Cricket

Parag: 'If we keep playing like this, we shouldn't be in contention for top four'

Rajasthan Royals suffered their third successive defeat, and find themselves sixth with two games left

Axar, Ashutosh, Starc keep Delhi Capitals' playoffs hopes alive

RR looked set for a 220 total at one point but Starc's three wickets in the 15th over derailed them

Bancroft battles as low-scoring thriller heads for fourth-day climax

Northants five-down overnight after being set victory target of 249

IPL 2026: Starc, Rahul, Porel, Ashutosh Keep DC's Playoffs Hopes Alive With Five-wicket Win Over RR (ld)

Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul top-scored with a composed 56 off 42 balls as Delhi Capitals sealed a thrilling five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday. The win was built on Mitchell Starc's devastating four-wicket burst in the death overs that had earlier pegged back a marauding RR to 193/8. Rahul anchored the chase with his characteristic calmness, while sharing a key 105-run partnership with Abishek Porel, who hit 51 off 31 balls. Ashutosh Sharma then stepped in late as the impact player to steer DC home via an unbeaten five-ball 18, as it proved to be a tense, see-saw contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts finally held their nerve. By completing the chase with four balls to spare, DC signed off from their home fixtures on a high, as they climbed from eighth to seventh place in the IPL 2026 standings and kept their slim playoff hopes alive. It was a contest that swung repeatedly - RR blazing to 160/2 before losing six wickets for 33 in the last six overs, DC cruising to 130/2 before their own wobble in the middle. Eventually, the hosts finally held their nerve in a finish that had the Arun Jaitley crowd on the edge of their seats till the very last over. Starc had been profligate in his opening two overs, leaking 28 runs, but returned to rip through RR's middle and lower order in his final two, conceding just 12 more while claiming all four wickets. Slower balls, changed pace, varied angles - the Australian left-armer used every weapon in his armoury to trigger a collapse that left RR well short of the 220-plus total they had threatened. Before Starcs squeeze, it was Riyan Parag who seized the moment when RR needed it most, walking in after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enthralled 31, 200 fans by hitting a blistering 21-ball 46. After Sooryavanshi fell, Parag needed no time to settle in and was right on the money from the get-go. In the first 19 balls he faced, he hit five sixes and a four off Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar in a spell of clean, muscular hitting that left the DC bowling attack rattled. But before Parag took centre stage via his 51 and Dhurv Jurel smashed 53, it was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who set the tone. The teenage opener began by pulling Ngidi over deep square-leg for a six. From the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a flying start by hitting Mitchell Starc for three boundaries in the opening over, with a crisp cover drive being the standout stroke. Though Jaiswal eventually fell to Ngidi - a sharp outside edge off a slower ball pouched by the tall Starc at short third man, Sooryavanshi cut loose by edging and pulling him for a four and six, before carting debutant off-spin bowling all-rounder Tripurana Vijay for back-to-back fours through cover region and swivelling him for another maximum. It also helped RR that DC were sloppy in catching Dhruv Jurel was given an early reprieve by KL Rahul, while Sameer Rizvi dropped a chance of Sooryavanshi at long-on. When Parag was on six, a short ball looped to Tristan Stubbs at long-on, who appeared to complete the catch running to his left. But replays showed his fingers were not beneath the ball as it grazed the ground, giving Parag a lucky reprieve. Jurel found his boundary-hitting rhythm by clobbering an erratic Mukesh Kumar for two fours and a six in the last over of power-play, as 17 runs came off it. Madhav Tiwaris introduction worked wonders for DC as Sooryavanshi couldnt pick the slower ball and was caught by diving long-on. At 92/2 in eight overs, Parag made his intentions clear to go after the DC bowlers. He hit Axar over midwicket and then launched him way beyond long-on to pick a brace of sixes. In the next over, he went berserk against Mukesh a pull over deep mid-wicket was followed by an uppish smash over extra cover for four, before using his strong forearms to pummel the pacer over long-on for consecutive maximums. After Jurel hit Tiwari for two fours to bring up RRs 150 in 13 overs, Parah brought up his fifty off 23 balls and got a bear hug from Jurel. But after that, DC clawed back in the 15th over - Starc first deceived Parag with a slower ball and the batter only managed a toeend to diving long-on. Starc struck again when Donovan Ferreira mistimed a heave to long-on and fell for a golden duck, before debutant Ravi Singh was trapped plumb lbw with a slower delivery, as RR burnt a review. RRs horrible wobble continued - Tiwari had Shubham Dubey mistiming a heave to deep backward square leg, while Starc forced Impact Player Dasun Shanaka to slice to long-off, and Jurel, after reaching his fourth fifty of the season, was trapped lbw by a slower ball from Ngidi, as DC applied the choke on RR. Chasing 194, Rahul had not even settled at the crease when fortune intervened, as Yash Raj Punja dropped him at short fine leg off Jofra Archer, apart from an overthrow giving DC four extra runs. Keeping all that aside, Rahul and Porel set about dismantling the RR bowling attack with a combination of audacity and intent, as DC reached fifty in just four overs. Porel, the aggressor from the outset, drove and whipped Archer for a four and six, before ramping, cutting, pulling, and punching Brijesh Sharma for four boundaries. Rahul, meanwhile, was doing what he does best - rotating strike and hitting boundaries off loose balls with surgical precision. When Adam Milne dropped short in the fifth over, he rocked back and smoked a pull flat over deep mid-wicket for six. The hundred of the opening pair DCs second 100-plus opening stand of IPL 2026 and both coming versus RR - arrived in the ninth over when Rahul pumped Punja straight over the sight screen for six. Porel brought up his fifty off 30 balls before holing out to long-on off a slower ball from Brijesh in the 11th over, even as an unperturbed Rahul reached his fifty in the 12th over off 34 balls. RRs move to bring back Archer for his third over worked well when he drew a rash drive from Sahil Parakh, and a thick outside edge was comfortably caught by Dhruv Jurel. Dasun Shanaka dealt a huge blow to DC when Rahul attempted to punch off his slower delivery, but chopped on to his stumps without any footwork. The pressure of asking rate going past ten brought out sloppy misfields from RR, but it consumed Tristan Stubbs, who shaped for a pre-mediated scoop, but was caught by a sprinting deep backward square leg. But some respite came for DC Axar Patel sliced Archer for four, followed by him and David Miller lofting Donovan Ferreira for a six each. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. With seven runs needed off the final over, RR were charged with an over-rate penalty, and as they were allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Ashutosh drove Milne down the ground for four, before pulling over deep mid-wicket for six to seal the chase in style for DC. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS

Bamber battles for Bears but Glamorgan remain in charge

Ingram's unbeaten 80 papers over top-order collapse as visitors seek to drive home advantage

Hill four-for forces Surrey follow-on before Brook shines with ball

Jamie Smith bowled by his England team-mate as Yorkshire take strong grip on game

IPL 2026: Rahul, Porel, Ashutosh Help DC Hunt Down 194, Beat RR By Five Wickets

Indian Premier League: Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul top-scored with a composed 56 off 42 balls as Delhi Capitals sealed a thrilling five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Sunday. The win has lifted DC from eighth to seventh place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 standings, as they signed off from their home fixtures in IPL 2026 on a high. After Mitchell Starcs 4-40 kept a marauding RR to 193/8, Rahul anchored the chase with his characteristic calmness, while sharing a key 105-run partnership with Abishek Porel, who hit 51 off 31 balls. Ashutosh Sharma then stepped in late as the impact player to steer DC home via an unbeaten five-ball 18, as it proved to be a tense, see-saw contest that swung repeatedly before the hosts finally held their nerve and completed the chase with four balls to spare, and kept their slim playoffs hopes alive. Chasing 194, Rahul had not even settled at the crease when fortune intervened, as Yash Raj Punja dropped him at short fine leg off Jofra Archer, apart from an overthrow giving DC four extra runs. Keeping all that aside, Rahul and Porel set about dismantling the RR bowling attack with a combination of audacity and intent, as DC reached fifty in just four overs. Porel, the aggressor from the outset, drove and whipped Archer for a four and six, before ramping, cutting, pulling, and punching Brijesh Sharma for four boundaries. Rahul, meanwhile, was doing what he does best - rotating strike and hitting boundaries off loose balls with surgical precision. When Adam Milne dropped short in the fifth over, he rocked back and smoked a pull flat over deep mid-wicket for six. The hundred of the opening pair DCs second 100-plus opening stand of IPL 2026 and both coming versus RR - arrived in the ninth over when Rahul pumped Punja straight over the sight screen for six. Porel brought up his fifty off 30 balls before holing out to long-on off a slower ball from Brijesh in the 11th over, even as an unperturbed Rahul reached his fifty in the 12th over off 34 balls. RRs move to bring back Archer for his third over worked well when he drew a rash drive from Sahil Parakh, and a thick outside edge was comfortably caught by Dhruv Jurel. Dasun Shanaka dealt a huge blow to DC when Rahul attempted to punch off his slower delivery, but chopped on to his stumps without any footwork. The pressure of the asking rate going past ten brought out sloppy misfields from RR, but it consumed Tristan Stubbs, who shaped for a pre-mediated scoop, but was caught by a sprinting deep backward square leg. But some respite came for DC Axar Patel sliced Archer for four, followed by him and David Miller lofting Donovan Ferreira for a six each. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. With seven runs needed off the final over, RR were charged with an over-rate penalty, and as they were allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Ashutosh drove Milne down the ground for four, before pulling over deep mid-wicket for six to seal the chase in style for DC. With 19 runs needed off 12 balls, a twist came when Miller pulled to deep mid-wicket off a slower ball from Brijesh. But with ones and twos coming in, including a wide, Ashutosh diffused tension by heaving Brijesh for six, before RR missed a run-out chance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 193/8 in 20 overs (Dhruv Kurel 53, Riyan Parag 51; Mitchell Starc 4-40, Lungi Ngidi 2-24) lost to Delhi Capitals 197/5 in 19.2 overs (KL Rahul 56, Abishek Porel 51; Jofra Archer 2-35, Brijesh Sharma 2-44) by five wickets Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: It's Frustrating, But There's Still Hope, Says PBKS's James Hopes After RCB Defeat

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: A sixth successive defeat after six wins and one abandoned match has left Punjab Kings in a dire situation in the Indian Premier League as they go through a terrible run of defeats, but Fast bowling coach James Hopes said there's still hope and they need to turn it around in their last match. Punjab Kings are on 13 points from 13 matches and could have done their chances a world of good if they had defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. However, they lost by 23 runs chasing a massive total of 223. Yeah, it's frustrating, to be honest. Yeah, we are staring it (elimination) in the face now. There's still hope, but we need to turn it around. We need to tidy up some areas, said Hopes in the post-match press conference on Sunday. Talking about Sunday's match against RCB, Hopes said they were always chasing their tail in the match. Today, once again, I felt like we were always chasing our tail, with the ball, not creating enough opportunities early. We controlled the Power-play pretty well, but every time we'd get back the momentum, they'd have a big over, they'd get back on top. And then in the chase, we sort of got going, but then, yeah, it just petered out, said Hopes. The PBKS fast bowling coach said they lost too many wickets early on. We lost too many wickets early, but it was just...Tonight's game, the way we lost was less frustrating than the other games, to be honest. But, yeah, it was just another disappointing night. He disagreed with the notion that, because of the high-scoring wins in the first half of the tournament, PBKS have gone into defensive mode and are finding it difficult to come out of it. He admitted they missed a few opportunities in the field and though they gave away 20-odd extra runs, allowing RCB to put up a challenging total. About the road ahead for them, the Aussie bowling coach said, Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. We have a week now where, hopefully, a few results go our way, and we're playing again in the finals next weekend. But the boys have got to regroup, and they've got to stay positive, and they've got to believe, if we have an opportunity to make the finals, that we can make some noise if we get in there. About the road ahead for them, the Aussie bowling coach said, Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed three wickets, to restrict Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. The victory helped RCB move to 18 points from 13 matches and secure a place in the playoffs. Article Source: IANS

Coughlin cuts loose for Lancashire as draw beckons

Southport lit up by 36-ball fifty but stalemate beckons after time lost to rain

Sonny Baker marks Test call with five-for but Hampshire still in trouble

Home side lose four second-innings wickets to lead by just 67, despite fightback with ball

Sam Cook, Shane Snater lead Leicestershire demolition job

Visitors capitulate for 60 in second innings as Essex claim third win of season

Du Plooy, Falconer hold up Derbyshire's victory push

Century stand from fourth-wicket pair moves Middlesex into credit but hopes of saving game remain slim

Stokes makes do with net practice as rain prevents play at Beckenham

Water under the covers leaves England captain waiting on time in the middle

CSK's playoff hopes on the line against SRH in Chennai

The match is also Dhoni's last chance of playing at Chepauk in IPL 2026

BCB elections to elect new president to be held on June 7

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal is the current BCB president

IPL 2026: Starcs Four-fer Leads DCs Fightback, Keeps RR To 193/8 Despite Fifties From Jurel, Parag

Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Mitchell Starc turned the match on its head with a devastating four-wicket burst in the death overs as Delhi Capitals restricted Rajasthan Royals to 193/8 in 20 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, despite half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel and skipper Riyan Parag threatening to get the game in favour of the hosts. Starc had leaked 28 runs in his first two overs, but returned to rip through the RR middle and lower order in his final two overs - conceding just 12 more runs while claiming all four wickets - to trigger a stunning collapse that saw RR lose six wickets for 33 runs in the last six overs after appearing set for a posting a total well above 220. At 160/2 in the 14th over, RR were seemingly cruising with Parag hitting 51 - his fastest in the IPL. But Starc used slower balls well, changed his pace and angles with accuracy, and coupled with Lungi Ngidis pace-off balls meant RR fell in a heap, despite Jurel hitting 53, as DC clawed their way back into the contest. Before Starcs squeeze, it was Parag who seized the moment when RR needed it most, walking in after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enthralled 31, 200 fans by hitting a blistering 21-ball 46. After Sooryavanshi fell, Parag needed no time to settle in and was right on the money from the get-go. In the first 19 balls he faced, he hit five sixes and a four off Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar in a spell of clean, muscular hitting that left the DC bowling attack rattled. But before Parag took centre stage, it was Sooryavanshi who set the tone. The teenage opener began by pulling Ngidi over deep square-leg for a six. From the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a flying start by hitting Mitchell Starc for three boundaries in the opening over, with a crisp cover drive being the standout stroke. Though Jaiswal eventually fell to Ngidi - a sharp outside edge off a slower ball pouched by the tall Starc at short third man, Sooryavanshi cut loose by edging and pulling him for a four and six, before carting debutant off-spin bowling all-rounder Tripurana Vijay for back-to-back fours through cover region and swivelling him for another maximum. It also helped RR that DC were sloppy in catching Dhruv Jurel was given an early reprieve by KL Rahul, while Sameer Rizvi dropped a chance of Sooryavanshi at long-on. When Parag was on six, a short ball looped to Tristan Stubbs at long-on, who appeared to complete the catch running to his left. But replays showed his fingers were not beneath the ball as it grazed the ground, giving Parag a lucky reprieve. Jurel found his boundary-hitting rhythm by clobbering an erratic Mukesh Kumar for two fours and a six in the last over of power-play, as 17 runs came off it. Madhav Tiwaris introduction worked wonders for DC as Sooryavanshi couldnt pick the slower ball and was caught by diving long-on. At 92/2 in eight overs, Parag made his intentions clear to go after the DC bowlers. He hit Axar over midwicket and then launched him way beyond long-on to pick a brace of sixes. In the next over, he went berserk against Mukesh a pull over deep mid-wicket was followed by an uppish smash over extra cover for four, before using his strong forearms to pummel the pacer over long-on for consecutive maximums. After Jurel hit Tiwari for two fours to bring up RRs 150 in 13 overs, Parah brought up his fifty off 23 balls and got a bear hug from Jurel. But after that, DC clawed back in the 15th over - Starc first deceived Parag with a slower ball and the batter only managed a toeend to diving long-on. Starc struck again when Donovan Ferreira mistimed a heave to long-on and fell for a golden duck, before debutant Ravi Singh was trapped plumb lbw with a slower delivery, as RR burnt a review. RRs horrible wobble continued - Tiwari had Shubham Dubey mistiming a heave to deep backward square leg, while Starc forced Impact Player Dasun Shanaka to slice to long-off, and Jurel, after reaching his fourth fifty of the season, was trapped lbw by a slower ball from Ngidi, as DC applied the choke on RR. Starc struck again when Donovan Ferreira mistimed a heave to long-on and fell for a golden duck, before debutant Ravi Singh was trapped plumb lbw with a slower delivery, as RR burnt a review. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 193/8 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 53, Riyan Parag 51; Mitchell Starc 4-40, Lungi Ngidi 2-24) against Delhi Capitals Article Source: IANS

Venkatesh Iyer: 'I'd lie if I say I was not frustrated'

He scored an unbeaten 40-ball 73 against PBKS as RCB became the first team to secure their playoffs spot

Indian Men Win Silver, Women Finish Fourth At Inaugural CASA Rugby 7s 2026

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Indias senior mens team secured the silver medal while the senior womens team finished fourth in the inaugural CASA Rugby 7s 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a positive start to the international season for Rugby India. RCB produced a dominant all-round performance at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday, posting a massive 222/4 before restricting Punjab Kings to 199/8 despite a late fightback from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis. Jitesh, who led the side in the absence of regular captain Rajat Patidar, said the team always felt in control because they had a clear idea of how the pitch was behaving after batting first. We were not under pressure, frankly speaking. We were in control. We know what we want to do on this wicket because we batted on that, and the batters had given very good feedback on what was working on that wicket, Jitesh said after the match. RCBs batting unit laid the foundation for the victory through Virat Kohlis 58, Devdutt Padikkals quickfire 45, and an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer. The side accelerated strongly in the second half of the innings to cross the 220-run mark. Jitesh explained that the team used the information from the first innings to plan specifically against Punjab Kings key batters and execute accordingly with the ball. So we planned particularly for particular batsmen, and we were executing that properly, he added. Jitesh also credited the experienced players in the RCB squad for supporting him during his captaincy stint and said it had been a valuable learning experience. We are privileged that they are playing for RCB, and with that, I have so many senior players to guide me in the centre when Im doing captaincy for those bowlers. I think thats great. Its a great experience to play with those boys, he said. The wicketkeeper-batter confirmed that Rajat Patidar is expected to return as captain for the next game, while reiterating that RCBs focus remains on taking one match at a time despite sealing a playoff berth. My actual skipper is doing really well. Hes going to captain the next game. I think our RCB motto is very simple, one game at a time, he said. We are not thinking ahead or anything. We just want to play our best cricket in every match, thats it, he added. My actual skipper is doing really well. Hes going to captain the next game. I think our RCB motto is very simple, one game at a time, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Although Shashank Singh smashed a rapid 56 off 27 deliveries and Marcus Stoinis contributed 37 off 25 balls, RCBs bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. Rasikh finished with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood delivered crucial breakthroughs. Article Source: IANS

Spencer Johnson: I feel like I'm going to get better and faster

The Australian quick had not played competitive cricket between IPL 2025 and IPL 2026, but bowled with express pace on his CSK debut against LSG

IPL 2026: The Match Was Lost In The Powerplay, Says Iyer After PBKS's Defeat To RCB

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted that his side lost the match in the power-play after suffering a 23-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. Chasing a massive target of 223, Punjab Kings were rocked early as Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Shreyas himself were dismissed cheaply inside the first three overs. The early collapse left the hosts struggling at 19/3, making the chase difficult despite a spirited fightback later in the innings. Obviously, they got off to a great start and then started taking on the bowlers right after the power play. I think getting to 222 was a commendable performance, and we werent able to take wickets in the bowling that much, but yeah, I think the match was lost in the powerplay, Iyer said after the game. Punjab Kings eventually finished at 199/8 despite aggressive knocks from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis. Shashank smashed 56 off just 27 deliveries while Stoinis contributed 37 off 25 balls, but the required run rate proved too steep after the early damage. Reflecting on the difficult chase, Shreyas pointed to the absence of strong starts from openers Arya and Prabhsimran, both of whom had been among the teams most consistent performers this season. Absolutely. We were three down, and the majority of our run scorers were Prabhsimran and Priyansh. The starts they used to give us in the power play, obviously, we couldnt get this time, and also me coming in and getting out early, he said. Really disappointed, but commendable performance by Shashank and Stoinis, and also a few others in the middle. I think we were up there with almost 10 and over, but yeah, fell short. Tremendous bowling by Bhuvi and Hazlewood, he added. Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided RCB the perfect start with two wickets in the opening overs, while Josh Hazlewood picked up important breakthroughs in the middle and death overs to stop Punjab Kings recovery. The defeat also confirmed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, with RCB moving to 18 points from 13 matches. Despite the setback, Shreyas remained optimistic about Punjab Kings chances going forward and said he would continue to maintain a positive mindset ahead of their next game against Lucknow Super Giants. The defeat also confirmed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, with RCB moving to 18 points from 13 matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this loss, PBKS' qualification chances look very slim. They have to beat LSG in their final match and then depend on other teams' results to also go in their favour, as they can now reach a maximum of 15 points. Article Source: IANS

Venkatesh, Rasikh take RCB into IPL 2026 playoffs

PBKS in precarious position after losing their sixth game in a row

IPL 2026: We Still Want To Show What We Can Do On The Field As A Group, Says DCs Starc

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc said the side remains determined to showcase its collective strength in the final stretch of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 league stage, even as the race to the playoffs tightens. DC are at eighth spot with 10 points from 12 games and have a slim chance to enter the playoffs if they win their remaining two league stage games, including the clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. I mean, as each day goes past, we get a bit more percentage of a chance of getting through, and the way the game is going at the moment, it is good for us. So, I mean, we've still got two games. We still want to show what we can do on the field here as a group. There's been a little bit of change over the last couple of games, and if that may happen again tonight and in the next game, that's it, but it's a chance for the guys to show what they can do. For the guys who have been going well, you look at KL, who has had a fantastic season with the bat, and a few guys who have come in and taken their opportunities. So, there's still plenty to play for, and it's still a great chance for these two games to perform if you come in, and as a group, you know, you never know what can happen in cricket, said Starc in a pre-match chat with the broadcasters. Starc also emphasised adaptability as the key factor for DC to do well at their home venue. Obviously, we've played them away maybe a week... or a couple of weeks ago, actually. So, I think it is probably two teams that know each other. Then it comes down to these conditions. Here in Delhi, they've changed the game on game. So, I think that's going to be the key tonight, is adapting to what's presented to us on this wicket, which is a little bit of an unknown. Your guess is as good as mine. But, if you can adjust as quickly as you can, the team that's going to do that the quickest generally takes the advantage in the game. Asked what DC did after winning over Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, Starc said, It's been a little bit of a break. We've got another one after tonight, so it's been a chance for I think a couple of guys to duck home for a night. I've noticed there's been a little bit of golf. For me, I've just been watching the golf and the footy back home, just getting the old body right for tonight. So, no, it's been a little refresher, and hopefully we're good to go tonight, he said. RR pacer Jofra Archer, meanwhile, spoke about RRs longish break in their last two matches. We had a few team bonding sessions as well, and the gap, the first gap, they just let us do whatever we wanted to do on those few days. We had some pool volleyball. We had a MasterChef. And we had a really nice dinner, actually, at one of the really historic places in Rajasthan. I've noticed there's been a little bit of golf. For me, I've just been watching the golf and the footy back home, just getting the old body right for tonight. So, no, it's been a little refresher, and hopefully we're good to go tonight, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RR also needs to win their remaining three games to enter the playoffs, and Archer said the tournament is still wide open for anyone to enter the last four stage. Not just DC, but I think every team in the competition. It doesn't matter where they are in the table. Anybody can beat anybody. Didn't have GT losing on my radar last night either. And that kind of just shows that you can't take anyone for granted in this tournament. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Vijay Handed Debut As DC Elect To Bowl First Against RR, Ravi Gets Debut Cap

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first against Rajasthan Royals in match 62 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. Both DC and RR need wins, starting from Sundays clash, to keep their slim hopes of entering the playoffs alive. After winning the toss in their final home game of IPL 2026, DC skipper Axar Patel said that bowling all-rounder Tripurana Vijay makes his debut and replaces Auqib Nabi. When you win, you feel good. The atmosphere has been good even during the losses. I'm not thinking about conditions as I've gotten it wrong. We will try to bat and bowl well, no matter how the wicket behaves. You have to keep things on the field there and not carry it off the field, he said. RR captain Riyan Parag, fit again to lead the side after missing their previous clash against the Gujarat Titans due to a hamstring injury, said wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Singh makes his debut at the expense of Ravindra Jadeja, whos out due to load management, while Adam Milne also finds a place. Happy to be back first. I was pretty unsure about the wicket as well. It looks like its dry, but then weve seen the past scores and results here; chasing has been better, though it also tends to slow down a bit later on. So I was a little confused, but happy to bowl first because of that. Weve had some ups and downs in the last few games. I think we havent defended totals very well. But today gives us another opportunity to do that and hopefully get it right. So weve gone with an extra seamer today, and hopefully we can defend the total better. Almost there (on figuring the best combination). Weve had a few injuries here and there. I had to step out as well, so that hasnt helped either, he said. Sundays match is being played on pitch number six, which is the centre wicket. The square boundaries are at 63 metres each, while the straight boundary is at 73 metres. Playing XIs: Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (captain), Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar Impact substitutes: Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Vipraj Nigam, Pathum Nissanka, and Karun Nair Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (captain), Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Dasun Shanaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, and Aman Rao Article Source: IANS

DC bowl; Parag back but Jadeja out for RR

T Vijay came in for Auqib Nabi for DC; RR have brought in Ravi Singh and Adam Milne

IPL 2026: It's A Pretty Good Total, Padikkal Backs RCB Bowlers To Defend 222 Against PBKS

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Devdutt Padikkal expressed confidence in his sides bowling attack and said that the total is sufficient after RCB posted a commanding 222/4 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. Padikkal, who played a brisk knock of 45 off 25 deliveries, said the total was competitive but stressed that the bowlers would need to execute their plans well on a surface that appeared slightly slow during the afternoon game. I think its a pretty good total, but again, like any other game, we have to bowl well and make sure that we restrict them under that, Padikkal said during the mid-innings break. RCB recovered quickly after the early dismissal of Jacob Bethell as Padikkal and Virat Kohli added 76 runs for the second wicket to put the innings back on track. While Kohli went on to score 58, Padikkal narrowly missed his half-century but ensured RCB maintained an aggressive scoring rate through the middle overs. Speaking about the nature of the Dharamshala wicket, the left-hander said the pitch was not the easiest for strokeplay early on and expected the bowlers to make use of the conditions in the second innings as well. I think you expect that in day games. It is a little bit slow, especially with the new ball. It wasnt coming on as well, but I think its important that we make use of that and make sure that our bowlers know that as well, he said. Padikkal added that the RCB bowling unit had enough experience and skill to adjust according to the surface without needing extensive instructions. Like you asked earlier, I think its a bit of a slow wicket. Its important that we make sure that we use that. We obviously have to go into the wicket a little bit more, I suppose. At the end of the day, we have really skilful bowlers. They dont need too much information from me. I think they know what to do, he added. Reflecting on his partnership with Kohli after Bethells early dismissal, Padikkal said his role during the Power-play was to build a solid stand and carry the momentum forward for the team. Again, when I go into the power play, its important that I make sure that I stitch a partnership with Virat, or Jacob, who wasnt there, and really push that momentum and take it forward for the team, he said. Reflecting on his partnership with Kohli after Bethells early dismissal, Padikkal said his role during the Power-play was to build a solid stand and carry the momentum forward for the team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB eventually crossed the 220-run mark thanks to an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer and a late cameo from Tim David, leaving Punjab Kings with a challenging target of 223. Article Source: IANS

HOPS FC Crowned IWL 2 Champions, Juba Sangha FC Secure Promotion

Karbi Anglong Sports Association Girls: HOPS FC won the Indian Womens League 2 (IWL 2) 2025-26 season, achieving a perfect record with five wins in the Final Round and nine wins overall. Juba Sangha FC finished second, earning promotion to the Indian Womens League (IWL) for the 2026-27 season. The six-team Final Round was held as a single-leg round-robin at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, where HOPS finished first with 15 points. The Delhi team scored eight goals and remained defensively solid, conceding none during the final round. They had previously topped their group with four straight wins to reach the final stage. This victory marks HOPS' first IWL 2 title and signifies their return to India's top tier of women's football after last season's relegation. Juba Sangha FC, based in Delhi, finished second with 12 points after winning four of their five matches. They were the top-scoring team in the Final Round, netting 15 goals. This marks Juba Sangha's first promotion to the Indian Women's League. HOPS started their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Krida Prabodhini Pune, then beat Mumbai Knights FC 2-0, and narrowly defeated Suruchi Sangha 1-0. They continued with another close 1-0 win against Kemp FC and concluded their campaign with a 1-0 win over Juba Sangha in the final match, securing the title. Juba Sangha started their Final Round with a 3-1 win over Kemp and then secured a 5-2 victory against Krida Prabodhini Pune. Their additional wins against Mumbai Knights and Suruchi Sangha maintained their position in the race to the finish, but losing to HOPS resulted in them finishing in second place. Kemp finished third with nine points, having won three of their five matches. Krida Prabodhini Pune took fourth place with six points. Mumbai Knights ended fifth with three points, and Suruchi Sangha finished the Final Round without earning any points. Krida Prabodhinis Simran Gurung was the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals. Her teammate Sumaiyya Shaikh finished tied for second place with seven goals, sharing the position with Roshni Tigga from Suruchi Sangha and Vipanshi from Juba Sangha. Juba Sangha also recorded Nidhi scoring six goals throughout the campaign, while Bhagyashree Dalvi from Mumbai Knights and Maidangshri Narzary from Karbi Anglong Sports Association Girls Football Club (KASA FC) each scored five. Khushbu Saroj of Kemp and Juba Sanghas Kiran both scored four goals. Krida Prabodhinis Simran Gurung was the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals. Her teammate Sumaiyya Shaikh finished tied for second place with seven goals, sharing the position with Roshni Tigga from Suruchi Sangha and Vipanshi from Juba Sangha. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sribhumi FC were the first champions in 2023-24, with Garhwal United FC securing the title last season. HOPS became the second Delhi-based team to win the IWL 2. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer, Kohli Power RCB To 222/4 Against PBKS

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association: All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer remained unbeaten at 73 while Virat Kohli smashed a brilliant fifty as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) posted 222/4 in 20 overs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, RCB began cautiously, with Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell taking time to settle on a surface that offered some early movement. The side managed only 17 runs in the first two overs as Punjab Kings bowlers maintained disciplined lines. Bethell looked uncomfortable from the start but attempted to shift momentum in the third over with a boundary. However, Harpreet Brar struck immediately after as the left-hander was clean bowled trying to attack again. Bethells difficult run with the bat continued as he departed for 11 off seven deliveries. Devdutt Padikkal, however, ensured RCB did not lose momentum. The left-hander attacked right from the beginning and smashed a six off the very first ball he faced. Kohli too joined the attack quickly, launching Lockie Ferguson for a maximum in the following over. The pair mixed aggressive strokeplay with smart strike rotation to keep the scoreboard moving at a healthy rate. Padikkal looked in complete control during his entertaining knock, regularly punishing anything short or wide. Kohli, at the other end, played with fluency and kept the pressure firmly on Punjab Kings bowlers. Their aggressive approach helped RCB reach 61/1 at the end of the power-play. Punjab Kings introduced experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in an attempt to slow down the scoring rate, but the move backfired as the veteran leg-spinner conceded 21 runs in his opening over. Kohli and Padikkal continued to dominate and added 76 runs for the second wicket before Brar once again provided the breakthrough. In the 10th over, Brar produced another impressive delivery to dismiss Padikkal, who missed out on a half-century by just five runs. The left-hander played a brisk knock of 45 off 25 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. Despite losing Padikkal, Kohli maintained the momentum and continued to score freely. The former RCB skipper brought up his half-century in just 31 balls with a quick single in the 12th over. He looked set for a much bigger score as he combined well with Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer initially struggled to find timing but gradually settled into his innings. The left-hander shifted gears in the 14th over by hitting Brar for two consecutive boundaries before taking on Chahal in the next over with two towering sixes. Chahal eventually struck back on the final ball of the over when Kohli miscued a shot to deep mid-wicket after a well-made 58 off 37 deliveries. His innings included four fours and three sixes and once again provided a solid platform for RCB. Following Kohlis dismissal, Iyer took complete control of the innings alongside Tim David. The all-rounder attacked the Punjab bowlers in the death overs and completed his half-century in just 29 balls. Ferguson, in particular, struggled badly with his lengths as Iyer capitalised with clean hitting on both sides of the wicket. Iyer remained unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes in a superb finishing effort. Tim David also played a valuable cameo, scoring 28 off only 12 deliveries as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. For Punjab Kings, Harpreet Brar was the standout bowler with figures of 2/35 from his four overs, while Chahal picked up the important wicket of Kohli despite an expensive outing. Iyer remained unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes in a superb finishing effort. Tim David also played a valuable cameo, scoring 28 off only 12 deliveries as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru 222/4 in 20 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 73*, Virat Kohli 58, Devdutt Padikkal 45; Harpreet Brar 2-35, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-42) against Punjab Kings Article Source: IANS

DC vs RR Match 62, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

DC vs RR Match 62 , Cricket Tips : Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals are in a race to make it to the playoffs of the IPL 2026. They will be up against each other on Sunday at 7:30 PM IST at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This contest is very important for the survival of both teams. DC are required to win this game. A defeat at this stage will be all over for them. Axar Patel and co. will hope that they can repeat the success they had against KKR. RR have lost their last two matches. They have been inconsistent in both departments. This game can also make or break their campaign in the IPL 2026. DC vs RR: Match Details Date : May 17, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi DC vs RR Live Streaming Details The live action of the DC vs RR game will be available on the Star Sports Network. Indian fans can watch the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. DC vs RR Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 31 DC : 16 RR : 15 No - Result : 00 DC vs RR: Ground Pitch Report Arun Jaitley Stadium is known for producing a batting-friendly wicket. The bounce and pace are consistent here, which will help the batters play their shots on the up. It is a high-scoring game, and we might see another 200+ total here. DC vs RR Possible XIs DC : KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi RR : Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (w), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Brijesh Sharma, Sandeep Sharma DC vs RR Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter KL Rahul and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have contrasting batting styles and will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Lungi Ngidi and Jofra Archer are two bowlers who have been in great form this season. Today Match Prediction : DC have a better-performing bowling unit than RR. Hence, we predict Delhi Capitals to win this game. DC vs RR Match 62, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, DC vs RR 2026 Prediction, DC vs RR Predicted XIs, Injury Update for DC vs RR Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

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

Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash with 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are placed at No. 6 on the points table with six wins and as many defeats from 12 matches. They are well and truly in contention to reach the playoffs despite starting the season with three consecutive losses. Ruturaj Gaikwad's team is coming to the contest after suffering a seven-wicket loss against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium. CSK needs two wins in two matches to stay alive in the competition. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad also made a strong comeback after a poor start, losing three of their first four matches. They are currently placed in third position in the points table, with seven wins from 12 matches. If they manage to win the match against CSK, their chances of qualification will increase significantly. SRH is also coming to the contest after suffering a big 87-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The rivalry between CSK and SRH has seen the two teams face each other 24 times in the IPL so far. CSK have dominated the head-to-head record with 16 wins, while SRH have emerged victorious on eight occasions. There have been no tied matches or no results between the sides. Their first-ever meeting took place on April 25, 2013, with CSK winning, while the most recent clash was held on April 18, 2026, with SRH coming out on top. When: Monday, May 18, 7:30 PM IST Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to Watch: The CSK vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Smaran Ravichandran, Abhishek Sharma, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Salil Arora, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Jack Edwards, Brydon Carse, Sakib Hussain, Zeeshan Ansari, Aniket Verma, Amit Kumar, Krains Fuletra Article Source: IANS

Shreyas Iyer Becomes Fifth Player To Complete 100 IPL Matches As Captain

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Shreyas Iyer added another milestone to his growing leadership resume on Sunday as the Punjab Kings captain became only the fifth player in Indian Premier League history to lead a side in 100 matches. The landmark came during PBKS IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday, placing Iyer alongside some of the most decorated captains in the tournaments history. Before Iyer, only MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had reached the three-figure mark as IPL captains. The 31-year-old has built his captaincy record across three franchises, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and PBKS, highlighting both his tactical reputation and consistent demand as a leader in the league. Iyer first took charge of Delhi Capitals in 2018 and led the franchise in 41 matches, guiding them to their maiden IPL final in 2020. He later moved to KKR, where he captained the side in 29 games between 2022 and 2024 and ended the franchises long wait for silverware by lifting the IPL title in 2024. His latest chapter with PBKS has already produced another finals appearance, making Iyer the only captain in IPL history to lead three different teams into the tournament final. Across his first 99 matches as skipper before Sundays game, Iyer had registered 56 victories, including two Super Over wins, while suffering 40 defeats. Three games ended without a result. His success rate across completed matches stands at 58.3 per cent, level with Dhoni for the best win percentage among captains in IPL history. The achievement further strengthens Iyers reputation as one of the most effective leaders of the modern IPL era, particularly given the contrasting squads and transitions he has managed across franchises. Punjabs campaign this season has mirrored that inconsistency. The team began IPL 2026 in stunning fashion, putting together a seven-match unbeaten run that included six wins and a washed-out fixture. However, momentum slipped dramatically midway through the season, with five consecutive defeats leaving their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The achievement further strengthens Iyers reputation as one of the most effective leaders of the modern IPL era, particularly given the contrasting squads and transitions he has managed across franchises. Also Read: Live Cricket Score At the top of the all-time list remains Dhoni, who has captained in 235 IPL matches for Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant between 2008 and 2025. Article Source: IANS

PBKS opt to bowl vs Jitesh-led RCB

Romario Shepherd and Suyash Sharma were back for RCB

IPL 2026: Rajat Patidar Misses Out For RCB As PBKS Opt To Bowl

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Punjab Kings (RCB) have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the match number 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar is not taking part in the match, while wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma is leading the side in his absence. Suyash Sharma is replacing Patidar, while Romario Shepherd replaces Jacob Duffy. Punjab Kings have made two changes in their side as Harpreet Brar and Lockie Ferguson are back in the playing XI. After winning the toss, Shreyas Iyer said We're going to bowl. I'm not going by the stats; we're clearly seeing how the games pan out. If we bat and bowl well, the toss doesn't matter. I seriously had no clue that this was my 100th game as a captain, but it feels great. It feels like a great opportunity for me to win my 100th game (as captain). The bowling has been fantastic, but there are pressure moments where you need to execute, and so you can't change the past, nor can you anticipate the future. The beauty is to stay in the moment, see the moment, and enjoy the pressure. Two changes for us (Harpreet) Brar and Lockie (Ferguson) come in, he added. While after losing the toss, RCB skipper Jitesh Sharma said, We would have loved to bowl first, but the wicket is good and should play well for 40 overs. Rajat is doing fantastic, and we should see him in Hyderabad. We are at the business end of the tournament, and Im happy with how the team is performing, both individually and as a unit. Yes, we are very pleased that the team looks so stable right now. We are giving our absolute best in every department. One win tonight secures our spot in the playoffs, so its a massive game for us. Absolutely, every game is important at this stage. This win can change the entire tablenot just for us, but for several other teams as well.. Suyash replaces Rajat and Romario replaces Duffy, he added. Punjab began their campaign in dominant fashion, winning six of their opening seven matches and emerging as one of the strongest sides in the tournament. However, their momentum has faded in recent weeks, with Shreyas Iyre's men suffering five consecutive defeats. As the playoff battle heats up, PBKS will be desperate to halt the slide and strengthen their chances of securing a top-four finish. PBKS are currently placed at fourth position in the points table with 13 points in 12 matches. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the best teams in IPL 2026, winning eight of their 12 matches so far. They are almost through to the playoffs and will now look to secure a top-two finish with a win against the Kings. RCB are coming into this match with confidence after beating the Kolkata Knight Riders, thanks to a brilliant century from Virat Kohli. Playing XIs Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Impact substitutes: Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey, Musheer Khan Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Rasikh Dar, Jordan Cox, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh, Kaushik Chauhan Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'GT Still Have The Ball In Their Court For Top Two Finish,' Says Chawla After KKR Loss

Indian Premier League: Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla believes that 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) can still qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs by remaining in the top two, as they have their fate in their hands despite suffering a 29-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday. After being asked to bat, KKR set a huge total of 247/2 in 20 overs thanks to the brilliant knock by Finn Allen, who scored 93 runs in 35 balls, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi also scored 82 runs off just 44 balls. In reply, despite the 85-run innings from captain Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to cross the line and scored just 218 runs. With this loss, GT still sits in the second spot in the points table with 16 points in 13 matches. Chawla feels that Gujarat will be eager to finish in the top two by winning their next match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) rather than depending on other teams for favourable results or net run rate. Gujarat Titans will be worried because they would want to finish in the top two. They still have the ball in their court. They have a game against CSK left. If they win that one, they will definitely finish in the top two. But if not, then net run rate and all those things will come into the picture, Chawla told Jio Hotstar. You want to be safe because you don't want to be dependent on others, especially at this stage of the tournament. The things that are in your control, you just want to make sure you do them really well, he added. According to Chawla, chasing a mammoth total like 248 was always going to be challenging for GT as they don't have that much firepower at the top. You want to be safe because you don't want to be dependent on others, especially at this stage of the tournament. The things that are in your control, you just want to make sure you do them really well, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They are consistent in that range. But when the target crosses 240, it becomes very challenging for their batting style. The way Gill and Sai Sudharsan bat, they rely on building partnerships. They don't have the same explosive firepower in the top order, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Patidar Ruled Out, Jitesh To Captain RCB Against PBKS In Dharamsala

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without their regular skipper Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium here on Sunday, with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma set to lead the side in his absence. An IPL source confirmed to IANS about Patidars absence from the clash which is a re-match of the 2025 IPL final, where RCB edged PBKS to win their first title. Rajat Patidar wont be playing today. Jitesh will be the captain of RCB for this clash. Patidar wasnt seen in RCB travel videos to Dharamshala and missed both practice sessions. He will be back for RCBs last game in Hyderabad, further said the source. Patidar has been one of RCBs standout performers this season, amassing 326 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 195, including hitting three half-centuries. But his absence for the clash against CSK leaves a significant void in RCBs middle order and it will be interesting to see who replaces him in the starting eleven. RCB are currently sitting on top of the points table and a win over PBKS will confirm their playoffs berth. They arrive in Dharamsala on the back of successive victories. RCB will also continue to miss opener Phil Salt, who is yet to return from England after a finger injury. It means his compatriot Jacob Bethell will partner Virat Kohli at the top. Patidar has been one of RCBs standout performers this season, amassing 326 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 195, including hitting three half-centuries. But his absence for the clash against CSK leaves a significant void in RCBs middle order and it will be interesting to see who replaces him in the starting eleven. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The spotlight will now be on Jitesh, who has endured his leanest IPL season since debuting in 2022. He has managed just 90 runs so far and has fallen to pacers eight times in ten innings. For a batter known for his finishing abilities, rediscovering form as captain could be pivotal for Jitesh before RCB head into the playoffs. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Piyush Chawla Calls Narine 'best In The Business' After Masterclass Vs GT

Kolkata Knight Riders: Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legend Sunil Narine, calling him 'the best in the business' after his magnificent spell against Gujarat Titans(GT) helped the team register a 29-run win at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. In a match where 465 runs were scored across 40 overs, Narine stood out with a miserly spell of 2/29 in his four overs, helping KKR defend a massive 247/2 and keep their playoff hopes alive. KKR rode on explosive batting performances from Finn Allen (93), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (82 not out), and Cameron Green (52 not out) to post a daunting total. In reply, GT were well in the chase thanks to Shubman Gills commanding 85 and Jos Buttlers 57 before Narine turned the game with key breakthroughs. Chawla said Narines ability to maintain control in a high-scoring era makes him one of the most special bowlers in T20 cricket. Sunil Narine is one of the best in the business, no doubt. Cricket has evolved, and runs are flowing everywhere. Many things have changed in modern-day cricket, but one thing hasn't: his economy rate, Chawla told Jio Hotstar. No matter the surface or the venue, 450 runs were scored in this game, but Narine's economy rate stood out as the difference. He bowled the tough overs and kept it tight. He also picked up two wickets, he added. Chawla particularly highlighted Narines tactical brilliance in dismissing Gill, who looked set for a century while leading GTs chase. When Shubman Gill was going strong and looked set for a hundred, Narine changed his angle. We rarely see him go around the wicket to a right-hander. But he did it to cramp Gill for room, he said. Chawla particularly highlighted Narines tactical brilliance in dismissing Gill, who looked set for a century while leading GTs chase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Narines spell proved decisive as GT finished at 218/4 despite being strongly placed at 177/1 after 16 overs. Article Source: IANS

Recreational Activities, Fun Sports Zone Adorn 74th Edition Of Fit India Sundays On Cycle

Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya: The 74th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle saw enthusiastic participation of 50,000 individuals at 5000 locations across the country. The cycling drive was organized in association with Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Customs Departments of the Government of India. A plethora of recreational activities were also parallelly organized along with the cycling initiative like Yoga, rope skipping and Zumba. In New Delhi, the event was conducted at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium that witnessed a turnout of over 800 individuals including officers from the GST and Customs departments along with the general public from all age groups. A fun sports zone was also created prompting the public to try out options like badminton, chess, carrom and ludo etc. Lemon race, ball game, tug of war, squat challenge and push-up challenge were also conducted. Started by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the cycling movement has witnessed participation from 32,38,234 fitness enthusiasts till now across 3,07,852 locations in 74 editions. Talking about the initiative, Manish Kumar, Chief Commissioner (Customs Department) said, Following the clarion call by our Honble Prime Minister to adopt a healthy lifestyle, the officers and employees of the GST and Customs Departments have become part of the Fit India movement. We all know health is our biggest property. If you are healthy, you will be able to complete your task properly. Echoing the sentiment, Narendra Kumar Yadav, Additional Director (GST) and Fit India Ambassador said cycling is also plays an important role in controlling air pollution. This is our regular event of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. As I am the brand ambassador for Fit India, we organise the cycling event every Sunday across the country. As PM Modi has appealed to people, cycling is important for not only our health and environment, but also for the economy of our country, as it is helping us save fuel, Yadav said later. Talking about the initiative, Manish Kumar, Chief Commissioner (Customs Department) said, Following the clarion call by our Honble Prime Minister to adopt a healthy lifestyle, the officers and employees of the GST and Customs Departments have become part of the Fit India movement. We all know health is our biggest property. If you are healthy, you will be able to complete your task properly. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The cycling drive is conducted simultaneously across all States and Union Territories, including SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India Centres (KICs). Article Source: IANS

I Would Be Looking Into Him Straight Away: Shastri Backs Sooryavanshis India Call-up For Ireland T20Is

Ireland T20Is: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already ready for the international stage, urging selectors to fast-track the youngster into Indias T20 setup following his remarkable rise over the past few months. Sooryavanshis stock has soared rapidly after a sensational run in the Indian Premier League with the Rajasthan Royals, where the left-handed opener has emerged as one of the most destructive batters of the season. The teenager has accumulated 440 runs in 11 innings while maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of 236.56, including a tournament-leading tally of 40 sixes. His breakthrough campaign has featured a breathtaking 36-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with two additional half-centuries, performances that have elevated him from a promising youth prospect to a genuine contender for higher honours. Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, said the fearless approach shown by the youngster against experienced bowlers across the IPL makes him impossible to ignore. The door would be three-fourths open. I can tell you that, for sure, because if you want to encourage or get someone young and into the setup as quickly as possible, then it's the T20 format of the game and he is not short by any margin. This guy can walk into a lot of sides in world cricket at this current moment in time. Just when you look at the exuberance of youth and that youth shows on his face, Shastri said on The ICC Review. The former India captain and coach suggested that Indias upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland could offer the ideal platform to introduce Sooryavanshi to senior international cricket. If selected, the youngster would become the youngest player ever to debut for India. Shastri dismissed concerns surrounding the batters age, insisting that his performances and temperament already indicate readiness for the next level. A lot of people will ask, is he 15, is he 16, is he 14? I don't care. I just see the way he is batting at the moment and the way he's taking on all comers twice his age or maybe two and a half times his age. It doesn't matter to him. So I think he's very, very much in the reckoning. And when you have tours of Ireland and all this happening now, I would be looking into him straight away, Shastri added. The timing of Shastris endorsement has only intensified speculation around Sooryavanshis future after the teenager earned his maiden India A call-up earlier this week. The selection came just a day after Shastri publicly backed him for national honours, further strengthening the narrative around his meteoric rise. A lot of people will ask, is he 15, is he 16, is he 14? I don't care. I just see the way he is batting at the moment and the way he's taking on all comers twice his age or maybe two and a half times his age. It doesn't matter to him. So I think he's very, very much in the reckoning. And when you have tours of Ireland and all this happening now, I would be looking into him straight away, Shastri added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Having already starred in Indias victorious ICC Mens Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign earlier this year, Sooryavanshis rapid progression is beginning to draw comparisons with some of the countrys fastest-rising cricket talents in recent memory. Article Source: IANS

Whom Does He Need To Prove: Ashwin Backs Kohlis Retirement Stance, Says He Went Through The Same Feeling

ICC ODI World Cup: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli following the latters candid remarks about stepping away from Test cricket and the pressures that influenced his decision Kohli, speaking on the RCB podcast, revealed that the constant expectation to justify his place after every outing played a major role in his decision to retire from the longest format after Indias tour of Australia. The comments sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing world, and Ashwin, who himself retired from international cricket midway through Indias 2024 Australia tour, said he completely understood Kohlis mindset. Virat said, 'I don't have to prove my work to anyone,' and that's absolutely right. Why, man? I also felt the same. There was nothing left to prove. Whom does he need to prove himself to after playing for so many years and winning so many matches for India? Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Ashwin spoke at length about the emotional and mental burden that senior players often carry, especially after years of performing under relentless public scrutiny. According to the veteran off-spinner, there comes a stage in a cricketers career where external validation ceases to matter. What people say from the outside is just their job. When you are young, there is often a strong urge to say, 'I will prove you wrong.' But maturity and wisdom come when you realise that the battle is not with anyone else, but with yourself. The moment you have that realisation, life becomes very easy. I think Virat has reached that point. It is not easy to leave regrets behind, he added. Kohlis original remarks had offered a rare insight into the mental fatigue experienced by elite athletes late in their careers. The former India captain suggested that repeatedly being placed in situations where he felt compelled to justify his value had taken a toll on him. What people say from the outside is just their job. When you are young, there is often a strong urge to say, 'I will prove you wrong.' But maturity and wisdom come when you realise that the battle is not with anyone else, but with yourself. The moment you have that realisation, life becomes very easy. I think Virat has reached that point. It is not easy to leave regrets behind, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The batting great also addressed speculation surrounding his potential participation in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, making it clear that he no longer feels the need to chase approval or silence critics at this stage of his journey. Article Source: IANS

PBKS vs RCB Match 61, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

PBKS vs RCB Match 61 , Cricket Tips : Royal Challengers Bengaluru are just one win away from making it to the playoffs. They are almost through with 16 points on the board. But their qualification is still not confirmed. One more win and they will be officially in. RCB will take on Punjab Kings in match no. 61. Both teams will take on Sunday at 3:30 PM IST at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. PBKS have now lost five games in a row. They need this win to make their chances stronger. If they lose, they can get eliminated also. PBKS vs RCB: Match Details Date : May 17, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala PBKS vs RCB Live Streaming Details The live action of the PBKS vs RCB clash will be on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also access the live stream through the Jio Hotstar app or website. PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 37 PBKS : 18 RCB : 19 No - Result : 00 PBKS vs RCB: Ground Pitch Report HPCA Stadium offers a good batting wicket. Already teams have chased down 200+ scores in both games played here. However, there is enough help for the fast bowlers on this wicket. The bounce and pace are good, and bowlers can trouble the batters with the new ball. PBKS vs RCB Possible XIs PBKS : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal RCB : Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood PBKS vs RCB Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Virat Kohli is coming off a century and is the player in form. For PBKS, Priyansh Arya is someone who can put RCB under pressure. Probable Best Bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been superb and is bowling well at different stages. For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh bowled well in the last game and will be key. Today Match Prediction : PBKS have lost five games in a row and will be under pressure. Hence, we predict RCB, who are in form, to win this game. PBKS vs RCB Match 61, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, PBKS vs RCB 2026 Prediction, PBKS vs RCB Predicted XIs, Injury Update for PBKS vs RCB Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

'It is simple math' for GT but the 'upper ceiling' complicates matters

If you have to score targets further than 225, it will come back and hurt them, Sanjay Bangar says after GT fell 29 runs short of KKR's 247

Babar scraps after Taskin and Mehidy leave Pakistan in deep trouble

Pakistan, responding to Bangladesh's 278, went to lunch on the second day at a rickety 96 for 4

IPL 2026: Cameron Green Says KKR Have Finally Found The Right Balance After Crucial Win Over GT

Kolkata Knight Riders: Cameron Green believes Kolkata Knight Riders have finally found the right balance in their playing XI and batting order, with the Australian all-rounder insisting the defending champions are still firmly in the hunt for an IPL 2026 playoff spot after their commanding 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens. Green played a pivotal role in KKRs massive total of 247/2, hammering an unbeaten 52 off 28 deliveries while stitching together a match-defining 108-run partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Reflecting on KKRs campaign so far, Green admitted the side took time to settle on the ideal combination but praised the calmness within the dressing room despite inconsistent results earlier in the season. The coaching staff have been awesome. There was no panic behind closed doors. I think it just took us a while, maybe a bit too long, to figure out the right roles and get the right people in the right positions. I like to think I can bat in a few positions, but its about what is best for the team. Ajinkya Rahane has been awesome at the top for us, and the same goes for Angkrish, our youngster at number three. So, its just about where I fit into the team, and number four seems to be it. Weve found that now, so yeah, were giving ourselves a little chance here, Green told JioStar. Greens innings provided the finishing flourish after Finn Allens explosive 93 had dismantled the Titans bowling attack early in the evening. By the time Green arrived at the crease, KKR already had momentum on their side, and the Australian ensured there was no let-up in intensity. One of the standout moments of his knock came against Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green once again managed to attack the Afghanistan leg-spinner successfully, continuing a trend that has worked in his favour in previous encounters as well. However, the Australian dismissed suggestions that he has found a special formula against Rashid, instead crediting the platform laid by the top order. One of the standout moments of his knock came against Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green once again managed to attack the Afghanistan leg-spinner successfully, continuing a trend that has worked in his favour in previous encounters as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After a season marked by inconsistency, the Knight Riders now appear to have rediscovered momentum at the right time, powered by a settled batting order and a series of aggressive performances with the bat. Article Source: IANS

'I was probably a shell of a human for a bit' - being dropped helped, says Allen

I probably wasn't enjoying it as much as I should have at the time, because I was putting so much pressure on myself, Finn Allen says of his struggles early on in IPL 2026

IPL 2026: Dropped Catches Cost Us The Game, Says Parthiv Patel After GT Defeat

Kolkata Knight Riders: Parthiv Patel admitted that dropped catches hurt Gujarat Titans after their five-match winning streak ended in a high-scoring loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Saturday. KKR set a huge total of 247/2 at Eden Gardens before limiting Gujarat to 218/4, winning by 29 runs and keeping their playoff hopes alive. After the match, Gujarat Titans assistant coach Patel pointed out fielding mistakes as the key factor in the game. I think catching is something that made a huge difference, Patel said after the match. When you are playing high-scoring games against strong batters, you don't get many chances. When you get that chance, you have to make sure you catch the balls. I thought that was the difference. GT missed important opportunities against all three KKR batters who made significant contributions. Finn Allen was dropped by Mohammed Siraj at long-on when he had scored 33. The explosive opener took full advantage, blasting 93 off just 35 balls, including 10 sixes. Cameron Green got another chance on 23 when Arshad Khan dropped a catch and accidentally knocked the ball over the boundary for four. Green finished with an unbeaten 52 off 28 balls. Angkrish Raghuvanshi also benefited from a missed catch on 53 when Washington Sundar dropped a chance. The young batter ended his innings not out on 82. Once KKR passed the 240-run mark, Gujarat's chase became more challenging, even with a strong effort from their batting lineup. However, Patel especially praised Allen for how he took on Gujarats strong pace attack led by Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. He played a very good innings, there is no doubt about it, Patel said. However, Patel especially praised Allen for how he took on Gujarats strong pace attack led by Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the loss, Gujarat remains in the hunt for the playoffs. However, this defeat cost them a chance to secure qualification. Article Source: IANS

Svitolina beats Gauff to win Italian Open

In the men's final on Sunday, home favourite Jannik Sinner will face Casper Ruud

England Women vs India Women at Lords: Historic First Womens Test Set for Summer 2026

As per the full fixture list for 2026 international summer, featuring both the Mens and Womens teams, England has a packed season of cricket across all formats. Talking of womens schedule, a highlight of the summer is the ICC Womens T20 World Cup, scheduled from 12 June to 5 July 2026. England Women will play bilateral series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland on either side of the World Cup. For the first time, Lords will host a womens Test match alongside the marquee England Mens Tests and the ICC Womens T20 World Cup Final, in a blockbuster 2026 summer. England Women under Nat Sciver-Brunt shall face India in a Rothesay Test, at Lord's, from July 10. The historic moment shall mark 50 years of the first womens ODI at the Ground, a significant milestone in the growth of womens cricket in England. MCC Chief Executive Rob Lawson said, To host a womens Test at Lords is a huge honour. With attendances on the rise and over 19,000 tickets sold for our recent womens ODI, its only fitting we now host a Test. However, the iconic venue is likely to break the UK Womens Test match attendance record, as until ten weeks prior to the Test at Lords, over 23,207 tickets had been sold. With the match not starting until 10 July and the ICC Womens T20 World Cup just before it, the ticket sales are expected to surge further. Fifty years ago, Rachael Heyhoe Flint led a womens side onto the Main Ground, the Home of Cricket, and now the first ever womens Test match is scheduled here. The Ground will also host four matches in the ICC Womens T20 World Cup, including the Final that has already sold out. MCC has seen rapid progress in womens and girls cricket at Lords during all these years, and the same momentum is continuing. Recently MCC celebrated the womens game with permanent visual markers which include: - The exhibitions on womens cricket in the MCC Museum. - The installation of the Rachael Honey Flint Gate. - A commemorative Womens Ashes plaque in the Harris Garden. - A portrait of Charlotte Edwards in the Long Room. The womens Test with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is likely to see a fierce contest on the field over the four days as both sides will be looking to register a win. There has been a long debate as to why England women have never played a Test match at Lords, while their male side generally play there twice a year. Its on record that on both occasions England women have played at Lords over the last two years, they attracted a large crowd: *21,610 spectators watched England Women take on Australia in the 2023 Ashes at Lords, the highest bilateral attendance for an England Womens home international. *The Hundred womens final in 2025 at Lords drew 22,542 The fact is that the number of women's Tests is continuously decreasing and for the last three years no womens Test match has been played in England. Overall, the MCC has maintained a strict mans-only stance and thats why it has taken so many years for women to play a Test here. In 1986, when former India captain Diana Edulji was denied entry to the pavilion, she had suggested that the MCC change their name to MCP (male chauvinist pigs). Time changed speedily subsequently and in 2017, after defeating India in the World Cup final in front of a packed crowd, Heather Knight said seeing Lords sold out for a womens match is something I never thought Id see. Important Lords milestones wrt women's cricket: 1967: For the first time, the idea of admitting women as members was discussed by the Committee. 1976: The first womens ODI was played at Lords. 1990: A membership application from one R. Flint (Rachael Honey Flint, the most prominent woman cricketer of her generation) stirred the MCC. 1998: The Womens Cricket Association merged into the new England and Wales Cricket Board, headquartered at Lords. This again started the discussion on membership for women. Ultimately, the rules were changed to make either men or women eligible to apply to become members of MCC. A few months later, a group of 10 women were granted Honorary Life Membership. In 2021, Clare Connor CBE, former England captain, the first woman to lead her country to an Ashes win in 42 years, and at that point the ECBs Managing Director of Womens Cricket, became the first ever female president of the MCC. The MCC presidency runs annually, and Connors one-year tenure formally began on 1 October 2021 (after the term of her predecessor, Kumar Sangakkara, was extended by a year due to COVID). 2023: The birthplace of the Women's Ashes was honoured in a formal plaque ceremony in the Harris Garden. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When India Women take on England Women in the first ever women's Test match at Lord's, it will be a truly special occasion, and one of real significance for the game.

Rayudu Hails Narine As 'greatest IPL Player' Of All Time

Indian Premier League: Ambati Rayudu believes Sunil Narine is the best player in the history of the Indian Premier League. The veteran all-rounder once again delivered a match-winning performance for Kolkata Knight Riders. Narine had figures of 2/29 in KKRs 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 on Saturday, earning the Player of the Match award in his 200th IPL appearance. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show after the game, Rayudu said Narine's consistency and ability to impact matches with both bat and ball make him the greatest player the tournament has ever seen. Best IPL player, according to me, of all time, Rayudu said. Hes a proper match-winner with the ball and with the bat. There have been great players in the IPL, but this guy always stands out. He's at the top of the list for me. Narine's long career and impact continue to set him apart in the league. He is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 205 wickets, behind only Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. A one-franchise player since joining KKR in 2012, Narine has played a key role in all three of Kolkatas IPL title wins. He took 24 wickets at an economy of 5.47 during KKRs title-winning season in 2012, followed that with 21 wickets in 2014, and added 17 wickets during their championship run in 2024. Remarkably, Narine has never given up more than eight runs per over in a single IPL season. He remains one of the leagues most economical bowlers, even in an era dominated by batters. Rayudu also explained why Narine is such a tough bowler to face compared to other leading T20 spinners. I think Rashid Khan has a unique problem, especially on pitches like that, because everything is a topspinner, Rayudu said. Rayudu also explained why Narine is such a tough bowler to face compared to other leading T20 spinners. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As a batsman, it's always tough to line up against someone like Sunil Narine because the ball tends to hold. You often lose your shape. Article Source: IANS

Finn Allen admits IPL pressure made him a shell of a human before stunning KKR comeback

Finn Allen admitted he had become a shell of a human after putting too much pressure on himself during a tough start to the Indian Premier League 2026 season. However, stepping away briefly and rediscovering his love for batting has helped turn his fortunes around for Kolkata Knight Riders. On Saturday, Allen delivered one of the best innings of the tournament. He scored 93 runs off just 35 balls, hitting four boundaries and 10 sixes. This effort propelled Kolkata Knight Riders to a huge total of 247 against Gujarat Titans. Gujarat finished with 218/4, leading to a vital 29-run victory that kept KKR's playoff hopes alive. The explosive New Zealand opener had a rough start to the season, managing only 81 runs in his first five matches before being dropped for three games. However, his return to the lineup earlier this month marked a significant turnaround, starting with an unbeaten century off 47 balls. After Saturdays win in Kolkata, Allen opened up about the mental struggle he faced during his slump. To be honest, at the start of the tournament, I was putting far too much pressure on myself to perform, and I was probably a shell of a human for a bit there. It was all self-inflicted, Allen told reporters. I love playing cricket, I love batting, and I wasnt enjoying it as much as I should have at the time because I was putting too much pressure on myself. So having those few games off really helped me. Allen mentioned that simplifying his approach and focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations made a big difference in his batting during the shortest format. I think what I really worked on was being relaxed and enjoying myself. If I watch the ball harder, I am in a better position and Im a better cricketer for it, Allen said. Allen mentioned that simplifying his approach and focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations made a big difference in his batting during the shortest format. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This victory kept Kolkatas playoff hopes alive in a tightly packed mid-table race. KKR currently ranks seventh with 11 points but still has two matches left in the league stage. Article Source: IANS

Rayudu calls Narine the 'best IPL player of all time' after latest heroics

These are regulation figures for him, he has not done anything extraordinary, Sanjay Bangar says after Sunil Narine's 2 for 29 in KKR's win over GT

Gill: 'We didn't deserved to win this one'

GT dropped four catches, three of them sitters with Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green all benefiting from the chances

Taylor and Miles all smiles as Gloucestershire hit back in seesaw contest

Northants lose 6 for 42 in chaotic evening session before hosts reach stumps three down

Sai Sudharsan and Gill make it a GT one-two at the top of IPL 2026 Orange Cap table

Nothing much changed on the Purple Cap table with contenders Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan and Kartik Tyagi all going wicketless

IPL 2026: Score Of 200210 Was Par, But We Dropped Too Many Catches, Admits GT Skipper Gill

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders ended Gujarat Titans fivematch winning streak with a 29run victory at Eden Gardens on Saturday, a result that lifted them to sixth place on the points table and kept their playoffs hopes alive. GT skipper Shubman Gill admitted his sides fielding lapses proved costly, including dropping Finn Allen twice as he went on to smash a fiery 93. Looking at the wicket, 200210 was par score, but we dropped too many catches. Pitch was good, the odd one was stopping, but I felt we batted well to get to the score we did. No concerns, but our fielding could've been a lot better. We set a certain standard, and dropping 3 sitters - we didn't deserve to win this one. Looking at it that way, best to have a game like this now than in the Qualifiers. I think rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, see how the wicket is, and then plan accordingly (for the next game), Gill said at the conclusion of the game. KKR are now at sixth spot and behind the Punjab Kings, who are at fourth place. GT, who had thrived in bowlerfriendly conditions during their winning run, were undone by Eden Gardens batting surface and a poor fielding display, with Allens explosive 93 proving to be the difference. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded his batters for their intent, as they posted a massive 247/2. Very good game, really happy with two points. Amazing to see Allen, Angkrish, and Green's knocks. Credit goes to these batters. Preparation has always been fantastic. Talk was all about taking one game at a time. Intent was amazing. Don't forget they're a quality bowling attack. It was amazing to see batters going out there and dominating. Speaking of bowlers, Rahane lauded Saurabh Dubey and Sunil Narine. It's all about trusting their ability. All these guys have been doing well in the domestic season. Saurabh Dubey played well in the Vidarbha league. When he came here, all the coaches thought he had the talent. Credit to these guys who have been doing well, working hard, it's all about belief and confidence. Makes my job easy when you know Sunil Narine is in the team. Varun was struggling, but credit to him as well. The courage to play with a sore foot, he said. Player of the Match Sunil Narine reflected on his milestone appearance, as his spell of 2-29 ensured GT ended 29 runs short. It comes with hard work. The guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards, and it's showing. Hope it continues, no matter what the tournament has in store for us. It's all about planning what is in front of you. Every game brings a different challenge. All about trying to win the scenarios and trying not to overthink. Being a senior guy, God has given me the talent and health to play 200; hopefully, I play many more, he said. Player of the Match Sunil Narine reflected on his milestone appearance, as his spell of 2-29 ensured GT ended 29 runs short. It comes with hard work. The guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards, and it's showing. Hope it continues, no matter what the tournament has in store for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I'm not used to the keeping duties; it's taking everything out of me. The score says it all. I thought it was a great surface. Hope we can play on these surfaces every game. They have to kick me out of the nets, I play a lot of balls. Ever since I was a kid, my coach, Abhishek Nayar, has gotten me used to hitting 1000 balls a day. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green Pyrotechnics Keep KKR's Hopes Alive With 29-run Win Over GT (ld)

Kolkata Knight Riders: Skipper Shubman Gills fluent 85 was not enough to extend Gujarat Titans winning run as Kolkata Knight Riders secured a 29run victory to halt their opponents fivematch unbeaten streak and keep their own playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Finn Allens blistering 93 set the tone for KKR before Angkrish Raghuvanshis careerbest 82 not out and Cameron Greens unbeaten 52 powered the hosts to 247/2, and were also aided by GTs poor fielding display. GTs chase was built around Gills strokefilled 85 off 49 balls, laced with five fours and seven sixes. Jos Buttler also chipped in with 57 off 35 balls, but the dismissal of both batters in quick succession left the chase adrift. Sai Sudharsan returned from a blow to the elbow to compile a fighting 53 not out off 28 balls. Yet GT ended up at 218/4, undone by KKRs disciplined death bowling and a tight spell of 2-29 from Sunil Narine. Chasing a daunting 248, GT began brightly with Sudharsan and Gill adding 42 runs in the first three overs, before the former retired hurt after being struck on the elbow. Nishant Sindhu replaced him but fell cheaply to Sunil Narine, caught at longoff in the spinners 200th IPL appearance. Gill pressed on by carving Matheesha Pathirana, who later went off the field after picking up a hamstring strain, through extra cover and launching Narine and Anukul Roy for successive sixes. Buttler joined in by cutting Varun Chakaravarthy for four and adding steady singles as the partnership grew. Gill looked in supreme touch and reached his fifty off 33 balls and continued to dominate, smashing Varun Chakaravarthy for backtoback sixes and a four. Buttler too found rhythm, carving Tyagi for six and reaching his halfcentury with a diving second run. At 177/1 in 16 overs, GT appeared in contention to complete the chase, needing 71 off the last four overs. But Narine struck the decisive blow when Gill swept straight to Anukul Roy at the ropes. Buttler tried to keep the chase alive by carving boundaries, but sliced to longoff against Saurabh Dubey. Sudharsan returned to complete his innings, reaching a fighting fifty, but the task had grown too steep. Cameron Green closed out the match with a short ball that Tewatia gloved to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, as KKR moved to sixth spot and are just two points behind Punjab Kings, who are at fourth place. Previously, Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Green provided solid support by sharing an unbroken 108-run stand with Raghuvanshi for the third wicket and helping himself to 52 not out off 28 balls, laced with three fours and four maximums as the runs continued to flow unchecked for KKR. Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. After being given two reprieves, Allen was in imperious touch, punishing Rashid Khan with backtoback sixes and raising a 21ball halfcentury. He continued to toy with the attack, hammering Arshad Khan for three sixes in an over and racing to 93 off just 35 balls. His dismissal of Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, caught by Rashid at longon, ended a breathtaking knock but left KKR well placed for a huge score. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Green provided the late fireworks, smashing Rashid for a straight six and then hammering Rabada and Siraj for boundaries with powerful pulls and drives. He reached his fifty off 26 balls and finished unbeaten to ensure KKR had a fantastic finish, and it was enough at the end to get a win over high-flying GT. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 247/2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out; R Sai Kishore 1-38, Mohammed Siraj 1-50) beat Gujarat Titans 218/4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Jos Buttler 57; Sunil Narine 2-29, Saurabh Dubey 1-23) by 29 runs Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Mohammed Siraj Completes 200 T20 Wickets In Match Against KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders: Gujarat Titans' experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj reached a milestone in his career on Saturday by claiming his 200th wicket in T20 cricket during their match against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The fast bowler from Telangana reached the landmark by claiming the wicket of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, becoming the 21st Indian bowler to register 200 wickets in the shortest format of the game. Siraj claimed the all-crucial wicket in the fifth over of the innings with a fuller inswinging delivery that breached Rahane's defence and crashed into the stumps. It also added to Siraj's strong record against the former India batter in the IPL, dismissing him for the third time. The milestone underlines Siraj's position as one of India's leading fast bowlers across formats over the last few years. The Indian pacer reached the 200-wicket mark in his 174th T20 appearance, at an average above 25 and an economy rate slightly over eight runs per over. He also has six four-wicket hauls in the format. Of the right-arm pacer's 200 wickets in T20 cricket, 123 have come in 121 IPL matches with three four-wicket hauls to his name. Siraj made the breakthrough as Kolkata Knight Riders posted 247/2 in 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans. Powered by Finn Allens blistering 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshis composed 82 not out, and Cameron Greens unbeaten rapid halfcentury, KKR posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Sometimes You Get A Little Bit Lucky, Says Allen After Hitting An Explosive 93 Against GT

Indian Premier League: Kolkata Knight Riders opener Finn Allen admitted fortune played its part in him hitting a blazing 93 against the Gujarat Titans, but insisted clarity of thought and adapting to conditions were key as his side piled up 247/2 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Saturday. His knock, studded with 10 sixes and four fours, set the tone for KKR before Raghuvanshi (82 not out) and Cameron Green (52 not out) ensured the innings closed with a flourish, leaving GT staring at a daunting chase. Sometimes you get a little bit lucky (talking about the luck he got early on). I just tried to continue as long as I could. Yeah, it's a beautiful ground to bat at. Boundaries are quite small, and the wicket is usually pretty good. It was a little bit tricky at the start, but we just tried to push through that, Allen said to broadcasters at the innings break. Asked if the pitch improved as the innings went on, he replied, Definitely. It was quite challenging with the new ball. Again, two quality bowlers. So, as I said, I just tried to push through that and get to the middle phase. Allen was effusive in his praise for young teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck a careerbest 82 not out. He's a proper player. The way he gets up and starts his innings, the batsmanship that he shows at such a young age, he's a quality player. On whether he had a total in mind while batting, the New Zealander added, No, I think personally, I just try and worry about that towards the back end of the innings if I'm there. Allen was effusive in his praise for young teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck a careerbest 82 not out. He's a proper player. The way he gets up and starts his innings, the batsmanship that he shows at such a young age, he's a quality player. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Allen backed his sides batting depth to defend the imposing total and keep themselves alive in the race to the playoffs. I think I'll definitely back our boys. We've got a serious lineup, and I back our boys, he said. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Allens 93, Raghuvanshis 82 Not Out Help KKR Post 247/2 Against GT

Kolkata Knight Riders: Powered by Finn Allens blistering 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshis composed 82 not out, and Cameron Greens unbeaten rapid halfcentury, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Green provided solid support by sharing an unbroken 108-run stand with Raghuvanshi for the third wicket and helping himself to 52 not out off 28 balls, laced with three fours and four maximums as the runs continued to flow unchecked for KKR. Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. After being given two reprieves, Allen was in imperious touch, punishing Rashid Khan with backtoback sixes and raising a 21ball halfcentury. He continued to toy with the attack, hammering Arshad Khan for three sixes in an over and racing to 93 off just 35 balls. His dismissal of Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, caught by Rashid at longon, ended a breathtaking knock but left KKR well placed for a huge score. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Green provided the late fireworks, smashing Rashid for a straight six and then hammering Rabada and Siraj for boundaries with powerful pulls and drives. He reached his fifty off 26 balls and finished unbeaten to ensure KKR had a fantastic finish and left GT staring at a daunting chase. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 247/2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out; R Sai Kishore 1-38, Mohammed Siraj 1-50) against Gujarat Titans Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Sometimes The Best Thing Is To Let Vaibhav Be Vaibhav, Says Sangakkara

Indian Premier League: In an era dominated by hyper-analysis, data tracking, and relentless media scrutiny of teenage prodigies, Rajasthan Royals head coach and director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has revealed they have a no clutter policy for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, adding that sometimes the best thing is to let him be himself. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I think handle is a strange word. Vaibhav is a supremely talented batter. He's very young. The key thing for Vaibhav is to enjoy every moment. He'll have good days, he'll have not-so-good days. It's absolutely fine. The worst thing we can do is clutter his mind, and that's something we avoid. We have a conversation with him. If he needs it, it's never technical. It's never to do with cricket. Sometimes you've got to get their minds off the game. One thing Vaibhav loves is batting. He loves batting, and that's a great sign to see from a young player. He enjoys playing cricket, but the most important thing about Vaibhav that I've seen is that he reads the game very well. So he's a smart little kid, and he'll keep understanding himself and the game and how to be in groups as he grows up. But so far, he's been a wonderful addition to our team, not just in terms of the runs he scores, but around the group. He's held his own with all his senior players. He loves a joke, smiles, and loves a bit of banter, and he's forged some really good relationships. So sometimes the best thing is to let Vaibhav be Vaibhav, said Sangakkara in the pre-match press conference. Despite Sooryavanshi's staggering metrics and his ability to pull off astonishing shots that veteran batters struggle to execute in T20s, Sangakkara flatly rejected the notion that the youngster is receiving specialised elite curation or being treated differently than the rest of the squad. I think one of the most important things in managing or coaching or whatever it is, is to understand your players. Each player is different, so you can't fit everyone into one box. You've got to first spend enough time with them to understand how they think, what their personalities are, how they react to a challenge, what their emotional intelligence is, all of these things. Vaibhav, for being such a young player, is very, very attuned to tactics; he's very attuned to reading bowlers, reading the game. He's very good with his peers and also his older teammates. He's great with internationals. So there's not a lot to do with Vaibhav. Everyone knows how talented he is. I don't have to sit here and tell you he's incredibly good. He's not a special project for us. He's a special player, but we try to treat every single player the same. We're very even-handed in how we treat our players. We're very mindful of the fact that each player is important, especially the players who haven't played as yet. Sometimes they're more important than the ones that play because they bring a lot of energy and support from the outside. So you have to support those players as well. It's not easy, and up to now, Vaibhav's been lovely to have with us, he added. However, Sangakkara was quick to issue a realistic reminder that the honeymoon period will eventually evolve into a tactical chess match for Sooryavanshi as opposition video analysts begin to dissect the teenager's game. The key to surviving that transition, according to the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, lies in preserving the inner child within Sooryavanshi, who fell in love with the sport a few years ago. But for Vaibhav, this is just the start, and he'll face different challenges as he grows older, as he starts playing more international cricket, as bowlers try to plan against him. The one thing he should never lose is his enjoyment of batting, and he should always bat with the same love he had for this skill. At 12, 13, 14, he's 15 now - he must never lose that love and fun that he has with batting. So the thing we try to do with Vaibhav is allow him to be himself. Have him have fun and be light. He loves his batting. So we always say, tell us how much you want to bat. Just make sure that you're not too tired, that you're fresh for a game. Then, in terms of managing him, we try to look after him as well as we do any other player. Sangakkara then offered an equally robust defense of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who started brilliantly as number three batter, but has averaged under 19.7 in his last seven innings. I think for Dhruv, it's very simple not to be too hard on himself. I know there are a lot of expectations from around him, a lot of expectations from himself. But you can't beat yourself up about it when things go perfectly well. Nothing really goes perfectly well. Dhruv is, again, a very, very wholesome young man. His head's always in the right place. He's very grounded, very focused on doing everything right, and works hard. He's got some great interests outside cricket, one of which is coffee. All he needs to do is bat like Dhruv Jurel. I mean, he's got everything. He's got all the shots. He's superbly fit. He's very good with his gloves. It's just a matter of time. If he just keeps doing what he's doing currently, just keeps that focus, keeps working hard, no one's going to stop him. You look at his close friend, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Yash is, to me right now, one of the top five most accomplished batters in the world in every format. We're very lucky to have him. So he's got some great cricketers around him that he can feed off, he can talk cricket with. He's got some really good staff in Vikram Rathour, Trevor Penney, Sid Lahiri, all of these that he can speak with about batting. You can have all these conversations, but ultimately, making those decisions is up to you. I have no doubt that Dhruv Jurell is destined for very good things in the future, not just in RR colours, but also in Indian colours, elaborated Sangakkara. Speaking further on Jaiswal, whos averaged 18.9 in his last seven innings, Sangakkara highlighted how the left-handed opener provides a completely different kind of tactical reassurance compared to the explosive Sooryavanshi, adding that his ability to grind out runs in hostile environments makes him an interesting case study. See, when you focus, I mean, everyone focuses a lot on Vaibhav because he's young, exciting, and does things sometimes other batters can't. But that's the same thing with a batter like Yash. Yash does things other batters can't do - that is just slow runs in any condition against any moving attack, anywhere in the world, at any moment. Speaking further on Jaiswal, whos averaged 18.9 in his last seven innings, Sangakkara highlighted how the left-handed opener provides a completely different kind of tactical reassurance compared to the explosive Sooryavanshi, adding that his ability to grind out runs in hostile environments makes him an interesting case study. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ultimately, you play cricket, you have to be able to take responsibility for what you do for your side. Sometimes that means doing well for yourself because it helps the side, and Yash just needs to keep focused, smile, relax, and enjoy his batting. Every time he does that, he does well for us. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: DC Assistant Coach Bell Likens Intelligent Rahul To Root, Pietersen; Rallies Behind Under-fire Axar

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Ian Bell drew glowing parallels between wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and England batting greats Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, praising the Indian batters relentless work ethic and intelligence in evolving as a modern T20 batter ahead of Sundays Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rahul, who has been the linchpin of DCs misfiring batting line-up this season, has endured a lean patch since smashing a record-breaking, unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings last month. The elegant right-hander has crossed the 30-run mark just once in his last five innings. Overall, Rahul remains DC's top scorer this season with 477 runs from 12 matches at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 178, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 152. It's been amazing to work with KL, to be honest with you. Again, I didn't have to say too much. He's a smart cricketer. He knows what he needs to do to keep evolving his game. Again, if he wants to get back in the India T20, he knows where that game has gone in the power play and where you have to be. So I think he's a really intelligent cricketer, which, again, as a coach and working alongside. Again, when I've been fortunate enough to play with great players, Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, they're very similar. They work extremely hard away from the cameras. They know what they're doing. They come to training with a purpose. So he's been really great to work with, really, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. DC will be desperate for Rahul to find his groove as he faces a challenging battle against RRs pace spearhead Jofra Archer. Historically, Rahul enjoys an exceptional record against RR, aggregating 826 runs from 18 innings at an average of 51.62 and a strike rate of 135, featuring eight half-centuries. His last five scores against the Royals read a consistent 75, 38, 76, 58, and 39. I've picked his brains a lot as well, which has been great for me as well. But he's great, again, around the group with the younger batters. But I think for his own game, he knew what he wanted to do coming to this club. We know he can score a volume of runs. But can he then slightly take that more to where the game is going now? I think he's proven to everyone he can do that. Hopefully this is the, like I said, for the next few years, that's where it's going, and who knows where it can go after this, and I think that's the impressive thing. The same is true when you watch Virat as well. I think players who've played so much cricket and get to that stage in their career, if you are willing to improve and get better, I think that shows hunger and desire. KL, as I said, around the group, shows that every day, added Bell, who played 118 Tests and 161 ODIs for England. While Rahul has spearheaded DC batting, Bell emphasised the need for individual ownership within the wider batting order, especially while batting first. I think there's no doubt about the way the game is going in T20 cricket. We've seen the scores this year. I mean, we've managed ourselves to score 265 and then not defend it. So we know where the game's going and plan A is to be ultra aggressive, but we've also seen here in Delhi where the wicket can be a little bit different, and you've got to use different skills. If the ball's turning and it's a bit tacky, then you have to adapt. You've got to be able to play the likes of Narine differently. You've got to find your options as well as using your power game. So I think there's a part of play when the surface isn't absolutely true. But again, I think for us here, we still want to give the guys absolute clarity and license to be as aggressive as possible. We know that you're not going to win T20 cricket anymore by playing safe and building a foundation. But I think the best teams can adapt. I think that's where we have to be, certainly here at home, and we've got to be better at doing that by adapting to when the wicket is really good, to when the wicket maybe is holding a little bit and finding what is a match-winning score if we bat first. Bell also strongly voiced his backing for skipper Axar Patel, who has faced turbulent form this season. Axar has managed just 100 runs from nine batting innings at a disappointing average of 12.5 and a strike rate of 112. Barring a 30-ball 56 against the Punjab Kings, Axar has registered single-digit scores in seven of his other eight outings. Statistically, this is Axar's third-worst season with the bat in tournament history, only slightly ahead of his averages in 2021 (8) and 2014 (10.3). His primary struggle has come against spin, where he averages a meagre 9.5 with a sluggish strike rate of 70, compared to an average of 13.5 and a strike rate of 131 against pace. On the bowling front, Axar has fared better but has lacked his trademark penetration, picking up 10 wickets from 11 innings at an economy rate of 8.10. Furthermore, while he has been restrictive against right-handers this season - yielding seven wickets at an economy of 7.2, he has been taken to the cleaners by left-handed batsmen, conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 12. I think it's been really important to really support him and get around him. It's not easy - he's an important player not just for this franchise, but for India as well in T20 cricket. As somebody who can bat and field, they're so important to your team. He's obviously disappointed, as more than probably anyone. I know that people on the outside, supporters, want him and individuals like him who work hard at the game. He's desperate to do well for this franchise and for himself as well. It was great to see the way he played the other day. He put the positive option, I think the first boundary, on a seamer-friendly pitch. He advanced down and really took the momentum back to our side in that game, and hopefully, he can finish on a real high. We know what he can do at his best, and we've got to keep supporting him through that, and it happens to all cricketers. We've all been there when, unfortunately, cricket is a tough game, and sometimes you have to ride it; you've got to keep backing yourself. You've got to keep putting yourself out there in pressure situations, and it will all come good. He works hard, is respected and supported by the playing group, and we hope that he can come through. He's a great character in that dressing room, as we know. In all the teams he's played for, he's the kind of person you want in your dressing room, and we want to help him as the leader of that team. Hopefully, the other day was just the start of him finishing on a high at the back end of this competition, explained Bell. Turning his attention to their immediate opponents, RR, Bell openly acknowledged the threat posed by their young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, branding him the ultimate prized wicket that DC must take out early. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century. Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile chasing pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. So the guys would have done a lot of work. I'm sure he's chomping at the bit as well because we got him out early last time, so he'll be desperate to, I suppose, put that right, as all top players want to do. So, it's really important to take him out quickly. I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I know Trevor Penney and Kumar Sangakkara well. He's got some amazing people there that can guide him well, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we see him with India as well, but he's a scary talent, really. It's amazing to watch. So, we'd love to get him out early tomorrow, but I suppose from a neutral point of view, when he's playing against other teams, it's nice to watch him bat, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: We Cant Win Competitions Being This Inconsistent, Says DC Assistant Coach Bell

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell admitted that chronic inconsistency on their home turf has plagued their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign and that one can't win competitions with those extremes the side has displayed this season. But Bell asserted that DC is highly motivated to finish their home leg on a high note for its fans when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening. After acing a sensational run-chase against Punjab Kings, DC face a must-win situation against RR to retain their mathematical, albeit bleak, chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs. But a defeat will officially eliminate DC from the tournament's Playoffs race. Desperate to finish their home leg on a high, DC will look to arrest a harrowing slump at their base venue, where they havent been able to grasp the varying behaviour of the pitches. Despite kicking off their season with a comfortable home victory against the Mumbai Indians, DC have suffered five consecutive defeats in their backyard and hold a dismal 17 percent win record at home this season. I think just being very inconsistent is one thing. I know there's been a lot of talk about the wicket, but I think, again, you can't use that as an excuse too much. It's the same for both teams. I think we have to accept, and it has been a crazy season for the fact that we scored 265 here, followed that up by being bowled out for 75 - you can't win competitions if you're that inconsistent, and I think we have to accept that reality. I think the guys are working extremely hard, and there's no doubt in front of your home fans that you want to make this a fortress. But we know, I mean, history probably tells, it's not just this season, but in years gone by, it's not been an easy venue to win games for Delhi, so I think that's something that needs to be addressed. We had a really good chat today about that, and we want to finish on a real high here at home, as we did in the last two games. I think it's really important that tomorrow is a performance that people can go away with excited and proud of the team, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. A volatile top-order and a lack of consistency in top-order batting roles have severely hampered DCs ability to maximize the powerplay overs. The franchise's search for a settled combination has seen it experiment extensively at the top. The pairing of KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel was the third different opening combination deployed by DC this season, while the critical number three slot has evolved into a revolving door, with Sahil Parakh becoming the fourth batsman to occupy the position. This frequent shuffling of roles has directly dented the team's ability to gain early momentum. Statistically, DCs opening partnerships this season have yielded 388 runs across their outings at a modest average of 32.3. While the dynamic stands at a healthy strike rate of 161, comprising two half-centuries, one century, and a best partnership of 110, the lack of stability has prevented DC from getting off the blocks consistently. It's, again, a good question and something that's been discussed a lot. You're right - I think when you look at the top four teams at the moment, there's a lot of consistency in the batting lineup, certainly the top four, and the combinations haven't quite worked for us, and it's something probably, over a period of time now, not having that stability in the batting lineup is something that, obviously, we're working towards, and guys have to take those opportunities as well and turn them into matchwinning performances. I suppose if we look statistically, KL's, again, had a fantastic year. He's increased his strike rate, which is what a lot of people have asked him to do. But we need other people to step up as well and be more consistent, and as you said with Ashu (Ashutosh Sharma) as well, we know what he can do. Personally, in this format of the game, you want your most aggressive players out in the park, so it's been great to have him in the team now, and the likes of him and Miller together is a really dangerous thought for any opposition team. So, great that he's playing now, and what I personally look at a lot of the other teams is a lot more stability, but again, I think that's down to players taking their opportunity as well. That's really important as well, not just about selection, but when you get your chance at this level and in any franchise, especially here, you have to grab it with both hands, and I don't think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that's important as well. I think any coaching staff wants to give clarity and confidence in selection, but players have to be able to take the opportunity. We see that, and it's about putting in performances for the franchise of winning games of cricket, explained Bell. Bell insisted the team environment remained positive despite results, adding that the squad's motivation remains simple: playing for a win at home for everyone involved with the team. No, it's been easy. I think when we're representing the Delhi Capitals, we have a responsibility to go out there and put the best performance we have, not just for the individuals in the team, but for the supporters and owners. That's really important as well, not just about selection, but when you get your chance at this level and in any franchise, especially here, you have to grab it with both hands, and I don't think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that's important as well. I think any coaching staff wants to give clarity and confidence in selection, but players have to be able to take the opportunity. We see that, and it's about putting in performances for the franchise of winning games of cricket, explained Bell. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But the important thing is putting in a performance tomorrow, firstly, and just making sure we win the game tomorrow, and it's a good performance, whether we bat first, bowl first, we put in a good performance. We can't control the results, and then we'll move on to the last game, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Dropped Catches, Dip In Catching Efficiency - Fielding Issues Raise Huge Alarms

Indian Premier League: On the eve of taking on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the social media accounts of Rajasthan Royals (RR) posted an interesting 20-second clip of its fielders taking catches at practice with both hands and Ravi Bishnoi completing a grab with his right hand. More than the video, the caption caught the eye, as it said Dont drop your catches, along with laughter and folded hand emojis attached. If one were living under a rock, then that line would have been seen as another attempt by RRs social media admins to generate quirky laughter. But if one digs deeper, then that caption also points towards a trend which has been a nagging concern of dropped catches and a dip in catching efficiency, raising huge alarms in the ten-team competition. The cricketers in 2026 are faster, fitter, and more athletic than any generation before them. The way they dive, slide, and leap to complete acrobatic catches would have seemed extraordinary even a decade ago. IPL 2026 is shaping up as the most telling reminder yet that athleticism and catching proficiency are two very different things. The data from CricViz tells the story in cold, unforgiving numbers. After 59 matches in IPL 2026, fielding sides have held 541 catches and dropped 153 - a catching efficiency of 77.9 per cent. Six of the 10 franchises are operating below the 80 per cent threshold. The scale of the problem is not lost on the game's insiders, and its consequences in a format where 200-plus totals are now routine, and the Impact Sub rule has tilted the balance further toward batters have been severe. No team better illustrates the crisis than the Delhi Capitals. With a catching efficiency of just 65.4 per cent - the worst in the competition - DC have squandered 19 out of 36 chances. Think of how many times Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao was left ruing about dropped catches costing them crucial runs after losing matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad have dropped 24 catches the most by any side this season but their catching efficiency percentage is slightly better at 72.7 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, Kolkata Knight Riders lead the standings by holding 56 catches and dropping just eight chances at a healthy 87.5 per cent in ten matches and have conceded only one difficult drop all season. Rajasthan Royals (83.8 percent), Lucknow Super Giants (82.5 percent), Gujarat Titans (82 percent), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (81.6 percent) have also shown what a cohesive fielding unit can achieve. Punjab Kings, with a catching efficiency percentage of 73.5, have encapsulated the paradox of the modern fielding unit - captain Shreyas Iyer produced one of the catches of the tournament - a breathtaking mid-air relay against the Mumbai Indians to dismiss Hardik Pandya. Holding his balance in flight, Iyer tossed the ball back to teammate Xavier Bartlett before crossing the boundary rope. It was the kind of moment that makes highlight reels for years. Yet Iyer's brilliance has not been reflected in the unit around him his teammate Shashank Singh has had a tournament to forget in fielding by dropping six catches, including spilling three chances in a single innings against Lucknow Super Giants. As per CricViz data since 2020, overall catches have grown significantly from 459 in 2020 to a peak of 645 in 2024, suggesting that high-scoring matches have occurred in the tournament. The catching percentage peaked in 2023 at 81.5 percent, but has declined since then, to 75 percent in 2025 and 77.9 percent so far in 2026. Drops have risen sharply - from 129 in 2020 to hitting a peak of 207 in 2025, and with 153 dropped catches in 59 matches, IPL 2026 is on pace to reach a similarly high metric. Raw drop counts tell only part of the story. Cricket-21's runs-saved and runs-missed metrics put a harder number on the damage, and the figures are sobering. Naman Dhirs eight drops have not merely handed batters second lives, but cost Mumbai Indians 27 runs - the highest by any individual fielder in IPL 2026. Shashanks struggles in fielding acquire an even grimmer dimension through this lens: his dropped catches have cost Punjab Kings an estimated 22 runs in the field this season. What also makes for a grim reading is that not a single one of Shashanks six drops are classified as a difficult chance. According to Cricket-21 data, all of them were classified as easy or medium, as Shashanks catch efficiency stands at a near-indefensible 14.3 per cent. SRH have leaked 128 runs through fielding lapses this season - the worst figure of any franchise - while saving only 57. That net deficit of 71 runs is not an abstraction - in a format where margins between winning and losing a game can be as thin as 10 or 15 runs, it is the difference between finishing at the top spot and ending up at number four. Chennai Super Kings compound the picture further with 16 missed run-out opportunities, the most for any side. LSG, despite being at the bottom of the points table, emerges as the standout team when runs saved are the currency. Their fielders have saved 133 runs this season, the most for any franchise. In terms of individual catching, by combining all keepers and fielders, Jos Buttler leads outright with 17 catches. Jitesh Sharma stands out for efficiency - 12 catches and a stellar percentage of 92.3. Rishabh Pant has saved 26 runs, which makes him the most valuable fielder on either side this season, while Nicholas Pooran, Anukul Roy, Pathum Nissanka, Dhruv Jurel, and Noor Ahmad have saved 17 runs. Those inside the system are not surprised to see fielding and catching being an issue in IPL 2026. A senior fielding coach, who has worked at the highest level, spoke to IANS on the condition of anonymity on the roots of the malaise in catching and fielding. There are many reasons behind it: number one, hard hands. Number two, they don't get under the ball. Instead, they try to reach out to the ball. Number three, they want to make it a little glamorous. I havent seen someone running, nicely pausing, and taking a catch. Instead, someone has run and made a slide and taken the catch. But what I can see is, the easy catch, they make it look difficult and glamorous, and that's maybe one reason why so many dropped catches are happening on the field, said the fielding coach. The coach did not spare the culture around practice. Whatever is there has to be caught; it's simple. One doesn't have to think too much. It should be treated like a routine - waking up in the morning, taking a bath, and having breakfast. It should be deeply embedded in the routine of all players so that those chances arent missed. Another fielding coach, a regular in the cricketing circuit, told IANS that pressure and constant travel are also leading to catches being dropped regularly. Everyones talking about dropped catches, and rightly so, as fielding decides the outcome of games. But sometimes we forget that constant travel and the high pressure of playing matches are always around. It needs to be seen if players are getting enough sleep, and whether they are fresh mentally and physically for giving it their all on match day? As per my view, most catches are going down on the square boundaries. Are those exact-match scenarios being replicated in practice by coaches? Also, are your best fielders in the hot zones on match days? We also saw that new LED lights were installed in Jaipur, which took some time for RR fielders to adjust. Another fielding coach, a regular in the cricketing circuit, told IANS that pressure and constant travel are also leading to catches being dropped regularly. Everyones talking about dropped catches, and rightly so, as fielding decides the outcome of games. But sometimes we forget that constant travel and the high pressure of playing matches are always around. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The athleticism is not in doubt, as the IPL has always showcased that. The question heading into the business end of the season is a simpler and older one: when the ball comes to you, do you hold it? Right now, for far too many players and teams in IPL 2026, the answer is no. One can just hope that teams like RR will hope that the efforts done in practice and showcased on social media are executed on the field to arrest the great fielding and catching slide. Article Source: IANS

Rain wrecks second day at Southport

Weather wipes out any prospect of play

Hardik Pandya - Mahieka Sharma getting married on May 22 amid IPL 2026? Here's what we know

Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians and Indian all-rounder, is reportedly planning his second marriage with long-time girlfriend Mahieka Sharma amid the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season. However, neither Hardik nor Mahieka has officially confirmed the reports so far.

BAN vs PAK: Litton's Rearguard Ton Propels Bangladesh To 278 In Pakistan Test

Litton Das struck a century to rescue Bangladesh from a top-order collapse, as the hosts posted 278 in their first innings of the second and final Test against Pakistan on Saturday. Pakistan reached 21-0 at stumps in reply with Azan Awais on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8 in Sylhet. Batting at number six, Litton struck 16 fours and two sixes in his 159-ball 126, his sixth Test century, after Bangladesh had been reduced to 116-6 after lunch. Pakistan, trailing 1-0 in the two-match series after a 104-run defeat in Mirpur, opted to bowl and the decision immediately paid off. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell for a duck, edging Mohammad Abbas to second slip off the second ball of the match. Debutant Tanzid Hasan made a bright start, striking three boundaries in a fluent 26 off 34 balls, but threw his wicket away attempting an ambitious pull shot off Abbas, who took the catch off his own bowling. Mominul Haque was bowled for 22 by Khurram Shahzad. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with a 43-run stand. But both fell after lunch as Bangladesh lost three wickets for 15 runs. Shanto edged Abbas behind for 29, Mushfiqur departed lbw for 23 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was caught at deep fine leg for four to leave the hosts 116-6. Litton added 60 runs with Taijul Islam (16) off 114 balls for the seventh wicket and brought up his fifty off 93 balls. He took just 42 balls more to reach three figures with a cover drive off Shahzad, and then hit the next ball for six. He added 38 with Taskin Ahmed and a crucial 64 with Shoriful Islam off 73 balls for the ninth wicket. The most important thing in this innings is that Taijul, Taskin and Shoriful all batted well and faced a lot of balls, Litton said. Pakistan missed two review opportunities when replays showing faint edges off Mushfiqur and Litton that went unchallenged by captain Shan Masood. We were getting wickets early on. Unluckily, we missed a couple of reviews, said Shahzad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If we had gotten them out there, the situation would have been completely different.

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IPL 2026: Josh Played Smart Cricket And Let Me Attack, Says Marsh As He Praises Inglis After LSG's Win

Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh praised opening partner Josh Inglis for playing a smart supporting role during their match-winning partnership in Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in Lucknow on Friday. Marsh smashed a sensational 90 off just 38 balls while Inglis made 36 as the duo put on a massive 135-run opening partnership to help LSG chase down 188 in only 16.4 overs at the Ekana Stadium. Marsh said Inglis understood the situation perfectly and allowed him to continue attacking freely. Sometimes it can work like that when someone is really going at one end. I thought Josh played the situation really well during our partnership and allowed me to keep going. He rotated strike at the right times, and hes a really smart cricketer. Its always a pleasure to bat with him, Marsh said in a video released by LSG on X. Marsh added that it was satisfying to finally make strong contributions after a difficult start to the tournament for LSGs batting group. Its been a couple of good knocks now at this ground. Obviously, it was a little frustrating for all of our batters at the start of the tournament. It's been nice to contribute in the last few games and nice to get a win. Its been a hard slog for our team, so Im proud of the boys, he added. The Australian all-rounder also said LSG always believed they had a strong squad despite inconsistent results earlier in the season. I think on paper weve been a very good side. In the IPL, two or three bad overs can lose you a game, and sometimes the opposition also plays brilliant cricket, Marsh said. Marsh added that it was satisfying to finally make strong contributions after a difficult start to the tournament for LSGs batting group. Its been a couple of good knocks now at this ground. Obviously, it was a little frustrating for all of our batters at the start of the tournament. It's been nice to contribute in the last few games and nice to get a win. Its been a hard slog for our team, so Im proud of the boys, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, CSK posted 187/5 after Kartik Sharma scored 71 and Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 32. But Marshs explosive batting completely changed the game as LSG sealed their fourth win of the season. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan name Iram Javed in T20 World Cup squad

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IPL 2026: Omkar Salvi Backs Bhuvneshwars Experience And Adaptability Ahead Of Punjab Kings Clash

Assistant Coach Omkar Salvi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Assistant Coach Omkar Salvi credited Bhuvneshwar Kumars experience, preparation, and understanding of his own game as key factors behind the pacers strong campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 and emerging as a key player in the team's surge to the top of the standings. Ahead of RCBs away fixture against Punjab Kings on Sunday afternoon, Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the Purple Cap with 22 wickets in 12 innings. Speaking on the former India pacer's contribution to the team, Salvi said, He did really well last season too. The role he was playing did exceptionally well for us. This season, he is in a different role, and everyone knows what a world-class bowler he is and the skills he possesses. He is just enjoying his bowling and expressing himself freely. Salvi also spoke about how Bhuvneshwar has adapted his bowling according to different phases of the innings. Every bowler has their own strengths and teams plan according to that, he said. Bhuvi is bowling with the new ball, so naturally, he wants to explore the swing. At the death as well, he has been using his variations effectively. It depends on which phase the bowler is operating in. He added that the veteran seamers preparation and fitness work ahead of the season had also contributed significantly to his performance. Looking at the experience Bhuvneshwar Kumar has, he understands his body really well, Salvi said. He knows the fitness components he needs to work on, and he has worked religiously on them. That is reflected in his bowling. Every bowler has their own strengths and teams plan according to that, he said. Bhuvi is bowling with the new ball, so naturally, he wants to explore the swing. At the death as well, he has been using his variations effectively. It depends on which phase the bowler is operating in. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Salvi also noted Jacob Bethells adaptability in the batting unit, backing the youngsters ability to perform in different situations. Bethell has proved himself on the world stage and in this format he is a world-class player, Salvi said. It doesnt matter which position he bats in. He is a mature player who adapts himself according to the situation, and we have seen him perform. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: This Chit Business Should Be Banned, Says Rayudu As He Criticises Akash Singhs Celebration

Lucknow Super Giants: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has strongly criticised Akash Singhs 'chit celebration' during Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying such celebrations should be banned. Akash, who starred with figures of 3-26, celebrated each wicket by pulling out a small chit from his pocket and showing it to the cameras. The note reportedly read: #Akkionfire Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game. The chit celebration has become a new trend in IPL 2026, and several players, including Urvil Patel and Raghu Sharma, have celebrated milestones by bringing out chits with a message. Akash Singhs celebration quickly went viral on social media, but it also drew criticism from several former cricketers. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Rayudu said he did not like the trend of players bringing out notes and messages during matches. I think they should ban this chit business, absolute nonsense. I dont think theyre supposed to bring chits anyway, Rayudu said. The former CSK batter also questioned the idea behind the celebration and joked about how it must have been planned. I just want to know at what point today he thought, Hey, this will be awesome, Ill pull this out on TV, and everybody will think Im cool.'. I also want to know which friends backed him and told him it was a great idea, He said. I think thats his manifestation. It may not go down well with a lot of people, but its kind of funny and a bit of rubbish, he added. Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan also criticised the trend and said young players should focus more on performances than dramatic celebrations. Im actually surprised with some of this generation coming through. You put your fingers up after your first real IPL performance when people have only just learnt your name. I find it all very fascinating, he said. Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn also reacted on social media, saying the celebration trend was no longer interesting. Time to put the papers away. It aint trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, it never really was, Steyn posted on X, formerly Twitter. Akash, meanwhile, defended the celebration and said the note simply gives him confidence during games. Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn also reacted on social media, saying the celebration trend was no longer interesting. Time to put the papers away. It aint trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, it never really was, Steyn posted on X, formerly Twitter. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The left-arm pacer played a major role in LSGs victory by removing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel early in the innings. LSG later chased down 188 comfortably thanks to Mitchell Marshs explosive 90 off 38 balls. Article Source: IANS

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Indian Women's Team Players Seek Blessings At Mahakal Temple Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026

T20 World Cup Trophy: Members of the Indian women's cricket team visited the famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple on Saturday. They attended the traditional Bhasma Aarti to seek blessings ahead of the upcoming ICC Womens T20 World Cup next month. The players who visited the iconic temple included captain Harmanpreet Kaur, along with Arundhati Kirkire, Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shreyanka Patil, Kranti Goud, Bharti Fulmali, Arundhati Reddy, and Deepti Sharma. After attending the Bhasma Aarti and offering prayers, the players were welcomed by the temple committee. This is not the first time members of the Indian womens team have visited the Mahakal temple, as players had earlier also sought blessings during the Women's World Cup 2025 last year, which was later won by Harmanpreet's side. India are currently preparing for the ICC Womens T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin in England on June 12. The team has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. India are placed in Group 1 of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup alongside six-time champions Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Harmanpreet Kaur & Co will open their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham, before taking on the Netherlands (June 17, Leeds), South Africa (June 21, Manchester), Bangladesh (June 25, Manchester), and Australia (June 28, Lord's). India are placed in Group 1 of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup alongside six-time champions Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandini Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, and Radha Yadav. Article Source: IANS

Arbeloa Insists No Problems With Mbappe After Forward's Caustic Comments On Being Used As Substitute In Last Match

Real Madrid: As his side gears up for its penultimate game of the La Liga season away to Sevilla on Sunday, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa faced another difficult session in front of the press on the eve of the match and had to answer some tough questions over his poor relations with star forward Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid have nothing to play for as archrivals Barcelona have already captured the title while Arbeloa's side are enconsed at the second spot. Their opponents in Sevilla need a win to assure top-flight survival. While his side is safe, the same can't be said about the coach, as Arbeloa's problems continue to grow ahead of the game. As well as a long injury list including Eder Militao, Federico Valverde, Ferland Mendy, and Arda Guler, his poor relationship with Mbappe has hit the headlines, reports Xinhua. That relationship exploded on Thursday night when Mbappe told the press after the 2-0 win over Oviedo that he was Arbeloa's fourth choice forward - something the coach denied, citing the striker's recent fitness issues as the reason Mbappe had been a substitute in a game where the Frenchman was booed when he ran onto the pitch, and every time he touched the ball. I was just coming up here, and I saw him. I told him to relax, said Arbeloa to the press. We had already discussed everything he said, so I take it in my stride as I understand how players feel when they're not playing. Kylian wasn't happy the other day, and I see what's happened these past few days as perfectly normal, and my relationship with Mbappe remains the same, he added. I was just coming up here, and I saw him. I told him to relax, said Arbeloa to the press. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For me, as a player and a Real Madrid fan, Mourinho is number one. I thought that a month ago, and I still think it. He is and always will be one of us. If he's here next season, I'll be very happy to see him back home, concluded Arbeloa. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026

'Kartik Sharma Is Turning Into A Complete Middle-order Batter': Rayudu

Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu praised young Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Kartik Sharma after his impressive 71 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), saying the youngster is developing into a complete middle-order player. Kartik played a fighting knock of 71 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes after CSK lost early wickets in their seven-wicket defeat to LSG at the Ekana Stadium. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Rayudu said Kartiks preparation against pace bowling stood out during the innings. I think its been exceptional. He was prepared for a lot of short bowling against a team that has good fast bowlers - that shows his preparation has been spot on, Rayudu said. Rayudu also praised Kartiks batting against spin and his ability to judge length quickly. His game against spin, too, has been quite exceptional in reading length. I just think hes turning into a complete middle-order batter. Especially for conditions at home in India, he is looking very, very good, he added. The former CSK batter said Kartik already has the ability to clear the boundary consistently against both pace and spin. He can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more, Rayudu said. Rayudu also highlighted Kartiks quick improvement despite batting lower down the order earlier in the season. He can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more, Rayudu said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier in the match, CSK posted 187/5 thanks largely to Kartiks innings and Shivam Dubes unbeaten 32. But LSG chased the target comfortably after a brilliant 90 from Mitchell Marsh and a 135-run opening partnership with Josh Inglis. Article Source: IANS

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

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Punjab Kings (PBKS) will clash with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 61st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Sunday. Punjab began their campaign in dominant fashion, winning six of their opening seven matches and emerging as one of the strongest sides in the tournament. However, their momentum has faded in recent weeks, with Shreyas lyer's men suffering five consecutive defeats. As the playoff battle heats up, PBKS will be desperate to halt the slide and strengthen their chances of securing a top-four finish. PBKS are currently placed at fourth position in the points table with 13 points in 12 matches. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the best teams in IPL 2026, winning eight of their 12 matches so far. They are almost through to the playoffs and will now look to secure a top-two finish with a win against the Kings. RCB are coming into this match with confidence after beating the Kolkata Knight Riders, thanks to a brilliant century from Virat Kohli. The finalists of IPL 2025 will face each other for the first time this season. Last time they met, RCB came out on top and later won the title. With both teams in very different situations this season, this match promises to be an exciting contest between two strong sides. PBKS and RCB have faced each other 37 times in the IPL so far. RCB holds a slight edge with 19 wins, while PBKS have won 18 matches. There have been no ties or no results between the two teams. Their first meeting came on May 5, 2008, when PBKS secured the victory. The most recent clash was on June 3, 2025, with RCB coming out on top. When: Sunday, May 17, 3:30 PM IST Where: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala Where to watch: The PBKS vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The PBKS vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh lyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra. Article Source: IANS

Mohsin Naqvis Attendance In Doubt As ICC Board Meeting Heads To Ahmedabad: Report

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Councils upcoming quarterly meetings will take place in India later this month in Ahmedabad. However, there is still uncertainty about Mohsin Naqvi's participation due to ongoing tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to a report. The ICC chief executives committee meeting will be held virtually on May 21. The in-person ICC Board meeting is scheduled for May 30 and 31 in Ahmedabad, coinciding with the final weekend of the Indian Premier League 2026. According to an India Today report, the meetings were initially planned for Doha, Qatar, in March and April, but were moved to India because of the continuing crisis in West Asia. Now that the meetings will be in Ahmedabad, it is uncertain whether PCB chairman Naqvi will travel to India for this important gathering. Usually, Naqvi would attend the ICC Board meeting in person as Pakistan's representative. However, ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, along with deteriorating cricket relations between the two boards, have made his attendance questionable. Reports indicate that relations between Naqvi and the BCCI have been strained since he took over the PCB. The friction escalated after a surprising incident at the conclusion of the recent Asia Cup in Dubai. Usually, Naqvi would attend the ICC Board meeting in person as Pakistan's representative. However, ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, along with deteriorating cricket relations between the two boards, have made his attendance questionable. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The awkward situation ended with Naqvi leaving the stadium with the trophy and medals. The silverware is reportedly still in Dubai on Naqvis orders, while the BCCI has requested its return and taken the issue to the ICC. Article Source: IANS

'CSK Dont Have Too Many Smart Heads On The Field': Rayudu After Loss To LSG

Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Chennai Super Kings lacked experienced and calm voices on the field to guide Anshul Kamboj during a difficult spell against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday. Kamboj had a forgettable outing as Mitchell Marsh smashed him for four consecutive sixes in one over during his explosive 90 off 38 balls. The young pacer eventually conceded 63 runs in 2.4 overs as LSG chased down 188 in just 16.4 overs to win by seven wickets. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Rayudu said CSK missed experienced players who could have stepped in and helped Kamboj reset mentally during the attack. I feel the CSK side, when you look at them at the ground, there are not too many smart heads or experienced heads there, players who could just control the game, who can go and give him a pat and say, Boss, just wait, hang on for ten seconds, tie your laces up, Rayudu said. Rayudu felt wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was too far away from the action to make a real impact in that situation and said someone needed to interrupt Kambojs thought process before things got worse. Maybe ask him, Do you think a slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl a yorker now? Just change his chain of thought. Dont let him get lost in that moment, he added. Despite the expensive spell, Rayudu defended Kamboj and said the young pacer had simply run into two batters in outstanding form. Maybe ask him, Do you think a slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl a yorker now? Just change his chain of thought. Dont let him get lost in that moment, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, CSK posted 187/5 thanks to Kartik Sharmas 71 and an unbeaten 32 from Shivam Dube. But Marsh and Josh Inglis put on a 135-run opening stand to take the game away from CSK and hurt their playoff hopes badly. Article Source: IANS