IPL 2026: Arshdeep Singh Is Fully Fit, Actively Training And Raring To Go, Says PBKS
T20 World Cup: Punjab Kings on Monday issued a strong clarification around the fitness of their lead fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, insisting that the leftarm pacer is fully fit and has been actively training with the squad ahead of a crucial phase in IPL 2026. Contrary to recent reports suggesting concerns over his availability, the franchise confirmed that Arshdeep, who is also their highest wickettaker this season with 14 scalps in 13 games, remains central to their plans. Contrary to reports, we would like to confirm that our leading fast bowler and highest wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh, is fully fit and has been actively training with the squad. The team management is absolutely pleased with his progress, and he is raring to go as we head into a crucial contest of the tournament. His energy, rhythm, and commitment in the nets have been extremely encouraging, and we are confident that he will continue to play a key role for Punjab Kings moving forward as well, said the franchise in its statement on Monday. Barely two months after scaling the heights with backtoback Mens T20 World Cup triumphs, Arshdeep hasnt been at his best and him being unusually expensive has been a reason behind PBKS dramatic dip in form, this undoing the momentum they had built at the midway point of the competition. It hasnt also helped that Arshdeep, who hasnt executed his yorkers and bouncers with great effect, has been at the receiving end of social media controversies from calling Tilak Varma andhera in a Snapchat video to being spotted with his alleged girlfriend Samreen Kaur. Barely two months after scaling the heights with backtoback Mens T20 World Cup triumphs, Arshdeep hasnt been at his best and him being unusually expensive has been a reason behind PBKS dramatic dip in form, this undoing the momentum they had built at the midway point of the competition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With just one match left against Lucknow Super Giants, PBKS can finish with a maximum of 15 points. But they are still dependent on other results to fall in their favour and enter the last four stage of the ten-team competition. Article Source: IANS
AAP leader Singla arrested: Kejriwal claims he refused BJP offer, alleges political pressure
Aam Aadmi Party leader Deepak Singla has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the arrest is linked to Singlas refusal to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also praised Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, who has been arrested in a GST fraud case, describing both leaders as brave and patriotic amid escalating political tensions.
Indian Premier League: Punjab Kings (PBKS) are shifting their complete focus to their final league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season following an afternoon encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala. Despite strong phases during the match, a series of shifting momentums and early hurdles in the chase resulted in a sixth consecutive defeat, leaving the side's playoff progress dependent on upcoming net run rate outcomes and external results. With one match left in the league stage, the team remains on 13 points. While the recent run of results has challenged their position, the mathematical window for the post-season remains open as the squad enters the final week of round-robin fixtures. Fast bowling coach James Hopes pointed directly to on-field execution and the difficulty of maintaining consistency in the T20 format as the primary factors in the recent stretch. I think what derailed our campaign was an inability to take control of momentum in games. Every time we looked like doing it, we did something to hurt ourselves or trip ourselves up. T20 is a game where its very easy to get on winning streaks, and it is very easy to go the other way. Weve had both emotions in this tournament, and now we need a week to regroup the boys. Hopes addressed the adjustments made to the playing eleven over the last few weeks, emphasizing that the coaching staff has maintained a structured approach to selection. Every change that we've made has been very measured. Theyve been thought out with the opposition in mind, and thought out with trying to keep our core structurelike Arshdeep, Chahal, and our top fourand trying to make changes around them to complement what they do. It just hasnt worked out in the last few weeks, and thats the way this game goes sometimes. Despite the tough run, Hopes stressed that the squad's work ethic remains high, and the immediate priority is rebuilding absolute confidence before the final match. The boys are training well, the boys are planning well. It's just that we get into moments where we get the game back our way and right now its just not happening. The boys have got to regroup, stay positive, and theyve got to believe. At the moment, its going to be about just instilling that belief back into them. Looking ahead to the final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, Hopes gave a candid assessment of the task at hand. The boys are training well, the boys are planning well. It's just that we get into moments where we get the game back our way and right now its just not happening. The boys have got to regroup, stay positive, and theyve got to believe. At the moment, its going to be about just instilling that belief back into them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Punjab Kings will travel to Lucknow next week to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday, in their final league match of the tournament. Article Source: IANS
ICAN 2026 ) on May 15 and 16, 2026, bringing together researchers, academicians, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world to examine the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of technology, research, and industry. Chitkara University hosts CAN 2026, Conference on Artificial Intelligence to shape the future of technology, research, and industry Launched in 2017, ICAN has steadily evolved into one of Chitkara University’s flagship engineering conferences, recognised for its international participation, academic collaborations, and reputed publication partnerships. ICAN 2026 marked a significant milestone in the conference series with Artificial Intelligence emerging as the central focus across discussions on AI-driven computing systems, intelligent analytics, and advanced networked infrastructures. The conference received 858 research paper submissions across three tracks from 16 countries including India, USA, Japan, Finland, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Indonesia, and several others. Following a rigorous peer-review process, 220 papers were shortlisted for presentation across 36 technical sessions. More than 300 delegates from leading academic institutions, research organisations, and industry bodies participated in the conference from India and overseas. Further strengthening the conference’s international academic standing, Springer Nature served as the publication partner for ICAN 2026. Authors of presented papers will also have the opportunity to submit extended versions of their research work to Springer Nature journals. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sudatta Kar, VP and Head of Engineering, Capgemini Engineering, India, spoke on “Building AI Native Systems for a World in Constant Change,” highlighting the increasing need for adaptive and intelligent technological ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. Another keynote session was delivered by Dr. Sudarsun Santhiappan , who addressed the audience on “How Should Students Become Ready for Facing AI as an Assistant, as a Partner, and as a Competitor?” His session focused on how students and future professionals can prepare themselves to work alongside rapidly evolving AI technologies. The conference also featured sessions by distinguished experts including Dr. Pao-Ann Hsiung and Mr. Kundan Das, who shared insights on emerging developments in Artificial Intelligence, computing, and advanced technologies. In her message for ICAN 2026, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University , reiterated the University’s commitment to advancing AI-focused education, interdisciplinary research, innovation-led learning, and meaningful industry collaboration. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future; it is shaping the present across every domain of human progress. Through platforms like ICAN 2026, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for researchers, educators, industry leaders, and students to collaborate, innovate, and contribute towards building intelligent, sustainable, and future-ready technological ecosystems.” ICAN 2026 further reinforced Chitkara University’s growing role in advancing research, innovation, and international academic collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. About Chitkara University Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India's leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning. The University's academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally. www.chitkara.edu.in .
Royal Challengers Bengaluru star batter Virat Kohli was left thrilled after Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Priyansh Arya during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings on Sunday.
Former Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora to Appear in Court Amid ED Investigation
Chandigarh, May 18: Former Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora, arrested in connection with an alleged 150 crore fraud, is set to appear in court today. He has been in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the past eight days. Aroras ED remand concludes today. Following his arrest, he was remanded to custody by a ... Read more Former Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora to Appear in Court Amid ED Investigation
Cooper Connolly Surpasses Sanath Jayasuriya In Elite IPL List Despite PBKS' Sixth Consecutive Loss
Rising Australian star Cooper Connolly, representing Punjab Kings (PBKS), achieved this sensational record during his side's home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
I Doubt He Would Want To Take Such A Risk At This Stage: Gavaskar On Dhonis Return In Chennai
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has cast serious doubt over the possibility of MS Dhoni making a surprise return for Chennai Super Kings in their must-win clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, saying the legendary former captain would not want to take such a risk after being away from competitive cricket for more than a year. Gavaskar said CSKs clash against SRH at Chepauk carries massive importance in the playoff race, but believes Dhoni is unlikely to feature despite fans hoping to see him in the side for the final home game of the season. The match against SRH is a crucial one for CSK. It's their last home game at Chepauk, so naturally fans want to see MS Dhoni play. But he hasn't featured at all this season. In fact, he hasn't played competitive cricket for over a year. So, I doubt he would want to take such a risk at this stage, Gavaskar told JioStar. The former India captain stressed that CSK would need players who are already in rhythm and match-ready during such a crucial stage of the tournament. You need players who have been match-fit and playing regularly for the last six weeks. Dhoni is a complete team-man. I don't think he would want to disrupt the current combination. I would be very surprised if he plays against SRH. This is a must-win game for CSK. A victory keeps them alive in the playoff race. They have to win this match at all costs, and bringing in a player who hasn't played in over a year could be a gamble, he added. 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 on Sunday. Gavaskar also strongly criticised Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag for handing the ball to Donovan Ferreira during a key phase of their loss to Delhi Capitals, calling the move suicidal. Handing the ball to Donovan Ferreira to bowl the 18th over was a suicidal move. You are bringing a slow bowler on a pitch offering him no help. He was just bowling in the slot. It was his first over of the match. He had also scored a golden duck with the bat, Gavaskar said. He further questioned the timing of the decision and said RR ignored safer bowling options at a critical moment. Sometimes you must look at where the luck is going that day. If he had scored 40 or 50 runs and was high on confidence, giving him an over would have made sense. But he got out first ball, and you still gave him the ball. He went for 16 runs in that over, and the match was gone. Done and dusted. Riyan Parag could have handed the ball to a proper bowler, a regular bowler. Even if that bowler gave away 20 runs, that's not the point. The point is that at that crucial stage, giving the ball to Donovan Ferreira was a suicidal decision by Rajasthan Royals, he added. 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. Gavaskar also praised Mitchell Starc for his game-changing spell in Delhi Capitals victory, particularly his impact at the death despite an expensive start with the new ball. It's not just about how many wickets you take. It's about when you take them. Wickets at key moments change the game, Gavaskar said. Mitchell Starc didn't have a great powerplay. But when he came back at the death, he bowled with great control. He didn't let the Rajasthan batters free their arms. He choked the runs and picked up crucial wickets. Those wickets turned the match in Delhi's favour. Rajasthan looked set to cross 200 easily, but Starc had other plans. They paid the price for underestimating him. His three-wicket over pushed Rajasthan all the way back. On the playoff race, Gavaskar said Punjab Kings still remain firmly in contention despite their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mitchell Starc didn't have a great powerplay. But when he came back at the death, he bowled with great control. He didn't let the Rajasthan batters free their arms. He choked the runs and picked up crucial wickets. Those wickets turned the match in Delhi's favour. Rajasthan looked set to cross 200 easily, but Starc had other plans. They paid the price for underestimating him. His three-wicket over pushed Rajasthan all the way back. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They lost this game against Delhi from a winnable position and if Rajasthan keep losing from winning positions, then all Punjab need to do is win their next game. That would take them to 15 points, which might be enough. Yes, Sunrisers are ahead of Punjab, and CSK can still reach 14 or even 16 points. But if CSK lose one match, then Punjab have a very real chance of qualifying. Article Source: IANS
'He must have a lot going on': Ashwin reacts to Pontings lone dugout moment
Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 campaign is on the brink of elimination after a sixth consecutive defeat. Head coach Ricky Ponting's dejected demeanor went viral, highlighting the team's struggles. Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin pointed to structural issues, including the decision to split home games between Mullanpur and Dharamshala, disrupting player rhythm and familiarity with conditions.
Venkatesh Iyer smashed an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls as RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 23 runs in IPL 2026. Virat Kohli, Tim David, and Rasikh Salam Dar also starred in the playoff-clinching victory in Dharamsala.
IPL 2026: Ricky Ponting Left Alone On Punjab Kings Bench After Defeat, R Ashwin Heartbroken
Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting looked heartbroken as the franchise lost its 6th consecutive match of the IPL 2026 season.
IPL 2026: Starc Is One Of The Best Role Models In The Sport, Says DC Coach Badani
Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has termed Mitchell Starc as one of the best role models in cricket, saying the Australian left-arm fast bowler's influence on younger players in the dressing room is as valuable as his match-winning performances on the field. Badani's tribute came on the back of Starc picking a devastating four-wicket haul that wrecked RRs' innings in the death overs and set the base for DC to clinch a five-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday night. Despite being well-placed at 160/2 in 14 overs, RR fell seven runs short of touching 200, thanks to Starcs mastery slicing through their batting order and leaving them with no ammunition for a blazing finishing touch, as only 33 runs came off the final six overs. I think Mitch is somebody, I don't even know where to start. I think he's possibly one of the best role models anyone can have in sport. His work ethic to himself, his preparation before the game, with his own plans and his training is above par. I don't even see that with a lot of the younger boys. That's the reason why he's sustained for so long. If you go back and see the recent Ashes series, he single-handedly won them the Ashes. There was no Pat Cummins, there was no Josh Hazlewood. That pretty much tells you what that man can do, Badani said in the post-match press conference. On a pitch providing slight grip and used previously when Punjab Kings hunted down 265 last month, Starc endured a costly start, conceding 28 runs without success in his first two overs. But when skipper Axar Patel brought him back to bowl the 15th over, Starc turned the tide in dramatic fashion, giving away just 12 runs while claiming four wickets in his final two overs to dismantle RR. What really changed was Starc making subtle changes in pace, using more of slower balls, including some of them reversing a little, and combined with his pin-point accuracy, he becomes a bowler whos really hard to be dispatched to boundary ropes. Starc first removed Riyan Parag, who hit his fastest IPL fifty, with a slower ball which he mistimed to long-on. Donovan Ferreira was out for a duck on the very next delivery, again caught at long-on - though it was off a pace-on delivery. After Ravi Singh flicked the hat-trick ball for four, Starc bowled another slower ball to trap him lbw, which DRS also confirmed. Starc then picked out Impact Player Dasun Shanaka with a low full toss at 142 kmph coming from around the wicket to complete his fourwicket haul and derail RRs batting machinery by producing the best figures for any DC bowler this season. Speaking of the kind of work that he puts in with the younger lads, he's always talking to them, he's always trying to pass on the knowledge, how can you do reverse swing, how do I hold lengths, what do I do when a certain batter is going hard, do I look to pick wickets, do I look to try and be submissive and be defensive. There's immense conversation that Starcy brings to the table. I think, as I said earlier, being slightly repetitive, massive role model, added Badani. Sundays game wasnt the first time Starc repeatedly tilted contests against RR in DCs favour. On May 1 in Jaipur, the leftarm pacer marked his return to IPL 2026 with figures of 3-40. His influence was even more telling in last seasons encounter in New Delhi, where he nailed his yorkers and secured an unlikely victory for DC in the Super Over. Lamenting Starc's absence for a significant portion of the season due to shoulder and elbow injuries, Badani said the situation was such that no franchise coach had any real power to change. Ideally, I would want my players to be available to me from day one. Starc is probably one of my biggest players in my squad, and we've invested in him, and we know that he's a match winner. But if there are certain things which are above my pay grade, and then certain things that are decided by associations and governing bodies, there's very little that we can do. Because if Cricket Australia does not release him, which was also the case with Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, there's little a coach or any franchise can do about that. Hopefully we have a solution to it in the future, he added. Badani also made a special mention of seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, who foxed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey with slower balls. Tiwaris inclusion came in Dharamshala, where he shined with both bat and ball as DCs bid to inject fresh blood paid off in a win. I think if I remember correctly about what was spoken of him was that he was somebody who liked the pressure, somebody who could bat, hit a long ball, and at the same time, somebody who could bowl through all three phases. If required, he could even bowl in the power play, which you haven't seen much of it yet. Badani also made a special mention of seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, who foxed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey with slower balls. Tiwaris inclusion came in Dharamshala, where he shined with both bat and ball as DCs bid to inject fresh blood paid off in a win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We just felt that we needed fresh minds, fresh legs. A couple of our senior players, unfortunately, haven't had the run that they would have. We would have ideally liked them to have. Hence we felt that it's maybe time for us to try and switch to the younger boys and we've been blessed with a couple of good wins, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Bhuvneshwar Strengthens Hold on Purple Cap, Sudharsan Leads Orange Cap Race
New Delhi, May 18: In the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings on Sunday, Royal Challengers Bangalores fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two wickets, further solidifying his grip on the Purple Cap. Meanwhile, KL Rahul has surged ahead of Heinrich Klaasen in the race for the Orange Cap. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has claimed 24 wickets in ... Read more IPL 2026: Bhuvneshwar Strengthens Hold on Purple Cap, Sudharsan Leads Orange Cap Race
IPL 2026: Kohli, Venkatesh Power RCB Into IPL 2026 Playoffs
Royal Challers Bengaluru sealed their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a high-scoring 23-run win over Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium on Sunday, May 17, becoming the first team in IPL 2026 to secure qualification.
Watch: Preity Zintas tense chat with Shreyas, Pontings dejected look sum up PBKS collapse
Punjab Kings suffered their sixth consecutive loss in IPL 2026 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This defeat has severely impacted their playoff chances. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a strong performance. Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the match was lost early in the powerplay. The team's confidence appears shaken as their early season dominance has vanished.
Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 Downfall Triggered By Off-Field Drama? PBKS Coach Gives Clear-Cut Response
Punjab Kings' fast bowling coach James Hopes said it was frustrating to stand near elimination from the IPL 2026 playoffs race after the Shreyas Iyer-led side crashed to their sixth defeat on the bounce.
Preity Zinta In Serious Chat With Shreyas Iyer As Punjab Kings Lose 6 Games In A Row In IPL 2026
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was seen having a serious conversation with co-owner Preity Zinta after their loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
Preity Zinta In Serious Chat With Shreyas Iyer As PBKS Lose 6 Games In A Row
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was seen having a serious conversation with co-owner Preity Zinta after their loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
Punjab loses again as Bengaluru advances in IPL with 23-run victory. Delhi beats Rajasthan The Washington Post
RCB secure playoffs berth as PBKS lose again
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | GUJARAT TITANS SAI SUDHARSAN FASTEST TO 3,000 IPL RUNS MATCH TODAY CHENNAI SUPER KINGS VS SUNRISERS HYDERABAD AT 7:30 PM Dharamsala, May 17: Royal Challengers Bengaluru held their nerve and survived a late onslaught to edge out Punjab Kings by 23 runs to become the first team to secure an []
J&K ANTF arrests interstate drug smuggler from Punjab
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 17: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) J&K has arrested a hardcore interstate drug smuggler from Patiala in Punjab in connection with a narcotics trafficking case registered at Police Station ANTF Jammu. Officials said the accused, identified as Rajwinder Singh, a resident of Ghuman Nagar, Patiala, was wanted in FIR number 01/2026 registered at Police Station ANTF Jammu. Acting on specific inputs, they said a team of ANTF Jammu conducted a series of raids at different locations [] The post J&K ANTF arrests interstate drug smuggler from Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RCB secure IPL playoff berth with 23-run win against Punjab Kings
DHARAMSHALA, May 17: Royal Challengers Bengaluru held their nerve and survived a late onslaught to edge out Punjab Kings by 23 runs to become the first team to secure an IPL playoffs berth with an all-round performance here on Sunday. Venkatesh Iyer blasted a spectacular 40-ball 73 not out and powered RCB to 222 for four. Virat Kohli (58 off 37 balls), Devdutt Padikkal (45 off 25 balls) and Tim David (28 off 12) were the other significant contributors for [] The post RCB secure IPL playoff berth with 23-run win against Punjab Kings appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bengaluru qualify for playoffs
Venkatesh, Kohli half-century power their 23-run victory over Punjab Dharamsala: Royal Challengers Bengaluru held their nerve and survived a late onslaught to edge out Punjab Kings by 23 runs to become the first team to secure an IPL playoffs berth with an all-round performance here on Sunday. Venkatesh Iyer blasted a spectacular 40-ball 73 not []
IPL 2026: 6 losses after 6 wins for Punjab, RCB in playoffs
IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff berth by defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs. Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer scored half-centuries, setting a target of 222. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early bowling spell crippled Punjab Kings. The team's batting faltered, leading to their sixth consecutive loss and near elimination from the tournament.
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
Farm fires nosedive: Day after 283 cases, Punjab reports only 11
Hypertension a growing health concern across all age groups: Punjab minister
Akali unity push hits wall: Waris Punjab De ends talks with Punar Surjit faction
Punjab BJP Demands Postponement of Municipal Elections Due to Violence
Chandigarh, May 17: The Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally requested the state election commission and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to postpone the municipal elections in the Muktsar district. This request follows a complaint citing widespread violence, threats, and interference in the nomination process, as well as alleged biased ... Read more Punjab BJP Demands Postponement of Municipal Elections Due to Violence
Shreyas Iyer Points Out Exactly Where It Went Wrong As Punjab Kings Lose 6th Game In A Row
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted that his side lost the match in the powerplay after suffering a 23-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 clash.
Actor and former radio jockey RJ Mahvash opened up about dating rumours involving Punjab Kings cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and said that she stood by him during a difficult period of his life.
IPL 2026: The Wicket Was Gripping, Thought I Can Use More Of Slower Balls, Says DC's Madhav Tiwari
Impact Player Dasun Shanaka: Young seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari credited the gripping nature of the wicket for his success with slower balls, as Delhi Capitals pulled off a stirring fightback with the ball to keep Rajasthan Royals to 193/8 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. At 160/2 after 14 overs, the Royals appeared set for a massive total. But the momentum shifted after a brief stoppage for medical attention to Riyan Parag, who hit a 23-ball fifty. Axar Patel recalled Starc, who had gone for 28 in his first two overs, and the Australian responded with a decisive 15th over, removing Parag, Donovan Ferreira, and Ravi Singh, before taking out Impact Player Dasun Shanaka to pick 4-40. Tiwari, who impressed with both bat and ball on debut against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, once again stood out by dismissing a marauding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey. Coming into this IPL season, I just thought that I'm gonna take in four or five variations with me and I'm gonna back them throughout the season. So, I have been working on them, and hopefully, the results are helping in my favor. Tiwari, who impressed with both bat and ball on debut against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, once again stood out by dismissing a marauding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lungi Ngidi closed out the innings with clever variations, as RR eventually made 193/8, after losing six wickets for 33 runs in the last six overs. I don't know. I have to ask them, said Tiwari, when asked about his familys reaction, before adding that DC can chase down the target and aim to end their home leg on a high. I think we'll get it. Article Source: IANS
Hopes rues PBKS bowlers inability to create early chances
Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes denied suggestions that Arshdeep Singh was not fully committed to the team amid a slew of off-field controversies
Punjab Kings Captain Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Loss to RCB in IPL 2026
Dharamshala, May 17: The Punjab Kings continue to struggle in IPL 2026. On Sunday, they faced a 23-run defeat against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. This loss marks Punjabs sixth consecutive defeat, dimming their hopes of reaching the playoffs. After the match, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer stated, ... Read more Punjab Kings Captain Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Loss to RCB in IPL 2026
Venkatesh Iyer Celebrates Batting Opportunity Over Player of the Match Award
Dharamshala, May 17: Venkatesh Iyer emerged as the hero in the IPL 2026 match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. The explosive left-handed batsman played a crucial role in RCBs victory, scoring an unbeaten 73 runs off 40 balls, leading his team to ... Read more Venkatesh Iyer Celebrates Batting Opportunity Over Player of the Match Award
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
Punjab Kings Out Of IPL 2026 Playoffs Race? Scenarios Explained After Loss Against RCB
Punjab Kings suffered a massive blow to their IPL 2026 Playoffs dreams as the Shreyas Iyer-led side slumped to their sixth consecutive loss on Sunday.
Cooper Connolly Breaks Sanath Jayasuriyas Record for Most Sixes in IPL Debut Season
New Delhi, May 17: In a remarkable achievement, Cooper Connolly, playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, has set a new record for the most sixes hit by a batsman in a debut season. Connolly has scored 473 runs in 12 innings across 13 matches, including one century and two half-centuries. His batting average stands ... Read more Cooper Connolly Breaks Sanath Jayasuriyas Record for Most Sixes in IPL Debut Season
RCB secure playoffs berth as PBKS slump to sixth straight defeat
Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to reach the IPL playoffs. They defeated Punjab Kings by 23 runs in Dharamsala. Venkatesh Iyer scored 73 not out and Virat Kohli made 58. Punjab Kings fell short in their chase despite Shashank Singh's 56. This marks Punjab's sixth consecutive loss.
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
Punjab Kings Struggle Continues in Dharamshala, Winning Only One Match Since 2023
New Delhi, May 17: Punjab Kings began IPL 2026 with an impressive performance, remaining unbeaten in their first seven matches. However, the season took a downturn in the second half. The team is now desperately seeking a win, having lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 23 runs on Sunday. This defeat marked Punjabs sixth ... Read more Punjab Kings Struggle Continues in Dharamshala, Winning Only One Match Since 2023
Lashkar terrorist goes for hair transplant after infiltrating to set up sleeper bases in India
Srinagar, May 17: Infiltrating Jammu and Kashmir to execute terror attacks for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET), a Pakistani terrorist paused his operations to fulfil a personal dream -- getting a hair transplant. Mohammed Usman Jatt, alias 'Chinese', told interrogators that he found life in Kashmir completely different from what he had been tutored in terrorist training camps and went for hairline restoration in Srinagar after learning about it from a shop owner, officials said here on Sunday. The case is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). During interrogation, Jatt spoke about his entry into Jammu and Kashmir through the northern part of the valley as well as the places where he had spent time, the officials said. A resident of Lahore and a trained operative of the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jutt said he had crossed the border with instructions to execute a series of attacks. He was involved in terror activities in north and central Kashmir, the officials said. However, he claimed during interrogation that his objectives shifted entirely after he witnessed the reality of daily life in Kashmir which was completely contrary to what they had been told during Lashkar training across the border. Jatt, known within terror circles by his alias Chinese, was arrested early last month by the Srinagar Police alongside Abdullah, alias Abu Hureira, the longest-surviving Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist. The duo had been tasked with setting up sleeper terror bases outside Jammu and Kashmir. The case was subsequently handed over to the NIA due to its national and international ramifications. The arrested terrorist said that he had been dealing with severe hair loss for years, an issue that had deeply impacted his self-esteem. While he had previously heard about hair restoration procedures, he believed they were a distant luxury available only in the West. The officials said during his stay in the upper hills of Srinagar, he was introduced to Pakistani terrorists Zargam and Abdullah alias 'Abu Huriera'. He also spoke about the various people with whom he had stayed, which led the Srinagar police to bust the entire racket of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the terror group operating in North Kashmir and Srinagar city. While giving details about the OGW network, the arrested terrorist said Zargam took him to a shop and conveyed that the owner was a reliable person. During his conversation with the owner, Jutt learned that he had undergone a hair transplant. Thereafter, the terrorist continued to visit the shop owner and persuaded him to help him get a hair transplant. He was finally taken for the procedure within the city, the officials said, adding that at times he had to stay overnight in the clinic for the procedure. After his procedure was over, Jutt, who had already tied up with 'Abu Huriera', took a passenger vehicle to Jammu and later a sleeper bus to Punjab on his way to Malerkotla. There, he spent time watching Turkish shows and attempted to learn English, according to officials. The arrested terrorist told his interrogators that he wanted to make a genuine Aadhar card, PAN card and eventually a passport to escape from India like Umar alias 'Khargosh' (rabbit), who managed to get a passport and has since fled to Indonesia, from where he is believed to have used another forged travel document and stationed himself somewhere in a Gulf country, the officials said. Umar, a resident of Karachi in Pakistan, had infiltrated into India after 2012 and fled using the forged passport procured from Jaipur in Rajasthan in 2024, the officials said. This unearthing of an interstate LeT module comes nearly six months after the 'Al Falah module' was busted in November 2025 by the Srinagar police which unravelled a network comprising highly educated professionals, mostly doctors, who had been radicalised to carry out terrorist activities. One of the accused was the Al Falah University's Dr Umer-un Nabi, who was driving the explosives-laden car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10 last year, killing more than a dozen people.
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
RCBs '49' dig at Punjab goes viral after dominant IPL win in Dharamsala - Watch
On the field, RCB secured a playoff spot with a 23-run win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.
IPL 2026: Ruthless RCB storm into playoffs as PBKS slump to sixth straight defeat
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a dominant 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Virat Kohli's energetic performance, coupled with crucial knocks from Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer, propelled RCB to a commanding total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early wickets stifled Punjab's chase, highlighting RCB's championship mettle.
IPL 2026: RCB Seal Playoff Berth With 23-run Victory Against Punjab Kings
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs after defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs in a high-scoring contest at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. 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. Punjab Kings endured a disastrous start to the chase as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Priyansh Arya for a duck in the opening over. The experienced pacer struck again in his next over when Prabhsimran Singh edged a good-length delivery to first slip after scoring just two runs. RCB tightened their grip further when impact substitute Rasikh Salam Dar dismissed Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for one. With wickets falling around him, Cooper Connolly launched a counterattack alongside Suryansh Shedge. Shedge took on Josh Hazlewood with a boundary and a six, while Connolly attacked Rasikh to help Punjab Kings recover to 49/3 at the end of the Power-play. Connolly continued to play aggressively before Romario Shepherd provided the breakthrough in the eighth over. Attempting another big shot, Connolly was caught at deep square leg after scoring 37 off 22 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Shedge then stitched together a useful partnership with Marcus Stoinis as the pair rebuilt the innings with regular boundaries and sensible strike rotation. However, RCB struck again when Virat Kohli completed a sharp catch at long-off to dismiss Shedge for 35 off 22 deliveries. Punjab Kings still had hope with Stoinis at one end and Shashank Singh launching an aggressive assault at the other. Shashank changed the momentum of the chase by smashing three sixes in an over off Suyash Sharma before adding more boundaries to keep the required run rate under control. Stoinis also shifted gears and struck consecutive boundaries against Rasikh as Punjab Kings reached 146/5 after 15 overs, needing 77 runs from the final five overs. Shashank continued to fight hard and produced a stunning helicopter shot against Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the chase remained alive. However, Hazlewood delivered a crucial breakthrough in the 17th over by trapping Stoinis lbw for 37 off 25 balls. Despite losing his partner, Shashank kept attacking and completed a rapid half-century in just 22 balls. But with little support from the other end, the required rate continued to climb. RCB finally sealed the match in the final over when Rasikh dismissed Shashank, who was caught at long-on after a superb knock of 56 off 27 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and four sixes. Rasikh then picked up another wicket on the final ball as the Punjab Kings finished at 199/8. Earlier, RCB posted 222/4 riding on an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohlis 58. Devdutt Padikkal also made an important contribution with a quickfire 45. Asked to bat first, RCB managed only 17 runs in the first two overs as Kohli and Jacob Bethell took time to adjust to the conditions. Bethell struggled for timing and was eventually bowled by Harpreet Brar for 11 off seven balls. Padikkal then shifted the momentum immediately by hitting a six off his first delivery. Kohli also joined the attack as the duo mixed aggressive strokeplay with smart strike rotation to keep the scoreboard moving quickly. Their partnership helped RCB reach 61/1 at the end of the Power-play. Punjab Kings introduced Yuzvendra Chahal to slow the scoring rate, but the leg-spinner conceded 21 runs in his opening over. Kohli and Padikkal added 76 runs for the second wicket before Brar struck again, dismissing Padikkal for an entertaining 45 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Kohli continued to dominate and completed his fifty in just 31 deliveries. He later fell for 58 off 37 balls after being caught at deep mid-wicket off Chahal. Venkatesh Iyer then took charge in the death overs. After a slow start, he accelerated brilliantly and completed his fifty off 29 balls. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 73 off 40 deliveries, smashing eight fours and four sixes. Tim David provided late support with a quick 28 off 12 balls as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. Kohli continued to dominate and completed his fifty in just 31 deliveries. He later fell for 58 off 37 balls after being caught at deep mid-wicket off Chahal. 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) beat Punjab Kings 199/8 in 20 overs (Shashank Singh 56, Cooper Connolly 37, Suryansh Shedge 35; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-38) by 23 runs. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: RCB Beat Punjab Kings By 22 Runs, Qualify For Playoffs
RCB rode on fluent half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, along with a decisive opening spell from pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to thrash Punjab Kings by 23 runs and seal a playoff berth in the IPL
Kohli Sets New IPL Record as Top T20 Partnership Player
Dharamshala, May 17: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Virat Kohli has achieved a significant milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has now jointly topped the list for the most half-century partnerships in mens T20 matches. On Sunday, during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kohli partnered with Devdutt Padikkal to score ... Read more Kohli Sets New IPL Record as Top T20 Partnership Player
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
Cannes 2026: Meet FTIIs Mehar Malhotra, whose Punjabi short is Indias only film in competition
Malhotra, who calls herself neurospicy says filmmaking is her therapy, and why she made Shadows of the Moonless Nights; previously, two FTII films have won at La Cinef
Vijay Fever Reaches IPL 2026 As RCB Star Pays Tribute With Fifty Celebration - Watch
Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid tribute to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and star actor Vijay with a half-century celebration during their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings.
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
Virat Kohli Breaks His Own Record, Achieves 2 Huge Milestones During PBKS vs RCB Clash
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli went to the top of two more metrics as he slammed a half-century against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026 on Sunday.
Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings script unwanted all-time T20 record
Punjab Kings endured another bowling collapse, conceding 222 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, setting unwanted T20 records. The team now holds the record for most 200-plus totals conceded in men's T20 cricket history, and captain Shreyas Iyer also set a new captaincy record for such instances. This latest defeat further jeopardizes their playoff hopes.
'Sarpanch' Shreyas reaches another milestone, joins Dhoni & Kohli to become ...
The milestone came during Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
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
Punjab Police Arrest Four Suspects in Murder Case, Seize Weapons and Ammunition
Jalandhar, May 17: The Punjab Police have apprehended four suspects linked to murder cases who had been evading arrest for several days. After extensive efforts, law enforcement successfully detained all suspects and placed them behind bars. The police announced this operation on their social media platform, X. According to police reports, the suspects were found ... Read more Punjab Police Arrest Four Suspects in Murder Case, Seize Weapons and Ammunition
AAP Leader Questions Punjabs Special Intensive Revision Process
Chandigarh, May 17: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Punjab is set to commence on June 25, as announced by the Election Commission. This announcement has raised concerns from Aam Aadmi Party leader and MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malwinder Singh Kang. In a post on the social media platform X, Kang urged the ... Read more AAP Leader Questions Punjabs Special Intensive Revision Process
Concerns Raised Over Special Intensive Revision in Punjab Ahead of Elections
Chandigarh, May 17: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Punjab is set to commence on June 25, as announced by the Election Commission. Malwinder Singh Kang, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, has raised questions regarding this initiative. In a post on the social media platform X, ... Read more Concerns Raised Over Special Intensive Revision in Punjab Ahead of Elections
Virat Kohli Scripts History, Becomes 1st Batter Ever To Achieve Stunning Feat
Royal Challengers Bengaluru star batter Virat Kohli scripted history during the IPL 2026 encounter against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Sunday.
'He Remained The Same Despite Two Ducks': Tim David Hails Kohli's Consistency
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David said batting stalwart Virat Kohli never looked affected by his lean patch earlier in the season, adding that the former India captains mindset and consistency continue to set the tone for the franchise ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Kohli recently silenced criticism with a match-winning century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous match after enduring a couple of low scores, but David said there was never any visible change in the veteran batters approach or confidence. To be honest, he doesnt change; you wouldnt have known that he had two ducks unless youd been watching the TV or something else. It was great for him to score a hundred, great for all of our fans to see that, and it was a match-winning performance, David told broadcasters ahead of the match. David added that RCBs strong campaign this season has been built on collective contributions rather than individual brilliance alone. Weve had so many people in our team stepping up this season. Hopefully its him again or someone else, but were feeling pretty good, he said. The Australian power-hitter also praised RCBs top order for playing fearless cricket and giving the middle-order freedom to play their roles calmly. At the top, we have some really classy players. Those guys play good cricketing shots; they make themselves feel confident to play aggressively and express themselves with the depth weve got, David said. He admitted that some of the lower middle-order batters have not always had enough time in the middle because of the consistency shown by the top-order batters. Weve certainly got guys that dont get enough batting as much as theyd want because were watching the guys put on a clinic at the top, he noted. Speaking about his own form, David said he has been pleased with the way he has been striking the ball throughout the season and is focused on delivering whenever the team requires him. To be honest, Im just looking forward most of the time. I feel like Ive been batting really well the whole season. I just want to put in performances for the team. I've been hitting the ball really well at training consistently, and hopefully when I get the chance in the middle, I can do whatever the team needs, he said. David also underlined the importance of composure and decision-making in pressure situations. To be honest, Im just looking forward most of the time. I feel like Ive been batting really well the whole season. I just want to put in performances for the team. I've been hitting the ball really well at training consistently, and hopefully when I get the chance in the middle, I can do whatever the team needs, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, RCB are currently placed at the top spot in the points table with 16 points in 12 matches. They will confirm their playoff birth if they beat PBKS. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: PBKS Wins Toss Against RCB, Rajat Patidar Ruled Out Due to Injury
Dharamshala, May 17: In the 61st match of IPL 2026, Punjab Kings (PBKS) face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Punjab Kings made two changes to their playing XI for this match. Lockie Ferguson and ... Read more IPL 2026: PBKS Wins Toss Against RCB, Rajat Patidar Ruled Out Due to Injury
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
Nagaland Lottery Results Sunday (17-05-2026): Check timings, winning tickets, and other details
Nagaland State Lottery results for the Sambad Morning Sunday Weekly Draw are out, with a top prize of Rs 1 crore. Winners can claim prizes up to Rs 10,000 from distributors, while larger amounts require a formal application to the Director of Nagaland State Lotteries. The Punjab State Dear 200 Monthly Lottery draw is scheduled for June 6, 2026.
IPL 2026, PBKS vs RCB LIVE: Punjab Kings Wins Toss, Opts To Bowl
While RCB are sitting comfortable on the points table, a sixth loss for Punjab Kings would effectively shut the playoff door on the Shreyas Iyer-led side
Big blow for RCB! Rajat Patidar misses PBKS clash, Jitesh Sharma to lead
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Jitesh Sharma will lead the side in Patidar's absence, who missed travel and practice due to an undisclosed reason. Patidar is expected to return for RCB's final league game.
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
New Delhi, May 17: The field operations for the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) under Phase I of Census 2027 have commenced in five States and Union Territories namely Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) area in Delhi NCT as part of the ongoing nationwide Census exercise. Meanwhile, House-to-House Houselisting Operations by Enumerators are presently in progress in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Uttarakhand. The Self-Enumeration (SE) facility has commenced today in Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Puducherry and will remain available till May 31, 2026. The corresponding Houselisting and Housing Census field operations in these States/UTs will be conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2026. The Self-Enumeration facility is also currently underway in Uttar Pradesh and will continue till May 21, 2026, following which the HLO field operations will be conducted from May 22 to June 20, 2026. Earlier, the Houselisting and Housing Census operations conducted from April 16 to May 15, 2026 were completed in the States/UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha and Sikkim, along with the NDMC area and Delhi Cantonment Board area in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Self-Enumeration (SE) facility, introduced for the first time in Census operations, continues to receive an encouraging response from the public. More than 1.44 crore households have already completed Self-Enumeration through the official portal (se.census.gov.in) across 25 States/UTs. The initiative marks a significant step towards digitisation of Census operations and offers residents a convenient and secure platform to participate in the Census process. Residents who have completed Self-Enumeration are requested to keep their generated Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) ready and share the same with the Enumerator during the field visit to complete the HLO process. Households that have not opted for Self-Enumeration will be covered during the physical house-to-house visit by Enumerators. Census 2027 is being conducted using digital tools for the first time while retaining the traditional door-to-door enumeration process to ensure comprehensive and accurate coverage. During field visits, Enumerators are collecting data digitally through a dedicated mobile application. During this phase, information relating to housing conditions, household details, amenities available and assets possessed by households is being collected through a structured questionnaire comprising 33 notified questions. The data collected forms an important basis for evidence-based planning and implementation of welfare and development programmes. All data collected under the Census Act, 1948, remains strictly confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes and development planning. Residents in the notified States/UTs are requested to extend full cooperation to Enumerators during the Houselisting Operations and actively participate in this important national exercise.
Delhi To Face Severe Heatwave Soon, Temperatures May Hit 45 Degrees Celsius
Heatwave conditions are expected to prevail till May 22 across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Konkan and Goa.
PBKS vs RCB Playing 11: Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to secure a playoff spot as they face Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. For Punjab Kings, this is a crucial must-win match, as another loss would significantly jeopardize their playoff aspirations. The head-to-head record shows a close contest between the two sides.
Congresss Identity Now Defined by Insulting Hindus: Shahzad Poonawala
New Delhi, May 17: BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala launched sharp attacks on Congress, the Muslim League, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He addressed various issues, from the courts decision in the Bhojshala case to the political landscape in Kerala and Manns governance style. Regarding the Bhojshala case, Poonawala questioned Congresss distress over the court ... Read more Congresss Identity Now Defined by Insulting Hindus: Shahzad Poonawala
Punjab Police Arrest Three Suspects in Hand Grenade Case
Gurdaspur, May 17: The Punjab Police in Gurdaspur have arrested three individuals linked to a hand grenade incident. Interrogations are ongoing as authorities seek further information regarding the case. The police announced this development on their social media platform. According to police reports, a hand grenade was recovered near Gita Colony in Gurdaspur in April. ... Read more Punjab Police Arrest Three Suspects in Hand Grenade Case
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.
PBKS vs RCB Pitch Weather Report: Punjab Kings need a win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They have lost five matches in a row. Their IPL 2026 playoff chances are at risk. RCB has shown resilience after early defeats. Virat Kohli has contributed consistently for RCB. The match is in Dharamshala. The pitch is good for batting. The weather will be clear.
Amid Social Media Debates, PBKS Break Silence On Arshdeep Singh's Abysmal Show In IPL 2026
Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh has found himself at the centre of controversy amid his team's struggles in IPL 2026.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer leads his team in his 100th IPL captaincy match. After a tough losing streak, Iyer seeks a significant turnaround. He has a strong captaincy record, matching MS Dhoni's win percentage. Iyer's personal form has dipped recently. He faces challenging bowlers in this crucial encounter.
Shreyas Iyer on the verge of history, set to become 5th captain to...
Shreyas Iyer is set to captain Punjab Kings in his 100th IPL match, a significant milestone. He joins an elite group of captains with this achievement. Iyer boasts an impressive win percentage and has led three different franchises to IPL finals. This landmark game comes as PBKS battles to revive their playoff hopes after a string of defeats.
How PBKS vs RCB could decide Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 playoff fate
Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 playoff hopes hinge on the Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru match. An RCB victory would simplify CSK's path to qualification, allowing them to control their destiny by winning their remaining two games. A PBKS win, however, would intensify the pressure and potentially lead to a Net Run Rate battle.
Jasprit Bumrah coming in as captain a fantastic move: Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth lauded Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy in Mumbai Indians' win over Punjab Kings. Bumrah's leadership inspired bowlers like Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar, who took crucial wickets. The team displayed a strong will to win, with Tilak Varma's explosive batting sealing the chase. Srikkanth highlighted Bumrah's encouraging presence as a key factor in the bowlers' confidence and performance.
Half the harvest gone, Kashmir cherries still rule countrys markets
Fetch Rs 200 per kg despite 50% loss due to erratic weather 300 tonnes to be dispatched next week 25 tonnes to reach Jammu daily Italian variety premium Growers urge crop insurance Abid Bashir Srinagar, May 16: Even as Kashmirs cherry growers grapple with nearly 50 per cent losses due to prolonged cold temperatures and erratic weather conditions, the Valleys famed ruby-red fruit continues to command premium prices in markets across the country, bringing cautious optimism to thousands of orchardists dependent on the crop. With the cherry season gathering momentum, nearly 300 tonnes of premium cherries are expected to be dispatched from Kashmir to various Indian markets beginning next weekthroughrail and road networks. Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Association, Bashir Ahmad Basheer,said two railway bogies have already been booked from Srinagar to Jammu to facilitate large-scale transportation of cherries from the Valley. From next week, nearly 25 tonnes of cherries will reach Jammu daily through railway services. Besides rail shipments, truckloads of cherries have already started moving to markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Punjab and several other cities, he said. Basheer said Kashmiri cherries continue to enjoy strong demandin marketsacross the country despite the significant decline in production this year.Unfavourable weather conditions, especially prolonged cold during the flowering stage,badlyaffected fruit setting and reduced production by almost 50 per cent. However, the quality of the available produce is excellent, and the demand in markets is very encouraging, he added. Kashmir annually produces around 12,000 to 14,000 metric tonnes of cherries and remains Indias leading cherry-producing region. The fruit is cultivated extensively in Srinagar, Tangmarg, Shopian, Ganderbal, Baramulla and several other areas of the Valley. Growers said Kashmir is known for multiple cherry varieties that fetch premium prices due to their taste, texture and appearance. Among them, the premium Italian variety has emerged as the costliest this season, fetching nearly Rs 200 per kilogram in wholesale markets because of its larger size, sweetness, attractive colour and longer shelf life. The locally popular Awal Number or Number 1 variety is selling at around Rs 100 per kilogram, while the glossy and soft Makhmali variety is fetching between Rs 90 and Rs 100 per kilogram. Buyers from outside Kashmir specifically demand Italian cherries because of their superior quality and shine. Even though the production is less this year, the market rates are comparatively better, said Abdul Rashid Mir, a cherry grower from Tangmarg. Farmers across Kashmir said changing weather patterns are increasingly emerging as a major threat to horticulture, especially delicate crops like cherries and strawberries. This year, the crop suffered because of unusual cold conditions during the flowering stage. Many orchards witnessed poor fruit setting, while continuous rains in some areas further damaged the fruit, said Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a grower from Shopian. He said the situation has become highly unpredictable over the last few years.Earlier, farmers could estimate the crop well in advance, but now sudden frost, untimely rains, hailstorms and temperature fluctuations aredamaging orchards repeatedly,Bhat added. Another orchardist from Ganderbal, Fayaz Ahmad, said cherries remain one of the most important early-season cash crops for farmers before the apple harvesting season begins later in the year. Cherry gives quick returns to growers. The fruit is harvested in the morning, packed immediately and dispatched to outside markets within hours. Even with lower production, farmers are hopeful that better prices will compensate for some of the losses, he said. Fruit traders at Srinagars Parimpora Mandi said faster rail connectivity ishelping improve transportation and reducedelays for the highly perishable fruit. Cherries are extremely delicate and require quick transportation. Rail movement is proving beneficial because it allows the fruit to reach Jammu and other markets faster and in better condition, said a fruit dealer at the mandi. Growers, however, expressed concern over forecasts of fresh rains in the coming days, saying any further wet weather could affect harvesting and damage the remaining crop. If the rains continue during the peak harvesting period, the fruit can crack and lose quality. Farmers are already under stress because production has fallen sharply this year, said Mushtaq Ahmad, another grower from Baramulla. Horticulture experts and growers have urged the government to strengthen cold storage facilities, introduce climate-resilient farming practices and expand crop insurance schemes to help orchardists cope with mounting weather-related losses. Despite the difficult season, Kashmiri cherries have once again started making their way to markets across India, with traders and consumers eagerly awaiting the Valleys prized summer fruit known for its sweetness, colour and unmatched taste.
Behind Arshdeep's struggles: Punjab Kings discover 'restrictions' in pacer's body
Punjab Kings bowler Arshdeep Singh struggled this IPL season. Physical issues and off-field distractions affected his performance. Team management believes they have found solutions. Singh is now feeling better physically. He needs to regain his form to help Punjab Kings. Leaders like Singh and Iyer must guide the team through this tough phase.
Punjab Kings Shashank Singh fields the ball during a practice session in Dharamshala
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | CONNOLLY BECAME YOUNGEST OVERSEAS IPL CENTURION WITH 107* VS SRH MATCH TODAY RCB VS PBKS AT 3:30 PM | DC VS RR AT 7:30 PM Punjab Kings Shashank Singh fields the ball during a practice session in Dharamshala, on Saturday. (PTI)
RCB out to seal play-off berth, PBKS look to arrest free fall
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | CONNOLLY BECAME YOUNGEST OVERSEAS IPL CENTURION WITH 107* VS SRH MATCH TODAY RCB VS PBKS AT 3:30 PM | DC VS RR AT 7:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru would look to exploit vulnerabilities of a profligate Punjab Kings bowling line up to seal a play-off berth in the Indian Premier []
SDM arrested in Rs 1.63 cr scam
CHANDIGARH, May 16: A Sub-Divisional Magistrate posted in Punjabs Gurdaspur was on Saturday arrested in connection with the Rs 1.63 crore embezzlement of funds linked to the land acquisition for a national highway project in 2018-2019, police said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Anupreet Kaur, a 2012-batch Punjab Civil Services officer, was held from her from her official residence in Gurdaspur. She was currently posted as SDM, Gurdaspur. She was also holding the charge of the municipal council, [] The post SDM arrested in Rs 1.63 cr scam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shah Shahni Dogri Film shines with Love and Compassion
Ravinder Kaul ravinderkaul07@gmail.com The first Dogri feature film Gallan Hoiyaan Beetiyaan released in the year 1966, raising the hope that, like Punjabi cinema, Dogri films will also become the harbingers of showcasing Dogri language and Dogra culture across the globe. However, these hopes were never fulfilled. The next Dogri film Maa Neyi Mildi came after a gap of 44 years in the year 2010. 60 years after the release of the first feature film, the score of Dogri films is [] The post Shah Shahni Dogri Film shines with Love and Compassion appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab civic polls: IAS & PCS officers appointed as general observers
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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