Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, sharing the record of five titles with Mumbai Indians and boasting 10 final appearances. Their dominance in a fiercely competitive league reflects not just on-field excellence but also a well-structured system built over the years. A major factor behind their sustained success has been the stability provided by the ownership group, which has consistently backed players and maintained a balanced squad.

CSK’s philosophy has always revolved around trust and continuity. Unlike many franchises, they have prioritized retaining a strong core group even after auctions, showing long-term faith in their players, support staff, and team environment. This approach has also contributed to nurturing players who go on to perform at the international level.



They have shown remarkable consistency not just on the field but also off it, with Stephen Fleming serving as their head coach since 2009. His long-term guidance has been key in building a stable, experienced team, helping CSK maintain a winning culture and remain one of the most dominant IPL franchises.

Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund highlighted another unique aspect of CSK’s culture, their strong backing of players beyond the field. He revealed that the franchise has a long-standing tradition of doubling the prize money offered by the BCCI, regardless of the team’s result, a gesture that reflects their commitment to player welfare.

"I think the credit should also go to the management. That time, they clearly told us that whatever prize money BCCI is offering you, whether we are losing or winning, we will double it. And this is a tradition of Chennai from day one. Ask any clear Chennai player, they will say ‘this is a tradition that they have followed’, so at that point it felt like a huge thing," Mukund said on Doordarshan Sports.

CSK's unforgettable start in IPL 2026

In their IPL 2026 opener on March 30, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured a crushing 8-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati. After RR’s pace attack, led by Nandre Burger (2/26) and Jofra Archer (2/19), dismantled the CSK lineup for a meager 127, 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show by smashing the season’s fastest fifty in just 15 balls. Rajasthan chased down the target in a mere 12.1 overs, finishing at 128/2 to hand CSK a heavy defeat in a match that also featured Sanju Samson’s quiet debut for Chennai and Ravindra Jadeja’s successful two-wicket return to the Royals.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has unveiled the full schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with Punjab Kings set to kick off their campaign on Tuesday, March 31 against Gujarat Titans. The match will be held at their home ground, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, starting at 7:30 PM IST.

Here’s the complete schedule of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 fixtures, along with details of their updated squad, matches, and venues.



Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish last season and will aim to go one step further this time. Despite his consistency, including 604 runs at a strike rate above 175, Iyer remains out of India’s T20I plans, having last played in December 2023. He was overlooked for major tournaments despite strong returns and a brief recall as a replacement. As captain, Iyer continues to lead from the front, anchoring Punjab’s ambitions. With a powerful Indian core at their disposal, PBKS will once again rely on their explosive batting unit to mount a serious title challenge.

PBKS' full squad for IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Harprett Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Mitch Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey and Vishal Nishad.

PBKS's home matches

Date	Opponent	Venue	Time (IST)
March 31	Gujarat Titans	Mullanpur	7:30 PM
April 11	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Mullanpur	3:30 PM
April 19	Lucknow Super Giants	Mullanpur	7:30 PM
April 28	Rajasthan Royals	Mullanpur	7:30 PM
May 11	Delhi Capitals	Dharamshala	7:30 PM
May 14	Mumbai Indians	Dharamshala	7:30 PM
May 17	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Dharamshala	3:30 PM

PBKS's away matches

Date	Opponent	Venue	Time (IST)
April 3	Chennai Super Kings	Chennai	7:30 PM
April 6	Kolkata Knight Riders	Kolkata	7:30 PM
April 16	Mumbai Indians	Mumbai	7:30 PM
April 25	Delhi Capitals	Delhi	3:30 PM
May 3	Gujarat Titans	Ahmedabad	7:30 PM
May 6	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Hyderabad	7:30 PM
May 23	Lucknow Super Giants	Lucknow	7:30 PM

Punjab Kings' full schedule for IPL 2026

Date	Opponent	Venue	Time (IST)
March 31	Gujarat Titans	Mullanpur (Home)	7:30 PM
April 3	Chennai Super Kings	Chennai (Away)	7:30 PM
April 6	Kolkata Knight Riders	Kolkata (Away)	7:30 PM
April 11	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Mullanpur (Home)	3:30 PM
April 16	Mumbai Indians	Mumbai (Away)	7:30 PM
April 19	Lucknow Super Giants	Mullanpur (Home)	7:30 PM
April 25	Delhi Capitals	Delhi (Away)	3:30 PM
April 28	Rajasthan Royals	Mullanpur (Home)	7:30 PM
May 3	Gujarat Titans	Ahmedabad (Away)	7:30 PM
May 6	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Hyderabad (Away)	7:30 PM
May 11	Delhi Capitals	Dharamshala (Home)	7:30 PM
May 14	Mumbai Indians	Dharamshala (Home)	7:30 PM
May 17	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Dharamshala (Home)	3:30 PM
May 23	Lucknow Super Giants	Lucknow (Away)	7:30 PM

NEW DELHI: Playing alongside Sanju Samson for years, knowing him well, understanding his playing style, the areas he targets, along with his strengths and weaknesses, Riyan Parag had a clear plan in mind when he set the field against Samson, who is playing for CSK this season. Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK last year.


The moment Samson walked in to open alongside CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan was quick to set the field according to the plan, and it worked perfectly in Rajasthan Royals’ favour.



Riyan deployed Nandre Burger against Samson, and the South African pacer delivered for his captain.


Burger fired a 140kph thunderbolt, and Samson, attempting to heave across the line, missed it completely as the ball crashed into the off-stump.


Samson’s first innings in yellow ended for just 6 runs.


"I feel for Sanju bhaia, it was the first three balls or first four balls that we wanted to execute something. That kind of went well, so we went ahead with it. And we were just trying to target where he plays his first three balls or where he plays his first four to five balls and then just set fielders accordingly and ask him to hit a better shot or hit a different shot, which is, again, a gamble sort of, but then that gives us a lot of percentage of favours in our way," he told reporters after RR win.


"Let's say the shot he got out to, we would have wanted him to hit that shot instead of bowling short to him and him pulling it because he likes that. So we just try and make decisions a little uncomfortable for the bowlers, for the batsmen, sorry, and then we just try and execute.


"If it comes off, looks very good. If it doesn't come off and he gets hit for a few cuts, I'll be sitting here sitting like a dumb duck, right? So that's about it," he revealed.


Rajasthan Royals will now face Gujarat Titans on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, registering a crushing eight-wicket win over five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday.


During the high-intensity clash, among several key moments, one that stood out was Ravindra Jadeja’s animated celebration after taking a wicket.



Jadeja, after dismissing a CSK all-rounder, came up with a ‘gun’ celebration.


After Rajasthan Royals’ win, former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Anil Kumble, part of the expert panel on JioStar, asked Jadeja if this was a new celebration.


"Jadeja, ye naya aaya hai market mein?" the experts asked.


To this, Jadeja said: "Ye mai CSK se jab khela karta tha, tab mai ye celebration karta tha. Maine socha to be continued karein".



"Dube ka mujhe pata tha wo spinners ko pehle ball se maarne ko sochta hai. Wo mere dimaag mein kahin na kahin tha but at the same time wo bhi soch rha tha ki agar uska wicket gya to CSK ka middle order khali ho jayega. Positive mindset se ball daalne ka soch rha tha mai bass," he said.


Jadeja also reflected on an emotional outing against his former team Chennai Super Kings.


"I’m liking the pink colour. The yellow had started to feel a bit old, but I’m just joking. Obviously, leaving a franchise like CSK, where I had played for 12-13 years, was a little difficult initially. It was very emotional. But I told myself that changes like these are also part of the journey. The good thing was that I’m now with the team where I had first won an IPL title,” Jadeja said.


"That memory has always stayed with me, that after the Under-19 World Cup, I started my IPL career there and won the title in my very first season. I have carried those memories along with a positive mindset, and my aim is to learn as much as I can with the new group and also share my experience with the team,” he added.


Jadeja’s impact was felt with the ball as RR bundled CSK out for 127, setting up a comfortable chase that was headlined by a blistering knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.


"The wicket was a bit sticky, so it suited my kind of bowling. My job was simply to bowl in the right areas. When you hit the right areas on a wicket that is holding up slightly, the ball tends to grip and come slower, which feels good as a bowler. Getting such a surface to bowl on in the very first match boosts your confidence as a bowler.


"I was thinking of bowling it at the stumps, as I wanted to take a chance in case he didn’t middle it. But when he hit me for a six, I quickly changed my strategy to bowling wide, as he would have kept hitting me on a straight line. So, I decided to finish on the fifth-sixth-stump line, thinking that if he went across, he might not get his timing right, and that's what happened. Luckily, he did not get the elevation he was looking for, and it was a big wicket for us.”


Rajasthan Royals will now face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4.

NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his return to Rajasthan Royals in style, playing a key role in their emphatic eight-wicket win over his former team Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday. But beyond his match-winning spell, it was his candid remarks on MS Dhoni that stole the spotlight.

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Jadeja picked up 2 for 18 in three overs, using subtle variations and turn to dismantle CSK’s middle order as the visitors were bowled out for 127. RR chased down the target in just 12.1 overs, powered by a sensational knock from teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi (52 off 17 balls).



Speaking after the match on JioHotstar, Jadeja revealed he hadn’t spoken to Dhoni ahead of facing his former side, drawing laughter with his trademark wit. “Baat nahi hui, kyunki Mahi bhai phone band hi rakhte hain [Did not speak with Mahi bhai as he keeps his phone off],” he said with a grin. “Baat nahi hui, par jab bhi main milunga Mahi bhai se toh khoob saari baatein karunga.”

The light-hearted comment underlined the strong bond between the two, forged during their long stint together at CSK.

Jadeja delivers on return



Making a comeback to Royals colours after 17 years, Jadeja looked right at home. “I think pink looks good on me,” he said, reflecting on his return. His key strikes — including Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan — tilted the contest firmly in RR’s favour.

“I’ve known Shivam Dube for a long time… I knew he would look to play big shots, so I tried to bowl outside off,” Jadeja explained, highlighting his planning.

He also relished the conditions. “The wicket was a bit sticky and the ball was turning, so I really enjoyed bowling. My job was to hit the right areas and let the pitch do the rest.”

Despite the modest target, Jadeja stressed the importance of discipline in the chase. “You can’t take anything for granted in cricket… you have to work hard and give your 100 percent,” he said.

Also Read: GT vs PBKS Live Score

Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, two batters often overlooked in India’s T20I setup, will lead Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings respectively in a high-stakes IPL clash on Tuesday, both aiming to make a strong statement.

Gill enters a crucial phase in his T20 career. Despite being among the most consistent IPL performers — second only to Virat Kohli in runs since 2023 — questions remain over his strike rate. Encouragingly, he lifted it above 155 last season, a sign of evolving intent. With Matthew Hayden now part of the coaching setup, Gill’s aggressive approach at the top will be closely tracked. Gujarat Titans, IPL 2022 champions, remain a settled unit, bolstered by the opening duo of Gill and Sai Sudharsan, alongside promising backup options.



For Punjab Kings, much hinges on Iyer, a proven leader who has guided multiple teams to IPL finals. Despite scoring 604 runs at a strike rate above 175 last season, he continues to be overlooked at the international level. PBKS’ strength lies in their Indian core, particularly their explosive opening pair, though recent form is a concern. Their middle order will be tested against GT’s formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan.

With both captains seeking redemption and recognition, the contest promises to set the tone early in the tournament.

PBKS vs GT Head-to-Head

• Total matches played: 6
• Punjab Kings: 3
• Gujarat Titans: 3

PBKS vs GT: Pitch Report

The match is reportedly set to be played on pitch No. 4 — the same surface used in PBKS’ clash against Chennai Super Kings last season, when they racked up 219 riding on an Arya century. CSK responded with a strong 201. PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting expects another high-scoring encounter.

PBKS vs GT: Predicted XIs

Punjab Kings predicted XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (capt), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Sub: Vijaykumar Vyshak

Gujarat Titans predicted XI: Shubman Gill (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Sub: Kagiso Rabada/R Sai Kishore

PBKS vs GT: Mullanpur Weather update

Clouds and sunshine are expected during the day, with the temperature peaking around 33°C. Conditions will turn partly cloudy at night, with the temperature dropping to around 16–17°C. With virtually no chance of rain during match hours, weather interruptions are unlikely and a full game is expected.

PBKS vs GT: Live Streaming details

The PBKS vs GT clash will be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, with the match set to begin at 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.

PBKS vs GT squads

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Harprett Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Mitch Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey and Vishal Nishad.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Tom Banton, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Luke Wood, Kulwant hejroliya and Rashid Khan.

NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya's girlfriend Mahieka Sharma almost lost her cool at photographers and bystanders while walking with the cricketer’s son, Agastya Pandya, after watching the Mumbai Indians match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. In a video going viral on social media, Mahieka was seen holding Agastya’s hand and repeatedly urging media persons and people around, “raasta de do, please.”

She was also constantly checking on Agastya’s well-being and tried to cheer him up.

When photographers began clicking pictures, the flashlights appeared to trouble the child, as the camera flashes were hurting his eyes.


Seeing this, Mahieka shouted, "No lights, no flashes, please".

She also asked him, "Agastya, Are you ok? You look amazing".

Towards the end, she looked visibly annoyed with the crowd and media personnel.

"Raasta do. Saamne koi nahi ayega (please give way. Please don't come in front)," she said loudly.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians registered a dominant six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match of IPL 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma powered Mumbai Indians to their biggest run chase in IPL history, helping them secure their first season-opening win since the 2012 edition.


Mumbai chased down a daunting target of 221 in 19.1 overs to defeat KKR.

"Obviously, it's been a long waiting. 13 years are a very long time. And, you know, every time we have come, we have wanted to win and start the season with a high. Very glad, the whole group is very glad that we were finally able to do it. (On chasing big targets) Yes, I feel the modern cricket, plus at the same point of time, we have seen what this wicket plays like. The kind of powerplay they had, we knew that the wicket is good. So as a bowling group, a lot of credit to the bowlers. They pulled it really back, not letting them fly with 250s, 240s, because I feel in T20 cricket, those are difficult to chase. But 220 is always gettable if you have a good start," Pandya said after the match.

"(On Shardul Thakur) I told him this season, I said, 'enough hopping of the franchises. I want you to be here for the rest of your career.' He's a character. He has a big heart. The way he comes out and kind of always tries to outsmart a batter, simply brilliant and really happy for him," he said.

Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, will next face Delhi Capitals on April 4 in Delhi.

The third day of the Indian Premier League 2026 witnessed a sensational start for Rajasthan Royals as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered on his growing reputation with a blistering half-century to script a dominant eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday.

All eyes were on the 15-year-old prodigy, and he did not disappoint. Sooryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 52 off just 17 balls, laced with four boundaries and five towering sixes, as RR chased down a modest target of 128 with a remarkable 7.5 overs to spare.

The left-hander, who had already grabbed global attention with his record-breaking debut season last year, survived an early scare after being dropped off the very first ball he faced. However, he quickly settled in and launched a ferocious counterattack, racing to his fifty in just 15 deliveries.

Reflecting on his approach, Sooryavanshi said he balances attack with caution but emphasised the importance of the powerplay. “I do think about defence, but today our plan was to control the game in the powerplay because in a small chase, that phase is crucial,” he said.

His fearless hitting included consecutive sixes off Noor Ahmad, sending the home crowd into a frenzy before he eventually fell to a sharp catch in the deep.

Bowlers set up commanding win

Earlier, RR’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as their attack dismantled CSKs batting lineup. Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja claimed two wickets each to bundle out Chennai for 127 in 19.4 overs.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and debutant Sanju Samson fell cheaply, leaving the five-time champions struggling. A late effort from Jamie Overton (43 off 36 balls) helped push the total to a somewhat respectable score.

Burger, who returned figures of 2 for 26, was named Player of the Match, while Archer impressed with a tidy 2 for 19.

Gaikwad admitted it was a shaky start for his side. “A lot of youngsters in the group, so probably a nervy start for everyone. Good to get a game behind us, but we need to improve quickly,” he said. CSK are also without veteran MS Dhoni, who continues to recover from a calf strain.

IPL action shifts to Mullanpur

With RR off to a flying start and CSK left searching for answers, the spotlight now shifts to Day 4 action. Punjab Kings take on Gujarat Titans at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh later today, as the tournament gathers early momentum.

NEW DELHI: Young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is proving unstoppable. When he is in full flow, no bowling attack can prevent him from going all guns blazing - and that was evident on Monday night. After a power-packed performance by Rajasthan Royals bowlers restricted Chennai Super Kings to a modest 127, the spotlight shifted to the 15-year-old, who did what he does best - attack from the very first ball.

Sooryavanshi smashed 52 runs off just 17 balls - a blistering knock featuring five sixes and four boundaries - as Rajasthan Royals kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium on Monday.



His half-century came in just 15 deliveries, the third-fastest in IPL history, setting up a comfortable victory for RR.

RR register biggest win



Rajasthan Royals chased down CSK’s 127 in just 12.1 overs, finishing with eight wickets in hand and 47 balls to spare. This marked their biggest win in terms of balls remaining.

The overall IPL record is still held by Mumbai Indians, who registered an 87-ball victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008.

Since 2020, Rajasthan Royals have now won nine of their 11 matches against Chennai Super Kings.

"I didn’t really do anything outside - there was supposed to be a cake cutting, but I went to sleep early to avoid the cake-smearing (on how he celebrated his birthday). The plan today was simply to execute well in the powerplay - initially the wicket felt a bit sticky, but as the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat nicely (on his batting approach)," Sooryavanshi said after the match.



"I do think about defence, but today our plan was to control the game in the powerplay because in a small chase, that phase is crucial - if the bowling team does well there, the game can tilt their way, but our powerplay went really well (on his aggressive intent)," he said.

"The coaches didn’t specifically say that bowlers would attack me - everyone else was already saying that - but they just told me that they back me and that I should stick to my natural game and play according to the situation (on guidance from the support staff). My opening partner (Jaiswal) keeps communicating with me after every ball - he tells me when to take singles, keeps giving me the strike, and encourages me to keep playing my shots if the ball is coming nicely onto the bat (on partnership understanding)," the 15-year-old cricketer said.

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi has been fined by his franchise Lahore Qalandars for breaching security protocol at the team hotel during the Pakistan Super League. Afridi was handed a fine of PKR 1 million by the Qalandars.

"In the interest of maintaining discipline and demonstrating accountability, the franchise has taken a voluntary and proactive step by imposing a fine of PKR 1 million on Shaheen Shah Afridi for his involvement. Lahore Qalandars has also formally communicated a detailed response, along with its observations on the matter, to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)," read a release from the Qalandars.



"The franchise expressed its sincere appreciation for the efforts of security personnel, recognising their essential role in ensuring a safe and secure environment for players, officials, and spectators. While underscoring that the matter arose from a misunderstanding rather than any deliberate attempt to violate established procedures, Lahore Qalandars reiterated its full respect for all security protocols," added the statement.

The franchise did not mention Zimbabwe cricketer Sikandar Raza in their statement.

PSL controversy: What Shaheen Afridi is fined for?

Lahore Qalandars captain Afridi and his overseas player Raza found themselves at the centre of a major controversy after being accused of breaching team security protocols at their hotel.

According to a police official, Shaheen and Sikandar were found hosting four guests in Raza's room on the eighth floor until 1:25 a.m. The two cricketers hosted the guests despite warnings and refusal.

As per the police official, the liaison officer initially approached the PCB manager to seek permission for four of Raza's relatives to visit his room. The request was declined in line with security protocols.

Muhammad Faisal, DIG (Operations, Lahore), has notified the PSL CEO of a serious violation of security measures.



Despite the refusal, at around 11:05 p.m., PCB and security personnel reported that Shaheen and Raza escorted the four guests into Raza's room. The guests remained there until 1:25 a.m.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is facing growing concerns over multiple issues around the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with reports suggesting the Pakistan Cricket Board chief is particularly upset about a hotel-security incident involving Lahore Qalandars players.

The situation comes at a time when PSL 2026 is already being conducted under restrictions. Matches in Lahore are being held without spectators, and the tournament is running with fewer venues due to fuel and travel issues in Pakistan linked to the West Asia crisis. The PCB had put measures in place to manage the event, but the league has seen multiple controversies in quick succession.



The hotel-security issue had surfaced earlier. Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza were accused of breaching security rules at the team hotel in Lahore by allowing visitors into a room despite objections from security staff. The incident raised questions over discipline and arrangements in a tournament where security was a key focus.

A PCB source was quoted by news agency PTI as saying: "(PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is not happy in particular about the hotel incident since the PCB is taking great care to ensure the event is held without an incident and has even disallowed spectators for the league matches at the Gaddafi stadium for the time being."

The pressure increased further after a ball tampering controversy during Lahore’s match against Karachi Kings on Sunday. Just before the final over of Karachi’s chase, with 14 runs needed, umpires checked the ball and ruled that its condition had been changed. A five-run penalty was imposed on Lahore and the ball was replaced, reducing the target to nine. Karachi went on to win by four wickets with three balls remaining.

The matter escalated after Lahore batter Fakhar Zaman was charged with a Level 3 offence under the PSL Code of Conduct for allegedly altering the ball. Fakhar denied the charge during a hearing before match referee Roshan Mahanama. Shaheen later said the franchise would review the footage and distanced himself from the incident.

For the PCB, the concern now extends beyond a single match. The focus is on the attention the league is receiving. “The board is unhappy about the PSL gaining traction for the wrong reasons, starting with the incident of the ball colour turning pink during the first match of the league,” the source added, as cited by news agency PTI.

The PSL season had already started with limited venues and restricted crowd access, with fans asked to watch from home. The hotel-security issue and the ball-tampering allegation have now added to the challenges the board was trying to avoid.

JioStar has ended its broadcast agreement with a local partner in Bangladesh, a move that means the Indian Premier League (IPL) will not be shown in the country this season, according to a Reuters report.


The earlier ban in Bangladesh on broadcasting IPL followed tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from his contract by Kolkata Knight Riders.

"The agreement stands terminated with immediate effect," a JioStar letter said to Bangladesh broadcaster TSports, as cited by Reuters. The local company had sublicensed IPL rights for the 2023 to 2027 period.

JioStar cited financial issues behind the move, stating its partner’s “continued failure and default in adhering to the payment timelines stipulated under the agreement”.

The decision also applies to the Women’s Premier League (WPL), with the broadcaster ending arrangements for both tournaments in Bangladesh on similar grounds.

The situation unfolds amid strained ties between India and Bangladesh following political changes in Dhaka in August 2024, when former prime minister Sheikh Hasina left the country after a mass uprising.

The initial broadcast ban earlier in 2026 was triggered by controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who had been signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 9.20 crore. The franchise eventually released him following directions from the BCCI.

Rajasthan Royals announced their arrival in IPL 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings, powered by a breathtaking innings from teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Royals’ bowlers set the tone early, restricting CSK to a modest 127 on a pitch that had seen limited play due to rain.

CSK’s batting struggled from the outset, with the home side failing to build any momentum. Royals captain Riyan Parag’s bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, picking wickets at regular intervals to keep CSK under pressure. Ravindra Jadeja, returning to the Royals, struck twice in his opening over, signalling a successful comeback.



Sooryavanshi, 15, displayed his rare talent in full flight, racing to a 15-ball fifty, including a spectacular six over point off New Zealand pacer Matt Henry and a couple of towering sixes off spinner Noor Ahmad. Dropped by Kartik Sharma in one punishing over, he made CSK pay immediately, turning the contest decisively in Rajasthan’s favour. His innings helped the Royals reach 74 in the powerplay, effectively sealing the game.

Opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal (38* off 36) played a measured role, letting Sooryavanshi dominate, while Parag (14* off 11) joined later to finish the chase in 12.1 overs with ease.

CSK’s marquee players struggled. Sanju Samson, fresh from India’s T20 World Cup triumph, was trapped by Nandre Burger trying to go over mid-wicket, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad fell attempting a lofted stroke off Jofra Archer. Jamie Overton provided some resistance with 43 off 36 but could not stem the collapse.

The Royals’ pace attack, led by Nandre Burger and Archer, complemented Jadeja’s spin perfectly. Brijesh Sharma claimed the wicket of debutant Kartik Sharma, while Archer, Burger, and Jadeja finished with two wickets apiece.

Both teams, who had swapped stars Jadeja and Samson ahead of the season, began their campaigns in contrasting fashion—Royals with a statement win, CSK with much to rethink after a difficult start.

Wonder kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played an impactful innings in his first IPL 2026 match as the Rajasthan Royals opener scored 52 off 17 balls against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday.

Chasing 128, Sooryavanshi’s innings, which included four fours and five sixes, put Rajasthan in control early in the match. RR eventually won the match by eight wickets



The young batter also reached his half-century in 15 balls, making it the joint third-fastest fifty in IPL history. He now shares this record with Yusuf Pathan (Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata, May 24, 2014), Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bengaluru, May 7, 2017), Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bengaluru, April 10, 2023), and Jake Fraser-McGurk (twice — Delhi Capitals v Sunrisers Hyderabad, April 20, 2024, and Delhi Capitals v Mumbai Indians, April 27, 2024).

Only four players have recorded faster fifties in the league — Yashasvi Jaiswal, who got there in 13 balls, and KL Rahul, Pat Cummins and Romario Shepherd, who reached the mark in 14 balls.

Quickets fifty for RR in IPL (by balls)

• 13 - Yashasvi Jaiswal vs KKR, Kolkata, 2023
• 15 - Vaibhav Suryavanshi vs CSK, Guwahati, 2026*
• 17 - Vaibhav Suryavanshi vs GT, Jaipur, 2025
• 18 - Jos Buttler vs DD, Delhi, 2018

Earlier, Rajasthan Royals' (RR) bowling unit, led by Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer, along with Ravindra Jadeja, left Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with no answers in the first innings of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season opener at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

After RR skipper Riyan Parag won the toss and elected to field on his home ground, his bowlers justified the decision immediately, dismantling the CSK top order in a ruthless display of seam bowling.

Burger, Archer, along with Ravindra Jadeja, got six wickets in total as RR bowled CSK out for just 127 runs in 19.4 overs.

Brijesh Sharma made his IPL debut on Monday after being named in the playing XI of the Rajasthan Royals for their match against the Chennai Super Kings.

Rajasthan Royals had picked the Jammu and Kashmir pacer at his base price of Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction. At that time, he had not played senior cricket in any format, but his performances in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League had brought him into focus.



A right-arm medium pace bowler, Sharma finished joint-fifth on the wickets list in that tournament, taking 11 wickets in seven matches while playing for Smashers Malda.

From J&K to RR via Bengal

His journey to professional cricket has come through several challenges. He grew up in the Dandial area as the son of a labourer and faced financial issues while pursuing the sport. He started by representing Jammu and Kashmir at the Under-19 and Under-25 levels.

To improve his game, he later moved to Delhi, where he trained under Deepak Punia at the Unique Sports Club. The shift helped him develop better control and prepare for higher levels of competition.

His performance in the Bengal Pro T20 League in 2025 played a key role in his rise. Playing at Eden Gardens, he was among the leading wicket-takers and showed his ability in both the Powerplay and the final overs, finishing with 11 wickets in seven matches.

That run led to his selection by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026. The impact of Brijesh Sharma extends beyond his statistics; he has become a symbol of hope for aspiring cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir, following in the footsteps of regional icons like Umran Malik and Auqib Nabi these days.

In the match, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl against Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League opener here on Monday.

Royals have beaten CSK four times in their last five matches. Both teams struggled in the 2025 season.

CSK are without charismatic MS Dhoni, who has been sidelined for at least two weeks due to a calf injury.

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Teams:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, and Khaleel Ahmed.

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, and Brijesh Sharma.

Mumbai: At last, the Mumbai Indians have ended their jinx of losing the first match of the IPL, an unwanted habit which they had been carrying for 13 long seasons — from 2013 to 2025.

In fact, on Sunday night at the Wankhede Stadium, that unwanted record looked like continuing when the Kolkata Knight Riders raced away to an imposing total of 220 for four after being asked to bat first.



However, their openers, South African ‘keeper-bat Ryan Rickelton (81, 43b, 4x4, 8x6) and former captain Rohit Sharma (78, 38b, 6x4, 6x6), who turned the clock back with some furious hitting, blew away KKR with their rollicking 148-run opening stand, which took just 72 balls. The issue was never in doubt, even though the hosts lost a few late wickets.

MI’s emphatic six-wicket win in the high-scoring game, which came with five balls to spare, gave much to cheer for their vociferous supporters.

The first two days of IPL 2026 have now seen 200-plus totals chased down easily, almost in a farcical manner, which tells you how tough life is getting for the bowlers in the IPL. At the moment, the contest between bat and ball is heavily lopsided in favour of the bat in the league.

In a curious development, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav featured as an Impact Player and chipped in with an eight-ball 16 (3x4).

Turning the clock back, Rohit unleashed some big sixes, with his trademark pull shot for a six in the sixth over off Kartik Tyagi standing out, while skipper Hardik Pandya (18 not out off 11 balls, 3x4) finished the job.

To make things worse for the visitors, their captain Ajinkya Rahane, who smashed a fine 67 (40b, 3x4, 5x6) earlier, had to leave the field due to cramps, leaving his deputy Rinku Singh to lead the side. What must really worry KKR going forward is also the poor form of their lead spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who conceded 0-48 in four overs and is clearly struggling for rhythm.

Earlier, KKR batters across the spectrum, senior batter Rahane and young gun Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51, 29b, 4x4, 2x6), smashed blazing fifties, while New Zealand opener Finn Allen (37 off 18 balls, 6x4, 2x6) and Rinku Singh (33 not out, 21b, 4x4) chipped in with vital cameos to take KKR to a formidable total.

On a night which saw Mumbai players hog the limelight in front of their home crowd, Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur was not to be left behind, making a vital contribution to MI’s win. Marking a superb outing for MI, the ‘Palghar Express’ took three for 39 in four overs and was the pick of the bowlers on either side in a game that saw the world’s top pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah go wicketless (0-38 in four overs) for once.

Thakur dismissed Allen (caught at wide long-on) in the sixth over to provide MI with a much-needed breakthrough at a point when the KKR openers were going berserk. Using slower balls and his variations cleverly, the 34-year-old then took the scalps of Rs 25.20 cr buy Cameron Green (18, 10b, 1x4, 1x6, caught smartly by a diving Sherfane Rutherford at deep cover), who was making his KKR debut, and Rahane (caught at extra cover off a cross-seam, full delivery bowled outside off stump), to check KKR from running away with the game.

KKR were provided an electric start by Rahane, who scored his 34th IPL fifty, and Allen, who had blasted a match-winning unbeaten century against South Africa in the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal earlier this month, as the opening pair added 69 off just 32 balls to lay the platform for a big total.

Playing in his first competitive match in three months — he last turned out for Mumbai on December 16, when he smashed 72 not out off 41 balls to help Mumbai chase down 217 against Rajasthan in Pune in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy — Rahane, who opted out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and then the second half of the Ranji Trophy during the last domestic season, hardly looked rusty.

Batting beautifully, the veteran batsman picked up the length early and unfurled some glorious strokes, with a cover-driven four off Thakur being the pick of the lot.

There have been a few who’ve questioned KKR’s decision to make Rahane the captain again this season, but the 37-year-old, who finished as the highest run-getter for KKR last season (390 runs in 13 matches at 35.45, with three fifties), looked in a determined mood to prove his worth.

Launching an all-out attack, Allen feasted on long-hops by MI’s debutant Afghanistan spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (0-57 in four overs), taking two sixes and a four off him in the third over, which went for 17. Rahane then hammered back-to-back sixes off Hardik Pandya off the first two balls of the fourth over, before Allen took three consecutive fours off the MI captain, who conceded 26 in that over.

Sara Arjun was among the notable faces spotted at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday as Mumbai Indians took on Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2026. The Dhurandhar 2 actress attended the match with her family, adding a touch of glamour to a high-octane contest.



Sara’s appearance comes at a time when she is enjoying a career high following her role as Yalina in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, where she starred alongside Ranveer Singh. The film has struck gold at the box office since its March 19 release, crossing ₹700 crore in India and going past ₹1100 crore globally.



On the field, it was Mumbai Indians who stole the show, ending a long-standing wait for a winning start to an IPL season. Chasing a daunting 221, MI secured a six-wicket victory — their first opening-game win since 2012.

The foundation of the chase was laid by Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, who put together a commanding opening stand. Rohit smashed 78 off 38 balls, while Rickelton followed it up with a fluent 81 off 43, putting KKR on the back foot early in the innings.

Earlier, KKR had posted a strong 220 for 4 after half-centuries from captain Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51). Despite the imposing total, Mumbai’s batters ensured the chase never went out of control.

With a dominant batting display and a historic win to kick off their campaign, MI gave their home fans — and celebrity spectators like Sara Arjun — plenty to cheer about on a memorable night in Mumbai.

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai Indians have opted to field on what appears to be a slightly greener surface than usual at the Wankhede. Notably, Suryakumar Yadav is not part of the starting XI and is expected to feature later as an Impact Player.



Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Markande, AM Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Speaking at the toss, Pandya explained the decision to bowl first and expressed confidence in his squad.

“We are going to bowl. Looks like a good track, it appears greener than it used to. Let's see how it plays. This is our fortress, the crowd is behind us and we're looking to play a good game. We started a couple of weeks earlier, have plenty of experience and a mix of youth. Rohit, Surya, Mitchell Santner - so there's no shortage of captains; I'm just excited to go out there and perform. We're going with 6 batters and 5 bowlers.”

On the other side, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane admitted he would have preferred to bowl first as well, given the unusual grass cover on the pitch.



“We were looking to bowl, never seen this amount of grass at Wankhede. Preparations have been good, couple of camps in Kolkata and in Mumbai as well. Know that MI is a champion team and we're looking forward to be playing against them. Just stay at the moment and don't look at the past. A couple of injuries - we're going with 6 batters and 5 bowlers. Four overseas players - Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Sunil Narine and Blessing Muzarabani.”

Mumbai Indians also handed out debut caps to AM Ghazanfar and Sherfane Rutherford, while Shardul Thakur marked his return to the franchise.

Interestingly, MI will be looking to break a long-standing trend, as they have not won their opening match of an IPL season since 2012.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy, calling it a proud and emotional moment for the region.

He said the victory, which came after nearly 70 years, reflects the hard work and dedication of the players and has brought joy to people across the Union territory.




Speaking in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi highlighted key contributions from the team.

"It is most heartening to note that after a long wait of nearly seven decades, the team achieved its first Ranji Trophy title. This unprecedented success is the result of years of continuous efforts by the players," he said.

He also praised captain Paras Dogra for his leadership and mentioned young bowler Aaqib Nabi, whose 60 wickets have caught attention nationwide.

"This victory has thrilled the players and coaching staff, as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Modi said the win will inspire more youngsters to take up sports.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a tremendous passion for sports. I am glad that it is now becoming a hub for major sporting events," he said.

He pointed out that places like Gulmarg are already hosting major events and that football is also popular among the youth. "I hope this winning streak of Jammu and Kashmir sports persons continues in the future," he said.

NEW DELHI: When Mumbai Indians take the field against Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 opener on Sunday, they won’t just be chasing a win — they will be scripting history. The five-time champions are set to become the first franchise team to play 300 T20 matches, a landmark that underlines their longevity and dominance in the format.

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At the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai will join an elite list featuring only two other teams — Pakistan national cricket team and English county side Somerset County Cricket Club — to have reached the 300-match mark in T20 cricket. However, MI will stand apart as the first franchise outfit to achieve the feat.

A milestone amid title ambitions



The landmark comes as MI begin their quest to end a five-year title drought. Having last lifted the trophy in 2020, the franchise will be eager to reclaim their place at the top and potentially secure a record-extending sixth title.

Led by Hardik Pandya, the squad boasts a formidable core that includes Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Tilak Varma — all key members of India’s recent T20 success. A resurgent Rohit Sharma will also be central to their campaign as he looks to return to form.

MI’s depth remains one of their biggest strengths, with overseas options like Trent Boult and Ryan Rickelton adding balance, while experienced domestic names such as Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur provide reliability.

Top 5 teams with most T20 matches

• Pakistan national cricket team – 303
• Somerset County Cricket Club – 303
• Mumbai Indians - 299
• Hampshire County Cricket Club – 296
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 287

Selection challenges and KKR concerns



However, MI will have to start without Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks, who are yet to join the squad. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the duo have been granted extended time off but are expected soon.



For KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, the challenge is more immediate. Injuries and squad reshuffles have disrupted their bowling plans, placing added responsibility on players like Varun Chakravarthy.

As Mumbai step onto the field for their 300th T20 match, the occasion offers both a moment of reflection and a fresh beginning.

NEW DELHI: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-voltage clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Both teams will be eager to make a strong start, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive season.

Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, will be aiming to secure their sixth IPL title. With experienced stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, MI have a solid core and plenty of match-winners in their lineup. After falling short in recent seasons, they will be determined to go all the way this time.




Kolkata Knight Riders, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, head into the season with a refreshed squad. With players like Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Cameron Green, KKR will look to bounce back strongly after a disappointing previous campaign.

MI vs KKR: Head-to-head

• Total matches played: 35
• Mumbai Indians won: 24
• Kolkata Knight Riders won: 11

Wankhede pitch report

The Wankhede Stadium pitch is known for being batting-friendly, offering good bounce and pace. Batters enjoy playing their shots freely, and high-scoring matches are common here. Fast bowlers may get some swing early on, while spinners could come into play later. Dew in night matches often makes chasing easier.

Wankhede Stadium T20 stats

• Total matches: 21
• Matches won batting first: 11
• Matches won bowling first: 10
• Average 1st innings score: 180
• Average 2nd innings score: 158
• Highest total: 254/6
• Lowest total: 80/10
• Highest successful chase: 230/8
• Lowest defended total: 143/6

MI vs KKR: When and where to watch

• When: March 29, 7:30 PM IST
• Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Live telecast: Star Sports Network
• Live streaming: JioHotstar

MI vs KKR: Predicted XIs

Mumbai Indians XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Impact player: Shardul Thakur

Kolkata Knight Riders XI: Finn Allen (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani
Impact player: Umran Malik

Mumbai weather forecast

The weather in Mumbai is expected to be clear during the match. Conditions will be warm and humid, with temperatures around 25°C. There is little to no chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted game.

NEW DELHI: Star batter Virat Kohli proved he’s still at the top of his game with a brilliant unbeaten 69 in IPL 2026, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru chase down 202 against Sunrisers Hyderabad with ease.

His performance impressed many, especially Ambati Rayudu, who believes Kohli is far from retiring and still has plenty of cricket left in him.

Kohli looked in complete control during the chase, playing stylish shots including a lofted straight drive and his trademark flick for six. His innings led to strong reactions from former India batter Rayudu.




“I don’t think he is anywhere close to the end of his career. I think he still has five or six quality years left in him and, as Sanjay (Bangar) and I were discussing earlier, he should make a comeback in Test cricket as well - hopefully as a captain,” Rayudu told ESPNCricinfo.

“We are serious. He is the best red-ball captain I have seen in Indian cricket, and the way he is batting now, it is a loss for Indian cricket,” he added.

Kohli retired from Test cricket in 2025.

In the match, Hyderabad recovered from a poor start, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s quick 80 and support from Ankiet Verma, reaching 201/9.

In reply, Kohli led the charge, supported by Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar. Bengaluru chased the target in just 15.4 overs, the fastest 200+ chase in IPL history.



Kohli also achieved a major milestone, becoming the first player to score over 4000 IPL runs in chases and moving past Shoaib Malik in T20 run charts, capping off a memorable night.

NEW DELHi: Virat Kohli added another landmark to his glittering career, surpassing Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik to become the Asian batter with the most runs in T20 cricket during the IPL 2026 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

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Opening the innings in a 202-run chase, Kohli reached the milestone in style, going past Malik’s tally of 13,571 runs with a single in the eighth over. The Indian star achieved the feat in just his 415th T20 match, compared to Malik’s 557 games across a two-decade career.



The latest milestone places Kohli (13,612) sixth on the all-time list of T20 run-scorers, led by Chris Gayle (14,562), followed by Kieron Pollard (14,482), Alex Hales (14,449), David Warner (14,063) and Jos Buttler (13,845).

Most Runs in T20 Cricket

Player	M	Runs	HS	Ave.	SR	100s	50s
Chris Gayle	463	14562	175*	36.22	144.75	22	88
Kieron Pollard	735	14482	104	31.62	150.96	1	67
Alex Hales	528	14449	119*	29.91	144.51	7	92
David Warner	433	14063	135*	37.10	140.68	10	115
Jos Buttler	493	13845	124	34.96	146.16	8	98
Virat Kohli	415	13612	122*	42.14	134.85	9	106
Shoaib Malik	557	13571	95*	35.99	127.24	0	83

Landmark achieved amid fluent knock



Kohli’s record came in the midst of another composed innings. He was unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, guiding RCB to a dominant six-wicket win. His knock, laced with five fours and five sixes, underlined his enduring class at the top of the order.

Speaking after the match, Kohli credited his recent rhythm and careful workload management. “Whenever I come back to play, it’s 120%. I’m not coming back underprepared… the extra rest helps me mentally freshen up,” he said.

Reflecting on his long career, he added, “There was always a risk of getting burnt out rather than being undercooked… these breaks help me stay fresh and excited.”



Praise for Padikkal, focus on team success



Kohli also heaped praise on Devdutt Padikkal, whose explosive 61 off 26 balls set up the chase. “Outstanding knock… he completely took the game away from the opposition,” Kohli said, revealing he encouraged the left-hander to keep attacking.

Beyond personal milestones, Kohli emphasised his commitment to the team. “You don’t want to just hold on to a spot; you want to keep performing and contributing to the team’s cause,” he noted.

With records continuing to tumble and form firmly on his side, Kohli’s latest achievement not only cements his legacy but also signals that he remains a dominant force in T20 cricket.

CHENNAI: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is in the final lap of his career. For all practical purposes, this is going to be his last IPL. And now, it seems that his 44-year-old body is disobeying his will to carry on even for that final burst.

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Dhoni, who has been training hard for over a month, has suffered a calf strain in practice that could keep him out for around three weeks. While the official CSK release mentions a two-week layoff, team sources indicate it is unlikely he will return before the last week of April.

That could mean the legend misses at least six matches, with a possible return against Mumbai Indians on April 23 also uncertain.



Staying back



“It is definitely a big blow for us and we’ll have to deal with it,” a senior CSK official said. Dhoni hasn’t travelled to Guwahati for the team’s first match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday and is doing his rehabilitation in Chennai. “He is taking rest and we want him back as soon as possible,” the source said.

While Dhoni’s absence reduces the buzz around CSK, it could also prove to be a blessing in disguise. The five-time IPL-winning captain wasn’t close to his best in the last couple of seasons and his role was limited to brief spells of batting post the 15th over due to the constant injuries that he had suffered.

It was high time that Super Kings found a capable lower-order batter and in Dhoni’s absence, the door may open for the likes of Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma — brought in for Rs 14.2 crore — to take responsibility at the back-end of the innings with some explosive batting.

Samson to keep wickets



The keeping aspect, though, is well covered with Sanju Samson coming in. A while back, CSK CEO Kashi Viswanathan had said that Dhoni was unlikely to play all games, indicating that Sanju would be the No. 1 ’keeper.

It also meant that Dhoni would be an ‘Impact Sub’ as a batter and now, following the injury, that decision may be forced upon CSK even when their star player returns.

The fact that Dhoni hasn’t travelled with the team and won’t be in the dugout clearly indicates that during the match, the team will be looking at the new leadership group of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Samson to take critical calls, maybe in consultation with coach Stephen Fleming.



While CSK die-hards will hope to catch a glimpse of Dhoni in action later in the IPL at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the next three weeks will give us an indication of the direction that the five-time champions will go in the future.

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began IPL 2026 in commanding fashion, brushing aside Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

The result set the tone for the tournament, with RCB making a bold statement while attention now turns to Wankhede Stadium for Sunday’s clash between five-time champions Mumbai Indians and three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kohli, Padikkal headline dominant chase



Chasing 202, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, striking five fours and five sixes. Returning to T20 cricket after a long break, Kohli looked in complete control as he registered his 64th IPL half-century and finished the game in style.



The chase was set up brilliantly by impact substitute Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed 61 off just 26 balls, reaching his fifty in 21 deliveries. His 101-run stand with Kohli off only 45 balls blew the game wide open.

Captain Rajat Patidar added further impetus with a quickfire 31 off 12 balls, ensuring there were no hiccups despite a brief double strike from SRH’s impact player David Payne.

RCB raced to 203/4 in just 15.4 overs, finishing the chase with 26 balls to spare in a show of pure batting dominance.

Kishan shines, Duffy impresses on debut



Earlier, SRH posted a competitive 201/9 after being put in to bat. Stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan led the charge with a scintillating 80 off 38 balls, supported by a late blitz from Aniket Verma, who struck 43 off 18 deliveries.

However, early damage from debutant Jacob Duffy, who returned impressive figures of 3/22, left SRH struggling at 29/3. Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the innings with a 97-run stand, but momentum dipped after Klaasen’s controversial dismissal near the boundary.

Despite late hitting, Hyderabad’s total proved insufficient against RCB’s aggressive batting unit.

All eyes on Wankhede for Sunday clash



With the opening result setting a high benchmark, the spotlight now shifts to Mumbai, where Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the second match of the season.



After RCB’s emphatic start to their title defence, both teams will be eager to make an early statement as IPL 2026 gathers pace.

NEW DELHI: It was a night of dominance, emotion and a touch of romance as Virat Kohli lit up the IPL 2026 opener — both with the bat and a heartwarming gesture towards wife Anushka Sharma.

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After steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kohli turned towards the stands and blew a flying kiss to Anushka. The Bollywood star, seated alongside RCB Women’s players including captain Smriti Mandhana, responded with her own flying kiss and a smile as the crowd erupted in cheers.



The brief exchange quickly went viral, becoming one of the defining images of the season opener and adding a personal touch to an already electric evening at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

WATCH:

Kohli, Padikkal power RCB’s clinical chase

Kohli showcased his enduring class with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, as RCB chased down a daunting 202 in just 15.4 overs.

Reflecting on his return to T20 cricket after a long break, Kohli said, “Whenever I come back to play, it's 120 percent. I'm not coming back underprepared, in fact, the extra rest helps me mentally freshen up.”

He added, “You don't want to just hold on to a spot; you want to keep performing and keep putting in the work for the team.”

Impact substitute Devdutt Padikkal set the tone with a blistering 61 off 26 balls, while Rajat Patidar chipped in with a quickfire 31, ensuring the chase was wrapped up with ease.

Kishan shines but SRH fall short



Put into bat, SRH rode on a sparkling 80 from stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan and a late flourish from Aniket Verma (43 off 18) to post 201/9.

Despite a strong total, their bowling attack struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive batting. “We’ll be a little more cautious with the bowling… we might be stronger from the next game,” Kishan admitted after the match.

RCB’s win also came on an emotional night, with players wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence in memory of fans lost in last year’s tragic stampede.

In a historic milestone, Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to feature in all 19 seasons of the Indian Premier League, achieving the feat during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s season-opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The match was a perfect stage for Kohli to showcase his class. After SRH posted 201 for nine, stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan starred with 80 off 38 balls, supported by Heinrich Klaasen’s 31 in a 97-run fourth-wicket partnership. Jacob Duffy impressed early with figures of 3 for 22, exploiting the bounce on a pitch that hadn’t hosted top-flight cricket for nearly 10 months.



Chasing 202, RCB’s response was led by Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli. Padikkal’s 26-ball 61 and Kohli’s unbeaten 69 off 38 balls powered a dominant six-wicket win, with the hosts reaching the target in just 15.4 overs. The duo stitched a 101-run partnership for the second wicket in 45 balls, entertaining the Chinnaswamy crowd with contrasting but equally effective styles — Padikkal with wristy, aggressive strokes, and Kohli with precision drives, flicks, and his trademark ‘swat’ shot.

Padikkal raced to his fifty in just 21 balls, including 6, 4, 6 off David Payne and later a 4 and 6 off Harsh Dubey. Kohli, meanwhile, brought up his half-century in 33 balls, mixing classical drives with quick-fire boundaries. The only minor hiccups came with the dismissals of Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (31 off 12 balls), and Jitesh Sharma, but the chase was never in doubt.

For SRH, Kishan’s blitz was the highlight. After early wickets reduced them to 29 for three, Kishan’s fearless strokeplay, including 8 fours and 5 sixes, kept SRH competitive. He fell to a stunning one-handed catch by Phil Salt near deep backward point, with Aniket Verma (43 off 19 balls) trying to accelerate in the final overs after being dropped by Kohli on 26.

RCB’s dominant reply, under Kohli’s experienced guidance, set the tone for their IPL-2026 campaign while marking a remarkable personal milestone for the veteran batter.

Dale Steyn was seen taking Virat Kohli's autograph on one of the early India jerseys of the star batter before the IPL 2026 opener, in a moment that stood out ahead of the match in Bengaluru.

Kohli then went on to register two milestones during the game between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000 runs in run chases.



He also moved past former Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik to become the sixth-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket. Malik has 13,571 runs from 557 matches and 515 innings, at an average of 35.99 with 83 half-centuries.



In the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad recovered from an early collapse to post 201 for 9. The team lost Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Power Play before rebuilding.

Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan scored 80 off 38 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes. Aniket Verma added 43 from 18 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

For RCB, Jacob Duffy (3/22) and Romario Shepherd (3/54) took three wickets each. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/31), Abhinandan Singh (1/38) and Suyash Sharma (1/28) picked up one wicket each.

Chasing 202, Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, with five fours and five sixes. Devdutt Padikkal, playing as Impact Player, scored 61 off 26 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.

Captain Rajat Patidar made 31 off 12 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours, as Bengaluru won the match by four wickets.

RCB also recorded the fastest chase of a 200-plus total in IPL history, reaching the target in 15.4 overs.

Bengaluru: The M Chinnaswamy Stadium was bathed in red on Saturday night — not just in colour, but in the commanding form of defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they opened their IPL campaign with a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

After pacer Jacob Duffy (3/22) set up the game with a dream debut, it was Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli who lit up the chase. Padikkal’s fluent 61 off 26 balls and Kohli’s unbeaten 69 off 38 ensured RCB made light work of the 200-run target, getting home with 26 balls to spare.



Playing in his backyard, Padikkal looked in complete control. Fresh off an impressive domestic season that saw him play a key role in Karnataka’s run to the Ranji Trophy final, the left-hander carried that form into the night

Walking in after Phil Salt’s (8) early departure, Padikkal wasted little time settling in. A trademark flick for six off Jaydev Unadkat set the tone. Particularly impressive was his intent against left-arm pacer David Payne, including a one-knee six.

Often criticised for getting stuck on the crease, Padikkal showed improved footwork and raced to his half-century with a crisp straight drive, as Kohli cheered from the other end. Padikkal, going for a big one against Harsh Dubey, failed to get past the mid-off region with Klaasen taking a regulation catch.

Kohli, who was on 30 when the partnership ended, shifted gears. He anchored the innings through a brief wobble that saw skipper Rajat Patidar (31) and Jitesh Sharma (0) fall off successive deliveries to Payne. With the finish line in sight, Kohli and Tim David (16 n.o) wrapped it up without fuss.

Duffy, Ishan show

The early narrative belonged to debutants – one making his IPL bow, the other leading a side for the first time in the competition.

RCB pacer Jacob Duffy marked his debut in style, ripping through SRH’s top order. But Ishan, captaining SRH for the first time, stood firm against the early burst, producing a counter-attacking 38-ball 80 to pull his side out of trouble.

SRH recovered from early jolts and owed their total to Ishan’s composure and Aniket Verma’s (43 off 18balls) late flourish.

Duffy made an immediate impact. Spearheading the bowling attack in the absence of Australian quick Josh Hazlewood, the New Zealand pacer struck in his second over to break the back of SRH’s explosive top order.

Abhishek Sharma miscued a pull to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. Five balls later, Travis Head fell to a short ball, pulling straight to Phil Salt at deep backward square leg. Nitish Reddy followed soon after, top-edging another short delivery to Abhinandan Kumar at midwicket.

While wickets fell around him, Ishan held his nerve. The left-hander found his rhythm against medium pacer Abhinandan Kumar in the sixth over, smashing 6, 4, 6 to signal a shift in momentum.

Fresh from a strong T20 World Cup campaign, Ishan carried that form seamlessly. Ishan found an able ally in Heinrich Klaasen (31), and the duo stitched together a crucial 97-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Just as Ishan looked set for a century, his 74-minute stay ended in dramatic fashion, with Salt pulling off a stunning one-handed catch at the boundary off to become Abhinandan’s maiden IPL wicket.

Bangladesh has denied reports claiming that the ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been lifted, with the country's ministry of information and broadcasting stating that the earlier decision to suspend telecast remains in place.

In a statement issued on Saturday and reported by Bangladesh news outlet Daily Star, the Bangladesh broadcasting ministry said the previous government’s order is still effective. It added that it has sought the opinion of the ministry of youth and sports, with a letter sent on March 25, 2026, and any further decision will depend on that response.



Earlier in the day, reports had suggested that the Bangladesh government had lifted the restriction, citing comments by information and broadcast minister Zahir Uddin Swapan in an interview with Deutsche Welle.

“No one applied to us to telecast the IPL. We don't want to mix politics with sport. We will look at it from a commercial perspective, and if any channel applies to telecast the IPL, we will consider it positively,” Swapan had told Deutche Welle.

Following these reports, the ministry issued a clarification.

"The news titled 'Govt lift bar on IPL telecast in Bangladesh' published in The Daily Star and similar reports in other media outlets regarding the withdrawal of the ban on IPL broadcast in Bangladesh have come to our attention."

“The previous government’s decision to suspend IPL telecast remains in effect. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sent a letter seeking opinions and recommendations from the Ministry of Youth and Sports on this matter. Based on the opinion of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Information Ministry will take further steps," the statement said, as cited by Daily Star.

The restriction was introduced earlier after the Kolkata Knight Riders did not allow Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman to participate. In response, the Bangladesh interim government decided to stop the live broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh.

On January 5, the interim government issued a directive to halt all live IPL broadcasts and related content until further notice.

After the general election on February 12, a new government took office.

The ministry said it has not yet received a response from the sports ministry and will take a decision after that.

IPL 2026 begins on Saturday with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

Naseem Shah has come under the scanner of the Pakistan Cricket Board after a now-deleted social media post from his official X account appeared to take a dig at Punjab (province of Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening game of the Pakistan Super League.

What was the incident?

The post, which quote-tweeted a PCB update from the opener between Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, read: “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” It was widely seen as a remark aimed at Maryam Nawaz’s high-profile arrival at Gaddafi Stadium, where she was escorted by a large security convoy and later interacted with players.



The tweet was quickly deleted, with a follow-up message claiming the account had been hacked. However, as per The Daily Star, the explanation did not convince PCB officials. Within a day, the board served Naseem with a show-cause notice, citing a breach of his central contract and violation of media guidelines.

The alleged offence is understood to fall under a clause barring players from publicly criticising board officials, sponsors, or associated entities. Despite the disciplinary action, Naseem remains available for selection and is likely to feature in his team’s next match.

The controversy comes during a subdued PSL season, which began on March 26 under tight restrictions. After consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and franchise stakeholders, the PCB limited the tournament to Lahore and Karachi, with matches being held behind closed doors. Venues in Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad were removed from the schedule to conserve fuel amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Gulf conflict.

Earlier, the Pakistan-based militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar had issued a warning to overseas players, urging them to withdraw from the league.

“The current internal security and political landscape of the country is volatile and precarious. In a climate where military operations and civil unrest dominate significant portions of the territory, the safety of international athletes cannot be guaranteed.”



The group added, “Given these dire circumstances, we strongly advise you to prioritise your personal security and withdraw from the tournament immediately. The environment is currently unfit for any peaceful sporting activity.”

Despite the warnings and the security concerns, the PSL has gone ahead as planned, with several overseas players, including David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, continuing to take part.

Also See: RCB vs SRH

NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 is just moments away, with the opening match set to be played between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar, while Ishan Kishan will captain SRH.

RCB will also wear black armbands during their match against SRH to pay tribute to fans who tragically lost their lives in the stampede outside the venue following the team’s historic title win last year.



A statement from RCB said, "Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4."

"As a mark of respect, players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-up, followed by black armbands during the match."

"In a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied, serving as a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be a part of the RCB family," the statement concluded.

Eleven people died and several were injured in the stampede outside the stadium during the victory celebrations last year.

'Kohli incredibly hungry'



Virat Kohli is hungry and at the "peak of his powers", with his IPL team RCB set to begin their title defence, coach Andy Flower said.

Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, now represents India only in the 50-over format.

"Virat is in a really good space mentally," Flower told reporters.

"He's very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry, and watching him strike the ball in training, he looks at the peak of his powers."



"It was very satisfying professionally for everyone, of course, but a really emotional time for all sorts of reasons at the end of last season," Flower told reporters.

"It's another time, so it's time to move on from that."

'Night to remember' - that’s what former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin predicted ahead of the IPL 2026 opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The two sides will clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin picked Sunrisers Hyderabad’s swashbuckling batter Heinrich Klaasen to go big on Saturday night. He also backed England’s Jacob Bethell for RCB, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, top-scoring for England with 280 runs in eight innings, including a masterclass 48-ball 105 in the semifinal against India at the Wankhede Stadium while chasing 250-odd runs.


"I have a strange feeling for this match. In the last 18 months, this guy has not done much wonders. A strange feeling that Heinrich Klaasen is going to have a night to remember, I don't know why. From RCB's side, I think Jacob Bethell will be the power player of the day," he said.

The SRH batting order is power-packed, consisting of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as openers, followed by Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, and Aniket Verma. The Men in Orange have one of the finest batting line-ups in terms of strike rate, and a 300-run total in the IPL could be on the cards if they fire on all cylinders.

However, Klaasen has not been able to fire consistently since his retirement from international cricket. Once a fiery T20 league globetrotter, Klaasen has struggled for runs for the most part. In 65 matches after the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where his side failed to cross the line despite his valiant fifty, Klaasen has scored 1,440 runs in 59 innings at an average of 28.80 and a strike rate of 148.76, with a century and seven fifties.

He also had a disappointing SA20 season four recently, scoring just 138 runs in seven innings at an average of 19.71 and a strike rate of 128.97, with a best score of 29.

Speaking again on 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin reiterated that while Klaasen could be the power player of the day for SRH, it could be England’s rising sensation Jacob Bethell for RCB, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, top-scoring for England with 280 runs in eight innings, including a masterclass 48-ball 105 in the semifinal against India at the Wankhede Stadium while chasing 250-odd runs.

"I have a strange feeling for this match. In the last 18 months, this guy has not done much wonders. A strange feeling that Heinrich Klaasen is going to have a night to remember, I don't know why. From RCB's side, I think Jacob Bethell will be the power player of the day," he said.

Ashwin noted that in the past two matches, SRH have got the better of RCB by posting gigantic totals — 231 in the 2025 edition at Lucknow, with a fine 94 from Ishan Kishan being the highlight, and a massive 287 at Bengaluru in the 2024 edition. SRH won both matches by 42 runs and 25 runs respectively. The all-rounder sees this trend continuing, pointing out that RCB are without Hazlewood.

"SRH have got the better of RCB in the recent past, and they will follow in this game also, I feel that this game will also follow that trend, for strange reasons that RCB are without Hazlewood. In that game in Lucknow last year, as well, Hazlewood was not there, if I am not wrong," he said.

He also said that apart from Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB does not have much strength to control the run flow in the death overs.

"In RCB, we always have to remember that death overs bleed. If wickets are in hand, then it is not only difficult to stop runs in the death overs, it is impossible," he signed off.

NEW DELHI: Young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made headlines time and again - and for good reason. With his swashbuckling batting style, brute power, effortless six-hitting, and ability to dismantle bowling attacks, he has become a fan favourite in no time.

The past year, in particular, has been remarkable for the youngster. And heading into IPL 2026, there is a significant change - he is no longer 14.


Sooryavanshi turned 15 on Friday (March 27), celebrating his birthday just a day before the start of IPL 2026.

Is he eligible to play for Team India (senior team)?

Questions like - Is Sooryavanshi eligible to play for India’s senior team? Will he break into the side? When will he make his debut? - have been asked repeatedly.

Now, with the youngster officially turning 15, he is eligible to feature in senior international cricket as per ICC’s player eligibility regulations (Article 4).

According to INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS ARTICLE 4, ELIGIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF AGE 4.1 states, "ARTICLE 4 ELIGIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF AGE, "A Player will only be eligible to represent a National Cricket Federation in an International Match (including ICC Events and U19 Events) if he/she is aged 15 or over on the relevant squad submission date (in the case of ICC Events including U19 Events) or on the date of the first match of the series/tournament to the played (in the case of all other International Matches). "

Following the introduction of these regulations in November 2020, the ICC made 15 the minimum age requirement for participation in international cricket (U19 level and above), keeping in mind the welfare and physical safety of minors, including during travel.

Will an India call-up come soon for Sooryavanshi? That remains to be seen.

The youngster grabbed global attention with his stellar performances in his debut IPL season in 2025.

In just his second IPL match, he smashed a sensational 100 off 35 balls.

His heroics in the U19 World Cup 2026, along with impressive outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 and the Ranji Trophy 2025, were outstanding.

Following his IPL success, Sooryavanshi was drafted into the India U19 setup, where he continued to shine.

U19 World Cup 2026 (Player of the Tournament): Sooryavanshi led India to their sixth title, highlighted by a stunning 175 off 80 balls (including 15 sixes) in the final against England.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: He became the youngest player to score a List A century at 14 years and 272 days. During a blistering 190 off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh, he broke AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket, reaching the milestone in just 59 balls.

Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Named Bihar’s vice-captain at 14, he scored his maiden first-class fifty with a 67-ball 93 against Meghalaya, narrowly missing out on becoming the youngest Ranji centurion.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: He continued his white-ball dominance with an unbeaten 108 and a composed fifty (50 off 34 balls) against Maharashtra, showing improved maturity in pacing his innings.

Rising Stars Asia Cup (Doha): Representing India A, he smashed a "whirlwind" 144 off 42 balls against the UAE.

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback as their star wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has been ruled out for two weeks due to a calf strain. CSK released a statement confirming the development.


"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!," CSK said.



CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.

Speculation that IPL 2026 could be Dhoni’s last season has gathered pace following news of his injury. In addition to the calf strain, Dhoni has also been dealing with persistent knee issues.



Dhoni had acknowledged his declining fitness during the ‘ROAR 26’ fan event at Chepauk recently, saying that "it is on the way down".

With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the franchise for some time, CSK have also strengthened their wicketkeeping options by bringing in Sanju Samson and investing Rs 14.20 crore in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma.

In 278 matches, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties, with a highest score of 84*.



He is the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history.

For years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were defined by near-misses and unfulfilled promise, spending 17 seasons chasing a title that never arrived. That long wait finally ended on June 3, 2025, in Ahmedabad, when a side driven by teamwork rather than individual stardom rewrote its story and secured its first IPL crown.

Now, as they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their IPL 2026 opener, the context has completely shifted. RCB walk in not as hopeful contenders but as defending champions, with expectations higher and scrutiny sharper. Their first test comes against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they look to emulate the rare feat achieved only by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians by successfully defending the title.

Rajat Patidar leads RCB. For SRH, Ishan Kishan is the interim captain as Pat Cummins is ruled out of the early games due to a lumbar bone stress injury.



The campaign is long, but the importance of a strong start is undeniable. Chinnaswamy has not always been a stronghold for RCB, and with SRH bringing a powerful batting unit, the challenge presents itself straightaway.

On paper, the two teams mirror each other in several ways. Both sides possess deep and aggressive batting line-ups, both are missing their frontline Australian fast bowlers, and both depend on a mix of experienced Indian players and emerging talent. The conditions further heighten the contest. The last completed IPL game at this venue, RCB’s clash against CSK last season, produced 424 runs, with the hosts narrowly defending 215. If the pitch behaves similarly, it could once again turn into a high-scoring affair with little assistance for bowlers.

RCB have retained the core group that delivered their historic triumph, while making targeted additions in the mini-auction. The arrivals of Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox offer added flexibility, while youngsters like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra strengthen the squad for the future.

Batting continues to be their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt likely to open, and Jacob Bethell in good touch, the top order looks solid. The middle order, featuring Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer, offers both experience and firepower. Selecting the final XI, in fact, could be one of the team management’s toughest tasks.

However, their bowling attack faces immediate concerns. Josh Hazlewood, their most effective bowler last season, has only recently rejoined the squad and will not feature in the opening match as he continues his recovery. His absence shifts responsibility onto Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack in conditions that rarely forgive errors.

RCB will also be without Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear fitness tests. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be handed a debut, while young Indian bowlers like Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar are also in contention. The spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will be crucial in managing the middle overs.

SRH, meanwhile, arrive with an equally dangerous batting line-up. Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, they boast match-winners like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, their bowling unit looks slightly unsettled without regular captain Pat Cummins, even though experienced names like Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat are available.

Beyond the cricket, the occasion will carry an emotional undertone for RCB. The team will wear black armbands in remembrance of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations, a tragedy that continues to linger over the franchise and its home ground.

NEW DELHI: Team India all-rounder and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya once again showed that his impact goes beyond cricket, winning hearts with a thoughtful gesture off the field.

During his preparation for the T20 World Cup, Pandya spent long nights training at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, often practising till almost midnight.

During that phase, he had made a promise to the groundstaff who supported him tirelessly that he would reward them when he returned.



Pandya has now kept that promise. The Indian all-rounder on Thursday rewarded the MCA groundstaff at Wankhede, acknowledging their role in helping him train under demanding conditions.

His gesture stood out as a reminder of the often-unseen contributions of groundstaff in a cricketer’s journey. By fulfilling his word, Pandya not only showed gratitude but also reinforced his image as someone who values people behind the scenes.

This moment comes after a successful period in Pandya’s career, having played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumphs. Now a two-time champion, he continues to aim higher.



Speaking about his personal life and motivation after the recent T20 World Cup win, the Mumbai Indians captain said, “Jab se Mahieka aayi hai, life mein bas jeet hi jeet hai. (Since Mahieka came into my life, it’s been nothing but wins)"

Pandya also made it clear that he is far from done in international cricket.

“I have 10 more years left in me, and I want to win 10 more ICC titles. That's my goal,” he said, highlighting his ambition for the future.

From dominating on the field to keeping promises off it, Pandya’s journey reflects both determination and humility.

His recent gesture at Wankhede shows that even small acts of appreciation can leave a lasting impact.

CHENNAI: Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh is brimming with confidence ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, expressing strong belief that the franchise will go all the way and lift the trophy this year after narrowly missing out in the previous edition.

Reflecting on the challenge of sustaining performance after a strong season, Shashank dismissed concerns around complacency among the younger players, insisting that the disappointment of not winning the title has only fuelled their hunger.

“I think this year they are even more motivated because last year when we didn’t win the final, we sensed that something was missing and we made sure that thing is not missing this year. Everyone is very pumped up. Obviously, teams must have planned for us, but reaching the final itself is a big thing in a tournament like the IPL. I still feel we have an edge because of the way everyone is preparing,” he said at JioStar Press Room.

The Punjab Kings core, which features a number of uncapped Indian talents, has already attracted attention, but Shashank believes their fearless approach will continue to stand out despite increased scrutiny.

“Teams will be well prepared and there will be pressure of performance. I never wanted to be a one-year wonder. In the second season, every team plans for you, and there is pressure from fans, franchise and owners. But our youngsters are fearless. They don’t overthink, and this game is more about confidence,” he explained.

"There were conversation about our weak spots and how we can improve those things, we had 6-8 camps for that, Ricky's (Ponting) inputs were always there, we are better prepared than last year."

Punjab Kings’ uncapped core played a pivotal role in their run to the IPL 2025 final, with youngsters delivering standout performances. Priyansh Arya enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 475 runs in 17 matches, while Prabhsimran Singh amassed 549 runs in 17 innings. Nehal Wadhera also impressed with 369 runs in 16 games, while Shashank Singh contributed 350 runs in 17 innings.

“Prabhsimran is fearless but is getting more mature day by day. Priyansh has also become more mature, and Nehal is batting at a different level. The young lot we have is very exciting,” he added.

A significant factor behind Punjab Kings’ environment, according to Shashank, has been the influence of head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, who have fostered a culture of trust and equality within the squad.

“The reason we are fearless is because of Ricky and Shreyas. They have given us that freedom. They don’t like to lose and don’t like negativity. Their thinking is similar and they always keep the team above individual goals,” he said.

Elaborating on Ponting’s role, Shashank stressed the importance of team environment in a tournament like the IPL.

“His role is very important. The way he handles all 25 players and the support staff makes a difference. Only 15-18 players feature regularly, so how the rest are treated is crucial. He made sure from the first meeting that no one will be judged on performances and everyone is equal. His cricketing knowledge is sharp, and he keeps things simple,” he noted.

Shashank added that the synergy between Ponting and Iyer has been vital to the team’s cohesion.

“It is very important that the captain and coach are on the same page. The way they respect each other and think about the game is quite similar, and that’s why we love working under them,” he said.

On his own role, the batter emphasised his focus on delivering impactful performances rather than chasing personal milestones.

“My only goal is to play impactful innings. Ricky and Shreyas have always told me that is my role. I want to win matches for Punjab Kings and win the cup. I also want a picture with that trophy,” he said, adding that his contribution is as much mental as it is skill-based.

He has assured to continue in a flexible middle-order role. “Depending on the situation, I will be seen as a finisher and in the middle order, because I enjoy that role, Ricky asked me many times at what position I want to bat, but I have always told him that I have started loving this role and I am matured enough to fulfill this role because you need little experience for this role, I will be batting around 5 to 7,” he said.

Shashank also reserved praise for key teammates, backing Yuzvendra Chahal to have a strong season and lauding Arshdeep Singh for his discipline and consistency.

“Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal) is different. He has a very sharp cricketing brain and is always involved in discussions. Arshdeep has worked very hard, and everything is paying off now. He has been very disciplined,” he said.

Having come close to the title last season, Shashank made it clear that the team’s focus remains firmly on improvement and collective success. “We have to be a better team than we were in the final. It is always about improving from the last match,” he noted.

With strong belief in the squad’s preparation and unity, Shashank even made a bold prediction for the season ahead.

“This is self-belief and belief in the team. Everyone is on the same page. I know that we will be playing the final and we will be lifting the cup. It will happen."

BENGALURU: Until June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru carried the tag of underachievers — a team that spent 17 previous seasons chasing an elusive trophy. On a muggy night in Ahmedabad, that narrative finally shifted. Built less on individual stardom and more on collective performances, RCB shed their long-standing baggage and got the monkey off their backs.

When they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening, they do so with a title to defend, a reputation to protect and expectations recalibrated. Against fellow southerners Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB begin their campaign as defending champions — a feat only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have managed to follow up with a successful title defence.


While it is a long season ahead, a strong start will be crucial. Chinnaswamy hasn’t always been a fortress for RCB, and against an SRH side packed with explosive batters, the challenge is immediate.

On paper, the two teams share striking similarities. Both boast formidable batting units, both are without their premier Australian quicks, and they will rely on a blend of experienced Indian names and promising youngsters. The conditions only add to the intrigue. The last completed IPL game at the venue last season — RCB’s clash against CSK — saw a staggering 424 runs scored, with the hosts defending 215 by just two runs. If the surface stays true to its batting-friendly reputation, bowlers from both sides could be in for a long evening.

RCB have largely retained the core that delivered their maiden title, using the mini-auction to plug specific gaps. The additions of Venkatesh Iyer and England’s Jordan Cox bring flexibility, while young Indian recruits like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra add depth and future promise.

Their batting remains their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt expected to set the tone at the top, Jacob Bethell’s recent form adds another dynamic layer. The middle order is stacked with experience and firepower in Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer. The team management, in fact, faces the enviable headache of narrowing down a balanced playing XI.

However, the absence of Josh Hazlewood — their most impactful bowler last season — could be a significant setback. The Australian pacer, still working his way back from injury concerns, only rejoined the squad on Thursday and will sit out of the match. His absence puts the onus on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack, especially in conditions that traditionally offer little margin for error.

RCB are also without Sri Lankan quick Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear the fitness test in his home country. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be handed an IPL debut. He is expected to slot into an otherwise Indian-heavy bowling unit, with youngsters Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar pushing for inclusion. The spin department, featuring Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, will also have a key role in controlling the middle overs.

SRH, meanwhile, look equally formidable with the bat. Led by Ishan Kishan, they have a destructive line-up comprising Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. However, their bowling appears relatively undercooked in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, even though they can call upon the experience of Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat.

Away from the on-field contest, it will be a sombre homecoming for RCB. The players will wear black armbands in memory of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations — a tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the team and the venue.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) had a controversial start on their opening day after an incident saw the regular white ball turn pink during the first match of the season due to colour transfer from the Hyderabad Kingsmen’s jerseys. The issue, noted as a first-time occurrence by Marnus Labuschagne which quickly drew attention on social media.

The PSL began its 2026 season on March 26, but controversy struck in the opening game itself. The clash between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore unexpectedly turned into what fans described as a 'pink-ball contest.' The Hyderabad Kingsmen captain alerted the umpires that the ball was changing colour, explaining that dye from his team’s jerseys was rubbing off onto the white ball, gradually turning it pink and later reddish.



"I did say to the umpires after the second over, 'What's going on? The ball is red.' It must be from the clothes or something like that. I haven't seen anything like this before," a baffled Labuschagne told reporters at the post-match press conference.



"I've seen occasions where something on a bat comes onto the ball, or when it hits the pad and takes a bit of paint off. But I've never seen this happen with clothing. I'm sure they'll sort it out in the next few games," he added.

After the conclusion of the match the Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a cheeky post on X after their poor kit jersey turned the match into a 'pink-ball contest'.





Cricketers often polish the ball using their jerseys or a towel to maintain its shine, which helps bowlers generate swing. However, this incident has raised serious concerns, with many calling it an embarrassment for the PSL. Questions are being asked about how such poor-quality kits were approved, allowing jersey colour to transfer onto the match ball. The Australian star expressed hope that the franchise owners would resolve the issue quickly.

Match Summary

Lahore Qalandars began their PSL 2026 campaign with a dominant 69-run win over Hyderabad Kingsmen. Batting first, Lahore posted 199/4, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s 53 and an unbeaten 40 from Haseebullah Khan. In response, Hyderabad were bowled out for 130, with Ubaid Shah, Sikandar Raza, and Haris Rauf taking two wickets each.



The tournament is being played behind closed doors due to the West Asia crisis and is limited to Lahore and Karachi. PSL 2026 has also been impacted by the loss of several overseas players, many of whom have joined IPL teams as replacements.

There’s a particular kind of quiet that surrounds teams that are on the threshold of something big. Not the silence of absence but of anticipation. Punjab Kings walk into the new IPL season carrying exactly that.

Last year, Punjab lost a gut wrenching final, by just six runs, to Royal Challengers Bengaluru after topping the league stage. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led the batting with 604 runs while Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the bowling with 21 wickets. It was arguably the most complete Punjab Kings season in the franchise’s history. And yet, at the end of it all, the trophy still wasn’t theirs.

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Runner-up, the record books will say. But those who watched closely will remember something else. A side that had started to maximise itself. And now, as the new season looms, they return not as hopefuls but as a team with pedigree.

At the centre of it stands Shreyas Iyer. In the IPL, he is trusted, even assured. Outside of it, especially in India’s T20 conversations, he remains a peripheral figure. It is a strange duality: a leader of men in one arena, a question mark in another. That dissonance often sharpens cricketers. With Iyer, it has added layers.



Last season, his captaincy wasn’t loud. It rarely is. But it was deliberate. A field tweak here, a bowling change there, an ability to hold nerve when games tilted. What Punjab found in him was not just a batter who could anchor but a mind that could absorb chaos.

Iyer, who is one of IPL’s most decorated active franchise captain, arrives this season with something to prove. Not to the Indian cricket board (BCCI) necessarily, but to himself, and perhaps to the franchise whose maiden title he has promised to deliver.

It’s a settled squad, built over two careful years. Punjab’s identity is no longer just about flair; it is about balance. And much of that rests on their Indian core, a group of players who, in many ways, mirror Iyer’s own narrative: talented, sometimes overlooked, often decisive.

Take their top order. It is expected to carry both intent and responsibility. Prabhsimran Singh was the team’s second-highest run-scorer in IPL2025, finishing with 549 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 160.53. The Powerplay partnership he formed with Priyansh Arya was the foundation of PBKS’s dream run to the final.

Prabhsimran is one of those batters who was made for T20 cricket — a big-shouldered, right-handed hitter who doesn’t waste the first six overs. He is no longer a prospect. Last season confirmed him as a performer.

And then there is Priyansh Arya, a left-hander who exploded onto the IPL stage in 2025. Arya smashed 475 runs in 17 innings at a blistering 179.24 strike-rate, setting the record for most runs by an uncapped debutant. His debut season was sensational. But IPL is a tournament where bowlers adapt fast. Whether Arya can counter the challenges thrown at him by better-prepared bowlers will be one of the most interesting subplots of this year’s tournament.

In the middle order, there is intrigue. Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh form perhaps the most underrated middle order pair in IPL. Wadhera scored 369 runs in 16 matches at a strike-rate of 145.84 in IPL2025. Shashank, meanwhile, scored 350 runs across the season, including an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls in the final against RCB. That knock by Shashank in the final — in a losing cause, knowing the title was slipping away, still swinging — told you everything about the character of this Punjab team.

Where Punjab have quietly stolen a march on some rivals is in the allrounders’ department. The trio of Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai gives them seam-bowling muscle and long batting, while Harpreet Brar and Suryansh Shedge add Indian options who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Among the bowlers, Yuzvendra Chahal will be Punjab’s strike spinner. Retained for a massive Rs 18 crore, the 35-year-old Chahal is the joint highest paid player in the squad alongside Arshdeep Singh.

As Punjab Kings gear up to open their 2026 campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 31, the narrative around them has fundamentally shifted. They are no longer the perennial underdogs of the IPL. They are the defending runners-up, a heavyweight contender with a score to settle.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is not perturbed about not being allotted a Test match during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year. On Thursday, the BCCI announced that Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad will host the high-profile five-Test series between India and Australia in January-February next year. The MCA will instead host the third ODI between India and Zimbabwe on January 9.

“All day, everyone has been calling me about not getting a Test match. Truth be told, we are very happy with whatever the BCCI gives us. We will do a great job of hosting Zimbabwe for an ODI,” MCA president Ajinkya Naik said at a felicitation function organised by Khar Gymkhana to honour the MCA’s achievement of winning the BCCI’s ‘Best Association’ award for three successive years.

Later, speaking to reporters at the event on Thursday, Naik reiterated that the MCA had taken the BCCI’s decision in good spirit. “All matches are important, whether it is a Ranji Trophy game, an international fixture, the IPL, or a club match. All matches are the same for us,” he said.

When asked if he was disappointed with the distribution of matches in Mumbai, Naik said, “We are happy that cricket is happening in Mumbai, and we will continue to work for the betterment of the game. Whatever our parent association gives us, we ensure that we follow it. We strictly implement all the SOPs.”

Asked whether the Wankhede Stadium was not allotted an India-Australia Test due to hosting as many as eight matches during the 2026 T20 World Cup, Naik said, “Whatever the BCCI instructs us, we make sure that we implement it.”

When asked whether marquee Test series like India-Australia or India-England should be restricted to four or five major centres, similar to England and Australia, Naik said, “I can only speak on behalf of the MCA. Any decision we take is done through our Apex Council. If it concerns the BCCI, you will have to ask the BCCI. I cannot comment on that.”

The Pakistan Super League 2026 began on an unusual note at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, as defending champions Lahore Qalandars registered a commanding 69-run win over Marnus Labuschagne-led Hyderabad Kingsmen. Lahore piled up 199/6 in their 20 overs, with Fakhar Zaman top-scoring with 53, while Hyderabad were restricted to 130 in reply.

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Yet, beyond the result, the match grabbed attention for a bizarre moment — the ball turning pink during play. The exact reason behind the discolouration remains uncertain, though social media buzz suggested that the maroon kits of Hyderabad fielders or possible dew conditions may have played a role. The umpires eventually opted to change the ball after the 15th over of the Qalandars’ innings. Fans were quick to latch onto the incident, flooding social platforms with memes and witty takes on the unexpected “pink ball” episode.





Despite the odd development, the batters appeared largely unbothered and carried on without raising concerns. The Qalandars themselves joined in the humour post-match, writing, “Congratulations to the opposition on winning their first pink-ball game.” Clips of the incident quickly spread online, turning it into one of the most talked-about moments from the tournament opener.



This season of the PSL is being held without spectators due to a fuel crisis linked to the ongoing West Asia situation. As per PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the move follows a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging citizens to limit travel. The tournament has also been scaled down from six venues to just Lahore and Karachi, with the opening ceremony scrapped.





‘Shaky’ broadcast draws criticism



Broadcast issues further added to the criticism, with viewers pointing out shaky camera work, blurry visuals despite promises of 4K quality, and noticeable audio-video sync problems. The use of pre-recorded crowd noise, often out of sync with on-field action, also drew complaints from fans.

While the cricket itself unfolded smoothly, the PSL 2026 opener will be remembered as much for the curious pink ball and the ensuing online chatter as for Lahore’s dominant performance. The viral clips underline how even the quirkiest moments can capture the spotlight in modern-day cricket.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who turned 15 today, is already being counted among the most destructive hitters in Indian cricket and the Indian Premier League. His stunning 35-ball century in last season’s tournament was just the beginning, as he has continued to produce big runs and impactful innings across levels over the past year.

Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise saw him make his India A debut towards the end of 2025, featuring in the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup under the leadership of Jitesh Sharma. The tournament provided him early exposure to a senior dressing room, allowing him to interact with players on the fringes of the national side and further underlining his immense potential.



Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Jitesh shared insights into the youngster’s journey and the bond they developed, both during their India A stint and from Sooryavanshi’s time at the Rajasthan Royals academy near Nagpur.

“Today he told me, bhaiya if you say something about me then watch out,” joked Jitesh. “Very cute boy. He used to come to Talegaon for practice, where RR’s academy is. That’s where I got to know him, then we went to play in Qatar, where I was captain, so that’s where we made our bond.”

When asked about the source of Sooryavanshi’s remarkable hitting power, Jitesh pointed to his natural strength, particularly his wrists.

“It’s all natural power, he’s very strong. His wrists are bigger than my wrists – I gave him my watch to wear and it was tight for him,” he said, highlighting the physical attributes behind the youngster’s explosive batting.

“Chhota Hulk hai woh (he’s baby Hulk),” Jitesh added, drawing a comparison to the iconic Marvel character. The description fits, considering Sooryavanshi smashed 11 sixes during his IPL hundred and has consistently relied on big hitting to dominate bowlers.

Jitesh also revealed the fear factor the youngster has already created among bowlers in the nets.

“He swings his bat so hard that the bowler is afraid that if he hits it straight, he might die. RR’s nets bowlers, I know them, they say that they don’t pitch the ball up because he can hit it straight back. So they bowl short balls to have him hit it away from them,” he explained.

With Sanju Samson no longer in the setup, Sooryavanshi is set to take up a regular role at the top of the order for Rajasthan Royals. He will be part of a youthful batting unit featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Riyan Parag, both of whom understand the pressures of performing early in their careers.

“He’s created that fear. He’s like Nicholas Pooran, lefty-lefty, very hard hitter. You have the fear that he can hit you,” said Jitesh, comparing him to Nicholas Pooran. “And Nicholas also listens to Hindi songs,” he added humorously.

Turning 15 just a day before IPL 2026 begins, Sooryavanshi heads into his second season with massive expectations. Oppositions are likely to come prepared with specific plans, targeting him with short balls, slower deliveries and wider lines. How the young batter from Bihar adapts to these challenges could shape the impact he makes in the upcoming season.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the ongoing debate around MS Dhoni’s role for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026, making it clear that he is not in favour of the veteran being used as an Impact Player.

With discussions intensifying over whether Dhoni should start in the XI or be utilised as a substitute, Ashwin took a firm stance, insisting that if Dhoni is part of the squad, he must feature in the playing XI.

"I do not agree that he has to stay on the impact list. If he is in the squad, he has to play. If he does not want to, he should not play the entire season, that is it. I am not in agreement with him being an impact player," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.




Ashwin further stressed that Dhoni’s presence automatically settles any selection debate, highlighting the former CSK captain’s belief in his own ability.

"If you are making a CSK XI, and Dhoni is in the squad, the debate ends right there. He has to be in the XI. If he does not want to play, he would retire. He has 100% belief that he can play. He is practicing from the last three months. He is giving the message that I want to play, you think whatever you want. If he wants to play, it is not possible to go tell him you can't play. He is not your number six batter, that I will agree. But he can play a double role. He can be the on-field compass for Ruturaj," he said.

Ashwin also underlined that Dhoni’s contribution goes far beyond batting position, pointing to his tactical influence and leadership on the field, especially alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

"I think Dhoni will have a critical role to support this new bowling line-up on the field. I was also there last year. MS wants that he plays the last three overs. But the top order did not score many times and he had to go up. This time, they have added power in the top order to avoid this. Maybe this time, out of 14 games, he will get to bat higher only in 3-4 games, or else he will only come in the end. His biggest role will be in keeping, setting the field, and giving a shoulder to Ruturaj," he stated.

With CSK reshaping their squad and leadership dynamics, Dhoni’s exact role remains a major talking point, but Ashwin’s view is clear—if he is in the squad, he should be on the field from the start.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed attention during a PSL 2026 captains’ presser on Wednesday when he avoided a question about Pakistan’s struggling national team.

As a journalist brought up the team’s recent poor performances and asked questions to Pakistani players present in the presser individually, Afridi stepped in and told him to focus only on the Pakistan Super League.

The moment quickly went viral, especially since Pakistan cricket has been under heavy criticism after recent losses.




Watch:




During the interaction, Afridi made it clear he didn’t want to address bigger issues, saying questions should stick to the league.

In the viral clip, he is heard telling the reporter, “Don’t ask about Pakistan. We are currently playing the Pakistan Super League (PSL), so ask questions on PSL only. When we will be playing for Pakistan, then you can ask questions about Pakistan, and we will answer those questions.”

His response came as fans continue to question the form of key players and the overall state of Pakistan cricket.

Amid the controversy, attention is now on the upcoming PSL season.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are aiming for a strong start in the opening match on Thursday.

Pakistan were knocked out of the 2026 T20 World Cup Super 8 stage despite beating Sri Lanka, as their net run rate was too low compared to New Zealand and England.

They needed a much bigger win to qualify but fell short. This marks their fourth straight ICC tournament without reaching the semi-finals, highlighting ongoing struggles in crucial moments.

NEW DELHI: Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has raised a key concern for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, warning that one of their frontline pacers may no longer possess the same edge that once made him a match-winner.

Despite Mumbai Indians boasting a star-studded squad, ABD believes there could be a vulnerability that opposition teams might look to exploit. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he pointed out that while the team looks well-balanced on paper, there are subtle signs of decline in one of their experienced bowlers.

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“They don't need more all-rounders than what they already have. But the one worry for me is Trent Boult. It's similar to Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] situation, where he has lost a yard. He is not as spicy as he was from 2018, 2019 and 2020, even earlier 2015,” de Villiers said, suggesting a noticeable dip in pace and effectiveness.

ABD elaborated on how the bowler’s strengths have slightly waned over time. “He was clocking in low 140s, really swinging it late because of that fiery wrist he got, but he's maybe pulled back like a yard and he seems to be more expensive over the last while that I have watched him play over at SA20,” he added.



The former RCB star cautioned that this perceived dip could give a “false sense of security” to the franchise. “Maybe that's an area where they feel they have a lot of insurance there, but I feel maybe it's a false sense of security. It could be an area some of the opposition batters will target,” he warned.

Meanwhile, former India batter Abhinav Mukund struck a more optimistic note, highlighting the depth and balance in the Mumbai Indians squad. “They've got a lot of players in form, which is what makes them scary. De Kock will relish being in Mumbai, playing at the Wankhede Stadium,” he said, backing the team’s overall strength.

Mukund also questioned the need for additional options, noting the presence of multiple established bowlers. “They've got plenty of options and look very good on paper,” he added.

While Mumbai Indians appear primed for another title push, ABD’s assessment serves as a reminder that even the most formidable squads can have underlying concerns.

Showing sensitivity, remembrance, and respect towards the 11 victims of the stampede tragedy in Bengaluru on June 4 last year during RCB’s maiden title celebrations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to skip the traditional opening ceremony for IPL 2026. As a result, there will be no celebrations before the opening match of IPL 2026 between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday night at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

However, the BCCI and its IPL Governing Council are planning a grand closing ceremony for 19th season of IPL on the day of the final, May 31, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told TOI.



"Due to last year's tragic incident on June 4 last year, there will be no formal function on the day of the start of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organizing any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL-19 as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy on June 4, 2025. However, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment function at the closing of the IPL, on the day of the final (May 31)," Saikia told to TOI.

Last year, a grand opening ceremony was held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, featuring performances by superstar Shah Rukh Khan, singers Shreya Ghoshal and Karan Aujla, along with a dance performance by actress Disha Patani.

In 2019, following the Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel, the BCCI then run by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) had also scrapped the opening ceremony of IPL 12 and donated the allocated funds to the families of the victims. Saikia had earlier stated that the BCCI will announce the schedule for the remaining matches of the IPL “very soon.”

The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Also See: IPL Schedule 2026

KOLKATA: In a unique gesture, the Kolkata Knight Riders retired their jersey No. 12 which used to be worn by Andre Russell. The West Indies cricketer announced his retirement from the IPL last November after playing for KKR for 11 seasons. Although Russell made his IPL debut playing for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 and 2013, he made a mark in the tournament playing for KKR from 2014 to 2025, except for missing the 2017 season.

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The Jamaican played 140 matches in the IPL, of which 133 came for KKR, scoring 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174.18. He also took 123 wickets during his KKR playing days. He was part of KKR’s IPL title-winning sides in 2014 and 2024 along with the Champions League T20 side in 2014-15.



The allrounder turned emotional while watching a tribute video. “It has been over a decade of amazing achievements with this franchise and I got a bit emotional watching the video. To be a part of two championship-winning teams and to see what it means to everyone, that’s an amazing feeling. When you win a World Cup, that feels special, but when you win the IPL, it’s something different. I just want to say thanks to this franchise for making this journey so special for me,” he stated.

Russell’s journey with KKR will continue as he has joined the coaching staff as ‘power coach’ for the upcoming season.

Virat Kohli smashed a quickfire 45 off just 19 balls in RCB’s second intra-squad match in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. The veteran batter’s intent and form were praised by RCB’s mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared a video on social media after their second practice game on Wednesday, where Karthik lauded Kohli’s performance in the warm-up match.

“Good game today. The class of Virat came through quite nicely up front, played some lovely shots. The greatness about Virat is that every year he comes up with a certain plan and intent. You saw how he’s really upped what he wants to do. I feel this year he’ll try to get even better. That tells a lot about the person he is. He’s always trying to push his boundaries. And also what he brings in terms of energy to the crowd and the meetings, those are big things, and that’s a big part of Virat’s personality,” Karthik said.

Kohli helped Salt

Earlier, Kohli was also seen in the video bowling to his opening partner Phil Salt, who is going through a rough patch in T20 cricket. Despite Salt’s struggles in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 130 runs in eight innings, Kohli has shown strong support for his teammate. Kohli’s intent ahead of the new season is clear, and with his experience and current form, he is expected to play a crucial role for the defending champions.

RCB had earlier played their first intra-squad match on Monday. In that game, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma scored a 37-ball 81, while skipper Rajat Patidar smashed a blistering 74 off 25 balls. Kohli also contributed with a quick 29 off 12 balls.

Batting first, the team led by Venkatesh Iyer posted 234/7, with contributions from Jitesh (81 off 37), Tim David (36 off 14), Iyer (30 off 16), and Kohli (29 off 12). In response, the side led by Krunal Pandya scored 247, with Rajat Patidar (74 off 25), Devdutt Padikkal (63 off 33), and Krunal (58 off 33) delivering standout performances.

The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

RCB's upcoming matches



vs CSK - 5 April (Bengaluru)

vs RR - 10 April (Guwahati)

vs MI - 12 April (Mumbai)

Back in the IPL after a year, the Delhi Capitals batter seems calmer, more focused, mentally stronger. He says he has learnt from the excesses of the past, which led to the quick crumbling of a once-promising career.

MUMBAI: Wearing the Delhi Capitals jersey at the Ferozeshah Kotla makes Prithvi Shaw feel most at home. Ahead of the IPL season, it’s clear the once-promising batter from Mumbai has shed a few kilograms. His thought process too seems to have acquired a fresh outlook. ‘Axed’ from the IPL last year, he says the break did him a world of good.

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A flashy engagement ring on his finger seems emblematic of the change.

“I went to a couple of places to refresh my mind. It (the IPL snub) was a good break for me. I’ve enjoyed my life a lot. I can’t say that I took a step back,” Prithvi said about going unsold last season.

“The break allowed me to strengthen myself mentally. When I came back, it was the same routine. I trained and worked hard. Whatever I used to do earlier, I started doing it three times more,” he said before the Delhi Capitals got busy with their intra-squad practice match here on Wednesday evening.



It wasn’t just the IPL axe. Shaw was compelled to move from Mumbai to Maharashtra after the selectors dropped him in the previous season. For a cricket association which had hyped him as a prodigy since he was 13, the axe must have felt like a punch in the gut.

“When I was dropped from the Mumbai team for a year, I felt the reason given to me was not a valid one. Even then I just smiled and left. I didn’t speak to the selectors or the president of the association. A lot of offers from other states started coming my way but I chose Maharashtra because it was closer to Mumbai,” he said.

Gossip and unwanted headlines have followed Prithvi for a while. He has seen the glitzy highs of cricketing fame and also endured much embarrassment off the field. Now, at 26, will he be able to turn a different corner?

“I didn’t write anything about myself. The media did,” he said of all the early hype about his talent. “I’m a human being. I will make mistakes. It’s been many years. I must have made some mistakes in my life,” he stated.

As his career started to unravel around four years ago, incessant controversies started to take a toll. Shaw says he has fallen back on a tight circle of associates to be at peace with himself.

“Whatever is written outside, people know only the half of it. My family and friends know me. I have kept only as many friends in my life as my fingers. I only train with my childhood coach. I don’t reach out to anyone. If anybody wants to reach out to me, I don’t mind. I was very young, obviously. Whenever there were good or bad things on social media and in newspapers, it started to affect me. Now, I have stopped seeing those things. Now, I believe in myself,” he said.

“I know where I come from and how hard I have worked to reach here. Humans make mistakes but that’s history. I feel I am very happy mentally. This (cricket) is my passion. No one can take this away from me. I think sometimes we take ourselves too seriously,” he said with a smile.

So is he still nurturing comeback plans? “It will be wrong if I say I’m not thinking about a comeback. I’m playing for that. Who doesn’t want to play for India?” As he was going back to the dressing room for the practice match, Prithvi was asked how he calms his mind. “Nothing. No rituals. No yoga or meditation. Just the engagement ring,” he said, smiling.

Gujarat Titans (GT) enter IPL 2026 with a strategy of continuity, having retained 20 players from the squad that finished third in 2025. The Titans have maintained one of the most stable rosters in the league, focusing on “sharpening the edges” rather than making major overhauls.GT made their IPL debut in 2022 and won their inaugural season. Since then, they have consistently qualified for the playoffs. Last season, they reached the Eliminator, where they lost to Mumbai Indians.

Gujarat Titans entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a settled squad and Rs 12.9 crore in their purse. They secured five players to complete their 25-member squad: Jason Holder (Rs 7 crore), Tom Banton (Rs 2 crore), Ashok Sharma (Rs 90 lakh), Luke Wood (Rs 75 lakh), and Prithviraj Yarra (Rs 30 lakh).

With the new signings and an already strong squad, here’s how GT’s playing XI could look:

Shubman Gill (C): The captain had an exceptional season last year, forming a strong opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan. However, he experienced a dip in form in T20Is, which led to his omission from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. GT will be hoping for his return to form this season.


Sai Sudharsan: Sai Sudharsan enjoyed a record-breaking IPL 2025 season, finishing as the highest run-scorer and winning the Orange Cap with 759 runs. At just 23, he became the youngest player to achieve this feat, surpassing Shubman Gill’s record.



Jos Buttler (WK): Jos Buttler was a vital part of GT’s top order in IPL 2025, scoring 538 runs in 14 matches after being bought for Rs 15.75 crore. He is currently going through a lean patch in T20 cricket, which could be a concern for GT, but the team will be backing him to bounce back.


Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar proved to be a valuable all-rounder in IPL 2025 after being signed for Rs 3.2 crore. He made a significant impact with the bat, and GT may look to fix his role at No. 4.


Rahul Tewatia: Tewatia has established himself as a dependable finisher for GT. In 43 innings, he has scored 591 runs at a strike rate of over 150. He will play an important role in the middle order.


Glenn Phillips: Glenn Philips who got injured last year, has regained his fitness ahead of IPL 2026 and played an important role for New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026, however he can face tough competition form Jason Holder, based on his recent T20 World Cup performance, It will be interesting to see with whom the management decides to go with.


Shahrukh Khan: Shahrukh Khan was a regular lower-order finisher for GT in IPL 2025, scoring 179 runs in 15 matches and often making an impact in the final overs.


Rashid Khan: Rashid Khan remains GT’s leading spinner and a key wicket-taking option. The team will once again rely on his spin prowess.


Kagiso Rabada: In the 2025 IPL season, Kagiso Rabada had a fragmented campaign for Gujarat Titans (GT), marked by an early departure for personal reasons and a subsequent one-month suspension. Despite being a high-profile signing at Rs 10.75 crore, he ultimately featured in only four matches. However, he will to be available for the full season this time.


Mohammed Siraj: In the 2025 IPL season, Mohammed Siraj was a standout performer for the Gujarat Titans (GT), leading their pace attack after being acquired for Rs 12.25 crore in the mega auction. He finished the season with 16 wickets in 15 matches. He will play a crucial role alongside Rabada in the pace attack.


Sai Kishore: Sai Kishore had an excellent season last year, picking up 19 wickets in 15 matches. He will be key in controlling the middle overs.

Impact Player – Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna made a remarkable comeback in IPL 2025, winning the Purple Cap with 25 wickets in 15 matches. His pace in the powerplay makes him a strong Impact Player option for GT.

With captaincy talk returning around Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed Hardik Pandya to continue as leader, urging the franchise to avoid another change at the top.

Mumbai Indians have several experienced players in the dressing room, including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, both of whom have led India in T20 cricket. A couple of seasons ago, the franchise replaced Rohit with Hardik as captain, ending a tenure that brought five IPL titles. The decision drew reactions from sections of fans, especially with Hardik moving from Gujarat Titans and taking charge immediately. Despite that, the team reached the playoffs last season.

With Suryakumar having recently led India to a T20 World Cup title, there has been discussion around his leadership role, with some suggesting a possible change in captaincy at Mumbai Indians.

Kaif, however, said the team should continue with Hardik, pointing to the progress made under him last season.



"I don't think that Mumbai Indians should make the same mistake again. They had a poor season after removing Rohit Sharma and bringing Hardik Pandya in. Hardik Pandya is settling in his role now. They played Qualifier 2 last year. So, Hardik Pandya did a good job as captain," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.



He also warned against frequent leadership changes based on trends, referring to the earlier shift from Rohit to Hardik and the current discussion around Suryakumar.

"Suryakumar Yadav is an option, but it should not happen like how they treated Rohit Sharma, saying now we have Hardik Pandya, who made Gujarat champions, so he will captain now. Hardik was the hot topic then, and they pushed him. Now Suryakumar Yadav is the hot topic. Next year, there will be someone else, so will you remove Surya?" he added.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at home on March 29.

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has already been in the spotlight for several off-field issues even before the tournament begins. From a fuel crisis to scheduling changes, the buildup has been far from smooth.

Now, an awkward moment at the captains’ press conference has added to the drama.

During the pre-tournament media interaction on Wednesday, Karachi Kings captain David Warner appeared visibly annoyed with fellow captains who were chatting and laughing while he was speaking.




As he discussed his team’s chances, he suddenly paused and called them out. "What's wrong? Sorry, gentlemen, we have got school kids here," he said.

Watch:



The comment highlighted his frustration over the lack of attention and professionalism during the event.

Beyond the press conference incident, the tournament itself is dealing with major challenges.

Due to a fuel crisis linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to hold matches with restrictions and limit travel.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi explained the situation, saying, "The Prime Minister requested all of Pakistan to restrict their movements because of the fuel crisis. We closed schools and instituted work from home and increased the number of Eid holidays. We don't know how long this war will last."

As a result, the PSL has been scaled down, with matches now set to be played only in Lahore and Karachi instead of multiple venues.

The opening ceremony has also been cancelled.

Despite all the disruptions, the tournament is scheduled to begin on March 26 and run until May 3, though uncertainties still remain around how smoothly it will be conducted.

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq's much-debated bowling action is drawing attention across levels of cricket, with its distinct pause before release now being copied by younger players.

Tariq’s action, which includes a visible halt before delivering the ball, has already come under scrutiny, with indirect suggestions of chucking from Australia all-rounder Cameron Green.

The trend appeared to have reached school cricket as well, where a Sri Lankan bowler attempted a similar approach during a traditional inter-school match. The fixture, played annually since 1905, was in its 121st edition, Wisden reported.



Representing Richmond College, left-arm spinner Nethuja Basitha tried to replicate Tariq’s method but added his own variation. He paused in his run-up and jumped multiple times before delivering a full toss. However, the umpire immediately called it a dead ball.

Under Clause 41.4 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, which deals with a “deliberate attempt to distract a batter”, an umpire can call a dead ball if such an act is suspected. The law states that if an umpire believes there has been such an attempt, “he/she shall immediately call and signal dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.”

The rule also allows for five penalty runs to be awarded to the batting side, though in this instance, the umpire chose to issue only a warning.

Since the pause was not part of Basitha’s regular action, it may have been seen as an attempt to distract the batter. In contrast, Tariq’s pause is considered part of his usual bowling action, which is why it may not fall under the same interpretation.

Tariq had attracted attention ahead of the T20 World Cup, including during the match against India, where he returned figures of 1/24. He later took 4/16 against Namibia and 2/31 against England, but went wicketless for 43 runs against Sri Lanka in the last Super 8 match.

NEW DELHI: Last September in humid Lucknow, Cooper Connolly had a long chat with India A captain Shreyas Iyer. Part of the Australia A squad, Connolly picked Iyer’s brain on tackling spin.

The 22-year-old then struck a fluent 70, but little did he know that the 25-minute conversation at the Ekana Cricket Stadium had left a lasting impression on Iyer, now the captain of Punjab Kings.


A couple of months later, Punjab Kings snapped up the youngster for Rs 3 crore at the IPL mini auction.

"Luckily, he was there, and we had a good conversation. It was all about cricket," Cooper Connolly told TimeofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.


"Look, he's a world-class player. I love watching him bat. It just looks so easy. So it would be nice to pick his brain, understand him a bit, see how he goes about batting in Indian conditions, and put into practice what I can for my game in India. I'm just looking forward to learning from him," said Connolly on playing alongside Iyer.

Cooper Connolly said his primary goal is to gain experience, learn from top players, and challenge himself against the best in the IPL. He expressed gratitude for being picked by Punjab Kings, calling it an honour, and is eager to grow under the guidance of the coaching staff and captain Shreyas, regardless of whether he gets to play.


"It felt so nice when the paddle went up. It was obviously nice," he said.

"I think the main goal initially was just hoping that I would get picked up.

"Now it is just to go there, experience some quality cricket against some quality opposition, and learn from some quality players at Punjab and obviously a great coaching staff at Punjab.


"The moment one of the paddles went up for me was just a moment where I thought, OK, I'm going to go and challenge myself against the best in the world. It's obviously nice to get auctioned off for more than what I thought. It's just an honour to be a part of it and challenge myself against some quality opposition and just try to learn as much as I can, whether I play or not. I'm just looking forward to getting over there and learning and honing my skill sets," he said.

For Cooper Connolly, it has been a rollercoaster few months. He has made his international debut for Australia in all three formats and bagged an IPL contract. He admits that he has not had the chance to reflect because it has been surreal.

The youngster did not have a good series against Pakistan, where he looked all at sea. Then, in the T20 World Cup, he played only two matches and did reasonably well: taking three wickets in two games.


Now at Mullanpur, the youngster will have a chance to work with ex-Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, and over the next two-and-a-half months, he will have a chance to correct his technical glitches and become a more well-rounded all-round prospect.

The Perth-born Cooper Connolly, who has modelled his batting on Shaun Marsh, is also looking to emulate his idol.

“He’s someone I can approach for a chat about cricket and his approach. More than anything, it’s the way he plays that I try to model my game on, how he gives himself a chance in every format, his timing, and his ability to find the boundary. For me, it’s about reaching out to him when the time feels right.


"He’s been really good to me. I’ve always enjoyed watching him bat, and even now I go back to his highlights, especially his hundreds. It’s about picking certain attributes from his batting and trying to incorporate them into my own game, because he was world-class," said Connolly.

Punjab Kings will play their first match on March 31 at home against Gujarat Titans, and Connolly has teamed up with the squad and is ready for the biggest few weeks of his career, which could shape his future.

NEW DELHI: Rinku Singh enjoyed a double bonanza on Tuesday. First, he was handed the vice-captaincy of the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season, and then he was appointed as a Regional Sports Officer by the Uttar Pradesh Government. He was handed the appointment letter for the post by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Rinku has been a key performer for KKR, thanks to his explosive batting and stupendous fielding. He was also part of the victorious India team that won the 2026 T20 World Cup. India defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the title clash in Ahmedabad to lift their third T20 World Cup title, having previously won it in 2007 and 2024.


Praising Rinku, CM Yogi said: "UP is the first state in the country to give athletes priority in government service. So far, we have provided appointment letters to over 500 athletes for various police positions... For his performance in cricket and the Asian Games, Rinku Singh has been given an appointment letter as a Regional Sports Officer. He is already a part of a camp (KKR camp in the IPL), so he has gone there. Many other players have also got appointment letters here today."

Apart from Rinku, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to give employment to six international medallists, including hockey player Rajkumar Pal, javelin thrower Ajit Singh, sprinter Simran, and Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar.

Rinku, who is known to turn the game on its head, bat in any situation or conditions, and whack bowlers out of the park as a finisher, will now also be sitting in an office and shaping the future of sports and players in Uttar Pradesh.

What is the Regional Sports Officer post Rinku Singh will be holding?

A Regional Sports Officer (RSO) is a Class-2 gazetted officer. He is responsible for promoting sports activities, overseeing sports stadiums, and nurturing new talent.

What will be Rinku Singh's salary as a Regional Sports Officer?

The salary of Rinku as a Regional Sports Officer (RSO) may be between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000.

Rinku became a star overnight after he smashed Yash Dayal of the Gujarat Titans for five successive sixes in the final over during IPL 2023 to help KKR seal a thrilling win.

Since then, he has not looked back.

He has been part of the Indian team that won the Asian Games gold medal, the Asia Cup, and most recently, the T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt were seen training together in a practice session, as shared in a video by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In the clip, Kohli turned as bowler helping Salt with his batting, as the English batter looks to overcome a recent dip in form.

Kohli and Salt have emerged as one of the most destructive opening duos in the IPL. Last season, their partnership played a crucial role in helping RCB lift their maiden title after 18 years. The duo consistently provided aggressive starts, with Salt taking on the role of the aggressor while Kohli anchored the innings.





In 13 innings together, they accumulated 565 runs. One of their standout partnerships came against KKR, where they added 95 runs in just 8.3 overs while chasing 175. Salt scored 56 (31), while Kohli remained unbeaten on 59* (36).

Another dominant performance came against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, where they put on a 92-run opening stand in a nine-wicket win. Salt smashed 65 (33), while Kohli finished with 62* (45).

Individual Role in RCB’s Title Campaign (2025)

Phil Salt played a vital role for RCB in IPL 2025, scoring 403 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 175.98, including four half-centuries.

Virat Kohli also had a stellar season, amassing 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75. He played a key role in RCB’s title win, including a crucial 43-run knock in the final against Punjab Kings.

Kohli Backs Salt

Despite Salt’s recent struggles in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 130 runs in eight innings, Kohli has shown strong support for his opening partner. Salt remains one of the most destructive T20 batters, and RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has also backed him to regain form ahead of IPL 2026.



"Someone like Phil Salt is still ranked among the top two or three T20 batters [No. 4] in the world, He also really enjoys being with RCB. He enjoys the franchise. He enjoys his partnership with Virat [Kohli]. He works very well with the likes of Andy and DK [Dinesh Karthik]. So, they're doing some really good work right now. And I'm pretty sure we'll see at the start of the season Phil Salt doing his thing. You know, I'm looking forward to watching him and Virat walk out to bat like they do. A couple of gladiators walking out, which is always exciting. And they'll be trying to put the opposition under pressure. We've got a lot of confidence in our team. In particular, with your question, we do have confidence in Phil Salt.'' Mo Bobat said at a press conference on Tuesday (March 24).

India's rising pacer Mayank Yadav has declared himself fully fit and ready ahead of IPL 2026 after missing cricket for a long time due to back injury. LSG brought Mayank Yadav in IPL and in front of people in 2024 where he showed his raw pace and aggression.

Mayank Yadav took Indian cricket by storm in 2024, quickly earning recognition as one of the fastest bowlers in the country. However, his rapid rise was halted by injuries, limiting him to just six IPL matches across two seasons and three T20Is for India. A stress fracture in his back forced him out of action for an extended period, raising concerns about his long-term fitness and ability to sustain high speeds.

Surgery, Rehab and a Fresh Start

The 23-year-old underwent surgery last year and spent 8-9 months at the National Cricket Academy (CoE) focusing on rehabilitation and training. Reflecting on the journey to experts on a interview, Mayank admitted it was both physically and mentally demanding.

Mayank said,'' I had a stress fracture in my back, which is why I was out for a long time. I am 100 percent ready right now; my injury is completely fine. I had surgery last year after the two matches I played in the IPL. It's all fine. The physios and the trainers at the CoE did a brilliant job, and I'm able to bowl at 100 percent after the surgery. I was a bit concerned about how my bowling would be post surgery, but it's back on track. Not just physically, but mentally as well. The work I've put in over the last 8-9 months during rehab has been significant. It takes a lot of effort, especially since this was my first major surgery, so it was a very different situation for me. There were a lot of restrictions at the start, but once things began to improve, I was able to do what I wanted. So, overall, it was quite good, I would say. Whatever happened, it turned out well.''

Mayank Yadav also opened up about his ability to bowl 150km/h plus bowling, He credited both natural ability and disciplined training for his pace: ''I'd say two things. First is the natural ability given by God, and second is the work I've put in behind that. At a very early stage, I realised I could bowl quick, so I respected that and worked around it.''

Focus on Fitness and Longevity

Having faced a major injury early in his career, Mayank is now prioritising recovery, diet, and workload management to avoid setbacks.

''So, the only thing I can do is focus on my recovery and diet. That's what I'm concentrating on - my food, sleep and the recovery work I've been doing with the trainer over the past three years. That's my main focus right now.'' Mayank said.

LSG’s Trust and Support

Mayank credited the Lucknow Super Giants management for standing by him during his recovery phase. He specifically acknowledged team owner Sanjiv Goenka for his support: ''I think they have shown complete trust in me, whether I'm injured or playing. Especially the owner (Sanjiv Goenka) - he has helped me a lot. Even during rehab, he would message me to check how things were going, how my body was feeling. So, I think the franchise has played a huge role, and the amount of trust they've shown in me is remarkable.''

''I think I was playing for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Delhi and UP were practising together in Chandigarh, at the Mohali stadium. I think that's where Vijay Dahiya saw me, and he passed my name on to the right people, and from there they discovered me.'' he added.

At the end Mayank Yadav said that he wanted to be available for all IPL games, '' I just want to be available for all the games… and I want to win the trophy.” he concluded.

After winning the title on debut in 2022 and coming within one ball of defending their title in the second season, Gujarat Titans seem to have disappointed.

Here’s how they stack up...


Strength: The toporder batting. Runs are expected to flow from captain Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, like always. With middleorder batter Sherfane Rutherford being traded to Mumbai Indians, the presence of Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia and Kumar Kushagra is crucial too.

Weakness: With leggie Rashid Khan enduring one of the poorest seasons last year, the spin-bowling department, which also comprises left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, looks thin on paper.

Opportunity: Captain Shubman Gill, ousted from India’s T20 World Cup squad, will be eager to prove his credentials all over again in this format.

Threat: Lack of Powerplay bite. Their template of taking the game deep may have outlived its utility.