Chennai Super Kings last year, is yet to play a match in the IPL 2026. Bethell had scored a century against Australia in an Ashes Test in Sydney, recorded his maiden ODI century against South Africa and was England's highest run-getter at the 2026 T20 World Cup, scoring 280 runs in eight innings, striking at 152.17. Cook earlier suggested that Bethell should turn to county cricket, with his place at stake for this summers Test series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, rather than sitting and not doing anything at the IPL. It's not ideal, is it? He's sitting at the IPL, not doing anything. Ideally, he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England, Cook had said on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast. However, Pietersen expressed strong disagreement with Cook's opinion, stating that Cook has no idea what it's like to be around the best players in the world and supported Bethell's stay in India. Alastair Cook has absolutely NO IDEA what it's like to be in the IPL. What's it like to always be around the best players in the world. So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn't matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you're not playing, you're learning and will be a way better player, Pieterson shared on X. However, Pietersen expressed strong disagreement with Cook's opinion, stating that Cook has no idea what it's like to be around the best players in the world and supported Bethell's stay in India. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If county cricket was as strong as it was in the late 90s and early 2000s, I'd also want Bethell back playing it now. But, it's NOT! It'll benefit England more by him being in India and he's already shown that, he shared in another X post. Article Source: IANS
3rd WT20I: Wolvaardt Happy With Balance In Power Hitting After Unbeaten Ton Against India
South Africa: South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt said she was happy in finding the right balance between traditional strokeplay and power hitting, something which she admitted to working on for the last few years, while hitting a sizzling 15 against India in the third T20I at the Wanderers Stadium. Laura made 115 from just 53 balls as South Africa chased down India's total of 192/4 in 16.3 overs and took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-game series. I am striking it pretty nicely. Something Ive been working on quite a lot the last couple of years is my power hitting, but Im also trying to find the balance between trying to whack it and still keeping my strokes and the way that I play. Im obviously known for more traditional cricket, and sometimes I lose it a bit, try to hit it a bit too hard and lose my game. But I feel like I found the balance nicely to still keep my shape and hit some big shots, said Laura at the conclusion of the game. While smashing 14 fours and five sixes, Laura brought up her century in just 47 deliveries and equal the record for the fourth fastest hundred ever in women's T20I cricket. Obviously worked on a lot of different stuff. But then I felt sometimes I lose my cover drive and I sort of just look at that sort of power hitting, muscling kind of thing. But I think the key thing for me is still my positions. Like yesterday in my training session, I literally just hit cover drives on the floor because I feel like if my positioning is good in that, then the rest of the game will take care of itself. So technically, I'm just trying to be in really strong positions. Just trying to hit long through the ball. It has been a work in progress, sort of finding the balance between trying to whack it in the power play and trying to play my game and to my strengths. But yeah, happy with how it went, she added. Laura also put on a whopping 183 for the opening stand with fellow opener Sune Luus - the second time the pair have combined for a century partnership in the ongoing series. It was an excellent innings (from Luus). I thought she was a little scratchy in the powerplay but she didnt get a lot of strike because I was facing a lot. It was really impressive to see how she hung in there and I think she has a lot of different options which makes it quite hard to bowl to her, especially the spinners in the powerplay because she sweeps so well and she can hit down the ground. Laura also put on a whopping 183 for the opening stand with fellow opener Sune Luus - the second time the pair have combined for a century partnership in the ongoing series. It was an excellent innings (from Luus). I thought she was a little scratchy in the powerplay but she didnt get a lot of strike because I was facing a lot. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa will next take on India in the fourth T20I at the Wanderers on Saturday before the series concludes in Benoni on Monday. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Pant's Yet To Find His Template For White-ball Cricket, Says Karim
Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pants struggles in IPL 2026 are rooted in his inability to find a clear batting template for himself in white-ball cricket, said former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim. Pant was dismissed for a three-ball duck on Wednesday, as LSG suffered their fourth consecutive loss of this season. His overall tally in IPL 2026 stands at 147 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 132.43. A modern T20 batter has to find his own template. For instance, whether it is Shreyas Iyer or Rajat Patidar, even if Rajat Patidar goes in to bat on a track like this, I'm sure he's got his clarity in his mind that he will go and play the big shots, and he's confident of doing so. Rishabh Pant's problem lies in the fact that he's yet to find his template for white-ball cricket. And not only talking about T20, even ODIs. And Test-match batting for him, I think there is more transparency in his thought process the way he prepares. I think somehow in white-ball cricket he's yet to find that, said Karim on ESPNCricinfo. Pants inconsistency has been a major talking point in IPL 2026. While he struck 68 not out against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the season, his other innings have failed to leave an impact as a number three batter. While South Africa pacer Dale Steyn suggested Pant is playing more than one game in his head right now, Faf du Plessis remarked that the pressure to emulate in-form captains like Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar is weighing heavily on Pant. You look at innings like that - who can we look who does that well? So how many times out of ten if you put Virat Kohli in that situation is he going to play in a tempo that's going to be: I'm not going to face dot balls; I'm going to hit the ball along the ground; I'm going to be 60 not out and that's a picture for you on tough wickets when the scoreboard is saying (the target is) 160. How do you get to the end? Look at (Kohli) - he is a great example. High intensity. Drops the risk a little bit. Hits gaps, hits fours, runs really hard, no dot balls. That is a very modern way of playing. It's a default of our game is right now. A lot of teams are talking about how you must be aggressive, how you must take the game on. And, as a captain, you feel that responsibility lies with you to demonstrate that. Great examples: Rajat Patidar is leading the way that the RCB batting line-up's playing, and Shreyas Iyer is leading the way (with) the style of batting (for PBKS). So the captain sets the tone. You almost can't blame Pant (for) thinking 'I need to do the same'. But it wasn't there; you needed just a calm head, just to go The wicket was tough and 'I need to scratch my way to the end of the game,' he elaborated. How do you get to the end? Look at (Kohli) - he is a great example. High intensity. Drops the risk a little bit. Hits gaps, hits fours, runs really hard, no dot balls. That is a very modern way of playing. It's a default of our game is right now. A lot of teams are talking about how you must be aggressive, how you must take the game on. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As a top-order batter with a lot of international runs and experience, this is something he would be very disappointed with. His body language said it all; he knew he got it wrong. If he applies more clarity to his approach early on, he will get far better returns. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Dominance Is Our Mindset, But Adaptability Is Our Strength, Says RCB Skipper Patidar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has attributed his sides strong start to IPL 2026 to a balance between aggressive intent and situational adaptability, as the defending champions continue to build momentum with eight points from six matches. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Patidar emphasised that while the teams core philosophy revolves around dominance, flexibility remains key to their success as a batting unit. Dominance is our mindset, but we dont want to be rigid. We want to assess the situation and adapt. That flexibility is very important for us as a batting unit, he said on the RCB Podcast. Patidar himself has led from the front with the bat, scoring 230 runs at an exceptional strike rate, and credited a shift in mindset as the driving force behind his evolution as a batter. The biggest change in my batting has come from the mind. How I see the game, how I see myself in a situation, and how I want to dominate, everything started from there. I worked on a few trigger movements and discussed it with DK. Once I was convinced, I didnt want to hold back in matches. That clarity helped me execute better, he said. Highlighting RCBs fearless batting template, Patidar underlined that instinct often takes precedence over rigid planning, particularly when it comes to taking on bowlers and maintaining pressure. There is no fixed plan that I will play a certain way. If I feel I can dominate a bowler, I go for it. It is more instinct than planning. If someone feels they can dominate a bowler, they take responsibility. Even if it means not rotating strike. The idea is to keep the bowler under pressure, he stated. On leadership, Patidar described himself as someone who prioritises the mental space of his bowlers, especially in the high-pressure T20 format, while maintaining a calm demeanour on the field, as he said, I see myself as a bowling captain. In T20 cricket, bowlers are always under pressure, so I try to keep them in a good space and not show too many reactions. I am not very expressive by nature. I try to stay calm and think clearly in every situation. I dont want to change who I am as a person. The RCB skipper also spoke about the influence of senior players in shaping his outlook, particularly the importance of staying present and focused on controllable factors. He said, I have learnt a lot by observing players like Virat bhai. The biggest thing is to stay in the present and focus only on what is in your control. I dont think about selection or what people are saying. I focus on what I can do in the present. That gives me clarity and calmness. Reflecting on RCBs title-winning campaign last season, Patidar admitted the significance of the achievement truly resonated only after witnessing the fans reactions, while also acknowledging the pressure moments that came with it. When we won, it felt special, but when I saw the fans and their reactions, I realised something big had happened. That is when it really sank in. In the last over, even though we knew we were close, there was still a thought that something could go wrong. That pressure is natural in such moments, Patidar noted. Reflecting on RCBs title-winning campaign last season, Patidar admitted the significance of the achievement truly resonated only after witnessing the fans reactions, while also acknowledging the pressure moments that came with it. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Looking ahead, Patidar reiterated that the team remains grounded despite their success, focusing on processes rather than past achievements. As champions, every team will come harder at us. But for us, it is about staying in the present, focusing on our process, and controlling what we can, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: LSG Batter Have Just Not Adjusted To Extra Pace And Bounce On Pitches At Home, Says Langer
Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants head coach (LSG) Justin Langer admitted his batters have struggled to cope and adjust to the extra pace and bounce at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium and equated the pitches here to playing at the WACA in his hometown Perth. LSG have lost all of their home games so far in IPL 2026, with the latest instance of it coming through a 40-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. I think the pitch here is very different than in most of India. It's a brilliant cricket pitch. You see pace and bounce and we just haven't quite adjusted to it. I thought we started off with bowling quite well in it. We bowled well in the first game but we're just not adjusting to the extra pace and bounce. We saw that we've been out to the short ball a number of times, our batters, and that's what I would say, Langer said at the postmatch presser. The sides batting returns at the venue this season have been modest as seen from them making 141, 164/8 and 119. So we're not adjusting. We see a lot of the wickets in India where the ball doesn't bounce very high. This is like playing at the WACA (Perth). There's real pace and bounce, isn't there? I mean you're seeing some really interesting cricket being played here and we just haven't been able to adapt to it at this stage. We haven't quite clicked, have we? added Langer. Despite the batting woes, Langer praised his pace unit, especially singling out young fast bowlers Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav. Last year our numbers were incredible and we were ruing the fact that a lot of our bowlers were injured or coming back from injury or not quite fit. This year our bowlers have been a real credit. I think Mohsin Khan, again outstanding. Prince Yadav, I think they're both two players who will play for India. No question in my mind they'll both play for India, he added. On whether the franchise had any say in pitch preparation, Langer reiterated his admiration for the surface, and added that the onus was on the LSG batters to adapt to conditions on offer. This year our bowlers have been a real credit. I think Mohsin Khan, again outstanding. Prince Yadav, I think they're both two players who will play for India. No question in my mind they'll both play for India, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We get to play a bit here but this is, we've got a very good groundsman. We've got a great cricket pitch. Every game's exciting cricket. We've just been on the wrong side of it so far, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
MI Should Look To Use Rohit Purely As A Batter Or Impact Player, Says Bangar Ahead Of CSK Clash
Chennai Super Kings: As the Mumbai Indians prepare for a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes that the team should look to utilise Rohit Sharma and have him in the playing XI, either as a pure batter or as an impact player for the batting innings. One of the biggest talking points ahead of the clash is the potential return of former captain Rohit Sharma, who has been recovering from a hamstring issue. Bangar suggested that even a limited role for Rohit could have a significant impact on MIs fortunes. Even if its purely as a batter or impact player, MI should look to use him. Strong starts are crucial, and the most successful teams this season have had both batting and bowling firing together. If Rohit and Quinton de Kock can build a solid opening stand, it eases the pressure on Suryakumar Yadav and the middle order. At this stage, MI should consider taking a calculated risk on his fitness and use him as an impact substitute, Bangar told JioStar. Bangars assessment comes at a time when Mumbai are still searching for stability, particularly with underwhelming returns from senior players like Suryakumar Yadav and skipper Hardik Pandya. However, the return of experienced names could provide a timely boost. With both teams struggling for consistency and placed in the lower half of the table, Mumbai head into the contest on the back of a much-needed win, powered by a century from Tilak Varma. Bangar pointed out that contributions from key players indicate that confidence within the MI camp remains intact. Bangars assessment comes at a time when Mumbai are still searching for stability, particularly with underwhelming returns from senior players like Suryakumar Yadav and skipper Hardik Pandya. However, the return of experienced names could provide a timely boost. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With both teams desperate to climb up the standings and reignite their campaigns, Bangars remarks underline the importance of experience and balance as MI look to turn their season around in one of the IPLs most storied rivalries. Article Source: IANS
Ed Smith joins ECB board as non-executive director
Former national selector returns to governing body in place of outgoing Baroness Zahida Manzoor
Former Indian Premier League: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi launched a scathing critique of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday, accusing the governing body of killing its players through hectic scheduling, emphasising that players need off time to spend with their families. Earlier, several reports suggested that head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill are reportedly not happy with BCCI deciding to schedule the Afghanistan Test just days after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. In a social media post, Modi reacted to reports of senior players potentially being rested for upcoming international fixtures due to burnout following the IPL 2026 season. He urged the Board to cease the outrageous scheduling to the welfare of the players. I agree. The BCCI are killing their players with the hectic scheduling. Guys stop this outrageous scheduling you are putting the boys through. They need time with their families and JUST OFF TIME you dont need the money. I CREATED ANNUITY REVENUE which the world envys. You will never have to worry about that sitting on those chairs. Do something good with your decisions, for heaven's sake. The welfare of the players is paramount. Dont overwork them that's why I have said the Board should have a majority of players on it. In a social media post, Modi reacted to reports of senior players potentially being rested for upcoming international fixtures due to burnout following the IPL 2026 season. He urged the Board to cease the outrageous scheduling to the welfare of the players. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The India vs Afghanistan Test doesn't have World Test Championship points at stake. Hence, the selectors can afford to take the match a little easier and give opportunities to some emerging stars. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: I Was Just Calculating The Overs, Jadeja Explains Tactical Wit In RRs Win
Lucknow Super Giants: Ravindra Jadeja explained the strategy behind his influential innings and tactical bowling adjustments following Rajasthan Royals' 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium in IPL 2026. Jadejas unbeaten 43 off 29 balls came when RR were struggling at 110/6, and his late charge with Shubham Dubey raised the visitors' total to 159, a score that was more than sufficient on a difficult pitch. Jadeja reflected that the pitch and LSGs pace attack made early strokeplay challenging, considering the conditions and his batting approach. When I was batting, it wasnt that easy. LSG have quality fast bowlers, who were bowling with pace and in good areas. It was a red-soil surface, so there was bounce, and they were getting the ball to seam. We kept losing wickets and couldnt build any partnerships. So, Donovan and I spoke about taking the innings deep. But in T20 cricket, you have to keep taking risks here and there to get to a good score. Unfortunately, he got out at the wrong time, Jadeja told JioStar. I was just calculating the overs and was aware that Mayank Yadav might bowl the final over. I just wanted to use his pace, with a short leg-side boundary and mid-off and mid-on both up. Three of the deliveries were short, and he played a bluff by bowling one full, but luckily, I was able to score a boundary off that as well. We got those 20 runs, and as a team, you gain confidence when your bowlers have a few extra runs to play with, he added. Jadejas late acceleration, particularly the 20-run final over off Mayank Yadav, shifted momentum decisively in RRs favour, giving their bowlers a cushion to attack. The all-rounder also shed light on his bowling strategy, which played a role in choking LSGs middle order, including the key wicket of Nicholas Pooran. When I was batting against Digvesh Rathi, a few of his deliveries were stopping in the wicket. So, I thought that if I bowled slow on this surface, I might get some purchase as well. I didnt want to give any pace to either Mitch Marsh or Pooran, because they are big hitters and are known to hit big. So, I bowled slower, but I also wanted to vary my pace, as I didnt want to be predictable. If they hit a six or two, all the pressure built earlier gets released, reducing the margin of runs required, he stated. His disciplined spell complemented a fiery effort from Jofra Archer, who returned figures of 3-20, as RR bowled LSG out for just 119 in 18 overs. Jadeja also addressed questions around his role and adaptability, especially after not completing his full quota of overs in some earlier games, stressing that team requirements always come first. When I come to the ground, I leave my personal ego in the hotel room. I just think about contributing in whatever way the team wants from me. When it comes to batting, I wanted to take it deep in this game, because if I had gotten out in the 17th or 18th over playing a wrong shot, we wouldnt have reached 159 and might have fallen 2025 runs short. His disciplined spell complemented a fiery effort from Jofra Archer, who returned figures of 3-20, as RR bowled LSG out for just 119 in 18 overs. Jadeja also addressed questions around his role and adaptability, especially after not completing his full quota of overs in some earlier games, stressing that team requirements always come first. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win lifted Rajasthan Royals to second place on the points table, while LSG slumped to their fourth straight defeat. Article Source: IANS
