Asianet Newsable

Jemimah Rodrigues comfortable with floating role ahead of T20 World Cup

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:30 +0530

'Clarity is important': Jemimah on tactical flexibility

Star India women's cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has said she is comfortable batting at any position in the lineup, emphasising that she can perform effectively as long as she has clarity about her role within the team.

With the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 looming on the horizon, Team India are treating the ongoing series against England like a platform to fine-tune their playing 11. At the heart of India's tactical flexibility is Rodrigues. Having anchored the No. 3 spot earlier this year against powerhouse teams like Australia and South Africa, the 25-year-old has willingly adapted to a floating role against England, dropping down to No. 4 and No. 5 in the opening two T20Is. Rather than being disrupted by the movement, Rodrigues views it as a necessary evolution for the squad.

"I think I'm comfortable at all positions. In the end, it is important for me to have clarity. And when I have clarity about a certain role, I know I can go out there and deliver. Now is the time where we have few more games to experiment about what's the best combination that's working for the team," said Rodrigues as quoted by the ICC website.

Rodrigues praises Yastika Bhatia's comeback

By moving Rodrigues down the batting order, India have created more opportunities for wicket-keeper batter Yastika Bhatia to spend time at the crease. Returning to the national team after nearly two years on the sidelines due to injury, Bhatia adds strength and depth to the batting lineup.

Rodrigues praised Bhatia for making a strong comeback after a lengthy injury layoff, saying her return has been a major boost for the team. She highlighted Bhatia's impressive performance in her first game back, where she scored 54 runs, and said it reflected the character and determination required to succeed after such a long absence.

"Yastika was not with us lately because of her injury. So this is the only game time that she's also getting. For us to have her here is a great advantage. We saw what she did in the first game, the way she batted. To come out after injury and do such a thing, it takes a lot of character." said the 25-year-old batter.

Rodrigues expressed satisfaction with Bhatia's progress and said she is pleased with the team's continued focus on strengthening their batting. She added that the squad is moving forward with a positive mindset of constant improvement and adding more depth to the batting lineup.

"I'm very happy with the way she's going and very happy with the fact that, we are still willing to add a little more in batting. And that's the kind of mindset we have. And that's the mindset we are going towards," Rodrigues said.

India Women won the first match against England by 38 runs but faced a 26-run defeat in the second match. The Women in Blue will face England for the decider on Tuesday at Taunton. (ANI)

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Satwik-Chirag credit trust for success after Singapore Open win

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:29 +0530

India's top men's doubles badminton pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has credited his long-standing understanding, communication, and mutual trust with his partner Chirag Shetty for their continued success on the international stage.

The Indian doubles pair registered a come-from-behind win over Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Fikri in the men's doubles final. They dominated the summit clash after losing the opening game against the third-seeded Indonesian pair to win 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in an hour and 13 minutes to become the first Indian doubles combination to clinch the Singapore Open.

Partnership Built on Trust and Communication

Responding to an ANI question during a media interaction following their title-winning campaign, Satwiksairaj said their partnership has been built not only through years of playing together on court but also through a strong bond off it. "For us, it's pretty much important to have communication outside as well. It's not like you just come on the court and play. You need a really good understanding off the court as well, knowing each other well," Satwik said.

The Indian shuttler explained that their equation has evolved over nearly 12 years of playing together, helping them understand each other's personalities, thought processes and responses in pressure situations. "We have been playing for almost 12 years now, so we know pretty much everything about both of us -- how we think, how we handle ourselves in pressure situations. Our goals are pretty much the same. Our thinking is pretty much the same. So it's like we just need to align at the right time and the right moment," he added.

Trust During Crucial Moments

Satwik further highlighted that trust between partners becomes the defining factor during difficult moments in doubles matches, especially when one player is under pressure or struggling to find rhythm. He said doubles badminton requires players to constantly back one another and step up when needed, with confidence that their partner will do the same in return. "Once you're not having a good time on the court, you have to trust your partner -- just cover me for a few points, then I will get back onto the court," he said.

The 25-year-old added that such situations can arise at any stage of a tournament, whether in the early rounds or in a final, and managing them together is key to winning titles. "It can happen in any matches -- first round, second round, semis or finals. You need to have that trust on the court while playing. Especially in doubles, in crucial times, you need to trust your partner and go with instincts," Satwik said.

Upcoming Tournament: Indonesia Open 2026

The doubles pair will be next seen in action during the Indonesia Open 2026, which starts on Tuesday, according to Olympics.com.

Indonesia Open 2026 badminton: India squad

Men's singles: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth.

Men's doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, MR Arjun/Hariharan Amsakarunan.

Women's singles: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Malvika Bansod.

Women's doubles: Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand.

Mixed doubles: Rohan Kapoor/Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto. (ANI)

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15 Years, 9 Attempts, 0 Titles: How Did Team India Perform at Women’s T20 World Cup? Analysis

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:34:18 +0530

The Indian women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will quest for their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in the upcoming edition of the tournament, which will take place in England and Wales, starting on June 14.

After clinching their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in November 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India will look to complete a historic limited-overs double by securing their first-ever T20 world title. The Women in Blue have been clubbed in Group 1 of the tournament, alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

Team India will begin their quest for their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup triumph when they take on their arch-rivals, Pakistan, on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, in what promises to be a high-stakes opener that sets the tone for their group stage campaign.

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup: We're hungry to win, says Smriti Mandhana

Team India’s Journey in the Women’s T20 World Cup

Team India will make their 10th appearance at the Women’s T20 World Cup in June this year, aiming for their maiden triumph. In the previous nine appearances, the heartbreak was a recurring narrative, characterized by narrow margins and missed opportunities to get hold of the coveted trophy.

In the first two editions of the marquee event in 2009 and 2010 in England and the West Indies, the Women in Blue reached the semifinals, but lost to Australia and New Zealand, respectively, marking the beginning of a challenging pattern in knockout matches that the team has worked hard to overcome over the last decade and a half.

In the next three editions in 2012, 2014, and 2016 in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India, Team India was knocked out of the group stage consecutively, a difficult phase that highlighted the team's struggle to find consistency and adapt to varying global conditions.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr Devajit Saikia announces #TeamIndia’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the three-match T20I series against England, and the upcoming Test against England Details ▶️ https://t.co/cZnGDxMPtb #WomenInBlue | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4bTVZlo7js

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 2, 2026

After three consecutive group stage exits, the Women in Blue, under the leadership of Mithali Raj, bounced back with a semifinal qualification, but the story remained the same, as they failed to make it to the final following a defeat to England in the 2018 edition of the tournament.

In fact, Team India lost to the same opponent who defeated them in the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup final, deepening the frustration of failing to clear that crucial semi-final hurdle. Despite having eventually gone past the group stage for the first time since 2009, the narrative remained eerily familiar.

So Close, Yet So Far Moment for Team India

In 2020, Team India, under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, witnessed a historic surge that saw them storm into their maiden T20 World Cup final. By remaining unbeaten in the group stage, the Women in Blue carried the hopes of a nation into the summit clash after their semifinal clash against England was abandoned due to rain.

At the MCG, Team India was on the verge of creating history, but as fate would often have it, the pressure of the big stage proved overwhelming, as the Women in Blue lost to Australia by 85 runs in the final, ending their hopes of returning home with a coveted trophy in their hands, signaling yet another heartbreak in their pursuit of global glory.

Though it was the best campaign for Team India, the subsequent years proved that the transition from a top-tier contender to a champion was anything but linear. In 2023, the Women in Blue returned to the semifinals, but only to be defeated by the defending champions, Australia.

In the last edition of the tournament in 2024, the narrative took a frustrating turn as Team India failed to advance past the group stage. Despite securing impressive victories, including a dominant 82-run win over Sri Lanka, the team’s group-stage record of two wins and two losses left them in third place in Group A.

Over the past nine editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, India has emerged as a consistent powerhouse, reaching the top four in five of their nine campaigns. Yet, that final leap toward the title has remained an elusive milestone, with the upcoming edition in England and Wales serving as a fresh opportunity for the team to capitalize on their recent ODI World Cup success and finally claim their place in T20 history.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup: Warm-up fixtures confirmed; full schedule here

IPL 2026: Patidar lauds Krunal Pandya's key role in RCB's title win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:30:30 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar praised all-rounder Krunal Pandya for his flexibility and vital contributions with the bat during the franchise's victorious IPL 2026 campaign, saying his team-first mindset played a key role in their back-to-back title triumph.

RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad to successfully defend their title, with several players stepping up across the season. In 16 matches this season, Krunal scored 226 runs in nine matches at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, with a fifty and best score of 73. He also took 14 wickets at an average of 30.55, with best figures of 2/16. In the final, he bowled an economical spell of 1/23 in four overs.

'He was always ready to put the team first'

Patidar lauded Krunal for the selfless approach he brought to the side, especially in adapting to different batting roles as per the team's requirements. "KP (Krunal Pandya) has been extremely positive for us. If I speak specifically about his batting, the last few years may not have been his best with the bat, but we all know the kind of skills he possesses and the level he can perform at," Patidar said during a virtual media press conference after the final.

Patidar said there were discussions within the team management regarding Krunal's batting position through the season, but the experienced all-rounder always remained open to adjusting according to the situation.

"At the start, there were a few discussions around his batting position -- sometimes he batted up the order, sometimes lower down -- but what really stood out was how much he helped the team with his flexibility. I've never seen him being rigid about where he wants to bat," he said.

The RCB captain further said Krunal's willingness to put the team ahead of personal preference made him a valuable asset in the batting line-up.

"He has never been someone who says, 'I will only bat at this number.' Whenever I, Andy (Flower), Mo (Bobat) or DK (Dinesh Karthik) spoke to him about a particular role or situation, he was always ready to put the team first," Patidar added.

Patidar said Krunal embraced every responsibility handed to him, which gave the side greater tactical flexibility throughout the tournament. "If we felt KP needed to go in at a certain stage of the game, he was always willing to do that for the team. That attitude has been a huge asset for us. Overall, what I mean is that his flexibility regarding the batting order, along with the contribution he has made with the bat, has helped RCB immensely this season," he concluded.

Krunal's Fifth IPL Title

Krunal became one of the IPL's most well-accomplished players, securing his fifth IPL title, his second back-to-back title with RCB and played a crucial role in his team's success in the 2025 and 2026 editions. Before this, he had secured three IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians (MI).

IPL 2026 Final: Match Recap

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only ones to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Ashish Shelar hails successful season, congratulates RCB

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:00:33 +0530

Minister Praises Successful IPL 2026 Season

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar praised the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season for its success both on and off the field, highlighting the opportunities it provided for players, the large-scale job creation it generated, and the returns delivered to franchise owners. Shelar also commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing body for organising a world-class tournament enjoyed by cricket fans globally. He also congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their outstanding title-winning campaign. "This season of the IPL, much like every other season, was incredibly vibrant. Our players, too, received an opportunity to showcase their talent in the game. The ecosystem also witnessed job creation on a massive scale. The owners received a return on their investments, and cricket enthusiasts across the globe had the opportunity to witness a truly excellent league. For this, I extend my sincere appreciation to both the BCCI and the IPL Committee. I offer my hearty congratulations to RCB for the sheer brilliance with which they secured their victory," Shelar said while speaking to reporters.

RCB Defend Crown in Thrilling Final

RCB won their second consecutive IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the 2026 final on Sunday at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. RCB became only the third side after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend their IPL crown successfully.

Match Recap

The Rajat Patidar-led side, after restricting GT to 155/8 in the first innings, chased the target down with five wickets and two overs remaining. Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only ones to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

RCB started well with a 62-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer (32 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli.

GT showed some fight, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, but Virat (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) guided RCB to a win with two overs left.

This came as RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

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AIPA's grassroots programme shines at West Zone Pickleball C'ship

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:00:27 +0530

The All India Pickleball Association's (AIPA) long-term Grassroots Development Programme achieved another significant milestone as its athletes delivered outstanding performances at the inaugural West Zone Pickleball Championship held at Musclebar Sports Club, Undri, Pune. The championship, organised by AIPA in association with Amateur Pickleball Association Maharashtra and Pune District Pickleball Association, attracted 317 players from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Goa, as per a press release.

Over the past several years, AIPA has focused on identifying and nurturing talent through its grassroots development initiatives, creating a pathway for players to progress from beginners to national and international competitors. The results at the West Zone Championship are a reflection of this sustained effort, with athletes across junior, open and masters categories producing exceptional performances. The success follows strong performances by AIPA athletes at the East Zone Championship and demonstrates the growing strength of the association's development structure across the country. With the South Zone Championship still to come, AIPA is confident that its emerging players will continue to make their mark and further strengthen India's pickleball talent pool.

Star Performers Lead the Medal Tally

Leading the medal charge was Anjali, who emerged as one of the most successful players of the tournament with five medals, including three golds in U-18 Girls Singles, U-18 Girls Doubles and U-18 Mixed Doubles. International representative Shreyas Rajaram secured five medals across junior and open categories, while fellow international player Vrushali Thakare captured gold medals in Open Women's Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles.

Junior Athletes Showcase Emerging Talent

The junior categories showcased the success of AIPA's grassroots programme, with young athletes such as Aaradhya Satpute, Arnav Khamkar, Jay Agrawal, Aadya Vinod, Aarav Surve and Piyush Gaikwad delivering medal-winning performances. Their achievements highlight the growing depth of talent being developed through structured coaching and competitive opportunities provided by the association.

Success Across Open and Masters Divisions

The success extended to the open and masters divisions, where players continued to excel across multiple events. International representatives Noah Ashtamkar, Abhijit Kelkar and Neelima Utgikar added important medals in the masters categories, underlining the strength of AIPA athletes across all age groups.

AIPA President on Programme's Success

Speaking on the performances, Arvind Prabhoo, AIPA President, said, "The results at the West Zone Championship are extremely satisfying because they validate the vision behind our Grassroots Development Programme. For several years, AIPA has invested in creating opportunities for young players to learn, compete and grow. Today, we are witnessing those efforts translate into success at the zonal, national and international levels. After strong performances in the East Zone, our players have once again demonstrated their quality in the West Zone, and we look forward to seeing them continue this momentum in the South Zone Championship as well. The future of Indian pickleball is bright, and these athletes are proof of that progress."

Organisers Congratulated for Successful Event

AIPA also congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the first-ever West Zone Pickleball Championship. Special appreciation was extended to Pune District Pickleball Association President Rajesh Bhambhani, Secretary Aniket Durgawali, Vice President Amiraj Chowdhury, Vice President Gajendra Singh Chauhan, Secretary Kuldeep Ruchandani, and Coach Ajay Chaudhari for their efforts in planning and executing a high-quality championship that provided athletes with an excellent platform to compete.

The championship concluded after three days of competitive action and served as a strong endorsement of AIPA's grassroots vision, with players developed through the programme continuing to achieve the results and success that the association has long envisioned for Indian pickleball. (ANI)

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IPL 2026: RCB's Tim David fined, to miss first match of next season

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:30:25 +0530

Tim David Fined, Suspended for Code of Conduct Breach

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David has been fined 50% of his match fee and handed two demerit points for breaching Level 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during the 2026 final against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Notably, David has now accumulated five demerit points and will miss the first match of the next IPL season as a result.

Details of the Breach

In a statement issued on Monday, the IPL said that Tim David was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the league's Code of Conduct, which prohibits throwing a ball or any piece of cricket equipment, including items such as a water bottle, at or near a player, team official, umpire, match referee, or any other individual in an inappropriate or dangerous manner during a match.

According to the statement, the incident took place in the 10th over of the first innings when, after the fall of a wicket, David aggressively threw an ice bag in the direction of umpire Nitin Menon. "David was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, which relates to "throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match"," said the IPL statement. "The incident occurred during the 10th over of the first innings when, following the fall of a wicket, David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of umpire Nitin Menon," the statement added.

Consequences and Suspension

Tim David admitted to the offence and accepted the penalty handed down by match referee Javagal Srinath. Notably, this marked David's third Level 1 breach of the season, having previously incurred one demerit point in Match 20 and two demerit points in Match 54. With the latest violation adding two more demerit points, his total now stands at five. As per IPL regulations, accumulating five demerit points triggers an automatic one-match suspension. As a result, David will miss RCB's opening match of the next IPL season, or the first game of whichever franchise he represents in IPL 2027. "David admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Mr Javagal Srinath. This was David's third Level 1 offence of the season, having committed his first offence in Match 20 (one Demerit Point) and his second offence in Match 54 (two Demerit Points). He has now accumulated five Demerit Points, which result in a one-game suspension. Accordingly, he will be suspended for RCB's first game of the next IPL season or the first game of the franchise he represents in IPL 2027," the statement said.

RCB Win IPL 2026 Title

Coming to the IPL 2026 final, RCB won their second consecutive IPL title by defeating GT by five wickets in the final. RCB also became only the third side after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend their IPL crown successfully. The Rajat Patidar-led side, after restricting GT to 155/8 in the first innings, chased the target down with five wickets and two overs remaining, with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 42-ball 75. (ANI)

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'Calm captain' Rajat Patidar key to RCB's IPL 2026 win: Dinesh Karthik

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:01:19 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik hailed Rajat Patidar as a "calm captain" and said it helped the team immensely to successfully defend their Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final of the 2026 season on Sunday.

Rajat Patidar became only the third captain after MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) and Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians) to win consecutive IPL titles. The Rajat Patidar-led side, after restricting GT to 155/8 in the first innings, chased the target with five wickets and two overs remaining.

'A Huge Calming Influence'

Speaking on JioHotstar, Dinesh Karthik said Rajat Patidar brought stability to RCB's high-intensity dressing room. Karthik noted that Patidar's temperament helped the bowlers perform better under pressure and highlighted his humble nature, adding that he prefers to be a "star" rather than a "superstar" despite leading a team packed with high-profile players. "Rajat has been a huge calming influence in a dressing room that is high-octane and high testosterone. He keeps things very calm, and that's so important. The bowlers thrive when you have a calm captain; it definitely helps under pressure. I think he likes to be a star, not a superstar. There are plenty of guys in that team who are big names and get the job done in high-pressure situations," he said.

Patidar led RCB to nine wins out of 14 group-stage matches in the IPL 2026, before leading the team to wins in Qualifier and the final. He also contributed heavily with the bat and scored 501 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.75.

'Leads in a Quiet Manner'

He added that Patidar allows senior players to take responsibility and leads in a quiet manner, focusing on doing what is required in the moment. "The only time Rajat is aggressive is when he's batting. Other than that, he brings a very calm atmosphere and is happy for a lot of the senior players to go front and centre, which I believe is a very important trait in a leader. He just sits back, allows things to get done, and does exactly what needs to be done in that moment," Dinesh Karthik said. (ANI)

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French Open: Balaji-Demoliner in maiden quarters after stunning upset

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:30:27 +0530

India's N Sriram Balaji and his Brazilian partner Marcelo Demoliner advanced to the men's doubles quarterfinals at the French Open on Monday, pulling off a stunning straight-sets upset over sixth seeds Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany, according to Olympics.com.

The unseeded Indo-Brazilian pair took one hour and 25 minutes to secure a 7-5, 6-4 upset over the experienced German duo, both Grand Slam champions, in their Round of 16 clash at Roland Garros. The win also marked a landmark moment for 36-year-old Balaji, who reached his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Quarterfinal Clash Ahead

With this victory, Balaji and Demoliner have set up a formidable quarterfinal clash against the second-seeded pairing of Finland's Harri Heliovaara and Great Britain's Henry Patten.

Road to the Quarterfinals

Earlier in the tournament, the duo had defeated the unseeded German-Dutch pairing of Constantin Frantzen and Robin Haase in three sets, followed by a comfortable straight-sets win over Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner in the second round.

Second Round

The Balaji-Demoliner duo defeated Mark Wallner and Jakob Schnaitter 7-5, 6-2 in their second-round match.

The Indo-Brazilian duo broke the German pair in the crucial 11th game of the first set before holding serve to take the opener. In the second set, Balaji and Demoliner secured breaks in the first and seventh games to seal the match in one hour and 27 minutes.

First Round

In their first-round clash, Balaji and Demoliner defeated Germany's Constantin Frantzen and the Netherlands' Robin Haase 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

In the match, Balaji and Demoliner made a strong start, breaking Frantzen and Haase early in the third game to take control of the opening set. The Indo-Brazilian duo then earned a second break in the ninth game, converting their third set point to clinch the set advantage.

Frantzen and Haase fought back in the second set, breaking Balaji and Demoliner in the seventh game before holding their service games to level the match and force a deciding set.

However, they slipped early in the final set, losing serve in the second game, which allowed Balaji and Demoliner to capitalise and close out the match, sealing their place in the second round. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Kolkata: 70-foot Lionel Messi statue removed over safety concerns

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:30:22 +0530

A 70-foot statue of legendary footballer Lionel Messi, which was installed along VIP Road in Kolkata's Lake Town area, was removed after residents raised concerns over its stability, saying the structure was swaying in strong winds on Monday.

The 70-foot statue of Messi was built last year in December ahead of the FIFA World Cup-winning superstar's 'GOAT Tour' to India, which features Messi holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy and was constructed by fans as a tribute to the football icon. Messi visited the country last year across four stops, West Bengal, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, along with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammates.

However, there were complaints from local residents to the Public Works Department (PWD) as the statue looked unstable in the wind, and an inspection was carried out. It was established that its structural integrity is compromised and must be taken down before any potential mishap.

West Bengal MLA Sharadwat Mukherjee said, as quoted by ESPN, "The statue of the Argentine football legend was found to be unsafe." "We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind," Mukherjee added. The monument was built over a span of 27 days. Authorities are currently looking for alternate locations for the statue for its reassembly.

GOAT Tour Plagued by Controversy

Meanwhile, a week ago, Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour to India, filed a complaint against the former Sports Minister of West Bengal, Arup Biswas, accusing him of misconduct, including claims that tickets to Messi's Kolkata event were misused and that the organiser faced pressure over issuing access cards.

Chaos at Kolkata Stadium

Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour had earlier descended into chaos as fans who had purchased high-priced tickets at Salt Lake Stadium reportedly began throwing bottles and attempting to break gates between stands after the Argentine football legend left the venue early.

Angry fans resorted to vandalism inside the Kolkata stadium, alleging poor event management and criticising VIPs and politicians for monopolising access to the football icon, due to which many spectators claimed they did not get even a glimpse of Messi. The situation escalated further when some fans attempted to enter restricted areas to damage the event setup, including tents and the goalpost. Police personnel had to intervene and use mild force to disperse the crowd and restore order at the venue.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

French Open 2026: Why Was Adolfo Daniel Vellejo Fined $65,000? Reason Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:18:41 +0530

The World No.70 and Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vellejo was handed the heaviest fine in the history of the French Open. Vallejo was knocked out of the ongoing edition of the French Open after losing to Moise Kouame in the second round on Court Suzanne Lenglen on Thursday, May 28.

Despite bouncing back with victories in the third and fourth sets after trailing 0-2, Paraguayan tennis player ultimately faltered in the deciding fifth set, ending his run at Roland Garros. Before losing to Moise Kouame, Adolfo Daniel Vellejo received a walkover in the opening round after Cameron Norrie of the United Kingdom was forced to retire from their match due to a persistent rib injury.

Vellejo’s early exit from his maiden Grand Slam appearance at the French Open was coupled with his controversial remarks regarding chair umpire Ana Carvalho, for which he was subsequently handed a record-breaking $65,000 fine (approximately €60,000).

Why was Adolfo Daniel Vellejo Handed a Hefty Fine?

The fine imposed by French Open tournament organizers was a direct disciplinary response to the sexist comments Vallejo made concerning the competence of chair umpire Ana Carvalho. Following a five–set defeat to Moise Kouame, the Paraguayan tennis player expressed his disappointment over the officiating during the match and the handling of the crowd by Carvalho.

The 22-year-old took an aggressive and dismissive stance, publicly questioning chair umpire Ana Carvalho’s ability to manage the high-pressure environment of the match, while stating that this sort of match should be officiated by a man because it is ‘very difficult for a woman to do it’ when facing a demanding crowd.

“These types of matches have to be officiated by a man. It's very difficult for a woman to do it. It has to be refereed by a man, because it's a very demanding crowd and you need a lot of strength to go against them." Vallejo said.

Daniel Vallejo fined a whopping $65,000 for arguing his match at #RolandGarros would have been better umpired by a man, instead of a woman.

— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) June 1, 2026

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo’s comments sparked criticism from the tennis world, prompting the French Tennis Federation (FFT) to issue a formal condemnation of his remarks. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo publicly addressed the situation, calling the comments "clearly unacceptable" and confirming that such behavior has "no place" at Roland Garros.

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo Issues Clarification

Before he received the heaviest fine in the history of the French Open, Adolfo Daniel Vallejo issued a clarification on his Instagram story, where he stated that his comments were misinterpreted and apologized to the chair umpire for his remarks, adding that he would learn from this mistake and improve in the future.

“I want to clarify that my comments were not made with the intention with which they have been interpreted. I have respect for the judge and for the work she did. After a 5-hour battle, I was very heated and full of emotions. I apologize,” Vallejo wrote on Instagram.

“I also want to clarify that I did not blame her for the defeat. She did a good job throughout the match. I will learn from this and improve. I also have great respect for Roland Garros, the French Tennis Federation, and everyone involved in tennis," he added.

El descargo de Vallejo:“Quiero aclarar que mis comentarios no fueron hechos con la intención con la que han sido interpretados.Tengo respeto por la jueza y por el trabajo que hizo. Después de una batalla de 5 horas estaba muy acalorado y con muchas emociones. Me disculpo.… https://t.co/Hf2GNGpbJi pic.twitter.com/dCyD3LjpjB

— Gonzalo Ferreyra (@gonzaloferreyr) May 29, 2026

Despite his clarification, the French Tennis Federation did not retract or reduce the penalty, emphasising that the breach of the player's code of conduct regarding discriminatory language was absolute.

Meanwhile, the French Open has entered its second week, with tournament officials and spectators turning their full attention to the remaining quarter-final matchups and the final rounds of the tournament as the competition intensifies at Roland Garros.

IPL 2026 final: BCCI cites capacity, revenue for Ahmedabad choice

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:30:29 +0530

BCCI Cites Capacity, Revenue for Venue Choice

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla on Monday said Ahmedabad was chosen as the venue for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final because of its large seating capacity, allowing more spectators to attend and helping generate substantial revenue. Responding to Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar's statement on the venue selection, Shukla told reporters that the BCCI prioritises stadiums with larger capacities while allotting major matches such as playoffs and finals.

"The playoff matches are BCCI-organised matches; we always strive to host major fixtures, such as the finals, in stadiums with large capacities. This ensures that substantial revenue is generated and that the maximum number of spectators can be accommodated," Shukla said. He added that Ahmedabad was selected keeping these factors in mind. "That is precisely why we selected Ahmedabad; with a seating capacity exceeding 1,00,000, it makes it much easier to accommodate everyone, including our members and various other attendees," he said.

DK Shivakumar Expresses Disappointment

This comes after Shivakumar on Monday stressed that no injustice was done to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but felt that Bengaluru and Karnataka's youngsters were deprived as the Indian Premier League (IPL) final was shifted to Ahmedabad instead of the state's capital.

As defending champions heading into IPL 2026, Bengaluru were initially set to host the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later shifted the marquee match to Ahmedabad. "Injustice has not been done to RCB. Injustice has been done to Bengaluru and Karnataka youngsters. The IPL final was supposed to be played here. But it happened in Ahmedabad. Whatever happened last time, we have all forgotten it and have started a new beginning," DK Shivakumar told the reporters.

Ticket Demands Cited as Factor in Venue Shift

Last month, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, while reflecting on the decision, said shifting the final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad was taken after the Karnataka State Cricket Association allegedly sought complimentary tickets far beyond the permitted quota. Saikia explained that, under IPL protocol, the defending champions are entitled to host the final and one playoff match at their home venue, which would have made Bengaluru the natural choice after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign last season. However, the BCCI decided to move the matches following what it described as excessive ticket demands from the state association. Saikia said that host associations are entitled to only 15 per cent of the stadium's seating capacity as complimentary tickets.

"The BCCI and the IPL announced the venues for the playoff matches. We have the Qualifiers and Playoffs, as well as the Final match. Therefore, we have selected three venues. One venue is Dharamshala; the first playoff match will take place there. Subsequently, there will be an Eliminator and another playoff match. Thus, the second and third matches will be held in New Chandigarh, while the Final is scheduled to take place on May 31st at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad," Saikia told the reporter.

RCB Clinch Second Consecutive Title

Meanwhile, RCB clinched IPL 2026 glory, riding on a stunning 75* off 42 by Virat Kohli, to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. RCB gunned down a tricky 156 runs to join five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the elite list of clubs to have won back-to-back IPL titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

T20 Mumbai League: Strikers cruise to victory as Rohit Sharma attends

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:30:32 +0530

Rohit Sharma added excitement on the opening day of the T20 Mumbai League as Eagle Thane Strikers began their campaign in commanding style, cruising to a dominant nine-wicket win over Bandra Blasters in the tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The victory was powered by a brilliant unbeaten century from Shashwat Jagtap, according to a release.

Face of the league, Rohit Sharma, attended the toss of the second match between Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals and Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs. Rohit was joined by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik and Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council, along with members of the MCA Apex Council and the League Governing Council.

Strikers' Commanding Chase

Earlier, chasing a challenging target of 190, the Strikers made a mockery of the chase as Shashwat and Impact Player Sumeir Zaveri produced a breathtaking opening stand that left the Blasters with no way back.

The duo raced to 93 runs in the Powerplay, taking complete control of the contest with an aggressive display of strokeplay.

Both batters brought up quick-fire half-centuries as the Strikers continued to dominate. The pair added a match-winning 155 runs for the opening wicket before Sumeir departed after a superb 80 off just 36 deliveries, an innings featuring 11 fours and four sixes.

Shashwat, however, remained unbeaten till the end and completed a magnificent century off just 50 balls to guide Eagle Thane Strikers home comfortably and hand them a perfect start in one of India's leading franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments.

Blasters Recover After Shaky Start

Earlier, Bandra Blasters recovered well after a shaky start to post 189/9. Eagle Thane Strikers struck early after opting to field, with skipper Shardul Thakur dismissing Prateekkumar Ravishankar for a duck. Captain Suved Parkar (30) and Parag Khanapurkar (16) steadied the innings with a 45-run stand before a mix-up resulted in Parag's dismissal. Atharva Ankolekar further dented the innings with two wickets in consecutive deliveries before Dhrumil Matkar provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 28 off 17 balls to help the Blasters finish on a competitive total.

Upcoming League Action

Later in the day, Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals will take on Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs in the second match of the men's tournament.

On Tuesday, the inaugural edition of the T20 Mumbai Women's League will kick off, adding a new chapter to the league's history, with SOBO Mumbai Falcons taking on Thane Sky Risers in the first-ever match, starting at 9:30 am.

Brief Scores:

Bandra Blasters 189/9 in 20 overs (Jay Jain 45, Om Keshkamat 40, Suved Parkar 30; Onkar Tarmale 3/28, Atharva Ankolekar 2/34) lost to Eagle Thane Strikers 194/1 in 15.2 overs (Shashwat Jagtap 100 not out, Sumeir Zaveri 80) by 9 wickets. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Indonesia Open: Satwik-Chirag, PV Sindhu to lead India's charge

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:00:44 +0530

Indian badminton doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with PV Sindhu, will headline India's squad for the Indonesia Open 2026, which starts from Tuesday, according to Olympics.com.

The Satwik-Chirag duo head to Jakarta after ending their two-year drought on the BWF World Tour, having won the Singapore Open men's doubles title last week. It was their first World Tour triumph since the Thailand Open two years ago. The Indian doubles pair registered a come-from-behind win over Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Fikri in the men's doubles final. They dominated the summit clash after losing the opening game against the third-seeded Indonesian pair to win 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in an hour and 13 minutes to become the first Indian doubles combination to clinch the Singapore Open.

Spotlight on India's Star Shuttlers

In women's singles, PV Sindhu showed encouraging signs of a return to form in Singapore, beating Indonesia's world No. 6 Putri Kusuma Wardani and Japan's Riko Gunji before losing to Olympic champion An Se-young in the quarter-finals. Now ranked world No. 12, Sindhu could face An again in the second round in Jakarta. India's women's singles lineup also includes Unnati Hooda and Malvika Bansod.

In men's singles, Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy will lead the charge, with Prannoy coming off a notable win over Indonesia's world No. 5 Jonatan Christie.

In mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto reached the Singapore semi-finals but face a tough opener in Jakarta against Malaysian world champions Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.

Meanwhile, women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand return to action after Treesa's recovery from injury, marking their first BWF World Tour outing since March.

Indonesia Open 2026 badminton: India squad

Men's singles: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth Men's doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, MR Arjun/Hariharan Amsakarunan Women's singles: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Malvika Bansod Women's doubles: Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Mixed doubles: Rohan Kapoor/Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli Makes Honest 'Sixes vs Fours' Admission After RCB’s Title Defence Success

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:46:00 +0530

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass performance in the team’s IPL 2026 Final win over the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.

Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 75 off 42 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 178.57, to help chase down the 156-run target with two overs to spare and successfully defend their championship, cementing the franchise’s status as the IPL’s new dynasty. The veteran batter hit a winning six to take the team past the finishing line to seal his side's place in history.

Entering the title clash against GT with a modest record in IPL finals, Virat Kohli was determined to script a different narrative in his 19th season. Having scored only one fifty in the previous four IPL finals, the former RCB captain leaned into his tactical maturity to deliver the fastest half-century of his IPL career, a blistering 25-ball effort that effectively shut the door on the Titans’ hopes.

Also Read: Krunal Pandya calls fifth IPL title 'incredibly satisfying' with RCB

Beyond the Six-Hitting Hype: Kohli’s Pivot to Boundary-Based Brilliance

Through the IPL season, several batters hinged on explosive power-hitting and record-shattering sixes to dominate the league, with the 15–year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shattering Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single edition of the tournament. However, Kohli offered a timely reminder that the game’s highest levels still reward tactical precision over sheer brute force.

Reflecting on his evolution in a season where power-hitting became the gold standard, Kohli offered a candid perspective on his personal blueprint for success, stating that his game is built on high-percentage cricket rather than chasing the viral nature of maximums.

“I'm not a guy who will hit 40-50 sixes in a season, but I can hit 70-80 fours. I really worked on that aspect of my game. I'm going to hit the shots I can hit more often and take the bowlers on. That's always been my goal to be as consistent and impactful as possible,” Kohli said in a video shared by IPL.

Finishing off in style And it's none other than King Kohli Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X#TATAIPL | #Final | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/FZNGQ26gBs

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026

Out of 96 boundaries, Virat Kohli hit 25 fours, meaning that nearly one-quarter of his total boundary output was derived from his clinical ability to find the gaps rather than relying on the aerial route. At an average of nearly two sixes in 16 matches, Kohli’s numbers have starkly contrasted with the season's power-hitters, proving that his calculated selection of shots was the engine behind RCB’s title defence.

Virat Kohli’s Tactical Manifesto

The veteran RCB batter admitted that the modern game demands a versatile approach, emphasizing that true impact comes from adaptability rather than just one-dimensional power-hitting.

“The game is changing pretty rapidly. Just an opportunity for me to look at areas where I can get better. The explosive side of the game was something that needs to be taken care of nowadays. I try to prepare a well-rounded game and try to implement that as best as I can in every situation that I play,” Kohli said.

“That's the only thing I urge the youngsters to understand. Play according to the situation and the demands of the game. If you stay with the situation of the game, you're always going to be able to find solutions,” he added.

Virat Kohli finished the season as the fourth leading run-getter, with 675 runs, including a century and 5 fifties, at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. Despite returning to T20 cricket after a year, Kohli didn’t show any sign of rust, delivering a season that perfectly encapsulated his enduring class and adaptability.

Also Read: Kohli's impact goes beyond batting, says RCB skipper Rajat Patidar

Arsenal Premier League Champions 2026: Massive Victory Parade in London After 22-Year Wait |Football

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:04:33 +0530

Arsenal are Premier League champions once again, and North London has erupted in celebration. Tens of thousands of Arsenal supporters lined the streets as the club's players and staff took part in a massive open-top bus parade following their historic Premier League title win. From red flares and fireworks to emotional fan reactions, the atmosphere across London was electric as supporters celebrated Arsenal's first league title since 2004. Fans young and old gathered to witness the trophy parade, many experiencing a title celebration for the very first time. Despite disappointment in the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal fans put aside the heartbreak to celebrate a long-awaited return to the top of English football. Watch incredible scenes from the Arsenal victory parade, emotional fan interviews, trophy celebrations, chants, fireworks, and unforgettable moments from one of the biggest football celebrations of 2026. In this video: 00:00 – Arsenal End 22-Year Wait For Premier League Glory 01:00 – Thousands Of Fans Fill North London For Trophy Parade 02:00 – Emotional Celebrations, Fireworks & Trophy Lift Moments

Kapil Dev, Richard Marles hail India-Australia ties at KHUSHII event

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:00:21 +0530

Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev hailed the relationship between India and Australia, commending both governments for fostering closer relations, while Australia's Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, praised the KHUSHII (Kinship for Humanitarian Social and Holistic Intervention in India) organisation's impactful work. Both Kapil Dev and Richard Marles participated in 'Manobal', which celebrates the partnership between the Australian High Commission and KHUSHII, on Monday.

Kapil Dev Hails Strong India-Australia Ties

Kapil Dev, the founder of the KHUSHII Foundation, praised the strong ties between India and Australia. He also thanked Australia for supporting the Indian community and acknowledged the contributions of Indians living there. Kapil expressed gratitude to those backing KHUSHII's mission of supporting underprivileged children and emphasised the importance of people coming together to help and engage with one another for a greater social impact. "About the relationship between Australia and India, the governments are working very hard. For what Australia is doing for the Indian community there, I'd like to say thanks on behalf of them. What a wonderful job Indian people are doing, and they are looking after our people. I'm so grateful that people are getting together and trying to help KHUSHII. It's an organisation where we look after each other and look after underprivileged kids. If we can try to engage with each other, it will be very nice," Kapil Dev told reporters.

Notably, KHUSHII, a Non-Governmental Organisation, was established in 2003 by cricket icon Kapil Dev with the vision of providing quality education and holistic learning to young Indians.

Australian Dy PM Lauds KHUSHII's Work

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles praised the KHUSHII organisation's impactful work and said it was an honour to be there alongside Kapil Dev. He also highlighted the strength of India-Australia relations, describing them as stronger than ever, with both nations closely aligned on strategic matters. "It is an honour to be here with Kapil Dev at the KHUSHII foundation to see the incredible work they have been doing. The relationship between India and Australia is at a high watermark at every level. We have never been more strategically aligned. It is a privilege for me to be here," Marles said while speaking to the reporters. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Krunal Pandya calls fifth IPL title 'incredibly satisfying' with RCB

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:30:36 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya on Monday shared his joy after winning his fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, calling the achievement "incredibly satisfying." Krunal became one of the IPL's most well-accomplished players, securing his fifth IPL title, his second back-to-back title with RCB and played a crucial role in his team's success in the 2025 and 2026 editions. Before this, he had secured three IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians (MI). The Bengaluru all-rounder also played a vital role in his side's defending the title in the 2026 season.

Winning trophies my biggest motivation: Krunal

Speaking on JioHotstar, Pandya said, "Winning trophies has always been my biggest motivation in cricket because there's no feeling quite like lifting a championship. Individual performances and match wins bring happiness, but winning a tournament is something truly special."

He added, "Throughout my career, I've always visualised and manifested success at the team level, and I've been fortunate enough to be part of sides that have achieved that. To win a fifth IPL trophy in eleven years is incredibly satisfying, and I'm grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have come my way."

RCB beat GT to defend title

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

5 Reasons Why IPL 2026 Will Go Down as the Best Season in Tournament History

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:50:43 +0530

IPL 2026 ended as a landmark season, highlighted by RCB's historic back-to-back title triumph. The tournament featured record-breaking batting, the rise of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the greatest run chase in T20 history.

The 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has concluded with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defending their maiden IPL triumph with a five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans in the high-stakes Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.

The IPL 2026 wasn’t just a tournament, but also a watershed moment in the history of the tournament. 19 seasons of the cash-rich T20 league have culminated in an edition that shattered expectations and redefined the limits of the sport. With unprecedented batting aggression, the emergence of new stars, and a dramatic title defence that will be discussed for years to come, the 2026 season has set a new benchmark for excellence.

On that note, let’s take a look at five reasons why the 19th IPL season will go down as the best in the history of the tournament.

For 17 years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finished every IPL season without a coveted trophy and earned the nickname ‘the perennial underachievers’ (or frequently, the ‘unlucky bridesmaids’ of the league).

However, in a stunning reversal that shattered years of criticism, the franchise transformed its identity, proving that its resilience and strategic evolution could overcome even the most daunting of streaks. After successfully clinching their maiden IPL triumph in the last season, RCB, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidat, defended their title with clinical precision in 2026, becoming only the third team in the league’s history to pull off back-to-back championships.

With back-to-back IPL triumphs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has officially surpassed its past, cementing its legacy as a powerhouse franchise and turning their once-elusive dreams into a golden era of consistent, championship-winning cricket.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Andy Flower hails 'heartbeat' Virat Kohli after RCB win

Over the last several IPL seasons, many teenagers stole the spotlight with their talent across various franchises, but none could capture the imagination of fans and experts quite like 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The IPL 2026 has been almost dominated by Sooryavanshi, thanks to his record-breaking 776-run season.

His explosive batting and fearless strokeplay have become the hallmark of a new, aggressive era in T20 cricket. The 15-year-old shattered several records, including most sixes, most runs by an uncapped player in a season, fastest to 1000 IPL runs by balls, first to cross 600 and 700 runs with a strike rate of 200 or above, first to 400 runs via sixes, and most runs via boundaries.

Alongside his record-breaking season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi swept five individual honours, including Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Most Sixes of the season, a historic achievement that solidified his status as the most impactful player in the history of the league.

The recently concluded IPL 2026 witnessed the sheer dominance of batters, as they completely rewrote the rulebook and transformed the tournament into a high-scoring frenzy that pushed the boundaries of T20 cricket. A total of 27,450 runs were scored across the season, the highest-ever aggregate in a single IPL edition.

The tournament recorded its highest-ever overall run rate of 9.89 runs per over, while 65 totals crossed the 200-run mark, including 17 successful chases. Additionally, a total of 13 batters crossed the 500-run mark this season, a testament to the incredible batting depth and aggressive intent displayed throughout the tournament.

For the first time in the history of IPL, one batter from each of all 10 franchises scored a century, a statistical anomaly that perfectly captured the "year of the batter." The Chennai Super Kings (CSK)’s Sanju Samson recorded two centuries, becoming the only one to achieve this feat, a crowning individual achievement in a year defined by its relentless run-scoring and unprecedented batting brilliance.

Also Read: RCB Victory Parade: Back-to-Back IPL Champs, But Will They Celebrate in Bengaluru?

The IPL 2026 witnessed a mind-bending run-chase that will likely be replayed in highlights reels for decades to come. The match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium became an instant classic and arguably the greatest run-chase in the tournament's history.

In a high-scoring thriller, Delhi Capitals posted a daunting total of 264/2, anchored by a spectacular knock of 152 off 66 balls from KL Rahul. Though a 265-run target was impossible to chase, the Punjab Kings defied all odds to script a historic victory, thanks to a fiery 76-run knock by opener Prabhsimran Singh and an unbeaten 71-run knock by Shreyas Iyer, leading his side to the target with seven balls to spare and sealing a famous six-wicket win.

A total of 529 runs were scored in that single match, setting a new benchmark for the highest aggregate runs in a T20 game and turning the contest into the ultimate emblem of the 2026 season.

Though IPL 2026 was a paradise for batters, it also showcased remarkable resilience from the bowlers tasked with stopping the onslaught. Six bowlers picked up 20 or more wickets, while 10 others took 15 or more scalps, demonstrating that even in a tournament defined by power-hitting, the craft of controlled variation and pressure bowling remained a key difference-maker.

Kagiso Rabada finished the season with 29 wickets, earning him a Purple Cap, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished second with 28 wickets. Jofra Acher (25), Rashid Khan (21), and Anshul Kamboj (21) finished third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, rounding up an elite group of wicket-takers who proved that skill and nerves of steel could still thrive even when scoring rates reached unprecedented, record-breaking heights.

Despite the batters managing to rack up record-breaking totals this season, the bowlers provided the essential, gritty counterpoint that kept the contest between bat and ball alive.

Cricket Canada suspended; ICC Board announces key cricket reforms

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:30:33 +0530

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board on Monday suspended Cricket Canada from ICC membership with immediate effect due to serious breaches of its membership obligations after the conclusion of its Board meetings in Ahmedabad.

During the meeting, the ICC also announced a series of decisions aimed at strengthening governance, supporting women's cricket, enhancing global competition structures, and fostering innovation in the game, according to a media release by the ICC.

As per the release, the ICC Board was mindful of the importance of protecting the interests of Canadian players and ensuring they are not disadvantaged by the governance issues affecting the national governing body. Accordingly, Canadian national representative teams will continue to be eligible to participate in ICC events during the period of suspension. However, Cricket Canada will be permitted to access ICC funding through a controlled funding mechanism, under the oversight of ICC management, solely for approved national team programmes.

The ICC will also provide Cricket Canada with a set of reinstatement conditions aimed at addressing the governance and administrative issues identified by the Board. The progress against these conditions will be monitored by the ICC Normalisation Committee, supported by ICC management, with reinstatement of membership subject to the Board being satisfied that the conditions have been fully met.

Key Recommendations and Rule Changes Approved

The ICC Board has also approved several recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee, including trialling the use of a pink ball in Test Matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light.

Undertaking research on lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce lost play due to poor light, with ICC co-funding R&D projects alongside Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Enabling match officials to access Hawk-Eye data when considering reporting an illegal bowling action.

Updates to the Playing Conditions to allow head coaches or their designees to consult with teams during scheduled drinks intervals, mandate 15-minute intervals in T20I matches, and require batters to be ready at the resumption of play.

Permanent adoption of the legside wides trial.

Adoption of all remaining MCC Laws of Cricket changes effective 1 October 2026.

Updates to the Classification of Official Cricket, confirming that teams in the CWC Challenge League remain eligible to play other List A limited overs matches during each Challenge League tournament cycle.

Advancements in Women's Cricket

The ICC Board also approved a change to the window for the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027, moving the tournament from June-July to 14-28 February 2027.

Furthermore, the ICC will pilot the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 as a 10-team event featuring five Full Members and five Associate Members, selected based on rankings and prior T20 World Cup qualification.

The ICC Board has also endorsed the recommended qualification pathway for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028, to be hosted by the PCB, with India matches played at a neutral venue.

Changes to Men's T20 World Cup Qualification

For Associate Members, the ICC Board has approved the recommendation to establish a Global Qualifier for ICC Men's T20 World Cups. Management has been tasked with finalising a competition structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team Global Qualifier. This will be presented to the relevant Committees for consideration at the next round of ICC meetings.

Governance Oversight in Member Nations

As per ICC media release, Two ICC Board representatives, Dr Mohammed Moosaje (Cricket South Africa) and Tavengwa Mukuhlani (Zimbabwe Cricket), are scheduled to visit Bangladesh to engage with stakeholders regarding the situation in Bangladesh, including the BCB electoral process.

In Sri Lanka, ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja and Devajit Saikia (BCCI) have visited and met with relevant stakeholders to assess ongoing developments.

Addressing Franchise Cricket's Impact

The Board expressed concern regarding the growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess the harmonisation of franchise cricket with the international calendar within the current structure.

ICC Chairman on Future of Cricket

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said: "Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC's commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally. From women's cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today's discussions and decisions aim to ensure that cricket remains fair, competitive, and exciting for fans worldwide." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Andy Flower hails 'heartbeat' Virat Kohli after RCB win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:52 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower hailed Virat Kohli as the "heartbeat" of the team's dressing room after they won their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final on Sunday at Gujarat's Narendra Modi Stadium. Flower highlighted Kohli as a great role model for the team.

RCB became only the third side after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend their IPL crown successfully. The Rajat Patidar-led side, after restricting GT to 155/8 in the first innings, chased the target down with five wickets and two overs remaining.

Flower on Kohli: 'Heartbeat of the dressing room'

In a video on X uploaded by RCB's handle, Andy Flower singled out Virat Kohli for special praise, describing him as the "heartbeat" of the RCB dressing room. He commended Kohli's consistent courage, commitment, and willingness to challenge top-quality opposition, saying his example serves as outstanding role modelling for the entire team.

"Virat, I know you get a lot of attention and quite rightly. But I don't want to downplay that because you are a heartbeat in this dressing room. And the courage that you continually show to go out there and put yourself on the line and take on high-quality opposition is a bloody great role modelling for all of us," Flower said in the video.

“ ”: Andy Flower to Virat Kohli ❤️ Coach Andy uncut. From highlighting top performances, to wishing the young guns. Here’s a special from Andy’s dressing room talk. Thank you, Coach! To be… pic.twitter.com/QHGI6xCmLP — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 1, 2026

'Bravery and Heart Made the Difference'

Flower also praised the team's courage and character throughout the season, especially during the IPL 2026 playoffs. He said that while success at the highest level requires skill and cricketing intelligence, it is heart and bravery that make the difference, and said that RCB displayed those qualities consistently in their successful title defence.

"When I think of our season, and I particularly think of the last couple of games in the playoffs, what really stands out for me is the bravery of you guys in the middle. There's been countless examples of it. But when you're playing at the top level, and that's Test cricket or World Cups or IPL, you need to be obviously highly skilful. You need to have cricket intelligence, but you really need to have heart. And we've seen that in abundance this year," Flower said.

IPL 2026 Final: A Recap

Coming to the IPL 2026 final match, put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Virat Kohli a huge name in Australia: Aus Dy PM on strong India ties

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:00:28 +0530

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on Monday said that Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is "a huge name in Australia," while praising the strong ties between the two nations. Marles also expressed his admiration for Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev and highlighted the strong relationship between India and Australia during his participation in the event 'Manobal'.

"It is quite a thrill for me to be standing next to the great Kapil Dev... The relationship between Australia and India is at a high point... In so many ways, the shared passion that we have for life is embodied in our passion for cricket," Marles said. Speaking further on cricketing icons, he added, "Virat Kohli is a huge name in Australia right now, but as I grew up, the very first Indian cricket captain I remember was Bishan Bedi; they were the great names of that era. Everyone in this room is easily the most well-known person in Australia today. We have shared passions for things like cricket, but we also have shared challenges in the way in which we are going about leading the modern world."

Cricket ties emblematic of bilateral relationship

Earlier, Australian Deputy PM Marles also highlighted the strong sporting and cultural ties between Australia and India, pointing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. He praised RCB's batting heavyweight Virat Kohli's match-winning innings and noted the contributions of Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, saying their combined success reflected the close and collaborative relationship between the two nations.

"When I was here last year, it was the morning after the final of the Indian Premier League, as it is, of course, this morning. Last night, as we saw a year ago, we saw RCB triumph. But I like the fact that Virat Kohli was 75 not out and was man of the match, but alongside him were Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. So there was very much an Australian-Indian bilateral theme at play last night as RCB won the IPL. And that is emblematic, I think, of the relationship between our two countries," Marles said.

Hazlewood played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL 2026 title defence, claiming 15 wickets in 13 matches and providing crucial breakthroughs throughout the campaign despite an economy rate of 9.59.

Meanwhile, fellow Australian Tim David emerged as a key finisher for RCB, amassing 305 runs at a blistering strike rate of 188.27 and an average of 33.89, making several impactful contributions as the franchise secured a second consecutive IPL crown. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Tension Over! Zee Grabs Broadcast Rights for India

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:50:03 +0530

New Delhi: Indian football fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After months of waiting and a lot of tension, Zee Entertainment has officially bagged the broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India. The official confirmation came out today.

You can watch the FIFA World Cup matches live on Zee Group's brand-new TV channel, 'United8 Sports'. For those who prefer streaming, the matches will also be available live on the Zee5 app.

All FIFA matches on Zee till 2034

This deal isn't just for the 2026 World Cup. Zee Entertainment has secured the media rights for all major FIFA tournaments in India until 2034. This finally puts an end to the big worry among fans about whether the World Cup would even be broadcast in India.

The main challenge was the match timings. This year's World Cup is being held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. For us in India, that means matches will be on late at night or in the early morning. Big players like JioHotstar and Sony Sports were hesitant to bid, thinking ad revenue would be low because of the odd hours.

FIFA lowers price; Zee makes a strong comeback

Initially, FIFA was asking for about $100 million for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. When talks stalled, they dropped the price to $60 million. Other companies were reportedly offering only up to $20 million. Things changed when Zee Group made a strong comeback into sports broadcasting last week by launching its new 'United8 Sports' channels. While the company hasn't revealed the exact deal amount, reports suggest it's more than $20 million.

Zee Group CEO Punit Goenka said the company is thrilled to bring one of the world's biggest sporting events to Indian viewers. This is the first time in history that 48 teams will be competing in the World Cup. The tournament kicks off on July 11, and this announcement for the official Indian broadcaster has come just 11 days before it starts.

Here are the other major FIFA tournaments you can watch live on the Zee network:

FIFA World Cup 2030
FIFA Women's World Cup 2027
FIFA Men's U-17 World Cup (2026-2034)
FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup (2026-2034)
FIFA U-20 Men's World Cup
FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
FIFA Futsal Men's World Cup
FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup
FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2026-2030)

RCB Victory Parade: Back-to-Back IPL Champs, But Will They Celebrate in Bengaluru?

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:23:57 +0530

Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by captain Rajat Patidar, have done it again! On May 31, they beat Gujarat Titans in the IPL final to become champions for the second year in a row. This is a huge deal. RCB is now the third team in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to win back-to-back trophies.

As soon as RCB won last night, fans across Bengaluru and the country started celebrating with firecrackers. But amidst all the excitement, the big question is: will the team hold a victory parade in their home city, Bengaluru?

So, will RCB have a victory parade in Bengaluru?

After waiting for 18 long years, RCB won their first-ever IPL trophy last season in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings. Now, Rajat Patidar's squad has brought the cup home for a second time. Despite this historic achievement, the plans for a victory parade are still up in the air. Usually, any team that wins the IPL holds a big parade in their home city. But unfortunately, RCB's situation is different.

According to media reports, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru management has decided to stay away from any public events this time. The team was supposed to fly from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru right after winning the trophy. However, they are currently still staying at their hotel in Ahmedabad. The RCB franchise also posted a heartfelt message on its official social media accounts, asking fans to celebrate with caution and responsibility.

What a night. What a feeling. To every member of the RCB nation, congratulations. This is YOUR win. ❤️As the celebrations begin, let’s be responsible. Best way to celebrate is with your loved ones. Relive the memories, and enjoy this special moment from the comfort of… See the picture

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 31, 2026

The post said, "What a night, what a feeling. Congratulations to every member of the RCB nation. This is your win. As the celebrations begin, let’s be responsible. The best way to celebrate is with your loved ones. Relive the memories, and enjoy this special moment from the comfort of your home."

The tragedy of last year is still fresh

The reason for this caution is the tragic incident from last year. When RCB won their first IPL title, the team came to Bengaluru the very next day to celebrate with their fans. But during the event at Chinnaswamy Stadium, a stampede occurred in the massive crowd. Tragically, 11 fans lost their lives, and more than 50 people were injured. It is believed that this is why the RCB management is hesitant to hold a victory parade this year.

IPL 2026 Final: RCB Fan’s Epic Victory Dance Caught on Camera in Front of Police, Video Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:11:44 +0530

The whole of Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Mysore, couldn’t contain its joy and excitement after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their maiden IPL triumph following a five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans in the high-stakes 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.

RCB became just the third team, after the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to successfully defend their IPL title in the history of the tournament. The Rajat Patidar-led side entered the high-stakes final with a weight of expectation but displayed championship poise, dismantling the Gujarat Titans' bowling lineup in a clinical chase.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75-run knock and a vital cameo from Tim David in the middle-order proved instrumental in chasing down the target, cementing the team's legacy as a dominant force in the league.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Final: Virat Kohli's masterclass guides RCB to second straight title

RCB Fan’s Victory Dance Goes Wrong

As the RCB fans across Karnataka erupted in spontaneous celebrations, one particular moment from the streets of Mysore captured the raw, unfiltered passion of the fanbase. The RCB supporters’ joy and excitement often go beyond the boundaries of the stadium, and in this instance, it spilled onto the main thoroughfares of the city.

As traffic came to a halt, this particular fan, consumed by the magnitude of back-to-back championships, decided the middle of the road was the perfect stage for his performance. In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a shirtless RCB supporter was spotted dancing with wild abandon in front of a policeman, who was on duty to control the crowd.

Though the policeman ignored the initial disruption, he eventually lunged forward and struck the dancing fan with his baton, causing the boy to instantly abandon his performance and scramble away into the crowd.

RCB won their 2nd IPL title, and this fan got so lost in the celebrations that he forgot he was dancing right in front of the police After RCB's second IPL title win, fans flooded the streets to celebrate the historic moment. But this guy got so carried away by the celebrations… pic.twitter.com/BsKsZh3iQL

— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) June 1, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back IPL triumphs send the entire state of Karnataka into a state of pure, unbridled euphoria as the city celebrates a historic chapter in its sporting journey. RCB fans continue to paint the streets in the franchise's signature red and gold, proving that for this passionate community, the party is only just beginning.

RCB Joins Elite Clubs with IPL Title Defence Success

By successfully defending their maiden IPL triumph, which they won in the last IPL season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have joined an exclusive club of teams to secure consecutive IPL titles. RCB became just the second team after the Chennai Super Kings (2010 and 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019 and 2020) to successfully defend their IPL triumphs. They also became the fourth team after CSK, MI, and Kolkata Knight Riders to win multiple IPL titles.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar joined MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as the only captains to have led their teams to consecutive IPL trophy victories, cementing his place in the pantheon of the league's greatest leaders. Also, Patidar achieved a unique record of becoming the fastest captain to lead their team to IPL glory within his first two full seasons of captaincy.

The trophy stays with the Defending Champions #RoyalChallengersBengaluru! ⭐⭐#TATAIPL #Final #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/zxYLrv68Tk

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the third team, after Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, to win two IPL finals at the same venue, achieving this feat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Last but not least, Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer etched their names into the record books by crafting the fastest team fifty in an IPL final, reaching the milestone in just 3.3 overs. This blistering start eclipsed the previous record of 4 overs set by the Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 final.

Also Read: IPL 2026 final moved: Injustice to Bengaluru, says DK Shivakumar

MPL 2026: Jabalpur Royal Lions reveal squad with Punit Datey, Rohera

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:53 +0530

Jabalpur Royal Lions have announced the squad for the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026. The squad includes experienced campaigners like Punit Datey, along with prominent players such as Ajay Rohera and Mihir Hirwani, adding quality and depth to the side.

Aayush Lalwani of Jabalpur Royal Lions, which is owned by Econexis Sports, put his weight behind the squad and said, "We will have a fearless approach this season as we have built a squad with a great mix of experienced players and talented youngsters who are eager to prove themselves. The energy within the group has been very positive from the start, and the players are excited to play fearless and competitive cricket this season. The MPL has become a wonderful platform for cricketers to showcase their potential, grow in confidence and create opportunities for themselves at a higher level."

MPL 2026 Schedule and Opening Matches

Jabalpur Royal Lions will start the campaign against Indore Pink Panthers on June 6 in the evening match of the day at Holkar Stadium, according to a press release. The new season of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup is all set to kickstart on June 3, with Gwalior Cheetahs locking horns with Ujjain Falcons in the opening match of the men's tournament. The match will be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Expanded Tournament Format

MPL 2026 will be the biggest edition of the tournament so far, featuring an expanded format with 10 men's teams and five women's franchises. Three new franchises have been added to the men's competition with Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles joining defending champions Bhopal Leopards, along with Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rewa Jaguars. The women's competition has also grown with the inclusion of Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles. They will compete alongside Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals in the five-team tournament.

Jabalpur Royal Lions Squad

Jabalpur Royal Lions Squad: Aayam Sardana, Abhishek Bhandari, Ajay Rohera, Akarsh Singh Parihar, Akshat Dwivedi, Akshay Sharma, Arpit Gaud, Mihir Hirwani, Nayan Raj Mewada, Pankaj Patel, Prince Wadhwani, Punit Datey, Rahul Batham, Ritik Tada, Ritwik Diwan, Sanjog Nijjar, Vedant Awasthi. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

West Indies squad for Sri Lanka ODI series: Key players make return

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:00:26 +0530

West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, with all three matches scheduled to be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica between June 3 and June 8. Captain Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, which has been strengthened by the return of several key players, as per the ICC website.

Key Players Return to ODI Squad

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph returns to the ODI setup for the first time since Australia's tour of the Caribbean last year, having recovered from the back injury that sidelined him since July 2025. Spinner Gudakesh Motie is also back after missing the tour of New Zealand in November. Pace bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales have also been included, although Cricket West Indies has indicated that the workload of all three fast bowlers will be carefully monitored.

Another significant addition is Shimron Hetmyer, who has earned a recall to the ODI squad following a standout campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year. The left-hander amassed 248 runs at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 186.46 during the tournament. Hetmyer last represented the West Indies in ODIs against England in June 2025 and subsequently missed series against Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. He is set to link up with the squad ahead of the third ODI.

From the squad that toured New Zealand towards the end of last year, Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre and Romario Shepherd have dropped out.

Coach Daren Sammy on Team's Approach

Head coach Daren Sammy believes the team's recent home success can provide confidence against a disciplined Sri Lankan side. "Sri Lanka is a disciplined and skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket," he said.

"For us, this series is about setting the standard, intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball. We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should represent," he added.

Sammy also stressed the importance of collective performances as the West Indies continue their efforts to make home conditions a fortress in ODI cricket. "In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance, which we have stressed for the last 18 months," he added.

Push for World Cup 2027 Qualification

The series marks the beginning of a crucial phase for the West Indies as they continue their push for automatic qualification to the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Currently ranked 10th in the ODI rankings, West Indies remain outside the automatic qualification spots, with only the top eight teams, alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, earning direct entry through the rankings pathway.

Despite recent struggles away from home, including five defeats in their last six ODIs, the Team in Maroon have built strong momentum in Caribbean conditions. The West Indies have won their last four ODI series at home, dating back to 2023.

West Indies Squad

Squad: Shai Hope (c), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Secret Fuel? The Wild Diet Driving India's Newest 15-Year-Old Run Machine

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:46:58 +0530

Even the biggest IPL batters couldn't do what Vaibhav has done. This season, he smashed 776 runs in 16 matches to grab the 'Orange Cap'. And when it comes to sixes, he's the undisputed 'Sixer King'.Imagine this: a packed stadium, a new ball, and a 15-year-old boy at the crease. But Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's powerful batting is making even international bowlers nervous.We are talking about the IPL's new sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His powerful game has made even legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar stand up and applaud. But there's a solid diet plan behind his big hits!Vaibhav has achieved what many big IPL batters couldn't. He smashed a massive 776 runs in 16 matches this season, winning the 'Orange Cap'. When it comes to sixes, he is the real 'Sixer King'.He shattered West Indies giant Chris Gayle's record of 59 sixes in a season. Vaibhav hit a whopping 72 sixes, earning him the title of the new 'Universe Boss'. Bowlers are wondering where this 15-year-old gets his power from.So, what's the secret behind Vaibhav's powerful bat swing? It's all on his plate! He loves non-vegetarian food, especially mutton dishes. He gets his protein and energy from mutton and chicken, which helps him punish bowlers on the field. He also has a sweet tooth, and his favourite is 'Yellow Rajbhog' after a match or practice.For the Rajasthan Royals, this boy is a true diamond. At an age when he should be doing school homework, he is destroying the line and length of world-class bowlers. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already making his mark among stars like Gill and Kohli, and he is set to be the next big thing in Indian cricket.So, are you ready to watch this young lad's explosive batting? We'll have to wait and see how many more records this new storm named Vaibhav will break on the cricket field!

Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Gavaskar Heaps Praise, Calls Him 'Best Memory' of IPL 2026!

Indrakshi Samanta — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:38:05 +0530

Mumbai: With the IPL 2026 season now done and dusted, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has once again heaped praise on the tournament's breakout star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The former Indian captain said that his most cherished memory from this year's IPL will be Suryavanshi's incredible six-hitting spree. Even though his team, the Rajasthan Royals, bowed out in the qualifiers, Suryavanshi made sure he was the biggest story of IPL 2026 with a performance that rewrote the history books.

Talking about Suryavanshi's performance, Gavaskar said, ''From this season, the one person I will always remember is Suryavanshi. The way he batted, the 72 sixes he smashed, and the 500 runs he scored in the powerplay alone are just unbelievable. For a 15-year-old, this is an extraordinary achievement. It’s a sign of a very bright future for Indian cricket.'' Suryavanshi, who won the Orange Cap with 776 runs, created a new record by hitting 72 sixes, breaking Chris Gayle's previous record of 59.

ALSO READ: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Set for Bollywood? Shekhar Kapur Wants IPL Star in ‘Masoom’

What stood out about Suryavanshi's batting was how he faced the world's fastest bowlers without any fear. During a post-season chat with Gavaskar, Suryavanshi revealed that it was stories of the legend's own batting that gave him this strength. Suryavanshi said his father used to tell him stories of how Gavaskar faced the deadly West Indian pace bowlers without a helmet. Hearing these stories helped him develop a mindset where he didn't need to be afraid of fast bowling or bouncers.

Suryavanshi's thinking was simple: if Gavaskar could do it back in the day without proper safety equipment, then today's players, with all their modern protective gear, should be able to face pace bowling with confidence.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Wins 5 Awards, Car and Huge Cash Prize

RCB's IPL win emblematic of India-Australia ties: Richard Marles

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:31:07 +0530

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday highlighted the strong sporting and cultural ties between Australia and India, pointing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. He praised RCB's batting heavyweight Virat Kohli's match-winning innings and noted the contributions of Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, saying their combined success reflected the close and collaborative relationship between the two nations. "When I was here last year, it was the morning after the final of the Indian Premier League, as it is, of course, this morning. Last night, as we saw a year ago, we saw RCB triumph. But I like the fact that Virat Kohli was 75 not out and was man of the match, but alongside him were Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. So there was very much an Australian-Indian bilateral theme at play last night as RCB won the IPL. And that is emblematic, I think, of the relationship between our two countries," Marles said.

RCB Clinch Back-to-Back Titles

Australian Players' Key Contributions

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Asian U20 Athletics: PM Modi lauds India's 19-medal haul, 10 golds

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:31:59 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian contingent for its outstanding performance at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships. PM Modi congratulated the Indian contingent on winning 19 medals, including 10 Gold medals, at the Championships. Modi said that the achievement reflects the determination and excellence of India's young athletes. He expressed hope that these accomplishments would inspire many more young Indians to pursue sports in the years to come.

"Congratulations to the Indian contingent at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships for winning 19 medals, including 10 Golds. This outstanding performance reflects the determination and excellence of India's young athletes. May these achievements inspire many more young Indians to pursue sports in the years to come," Modi wrote in an X post.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2061342520093905158?s=20

India's Record Performance

India concluded the 2026 Asian U20 Athletics Championships with a stellar haul of 19 medals, including 10 gold, to finish second in the overall standings behind China. The achievement marked the country's best-ever performance at the continental meet held outside home soil.

"A Performance of Pure Statement. 10 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze. 19 medals. 2nd overall. A championship to remember for Team India at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships," Athletics Federation of India (AFI) wrote in an X post.

https://x.com/afiindia/status/2061322888897286271?s=20

Indian Contingent: Full Squad

Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2026: India squad: Men: Rudra Sachin Shinde (200m 4x100m relay), Mohammed Ashfaq (400m, 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay), Piyush Raj (400m, 4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m relay), Venkatram Reddy Mogali (800m), Sandeep Yadav, Vikas Kumar (3000m), Nikhil C (3000m steeplechase), Kiran Kunchan (110mh), Jashanpreet Singh, Amit Kumar (400mh), Nitin Gupta, Tushar Panwar (5000m race walk), Basant (high jump), Shahnavaz Khan, Jithin Arjunan Raman (long jump), Royshan Poorna Chandrasekar (triple jump), Nishchay (discus throw), Ashuvendra Pratap Singh, Aman (hammer throw), Ashish Yadav (javelin throw), Upkar, Rahul Jakhar (Decathlon), Anshu Rajak, Aditya Pisal, Nived Krishna J, Mehebubul Ahamed, Ranjith Kumar Senthil Kumar, Sayed Sabeer, Nakul Prabhu, Abhay Kumar Dubey (4x100m relay). Women: Nipam (100, 4x100m relay), Bhumika Sanjay Nehate (200m, 4x100 relay, mixed 4x100m relay), Aarti (200m, 4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m relay), Neeru Pathak (400m, 4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m relay), Tahura Khutan (400m, 4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m), Muskan (5000m), Mansi Avinash Yadav, Aisha Verma (3000m SC), Pooja (high jump), Sadhana Ravi (triple jump), Amanat Kamboj (discus throw), Poonam (javelin throw), Bhavana G (4x100m relay), Rujula Amol Bhonsle (4x100m relay), Kajal Hirabhai Vaja (4x100m relay), Sehnoor Bawa (4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m relay), Kavita (400m, 4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m relay), Mehardeep Kaur (4x400m relay, mixed 4x400m relay). (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

VPL 2026: Defending champs NECO Master Blaster ready for title defence

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:30:41 +0530

Defending champions NECO Master Blaster are set to begin their Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) 2026 campaign with confidence and momentum as they prepare to take on Pagariya Strikers in the opening match of the tournament on June 1 at the VCA Stadium, Jamtha.

After lifting the title in the inaugural edition, NECO Master Blaster enter the second season with a strong blend of experienced performers and exciting young talent.

Team Strength and Leadership

Led by wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, the team will look to build on last year's success and continue playing the fearless brand of cricket that helped them emerge as champions, according to a press release.

The squad boasts a balanced combination of batting depth, all-round options and a versatile bowling attack. Alongside captain Jitesh Sharma, players such as Harsh Dubey, Adhyayan Daga, Aryan Meshram, Shanmesh Deshmukh and Ananmay Jayaswal are expected to play key roles throughout the tournament.

Mentor Abhishek Chourasia believes the team's balance and positive dressing-room environment remain its biggest strengths heading into the new season. The franchise has focused on creating a pressure-free atmosphere where players can express themselves and enjoy their cricket while maintaining a winning mindset.

VPL 2026 Campaign and Schedule

NECO Master Blaster will open their campaign against Pagariya Strikers before taking on Bharat Rangers (June 4), Orange Tigers (June 5), India Warriors (June 6) and Nagpur Heroz (June 8) in the league stage.

With every team eager to dethrone the defending champions, NECO Master Blaster will be aiming to make an early statement and continue their winning momentum.

New Season, New Identity

Adding to the excitement ahead of VPL 2026, NECO Master Blaster recently unveiled their new jersey along with a power-packed team anthem, in the presence of Prashant Vaidya, Chairman of the Vidarbha Premier League, who extended his best wishes to the players for the upcoming campaign.

The team will also take the field this season under its inspiring tagline, 'Jazba Jeet Ka', embodying the hunger, determination and belief that drives the defending champions.

With a title-winning core, talented youngsters and a fearless approach, NECO Master Blaster will once again be among the teams to watch as VPL 2026 gets underway.

NECO Master Blaster Squad

Squad NECO Master Blaster (Men): Jitesh Sharma (Captain), Adhyayan Daga, Aryan Meshram, Shanmesh Deshmukh, Ananmay Jayaswal, Vedant Dighade, Vaibhav Chandekar, Abhishek Gupta, Shantanu Rajput, Dipesh Parwani, Harsh Dubey, Avinash Jadhav, Arya Durugkar, Gaurav Dhoble, Gaurav Farde, Kush Khandelwal. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Beyond the IPL: RR Star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shifts Focus to Test Cricket Aspirations

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:08:21 +0530

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) teen sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, dominated the recently concluded IPL 2026 in such a way that he essentially rewrote the record books for a single season. His explosive batting and fearless strokeplay not only powered the Royals to crucial wins but also captured the imagination of the fans.

The 15-year-old finished the season as the highest run–getter with 776 runs, including a century and 5 fifties, at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.30 in 15 matches. Alongside a record-breaking season, Sooryavanshi took home five major individual honours, including Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Most Sixes of the season.

From dominating the season to establishing himself as a multifaceted talent, Sooryavanshi is now preparing to carry this form into new challenges, keeping his long-term goals and red-ball ambitions in mind.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Wins 5 Awards, Car and Huge Cash Prize

‘Practised a Lot with the Red-Ball’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has often been viewed as the product of T20 cricket, given his meteoric rise through the league’s power-hitting culture and his natural ability to find the boundary with ease. However, despite the T20 tag, the young prodigy is determined to prove his mettle in the sport’s most traditional format.

After the IPL 2026 Final, where RCB defeated GT to complete their maiden title defence success, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin jokingly said that Sooryavanshi missed out on the opportunity to win the award for most fours and asked the young batter whether he had any plans to keep the ball on the ground.

To which the RR star responded that he has been putting in significant work with the red-ball, adding that nobody sees the hard work behind the scenes, away from the spotlight of the IPL cameras.

"Yes, I will have to play on the ground because the next assignment is in a one-day format. I have practised a lot with a red ball, but no one has seen me do that, but they will soon." Sooryavanshi said.

?' ! #TATAIPL #Final #RCBvGT #RCB #VaibhavSooryavanshi pic.twitter.com/A2CpU2D051

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2026

During the IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was picked in an India A squad for the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, which will begin on June 9. His inclusion in the squad appeared to be part of the selectors’ strategy to evaluate his readiness for the senior national team.

‘I Want to Play Test Cricket’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi expressed his desire to play the longest format of the game while revealing his father’s long-standing dream for him to don the white flannels for India.

“I want to play Test cricket, obviously, because my father also taught me that it is the ultimate format, and I have played it as well. I'm yet to play many games, though,” the 15-year-old said.

“I played Ranji Trophy cricket but did not get too many opportunities, and it was challenging for me. But I am going to keep working on that aspect of my game," he added.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played Youth Tests for India U19 and Ranji Trophy for Bihar, an experience he credits with grounding his development despite the limited opportunities he has had to showcase his skills in the longest format.

Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the India A’s squad is a gradual transition from being a U-19 cricketer to a high-potential ‘Pathways’ talent, serving as a critical bridge between his explosive IPL success and the technical rigours required for the senior national team. He will play alongside the likes of Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who provide the experience and mentorship necessary to help him navigate the challenges of international-level cricket.

Also Read: BCCI Secretary Saikia Lauds Teen Sensation Sooryavanshi, Hints At India Call‑Up After Orange Cap Heroics

Jacob Fatu Injury Shocks WWE! Roman Reigns Match in Serious Doubt? | Sports

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:03:58 +0530

WWE may be forced to change major plans after reports claimed Jacob Fatu suffered a legitimate injury following his recent match. With a high-profile title showdown against Roman Reigns reportedly in jeopardy, WWE is now considering backup options while awaiting medical clearance on the rising Bloodline star. In this video: 00:00 – Reports Claim Jacob Fatu Suffers Legitimate Injury 01:00 – Roman Reigns Match Now In Serious Doubt 02:00 – WWE Discussing Backup Plans Amid Uncertainty

IPL 2026 Final: GT's Solanki refuses excuses for loss against RCB

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:01:26 +0530

Gujarat Titans (GT) Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki acknowledged that while the team faced a demanding schedule, he did not want to use it as an excuse for their defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He admitted that Titans had moments where they challenged RCB, but ultimately accepted that the opposition was the better side. Solanki also brushed aside concerns over the Gujarat Titans arriving late in Ahmedabad due to stormy weather, stating that such factors are irrelevant after the outcome of the match.

Stormy weather had delayed GT's arrival in Ahmedabad for the IPL final. This left them with less than 24 hours to prepare for their third IPL final, on home turf. "The number of games in a short number of days is challenging. Of course, it is at the end of a campaign, but I'm not going to lean on that at all. We had an opportunity to challenge RCB in parts we did, but they were the better side today. I think that's as simple as it is. We could look at matters of statistics as far as what lengths were bowled and what was done, as far as the top order was concerned. Did we travel late? That's all irrelevant now," Solanki told the reporters after the match.

Travel Delay Details

Titans were scheduled to depart Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon on a charter flight after their Qualifier 2 win over Rajasthan Royals on Friday. However, heavy rainfall across north-western India, particularly around Punjab, led airport authorities in Chandigarh to withhold take-off clearance, resulting in delays to several flights from the city.

RCB Clinch Back-to-Back Titles

'Fell 20-25 Runs Short'

Solanki also felt that GT fell around 20-25 runs short in the final, though he praised his team's fight and determination in taking the match close. He added that while small margins could have changed the outcome, the reality was that GT were beaten by a better side on the day and extended his congratulations to RCB. "I think we were probably 20, 25 runs short, but it was exceptional to see the fight and the hunger the guys showed to bring that game close to the finish. Had we got 25, and these are all ifs and buts, of course, the fact is that we've been beaten by a side today, and my most prevalent thought is to congratulate RCB," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Paris Erupts In Chaos As PSG’s Champions League Win Triggers 890 Arrests And Dozens Injuries

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:30:00 +0530

France said on Monday that nearly 900 people had been arrested in riots that broke out after Paris Saint-Germain club won the coveted Champions League for a second consecutive year over the weekend.

"We've had more than 890 arrests. In total, that's 45 percent more than last year," Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told broadcaster France Inter, adding that nearly 180 law enforcement officers had been injured.

Celebrations were blighted by clashes between youths and police in Paris and other cities, cars set on fire and shops looted.

On Sunday evening, President Emmanuel Macron received the team at the Elysee Palace. While he said PSG were an "immense pride" for France, he denounced the "unspeakable" violence.

"Enough. We are fed up," he said.

"This is not football, this is not sport, this is not what we love," he added.

One man died riding his motorbike around the Paris ring road in celebration while authorities reported stabbings and other attacks.

Patnitop Ultra Marathon: Young grit meets senior fitness in J&K race

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:00:37 +0530

In the first high altitude Ultra Marathon of Jammu province held in Patnitop, Nathatop,7,000ft msl and Sanasar on Sunday, it showed that if the young ones show grit and endurance, the oldies set an example of fitness and discipline for the youth.

50km Ultra Marathon Winners

In the 50 km 18-35 age category, Akshay Sharma stood first with 3:57:32hr timing; Sqn Leader Neha Devi was first among women who covered it in 4:23:58 hr. Sonaram Hasse and Pragati Garg covered 50Km in 3:57:28 hr and 5:16:33 hours in the 35-45 age category, respectively. Balraj Kaushik and Anuradha did it in 5:16:33 hr & 7:02:21 hr in the 45-55 age category. Ajay Gandotra did it in 5:54:49 hr in the 55-65 age category. OP Sharma and Manmohan,69, did it in 6:15:51 hr & 6:41:30 hr for the 65-plus category, respectively. In the same category, Shamala, 65, wife of Manmohan, was the only runner.

Event Organisation and Participation

The event organised by an NGO, IKA Sports & Events, in collaboration with the Patnitop Development Authority(PDA), Department of Tourism and Patnitop Hoteliers Association, besides administrations of Udhampur and Ramban, was flagged off by the organiser and founder of IKA Sports & Events, Kapil Arora, at 4.30 am.

Inspiration from a Senior Runner

"I have come from Pathankot. I have got this award for finishing a 5km run in the marathon. I am 75 years old, and I started running just 5 years ago. I have run marathons at Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jabalpur as well," Kulwant Singh Bajwa told ANI.

After that, Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority(PDA), Virender Manyal, flagged off 22Km,10 km, and 5 Km runs at 6 am,6.30 am and 6.40 am respectively in the presence of Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Pankaj Sasan and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Chenani, Ranjit Singh.

According to Kapil Arora, more than 750 runners, including women and children from various parts of India and even from Japan and the UK, participated in the Marathon in 50Km,21Km,10 Km and 5 Km marathons. For the 50 km Ultra Marathon, the runners, starting from the Youth Hostel, Patnitop, first went to Kud and from there went to Sanasar and returned to the starting point.

A Drive for Fitness and Tourism

"We are organising different activities in every district and tehsil under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan...we have been organising this marathon for the past 6 years in Udhampur...there were 4 categories this year - 50km, 21km, 10km, and 5km. People from all over India have come. The motive behind this event was to send the message to people to keep themselves physically fit and stay away from addiction. This event benefits tourism in Patnitop the most," CEO of Patnitop Development Authority, Virender Manyal said.

Positive Feedback and Grand Finale

The participants were all praise for the scenic beauty and the pleasant weather most suitable for a Marathon and expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements by the organisers and concerning departments.

At last, the chief guest, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mohammed Alyas Khan, after welcoming the runners, gave away the prizes to the winners in the presence of other dignitaries. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026 Final: Kohli's 75* guides RCB to back-to-back titles

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:30:50 +0530

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, RCB's batting icon Virat Kohli reflected on Bengaluru's triumphs, saying the team challenged themselves after last year's glory by asking whether they could repeat the feat.

RCB Secure Back-to-Back Titles

"We asked ourselves a question last year- can we go back to back? Here we are again," Kohli wrote in an Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Harry Kane Praises Kohli

Star footballer Harry Kane praised Virat Kohli for his match-winning performance in the final and congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on securing consecutive IPL titles. "What a player and what a knock @virat.Kohli. Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru on making it back-to-back IPL titles," Kane wrote in an Instagram story.

Kohli ended the tournament as the fourth-highest run-getter with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, with a century and five fifties and a best score of 105*.

Match Summary

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Assam CM Sarma, Mandaviya discuss sports infra, worker welfare

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:30:27 +0530

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday held discussions with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on strengthening sports infrastructure in the state and improving welfare measures for workers. The meeting at the Union Minister's official residence lasted for over an hour.

CM Highlights 'Sewa First' Philosophy

Later, in a post on X, the Chief Minister shared details of the discussion and highlighted what he described as the BJP's guiding philosophy of 'Sewa First'. 'Sewa First' is a philosophy which binds every karyakarta of BJP. I am thankful to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya ji, who gave his time this morning, on his birthday, to discuss various matters related to developing sports infrastructure in Assam and creating an enabling atmosphere for our Shramjeevis," Sarma wrote. 'Sewa First' is a philosophy which binds every karyakarta of BJP. I am thankful to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @mansukhmandviya ji who gave his time this morning, on his birthday, to discuss various matters related to developing sports infrastructure in Assam and creating an… pic.twitter.com/iyeCsSQcL0 — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 1, 2026

Focus on Sports Hub and Worker Welfare

According to the Chief Minister, the discussions focused on expanding sports infrastructure across Assam and exploring ways to create better opportunities and welfare mechanisms for workers in the state.

Sarma said he conveyed his birthday wishes to the Union Minister and sought continued support from the Centre in Assam's efforts to emerge as a major sporting destination in the country. "I wished him the very best on this special day and requested him to continue his support in our endeavour to build Assam as a Sports Hub of India," he added.

Assam's Broader Sports Vision

The meeting assumes significance as the Assam Government has been actively investing in sports infrastructure and hosting national and international sporting events in recent years as part of its broader vision to position the state as a leading sports destination in the Northeast and the country.

The state government has repeatedly emphasised that strengthening sporting facilities, nurturing young talent and attracting major sporting events will play a key role in Assam's development agenda over the coming years. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajat Patidar: From Unsold to RCB Hero | Unknown Facts You Probably Didn’t Know | IPL 2026 Champions

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:09:33 +0530

Rajat Patidar's journey is nothing short of a Bollywood script! From suffering a career-changing injury and going unsold in the IPL auction to smashing a historic century and becoming RCB's biggest match-winner, this story will leave every cricket fan inspired. Here are some shocking and lesser-known facts about the man who turned setbacks into success. In this video: 00:00 – The Injury That Forced Him To Change His Cricketing Future 01:00 – Rajat Patidar's Incredible Rise From Rejection To Stardom 02:00 – Unsold In IPL To Historic Century & RCB Leadership

RCB vs GT Highlights: Virat Kohli Seals Back-To-Back Titles for Bengaluru | IPL 2026 Final

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:07:41 +0530

Virat Kohli delivered on the biggest stage once again as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Final. Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided RCB to a comfortable chase after their bowlers restricted GT to 155. Rajat Patidar's side created history by winning back-to-back IPL championships. In this video: 00:00 – Intro 00:10 - Virat Kohli Leads RCB To Another IPL Title 01:45 – RCB Bowlers Destroy Gujarat Titans' Batting Lineup 03:15 – Rajat Patidar Creates History With Back-To-Back Championships

Inside Gujarat Titans Coach Ashish Nehra’s Hidden Goa Paradise With Expansive Tropical Luxury

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:52:14 +0530

Ashish Nehra’s South Goa villa blends tropical architecture, privacy, and luxury. Explore six striking features of his Cavelossim residence, from expansive green spaces to family‑focused living areas.

Goa has become Nehra’s chosen retreat, where he owns a villa that reflects his love for greenery, privacy, and a calmer lifestyle. When not coaching in the IPL, he spends time here with his wife Rushma and their two children, enjoying the slower pace of life away from the spotlight.

Reports indicate Nehra’s property is located in Cavelossim, South Goa, an upscale coastal belt known for luxury villas and beachside homes. The area is popular among celebrities for its peaceful surroundings and proximity to some of Goa’s most scenic beaches, making it one of the state’s most sought‑after residential destinations.

The villa is designed in a modern Goan style, combining tropical architecture with open green spaces. Spacious living rooms, large balconies, and outdoor areas define the property. The design emphasizes natural touches and privacy, blending indoor luxury with coastal vibes that mirror the relaxed lifestyle of South Goa.

South Goa’s premium belt has seen soaring real estate prices, with luxury villas often valued in several crores. While no official figure has been disclosed for Nehra’s villa, local discussions suggest the property’s expansive design and location place it firmly in the high‑end category of Goa’s real estate market.

Nehra is known as a family man, and his Goa residence reflects that. His wife often shares glimpses of their life on Instagram, featuring Nehra and their children enjoying the villa. The property serves as a private haven where family time takes precedence over public appearances.

In 2024, reports surfaced about alleged unauthorized construction activity in a No Development Zone around Nehra’s property. The incident briefly brought public attention to his otherwise low‑profile residence. Despite this, Nehra has continued to maintain privacy and simplicity in his personal life, keeping his focus on family and cricket.

IPL 2026 Final: Virat Kohli's masterclass guides RCB to second straight title

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:30:28 +0530

RCB Secure Consecutive IPL Titles, Kohli Shines in Final

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, Phil Salt and Suyash Sharma became part of a rare trio of consecutive championship-winning campaigns. The duo lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 before adding successive titles with RCB in 2025 and 2026.

Key Performers: Salt and Sharma

Phil Salt enjoyed a dynamic IPL 2026 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, opening the batting and keeping wickets while scoring 202 runs in six matches at a blistering strike rate of 168.33. Across his 40-match IPL career, Salt has accumulated 1,258 runs at an impressive strike rate of 174.48, including 12 half-centuries.

On the other hand, Sharma had a decent 2026 IPL season, taking 9 wickets in 12 matches while maintaining an economy rate of 9.21. Overall, in 39 matches, he has scalped 27 wickets at an average of 44.07.

Match Recap: RCB vs GT

Coming to the match, put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only ones to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly. RCB started well with a 62-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer (32 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. GT showed some fight, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, but Kohli's (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) guided RCB to a win with two overs left.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Wins 5 Awards, Car and Huge Cash Prize

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:16:29 +0530

Just 15 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as one of IPL 2026's biggest stars. The teenage sensation dominated the season, winning multiple awards, a brand-new car, and hefty prize money after a remarkable campaign.

RCB clinched their second consecutive IPL title in 2026. They beat Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in a thrilling final. After the match, the season's top performers were honoured with awards for most runs, most wickets, and other special achievements.Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in IPL 2026. He smashed 776 runs in 16 innings at a mind-boggling strike rate of 237.31, including one century and five half-centuries. He also won the 'Super Striker of the Season' award, bagging a new car for this feat. On top of that, he was named 'Emerging Player of the Season' and also won the award for hitting the most sixes (a whopping 72!).It doesn't stop there! Vaibhav Suryavanshi's all-round brilliance earned him 436.5 points, making him the 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) of the season. In total, he swept five major awards: Orange Cap, Most Sixes, Super Striker, Emerging Player, and MVP. What a clean sweep!All these awards came with some serious prize money. As per IPL rules, Vaibhav earned ₹10 lakh for the Orange Cap, ₹10 lakh for the MVP award, and a cool ₹20 lakh for the Emerging Player award. His Super Striker award came with ₹10 lakh cash and a new luxury car worth around ₹15 lakh. Add another ₹10 lakh for hitting the most sixes, and his total winnings come to a massive ₹75 lakh. Not bad for a 15-year-old!While Vaibhav stole the show, other players also had a fantastic season. Gujarat Titans' pacer Kagiso Rabada won the 'Purple Cap' for taking the most wickets, with a tally of 29. His teammate Sai Sudharsan hit 75 boundaries to win the award for most fours. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj was a nightmare for batsmen, bowling 172 dot balls—the most by any bowler this season.

IPL 2026 final moved: Injustice to Bengaluru, says DK Shivakumar

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:30:30 +0530

'Injustice done to Bengaluru': DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar on Monday stressed that no injustice was done to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but felt that Bengaluru and Karnataka's youngsters were deprived as the Indian Premier League (IPL) final was shifted to Ahmedabad instead of the state's capital. As defending champions heading into IPL 2026, Bengaluru were initially set to host the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later shifted the marquee match to Ahmedabad. "Injustice has not been done to RCB. Injustice has been done to Bengaluru and Karnataka youngsters. The IPL final was supposed to be played here. But it happened in Ahmedabad. Whatever happened last time, we have all forgotten it and have started a new beginning," DK Shivakumar told the reporters.

BCCI cites ticket demands for venue change

RCB clinch IPL 2026 title

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

BCCI Secretary Saikia Lauds Teen Sensation Sooryavanshi, Hints At India Call‑Up After Orange Cap Heroics

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:20:53 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s thrilling five‑wicket win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad sealed their second consecutive IPL crown, drawing praise from BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. He lauded the quality of the tournament and singled out 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who emerged as the youngest Orange Cap winner in IPL history.

Saikia congratulated RCB for their dominant run, saying, “It was a wonderful season… congratulations to RCB for winning the tournament consecutively twice. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a wonderful player coming up, and he has a bright future. BCCI will do everything to get him to the highest level of cricket.”

Kohli Anchors The Chase

In the final, RCB began strongly with a 62‑run opening stand between Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. Despite a mid‑innings fightback from Gujarat Titans that reduced them to 132/5, Kohli’s unbeaten 75 off 42 balls guided Bengaluru home with composure.

The victory capped a season where RCB showcased depth, with multiple players stepping up across matches. Kohli himself acknowledged the collective effort, noting that the campaign no longer rested solely on his shoulders.

Sooryavanshi’s rise was the standout story of IPL 2026. At just 15 years and 65 days, he scored 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30, breaking age‑related records previously held by Shubman Gill and Sudharsan. His performances drew admiration across the cricketing world, marking him as a generational talent.

Saikia also spoke about preparations for upcoming global events, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing confidence in the Women in Blue to meet the challenge.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur joined in congratulating RCB, calling the back‑to‑back titles “a very big achievement of BCCI” and praising the atmosphere in Ahmedabad, where RCB fans turned out in large numbers.

Virat Kohli’s Dance With Anushka Sharma Steals Spotlight As RCB Celebrate Back‑To‑Back IPL Titles (WATCH)

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:10:28 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated their second consecutive IPL crown in Ahmedabad on Sunday, with Virat Kohli delivering a masterclass in the final against Gujarat Titans. Kohli’s unbeaten 75 guided RCB to a five‑wicket victory, chasing down 156 in just 18 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The triumph sparked jubilant scenes, with Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma stealing the spotlight. A video shared by RCB showed the couple dancing alongside teammates including Dinesh Karthik, a clip that quickly went viral and delighted fans across social media.

Kohli’s Knock Defines The Final

Kohli’s 25‑ball half‑century set the tone for RCB’s chase, showcasing his ability to adapt even at 37. He credited young talents like 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for pushing him to alter his mindset and take on bowlers more aggressively. “I had to change my mindset, not my game so much,” Kohli explained, underlining how the new generation has influenced his approach.

VIRAT KOHLI × ANUSHKA SHARMA DANCING & CELEBRATING..!!!! ❤️- RCB, The Champions of IPL. pic.twitter.com/lxLqNgIM9I

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 1, 2026

The final itself saw Kai Havertz give RCB an early lead, only for Ousmane Dembele to equalise for Gujarat from the spot. But Kohli’s composure ensured Bengaluru defended their crown, adding another chapter to his storied career.

Kohli expressed pride in the collective effort that defined RCB’s season. In the first 10 matches, eight different players won Player of the Match awards, a sign that the campaign no longer rested solely on his shoulders. “We’ve had to wait for so long, and now you feel like you don’t need to be the one to step up every time,” he said.

The celebrations in Ahmedabad reflected that sentiment, with the squad and fans united in joy. For Kohli, the dance with Anushka symbolised more than just victory—it was a moment of release after years of pursuit.

Norway Chess: Carlsen downs Firouzja, Wesley So takes top spot

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:33 +0530

Wesley So Takes Lead as Carlsen Defeats Firouzja

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen secured a crucial win over tournament leader Alireza Firouzja, tightening the standings after round six of the ongoing Norway Chess. Playing with the white pieces, Carlsen steadily built pressure in a tense strategic battle before converting his advantage in the endgame. The victory narrows the gap at the top and marks Firouzja's first classical defeat of the tournament.

Wesley So secured a crucial win over Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in a hard-fought encounter, handling the complications with confidence before converting his advantage in the endgame to take full points. The victory propelled the American grandmaster to the top of the standings.

In another decisive result, Vincent Keymer defeated reigning World Champion D Gukesh, maintaining the initiative for much of the game and capitalising on his chances to secure a statement win.

Following round six, Wesley So leads the Norway Chess standings, with Alireza Firouzja close behind as the race for first place remains wide open.

Assaubayeva Takes Sole Lead in Women's Tournament

In the women's section, Bibisara Assaubayeva has taken sole leadership at Norway Chess Women.

Norway Chess Women delivered another tense round in Oslo, featuring one decisive classical result and two Armageddon deciders.

Reigning Women's World Champion Ju Wenjun claimed the only classical win of the day, defeating Divya Deshmukh in a hard-fought battle. Ju gradually improved her position and converted her advantage in the endgame to secure an important victory.

Bibisara Assaubayeva and Humpy Koneru played out a closely contested classical draw before Assaubayeva triumphed in the Armageddon tiebreak to collect the extra points and reclaim sole leadership.

In another balanced encounter, Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner shared the spoils in classical play, with Zhu Jiner later winning the Armageddon game to secure additional points.

After six rounds, Assaubayeva leads the Norway Chess Women standings with 9.5 points. Divya Deshmukh is second on 8.5, while Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk are tied for third with 8 points each.

(ANI)

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Nepal's Kushal Bhurtel joins elite club, hits six sixes in an over

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:22 +0530

Nepal batter Kushal Bhurtel joined an elite group of just six players to hit six sixes in an over during his side's T20I match against China on Sunday. Bhurtel achieved the feat in the ninth over of the innings at the Singapore National Cricket Ground during the Asian Games Qualifier opener, dispatching left-arm spinner Chen Zhuo Yue over the boundary six times in six consecutive legal deliveries, as per the ICC website.

Bhurtel became the second player from Nepal to have scored six sixes in an over in a T20I, with the right-hander joining Dipendra Singh Airee in an exclusive club of just six players to have recorded the milestone.

Elite Six-Hitting Club

India great Yuvraj Singh was the first player to hit six sixes in an over when he launched England's Stuart Broad into the stands at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, while Bhurtel now joins West Indies hard-hitter Kieron Pollard (2021), Singh Airee (2024), Samoa's Darius Visser (2024) and Bulgaria's Manan Bashir (2025) in achieving the feat in T20I cricket.

Dominant Performance and Victory

Bhurtel ended the match with a superb innings of 129 from just 43 deliveries as Nepal went on to score 313/2 from their 20 overs, before they went on to record a comfortable 221-run victory.

Overall, Bhurtel is the second Nepal batter to hit six consecutive sixes in an over in international cricket, after teammate Dipendra Singh Airee, who did it against Qatar in 2024.

Bhurtel's fireworks helped Nepal post a commanding 313/2, their second-highest total in T20Is, setting up a dominant all-round performance. Nepal went on to crush China by 221 runs, after dismissing them for just 92. (ANI)

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‘GT Ke Ghar Mein, Nara Hai RCB’: Ahmedabad Metro Echoes With ‘RCB, RCB’ Chants Ahead of IPL 2026 Final

Deevika NM — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:35:18 +0530

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, a viral video from Ahmedabad captured the attention of cricket fans across social media.

The clip, reportedly shot inside an Ahmedabad Metro train, showed passengers enthusiastically chanting “RCB, RCB” and cheering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite the final being played in Gujarat Titans’ home city. The video quickly spread across platforms, triggering excitement among RCB supporters and sparking discussions online.

Watch the viral video here:

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The now-viral moment highlighted the massive nationwide fan following enjoyed by RCB, a franchise that has built one of the most passionate supporter bases in the Indian Premier League over the years. Social media users were quick to point out the irony of hearing loud RCB chants in Ahmedabad, widely regarded as GT territory. Many fans jokingly described the scene as Bengaluru supporters “taking over” the city ahead of the summit clash.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Kohli stars as RCB win 2nd straight title, eye hat-trick

One slogan from the video particularly grabbed attention: “GT ke ghar mein, nara hai RCB,” loosely translating to “In GT’s home, the slogan belongs to RCB.” The chant soon became a talking point among cricket followers and was widely shared across social media platforms.

The viral clip emerged amid an atmosphere of intense anticipation surrounding the IPL 2026 final. RCB entered the title clash carrying strong momentum and immense fan support, while Gujarat Titans looked to capitalize on home conditions in Ahmedabad. The final drew massive interest from cricket lovers nationwide, with supporters travelling across states to witness the showdown live.

RCB’s fan culture has long been associated with iconic chants such as “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” a slogan that became synonymous with the franchise’s loyal supporters through years of title pursuits and emotional campaigns. The Ahmedabad Metro video further reinforced the team’s popularity beyond Karnataka, demonstrating how deeply the franchise resonates with fans across India.

As the video continued to rack up views and reactions, it became one of the most talked-about fan moments surrounding the IPL 2026 final. For many cricket enthusiasts, the clip perfectly captured the electric atmosphere, passion and rivalry that make the IPL one of the most followed sporting events in the country.

Also Read: RCB win back-to-back IPL titles; Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar hoist stars

Roland Garros: Zverev overcomes scare, sets up clash with Jodar

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:30:24 +0530

Zverev Rallies into Roland Garros Quarter-finals

Alexander Zverev overcame an early scare to secure his place in the Roland Garros quarter-finals, where a stern challenge against rising star Rafael Jodar awaits. The World No. 3 battled back from a 0-3 deficit in the opening set to defeat Jesper de Jong 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, reaching the Paris quarter-finals for a sixth consecutive year.

After a shaky start against the World No. 106, Zverev steadily raised his level and eventually cruised to victory in two hours and 14 minutes. The 29-year-old German moved another step closer to capturing his maiden Grand Slam title, converting four of the seven break points he created against De Jong.

A three-time major finalist, including a runner-up finish at Roland Garros in 2024, Zverev is one of only two Top-10 players left in the men's singles draw, alongside World No. 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime. By reaching his eighth Roland Garros quarter-final, Alexander Zverev moved into a tie for sixth place on the Open Era list for most quarter-final appearances at the clay-court major.

A victory over Rafael Jodar on Tuesday would see the German advance to his fifth semi-final in Paris. Zverev will face fast-rising Jodar for the first time after the 19-year-old earlier rallied past Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

"In the beginning, it was a bit difficult. I didn't start strong, and he started really fast and really well. But once I found my rhythm, I felt very comfortable on the court, and that's the most important thing for me. I feel like my game is there, now it's about showing it on the match court," Zverev said as per the ATP Tour website.

Fonseca Continues Dream Run

Meanwhile, Joao Fonseca, following the biggest victory of his career, produced another impressive performance on Sunday night to reach his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final. Just two days after rallying from two sets down to stun 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic, the Brazilian sensation defeated Casper Ruud 7-5, 7-6(8), 5-7, 6-2 to continue his dream run in Paris. (ANI)

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IPL 2026: Kohli stars as RCB win 2nd straight title, eye hat-trick

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:01:03 +0530

After securing consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar stressed that the team's main focus is on maintaining their success and aiming for a third consecutive championship. RCB clinched IPL 2026 glory, riding on a stunning 75* off 42 by Virat Kohli, to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. RCB gunned down a tricky 156 runs to join five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the elite list of clubs to have won back-to-back IPL titles.

"We will celebrate winning the IPL trophy in 2026, obviously, but our focus will be on how we can do three in a row," Patidar told the reporters after the match.

Patidar on calm captaincy, dominant season

Patidar said RCB felt less pressure in 2026 than in 2025 because of their dominant performances throughout the tournament. Patidar also described his leadership style as calm and reserved, noting that while he is not highly expressive, he remains fully aware of the game's situations and demands. "To be honest, if I compare with last year, there was a lot of pressure in 2025. This year was calmer, because the way we played throughout the tournament, I think we have not just played, we dominated this year. So we were pretty much confident that if we were playing like this, we're definitely going to win the second title for RCB. And my way of captaincy is different. I don't express. I'm not expressive, but at the same time, I'm aware of the game situation," Patidar added.

IPL 2026 Final: Match Recap

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Kohli's impact goes beyond batting, says RCB skipper Rajat Patidar

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:28 +0530

Patidar Hails Kohli's Mentorship and Intensity

Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinching back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, skipper Rajat Patidar praised RCB's batting icon Virat Kohli as an exceptional player and role model, saying his impact goes beyond batting. Patidar highlighted how Kohli actively mentors teammates, sharing insights about cricket and professionalism. He added that he closely observes Kohli both on and off the field, with the biggest lesson being Kohli's unmatched intensity and energy in practice sessions, which he approaches with the same commitment as a match.

"If I speak about Virat Kohli, I don't have words to explain him. He's used to doing great things. He's a great player. Everyone knows him. The way he bats. We all have the opportunity to learn from him. On the field, and off the field," Patidar told the reporters after the match. "We try to learn from him. Whatever he says. Regarding cricket or off the field. He's going to the players and talking a lot about cricket. I think that is superb. I always keep watching him and what he does. In the field, off the field. In the nets. One thing I have learned a lot from him is his energy on the net. It is similar to how he is playing the match," he added.

Kohli's Heroics Secure Back-to-Back Titles

RCB clinched IPL 2026 glory, riding on a stunning 75* off 42 by Virat Kohli, to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. RCB gunned down a tricky 156 runs to join five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the elite list of clubs to have won back-to-back IPL titles. Kohli ended the tournament as the fourth-highest run-getter with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, with a century and five fifties and a best score of 105*.

IPL 2026 Final: Match Recap

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RCB win back-to-back IPL titles; Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar hoist stars

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:30:37 +0530

Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar have got the fans counting stars again as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) completed back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) title wins. In a now-viral image, cricket icon Virat and captain Rajat are seen hoisting giant golden stars above their heads as celebrations continue following Bengaluru's second successive IPL title.

Shared after Sunday's commanding final victory over Gujarat, the image quickly struck a chord across social media, with each star representing a championship triumph and capturing the significance of another historic season. The team's kit sponsor, PUMA, celebrated the title win with a visual titled, "Good Things Come in Pairs".

With back-to-back IPL titles and two Women's Premier League crowns, the Bengaluru-based franchise has established itself as one of the defining forces in Indian cricket.

RCB's Final Victory Over Gujarat

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

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IPL 2026 Final: Who Won the Orange and Purple Caps? Full List of Top Run-Scorers and Wicket-Takers

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:08:56 +0530

The IPL 2026 has come to a conclusion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defending their maiden triumph with a five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.

Also Read: Virat Kohli's stunning 75* adds to incredible T20 finals record

Who Took Home the Orange Cap?

As the celebrations erupt in Bengaluru, the focus now shifts to the individual accolades that defined a record-breaking season for the ages. The anticipation was around the Orange Cap winner, as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan were in the race heading into the summit clash in Ahmedabad.

Eventually, Sooryavanshi emerged as the winner of the Orange Cap, thanks to his record-breaking IPL season, wherein he amassed 776 runs, including a century and 5 fifties, at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.30 in 15 matches, cementing his status as one of the most explosive and consistent run-getters in the history of the league.

Gill (732) and Sudharsan (722) finished second and third, respectively, while Virat Kohli (675) rounded out the top four scorers of the tournament.

He came. He entertained. He conquered Vaibhav Sooryanashi delivers a season for ages winning the Orange Cap #TATAIPL | #Final | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/Vzvpm163UE

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad's explosive batters, Heinrich Klaasen (624) and Ishan Kishan (602) completed the list of the season's top run-getters, rounding out the top six and highlighting the incredible depth of batting talent on display throughout the 2026 campaign.

The likes of KL Rahul (593), Abhishek Sharma (563), Mitchell Marsh (563), Jos Buttler (526), Dhruv Jurel (515), Prabhsimran Singh (510), and Rajat Patidat (501) also enjoyed prolific seasons, each crossing the 500-run mark to further underline the high-scoring nature of the 2026 IPL, where batting depth became the defining factor for success.

Who Won the Purple Cap?

Apart from the Orange Cap, the Purple Cap was awarded to the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. Just like the race for the Orange Cap, the battle for the Purple Cap was a high-stakes affair that remained undecided until the very final match of the season.

RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar levelled with GT speedster Kagiso Rabada with 28 wickets after two scalps in the first innings, and the latter was on the verge of claiming the prestigious individual honour due to his economy rate. However, Rabada managed to take a crucial late wicket in the final, finishing the tournament with 29 wickets and edging out Bhuvneshwar, who finished second with 28, to claim the Purple Cap.

Jofra Acher (25), Rashid Khan (21), and Anshul Kamboj (21) finished third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, in the list of the season's top wicket-takers, underscoring their pivotal roles in their respective teams' campaigns.

Powerplay. Wickets. Match-winning spells Kagiso Rabada had the perfect recipe this season to claim the Purple Cap #TATAIPL | #Final | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT | @KagisoRabada25 pic.twitter.com/ddZLkanpWx

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026

The likes of Eshan Malinga (21), Rasikh Salam Dar (19), Mohammed Siraj (19), Kartik Tyagi (18), Jason Holder (17), Prince Yadav (16), and Prasidh Krishna (16), completed the list of the season's top wicket-takers, highlighting the formidable bowling depth that characterised the 2026 IPL season.

Six bowlers with 20 and above wickets, and 10 with 15 or more wickets, demonstrated the immense competitive depth of the 2026 season, marking it as one of the most balanced tournaments in recent memory, where bowlers frequently turned the tide in high-scoring encounters.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Final: GT lost momentum in Powerplay, says Matthew Hayden

IPL 2026: RCB beat GT to clinch title in record-breaking season

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:25 +0530

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 proved to be the biggest runfest in the league's history. With the campaign concluding on Sunday, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final, the tournament ended with a plethora of "mosts" and "highests".

A Record-Breaking Season

IPL 2026 turned out to be a record-breaking season, with multiple batting milestones across the tournament. It recorded the highest aggregate runs in a single edition, with 27,450 runs scored, along with the best runs-per-wicket ratio of 31.26. The season also saw the highest run rate per over at 9.88. It further featured the most boundaries ever recorded in an IPL season, including 2,332 fours and 1,426 sixes, underlining its batting dominance. Individual brilliance was on full display, with a record 15 centuries scored, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Sanju Samson being the only player to record two tons. In addition, teams regularly posted huge totals, with 65 scores crossing the 200-run mark and 17 successful chases of 200-plus targets.

IPL 2026 in a nutshell: Most runs in an edition: 27,450 Highest runs/wicket in an edition: 31.26 Highest RPO in an edition: 9.88 Most fours in an edition: 2,332 Most sixes in an edition: 1,426 Most individual hundreds: 15 Most 200-plus totals: 65 Most successful 200-plus chases: 17.

RCB Crowned Champions in Final Clash

Coming to the final clash, put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

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RCB clinch 2nd straight IPL title; BCCI President hails their form

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:31:14 +0530

The Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) President, Mithun Manhas, hailed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), saying "they are performing really well" after the Rajat Patidar-led side clinched their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title win by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final of the 2026 season, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

BCCI President on RCB's Win and IPL's Growth

Speaking to reporters, Mithun Manhas praised RCB for their consistent performances over the past two seasons. "I think they (RCB) have been playing some good cricket from the last two seasons, and as a unit they are performing really well," he said. Manhas described the IPL as an exciting and enjoyable tournament to watch. He expressed hope that the league continues to grow and reach even higher standards in the future. "It's a great tournament. It was a lot of fun to watch, and we hope it continues to grow and the IPL continues to grow at a higher level," he added.

Manhas Lauds Record-Breaking Youngster

Manhas also praised Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a "great talent" and noting that he performed very well throughout the season. Notably, the 15-year-old Bihar-born batter had an extraordinary tournament for Rajasthan Royals, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the season with 776 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 237.30.

At just 15 years and 65 days old, Sooryavanshi also set a new IPL record as the youngest Orange Cap winner. The previous record was held by Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan, who won it at 23 years and 231 days in 2025, while Shubman Gill had set the record in 2023 at 23 years and 263 days. "We all know he's (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) a great talent, and he performed extremely well this season," Manhas said.

IPL 2026 Final: Match Summary

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

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IPL 2026 Final: RCB defend title, defeat GT for 2nd straight win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:58 +0530

'Great team, predicts hat-trick': Kumar Mangalam Birla

RCB owner Kumar Mangalam Birla hailed the team's second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title win as they defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final of the 2026 season, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. RCB became only the third side after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend their IPL crown successfully. The Rajat Patidar-led side, after restricting GT to 155/8 in the first innings, chased the target down with five wickets and two overs remaining. Speaking to reporters after RCB's win, Kumar Mangalam Birla said, "It's a great team, they worked seamlessly together, very rare to see such a bonded team. I think there would be a hat-trick next year," he said.

'We are very proud of them': GT COO

On the other hand, Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Gujarat Titans told reporters, "It was a pretty interesting match. What is more important is that despite scoring fewer runs, our team put its heart out there and gave its best on the field. We are very proud of them," he told reporters on Monday.

Match Summary

Kohli's Masterclass Guides RCB Home

RCB's Trophy Haul

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

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IPL 2026: Season went well for me, says RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:57 +0530

'Season Went Well For Me': Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that "the season went well for me" after finishing second in the Purple Cap race of the IPL 2026 tournament. Speaking during the post-match interview after RCB defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final, Bhuvneshwar said, "Yes, of course. I mean, the trophy is the most important thing for us. I would trade that any day. But yes, individually, the season went well for me. There was planning, there were a lot of things before the season, and it went well."

The veteran seamer also credited teamwork for RCB's success in the final against the Titans. "I think if you get wickets, your confidence is always up. Coming into a big game like that, if you have performed well in the past, it always helps. But credit goes to each and every one. If he (Hazlewood) didn't do well, I was there. If I didn't do well, Rasik was there. So I think we all had each other's backs, and that's what you need in a big game like that," he added.

IPL 2026 Purple Cap Race

Rabada won the IPL 2026 Purple Cap for the second time in his career. After winning the Purple Cap, Rabada etched his name in the tournament's history by becoming the fourth bowler to win the Purple Cap award multiple times. He joins an elite list of bowlers who have achieved the feat, including Dwayne Bravo (2013, 2015), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016, 2017), and Harshal Patel (2021, 2024).

Rabada enjoyed a stellar season, taking 29 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 9.68. His consistency with the ball throughout the tournament ensured he topped the charts, replicating his previous Purple Cap win in 2020 while playing for Delhi Capitals, when he had 30 wickets.

Rabada's closest rival was RCB seamer Bhuvneshwar, took 28 wickets in 16 games and played a key role in RCB's successful title defence. Bhuvneshwar also boasted the best economy rate among the top five wicket-takers at 7.95 runs per over, with standout figures of 4 for 23 highlighting his crucial breakthroughs with both the new ball and at the death.

Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Jofra Archer rounded out the top three wicket-takers, claiming 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 9.31, with best figures of 3 for 17, continuing his consistent form throughout the season.

IPL 2026 Final Match Summary

Coming to the IPL 2026 final, Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only ones to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Padikkal hails 'unbelievable' RCB bowlers after title win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:32 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Devdutt Padikkal hailed the team's bowling lineup after the side clinched their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final of the 2026 season, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

RCB's bowling key to title win

RCB's bowling has been one of the biggest reasons for their 2026 IPL season win as they have performed consistently throughout the season. While Bhuvneshwar ended the season with 28 wickets, Rasikh Salam Dar claimed 19 wickets. Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood has also taken 15 wickets in the IPL 2026 season, while Krunal Pandya managed 14 wickets.

In the IPL 2026 final, RCB's bowling attack produced yet another disciplined performance to limit GT to 155/8. The pace trio of Rasikh Salam Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood led the charge, picking up three, two, and two wickets respectively. Rasikh finished with impressive figures of 3/27 in four overs, while Bhuvneshwar returned 2/29 and Hazlewood claimed 2/37 from their allotted spells. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a wicket as GT were restricted to a below-par total, which RCB later chased down in 18 overs with five wickets remaining.

'They have been unbelievable': Padikkal

Speaking about RCB's bowling, Devdutt Padikkal praised the entire bowling unit, calling them "unbelievable" and highlighting how effectively they execute their plans. He said the bowlers are extremely meticulous in their preparation, noting that even in team meetings he has seen how detailed their strategies are. "They have been unbelievable. The plans they execute is great, I have been in a few meetings, and they are meticulous," Padikkal said after the final clash.

Padikkal also spoke highly of Virat Kohli, who stood out in RCB's chase by staying unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, saying that as long as Kohli was at the crease during the final, there were no nerves because of his experience and ability to handle pressure. He also praised Kohli's continued evolution and improvement over the years. "When each wicket fell, I was just telling Venky, as long as he [Kohli] is there, then are no nerves. He has not stayed still, he has evolved, he has continuously improved," he added.

'We are chasing the title': Jitesh Sharma

RCB's Jitesh Sharma credited the leadership and support staff of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for shaping a positive, confident environment during their title-defence. He highlighted that Director of Cricket Mo Bobat shifted the team's mindset from "defending" the title to actively "chasing" it again, which boosted belief within the squad. He also praised the management, including batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik, for guiding and supporting players. He added that the team stayed focused on a "one-match-at-a-time" approach, concentrating on tactics rather than pressure or expectations. He expressed confidence by saying that the team aim for a third title in the next season.

"Mo [Bobat] had said earlier, we are not defending, we are chasing the title. The mindset changed there. [Atmosphere] All the credit goes to the management. The way they have pushed us forward, DK has helped me, so has Mo. They have nourished us. We knew we are very strong. Our focus was one game at a time. Just one match. We never thought, how well we are playing. Focus was on our tactics. Next year, we will have a third," Jitesh said.

IPL 2026 Final: RCB vs GT

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"It was a daydream": Virat Kohli on RCB's back-to-back IPL title win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:00:30 +0530

Following his side's back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli said that "it was a daydream for us" and underlined the "demands of today's modern game". Virat's chase-masterclass and excellent bowling performances from the pace trio of Rasikh Dar Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood helped RCB seal back-to-back IPL titles after waiting for a trophy for 17 seasons. The 37-year-old was once again in the thick of action, scoring a magnificent 75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes as wickets fell from the other end in a tense chase of 156 runs.

A Dream Day

Speaking after the match, Virat, who slammed his fastest IPL fifty ever in just 25 balls, said, "It is the stuff that you dream of. I have thought of this moment many times, that, you know, once when we win the IPL, I should be standing there hitting the winning runs, and tonight it was possible. So yeah, just a dream day for us. And as I mentioned straight after the game as well, we just felt really relaxed coming to the game today and really confident about how we wanted to go about our game and what kind of team we have. And that gives you confidence to just, you know, see any kind of situation through. But yeah, in a chase, I felt really comfortable out there knowing exactly what to do."

'Demands of the Modern Game'

On getting his fastest IPL fifty of the career, Virat said that it was "just a case of the demands of today's modern game where you need to get extra runs" Despite having made it four back-to-back 600+ run IPL seasons, Virat highlighted how he needed to "change his mindset" and take on the best bowlers more fearlessly.

"Such is the demand of the sport today. I mean, you have these, you know, super young players pushing you all the time and really asking you to change your game and up the ante. And it's an exciting situation because it gives you something to improve on, something to work towards. And yeah, I just take a lot of pride in getting better and just trying to figure out areas where I can improve. So yeah, it was just a case of the demands of today's modern game where you need to get those 20, 30 extra runs. And I had to kind of change my mindset, not my game so much to hit the shots I hit, but more often and take the bowlers on, probably the best bowlers in the opposition. That was always my target. So very happy I was able to contribute towards the team cause," he added.

Big Boys to Step Up

Virat highlighted the importance of "big boys to step up", especially in the "big situations", and noted the presence of experienced players in the team.

"We are going to be respectful of all the other teams. We do not poke any other team, you know. We're very happy to carry on playing professional cricket. We have a lot of mature players in the group, a lot of experienced guys, and the experience always shines through in difficult situations. You can have all the excitement and slam-bang in the world, but come the big situations, you need the big boys to step up. And that is exactly what we did," added Virat, highlighting the need for calculated, measured risk-taking in the age of what seems to be an endless six-hitting.

"Absolutely. I mean, even tonight, I know it is a chase, and they probably look to get me out early, but I was very confident that even if I get out early, we have a champion team that is going to finish the job, you know, three or four overs to go. So when you have that kind of confidence, you can go out there and really take the bowlers on," he added.

Credit to Management and Teammates

He credited the management of head coach Andy Flower, batting coach Dinesh Karthik and the Director of Cricket Mo Bobat for the way they stacked up the team, the players for showcasing their talent and belief.

"That is exactly what Mo Bobat said when we won last year, that it's not the end of the road. We are going to look to go back-to-back. And that's exactly what we ended up achieving. So we are really proud of ourselves as a team," he added.

Virat also credited Venkatesh Iyer for his knock and overall contribution in the season, saying that his attacking intent was the "difference maker" in the past three or four games. He also highlighted his conversations with him before the chase to "kill the game in the power play".

Praise for Fan Support

On the love from RCB's legion of fans, Virat said, "We probably have 14 because everywhere we go, we have fans cheering the team and, you know, really getting behind us. I mean, GT is probably the home side, but you see 90 per cent of the guys are RCB fans. So that is what we have earned over the years and we just continue to make them proud and try to put our best foot forward. And yeah, their support is priceless and really happy that they can celebrate us lifting the trophy tonight and witness that," he signed off.

Kohli's Stellar Season

Virat ended the tournament as the fourth-highest run-getter with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, with a century and five fifties and a best score of 105*.

Match Summary

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026 Final: GT lost momentum in Powerplay, says Matthew Hayden

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:00:22 +0530

Gujarat Titans (GT) batting coach Matthew Hayden pointed out the team's inability to utilise the Powerplay overs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final after the Shubman Gill-led side lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by five wickets as the Rajat Patidar-led side successfully defended their title. Asked to bat first, GT endured a difficult start, managing only 45 runs while losing the crucial wickets of captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan--their two highest run-scorers of the season--during the Powerplay. RCB maintained control through disciplined new-ball bowling and effective spin in the middle overs, triggering a batting collapse that prevented GT from building momentum in the final. The Titans eventually posted 155/8 in 20 overs, a target that RCB comfortably chased down in 18 overs to clinch the IPL 2026 title.

Hayden Reflects on Season and Franchise Culture

"Always hard to put it down to one thing for a season that's so long. We have apex predators but couldn't get going in the Powerplay. All our bowlers have been amazing. It's a very successful franchise. We've developed a nice fanbase that's sticking behind Gill, Sai and Buttler. This group is calm, does nothing urgently. Nehra is chilled out. Biggest thing in this franchise is family, that'll keep it in good stead," Hayden said after the match. Hayden also highlighted the impressive performances of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who ended the season as the highest run-scorer with 776 runs, and encouraged young cricketers to keep playing, learning, and drawing inspiration from their heroes. "Experience as coach was beyond my expectations. It was more detailed with bowling plans. We're a conservative batting side but crush the ball out of the ground at times. Credit to all our staff, makes it possible for us to play harder and recover quicker. Trying to understand what's happened is difficult. One thing the IPL brings out is young talent. It's exciting to watch the extraordinary Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. All you youngsters watching out there just keep playing and keep learning from your heroes," Hayden said.

GT's Batting Stumbles

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

Kohli Steers RCB to Victory

RCB's Second IPL Crown

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

RCB's back-to-back IPL title win is 'just the start': Arun Dhumal

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:00:35 +0530

Following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, the IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said that the franchise has "just started" and expressed that their star batter Virat Kohli does not need any trophies, since he is "one himself". RCB continued their fine run in the Indian franchise cricket as they have made it back-to-back IPL title wins, something which five-time champions CSK and MI had done in the past. This is their fourth Indian franchise cricket title, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. This year, they hold a rare distinction of having won both the IPL and WPL titles.

'They have just started'

Speaking to the media, Saikia said, "I think they have (RCB) just started. That's what they said last year, that it's gonna be back-to-back, and they did it. The way they played throughout the season was phenomenal. Gujarat Titans played amazingly well as a team. They had an amazing bowling side, but it was not their day."

'Virat is a trophy himself'

On Virat, he said, "Virat does not need any trophies. He is a trophy himself."

Virat finished the season with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a career-best strike rate of 165.84, with a century and five fifties, with the best score of 105*. He emerged as the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament.

Praise for young prodigy

On Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old prodigy,, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he said, "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has an amazing talent. I wish him all the very best. I hope he continues doing good things for his country."

Looking Ahead

On a parting note, Dhumal said that the next year will mark IPL's 20th year and "it is going to be special".

Match Summary

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Kohli's coach lauds 15-year-old Orange Cap winner Sooryavanshi

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:30:28 +0530

'An Extraordinary Player'

Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has lauded rising sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after he became the youngest player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to win the Orange Cap. At just 15 years and 65 days old, Sooryavanshi also set a new IPL record as the youngest Orange Cap winner. The previous record was held by Gujarat Titans opener Sudharsan, who won it at 23 years and 231 days in 2025, while Shubman Gill had set the record in 2023 at 23 years and 263 days.

Speaking to ANI following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) back-to-back IPL title win over the Titans in the 2026 final, Sharma said, "He's a brilliant player, an extraordinary player, and it was a pleasure to see him give such a wonderful performance at such a young age."

Sooryavanshi's Record-Breaking Season

Sooryavanshi dominated the awards at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, being named the Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, Orange Cap winner, and Super Sixes of the Season.

The 15-year-old Bihar-born batter had an extraordinary tournament for Rajasthan Royals, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 776 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 237.30.

Sooryavanshi's consistent performances, including a record-breaking 72 sixes, helped him surpass several long-standing IPL records and establish himself as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket.

Sooryavanshi narrowly missed matching Virat Kohli's tally of four centuries in a season, having been dismissed in the nineties three times--93 against Lucknow Super Giants, 97 in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and 96 in Qualifier 2 versus Gujarat Titans--besides his century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Sooryavanshi also reached the milestone of 1,000 IPL runs in record time, taking just 440 balls, surpassing West Indies legend Andre Russell. In terms of innings, he became the second fastest, achieving it in 23 innings, with Shaun Marsh holding the record at 21 innings.

'Felt a Bit Under Pressure'

"It feels good, but I feel a bit under pressure having to give the interview. I am not drinking milk nowadays. How to play each game, you can't play every game the same way. If I have to stay injury-free, I have to work on my fitness. Everyone is very supportive. All senior players, support staff, everyone backs me, and it's a good atmosphere," Sooryavanshi said after winning the Most Valuable Player of the season award.

IPL 2026 Final: RCB Clinch Second Title

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Krunal Pandya celebrates fifth IPL title with RCB's back-to-back win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:37 +0530

Following his side's back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Krunal Pandya expressed happiness at his franchise becoming only the third team to achieve the feat, saying that "every IPL trophy is special".

Krunal became one of the IPL's most well-accomplished players, securing his fifth IPL title, his second back-to-back title with RCB and played a crucial role in his team's success. Before this, he had secured three IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians (MI).

In 16 matches this season, Krunal scored 226 runs in nine matches at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, with a fifty and best score of 73. He also took 14 wickets at an average of 30.55, with best figures of 2/16.

In the final, he bowled an economical spell of 1/23 in four overs.

'Like Having Kids': Krunal on His Five IPL Trophies

Speaking after the match, Krunal said, "There is no doubt about it, every IPL trophy is special. It's like having kids, right? You cannot pick (which one is more special). Similar with IPL trophies because everything is so hard-earned. I am so glad and grateful that in 11 years, to have five trophies, it's pretty special for me."

On RCB's transformation over the last two seasons, he credited the coaching and support staff of Dinesh Karthik, batting coach and mentor, Director of Cricket Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower. "The way they prepared before the auction also last year and the way they set the team, right? The balance of it. Sometimes, half of the battle is won in the auction. I guess they did a pretty good job. And then eventually, it was on us to go out and deliver. And yeah, glad that we were able to have the hold on the trophy back-to-back. All these 18 years of waiting and then winning two back-to-back trophies, this is for the RCB fans. Wherever we have gone, they have supported us. And obviously for Virat as well, pretty special. Having two back-to-back trophies. It is amazing," he signed off.

RCB vs GT: Final Recap

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Virat Kohli's stunning 75* adds to incredible T20 finals record

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:31:05 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Indian batting icon Virat Kohli continued his incredible record in T20 finals with a sensational 75* against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final against Gujarat Titans (GT). In a tense run-chase, Virat produced a 42-ball 75*, finishing off the match with a four and six while chasing 156 as wickets fell from the other end.

Kohli's Unmatched Finals Record

In nine T20 tournament final appearances, Virat has scored 419 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 132.59, including four fifties and a best score of 77. He is the only Indian with four fifty-plus scores in T20 tournament finals and has the highest batting average among batters with 300-plus runs in T20 tournament finals.

Virat ended the tournament as the fourth-highest run-getter with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, with a century and five fifties and a best score of 105*.

How the Final Unfolded

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

RCB vs GT: Who Won Yesterday's IPL Final Match? Highlights, Results, and Key Performances

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:36:38 +0530

The team that was once called the IPL's unluckiest franchise has just made history by becoming champions for the second time in a row. In the IPL 2026 final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by 5 wickets to lift the trophy. With this win, RCB not only secured its second IPL title but also successfully defended its crown.

The biggest hero of this historic victory was Virat Kohli, who played a brilliant knock of 75 not out under pressure to take his team across the finish line.

Bowlers set the stage for victory

RCB's captain, Rajat Patidar, won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision his bowlers completely justified.

Gujarat Titans had a very poor start. Captain Shubman Gill was out for just 10 runs, while Sai Sudarsan couldn't get past 12. Jos Buttler and Nishant Sindhu tried to steady the innings, but RCB's bowlers kept the pressure on. All-rounder Krunal Pandya got Jos Buttler stumped with a brilliant delivery, which completely slowed down Gujarat's scoring rate.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Kohli's masterclass guides RCB to second successive title

Washington Sundar puts up a fight

While wickets were falling at one end, Washington Sundar took charge at the other. He scored a crucial 50 not out from 37 balls, playing a key role in getting the team to a respectable total. Nishant Sindhu also contributed 20 runs, but no other batsman could build a big innings. Gujarat Titans finished with 155 for 8 in their 20 overs.

For RCB, young pacer Rasikh Salam was the most successful bowler. He took 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood also chipped in with two wickets each.

Virat and Venkatesh provide a fiery start

Chasing 156, RCB got off to a fantastic start thanks to Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. The two added 62 runs for the first wicket. Venkatesh Iyer smashed 32 runs off just 16 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

After his dismissal, Gujarat tried to make a comeback by taking wickets at regular intervals. Devdutt Padikkal got out early, and Rashid Khan made the match exciting by sending Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya back in the same over.

Virat Kohli plays the finisher's role

When RCB's score was 132/5, it looked like Gujarat had a real chance to win. But Virat Kohli used all his experience and held one end firmly. He scored an unbeaten 75 off just 42 balls, an innings that included 9 fours and 3 sixes. Most importantly, he stayed till the end and hit the winning six to seal the trophy for RCB. His batting in the final was a perfect mix of aggression and calm.

Also Read: RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Washington Sundar’s Controversial ‘Not Out’ Call Sparks Umpiring Debate

A special record in the final

In this match, Virat Kohli reached his half-century in just 25 balls, which is the fastest fifty of his IPL career. It also became one of the fastest fifties in the history of IPL finals. An innings like this in a big match once again proved why Virat Kohli is considered one of the world's best chase masters.

Cricketing world hails RCB on second successive IPL title win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:30:43 +0530

The cricketing fraternity congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on sealing their second successive Indian Premier League (IPL) title, with iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar saying that the task for RCB was no longer to prove that they could do it, but to sustain their success. After 17 years of heartbreak and a rollercoaster of emotions, happiness arrived in pairs for RCB as the Red and Gold side became the third side after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend their IPL crown successfully, beating the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a largely one-sided match at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Posting on X, Sachin said, "Congratulations to @RCBTweets on winning consecutive @IPL titles. One of the challenges in sport is that success changes the questions you have to answer. After winning once, the task is no longer proving you can do it, but proving you can sustain it. RCB met that challenge impressively this season. A well-deserved achievement!"

Cricket Fraternity Reacts

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla also hailed the franchise, particularly their star batter Virat Kohli, for his "immense class on the big stage". "Congratulations to @RCBTweets and Rajat Patidar on winning IPL 2026 and becoming back to back Champions. Virat Kohli once again showcased his immense class on the big stage. A thoroughly deserved triumph built on consistency, character and outstanding teamwork throughout the season. @rrjjt_01 @imvkohli @BCCI @IPL," posted Rajeev.

Former RCB skipper Faf Du Plessis congratulated them on their title, saying that he "called it before the IPL". "Wow. Called it before the IPL... back to back champions !!! Congratulations to @imVkohli, @rrjjt_01, Mo Bobat, Andy Flower and the entire @RCBTweets team. From day one, this looked like the most complete team in the competition. Consistent, clinical and deserving champions. Enjoy the celebrations, Bengaluru".

Even RCB's most fiercest rivals in recent years, CSK, acknowledged their feat, welcoming them to the club of teams to have made it back-to-back IPL title wins. "Winning back to back is always a special feeling. Congrats @RCBTweets and welcome to the club #IPL2026," posted CSK.

Former RCB star AB de Villiers also posted, "Ee Saala... 2x Naamdu #RCB" https://x.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/2061147900814774670

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also pointed out how after breaking the title drought last year, "Sher ko khoon mooh lag gya hai" "RCB RCB. Sher ko Khoon mooh lag Gaya hai. Champion," posted Irfan. https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/2061145571839316353

Also, further pointing out Virat's chasemaster performance, where he scored 75* despite wickets falling from the other end, he hailed Virat's adaptability, comparing his adaptability to how water changes its shape when it changes containers. https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/2061158205254963292

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and India legend Suresh Raina also hailed RCB's title win, saying, "once was so nice, they did it twice". "Once was so nice, they did it twice. What a campaign by "Attacking Champions" RCB. A near perfect campaign and the trophy is in right hands of Captain Rajat Patidar. Special mention to Virat Kohli for that knock - Matter bada tha, Isliye wahan King khada tha. @imVkohli @RCBTweets #IPL #RCB," posted Raina.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh also posted, "Big Congratulations RCB. Back to Back. Winning it in style. Domination continues. Well deserved, Chase Master Kohli @imVkohli @RCBTweets Superhit season like Dhurandhar." https://x.com/harbhajan_singh/status/2061154325490262123

Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop also called RCB a "well-constructed team", posting, "Congratulations to @RCBTweets on back to back @IPL titles. Truly a well constructed team for all situations. Very popular victory." https://x.com/irbishi/status/2061147598187385195

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan also posted, "Back-to-back IPL titles is a remarkable achievement @rrjjt_01 should be proud to join the elite company of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as captains with consecutive titles. @imVkohli being in his own-self, @BhuviOfficial leading the bowling attack brilliantly and the entire squad delivering when it mattered most. Congratulations RCB"

IPL 2026 Final: Match Recap

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.(ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood lauds RCB's depth after second straight win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:29 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) speedster Josh Hazlewood praised his team's depth, bowling attack, and culture after RCB clinched back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final in Ahmedabad. Reflecting on maintaining a perfect record in T20 finals, Hazlewood said during the post-match interview, "That's right up there. I think obviously a little bit more relaxed within the group this year. We sort of got the monkey off the back last year in terms of a long wait for that first win. But the group just felt calm and composed throughout the whole tournament. Someone stepped up when they needed to be. We had, again, like 10 Man of the Match awards. Amazing depth in the squad. Anyone who came in did a great job, and the bowling group is pretty special."

Hazlewood on bowling attack's impact

On the impact of the bowling unit and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he added, "I can't remember a game where he went for over 35 runs. In this day and age, it's unbelievable. He got wickets up front in nearly every game we played and just took the heat off the rest of us. We could relax, and we were bowling at numbers four and five in the power play. So it's pretty nice."

Positive team environment key to success

Hazlewood also highlighted the role of the franchise and support staff in creating a positive environment. "The franchise has been put together beautifully--not just the players, but the support staff as well. It's a nice, relaxed atmosphere to play your best cricket and perform. Everyone seems to have a good time in this group. Winning helps, but it just feels like the team's quite a tight unit and we're playing for someone else other than ourselves all the time. It's a nice feeling."

Eyeing a three-peat

On the prospect of a three-peat, Hazlewood confidently said, "Yeah, I can't see why not. Yeah, absolutely."

IPL 2026 Final: Match Summary

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: RCB wins consecutive title; BCCI Secy hails teen sensation

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:00:27 +0530

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their consecutive IPL titles following their five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final in Ahmedabad. The BCCI Secretary also praised teenage sensation 15-year-old teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his exceptional performances throughout the season.

The 15-year-old Bihar-born batter had an extraordinary tournament for Rajasthan Royals, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 776 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 237.30. At just 15 years and 65 days old, Sooryavanshi also set a new IPL record as the youngest Orange Cap winner. The previous record was held by Gujarat Titans opener Sudharsan, who won it at 23 years and 231 days in 2025, while Shubman Gill had set the record in 2023 at 23 years and 263 days.

BCCI Secretary on IPL Season and Women's T20 World Cup

Speaking to reporters, Saikia said, "It was a wonderful season... I hope all the fans have a lovely time during this IPL, and congratulations to RCB for winning the tournament consecutively twice. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a wonderful player coming up, and he has a bright future. BCCI will do everything to get him to the highest level of cricket..."

Additionally, on the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup later this month, the BCCI Secretary said, "That is the most challenging thing coming up in the coming days. They (Women in Blue) are already doing well... and I hope they will repeat the same performance they did last year by winning the ODI title."

Anurag Thakur Congratulates RCB

BJP MP Anurag Thakur also congratulated the Rajat Patidar-led Bengaluru for winning the grand finale against the Titans on Sunday night. Speaking to reporters, Thakur said, "I congratulate RCB for winning the IPL for the second consecutive time. The match was happening in Ahmedabad, but many RCB fans had come to watch the match. This was a great victory in cricket... IPL is the biggest league of cricket. This is a very big achievement of BCCI."

IPL 2026 Final Match Summary

RCB started well with a 62-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer (32 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. GT showed some fight, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, but Virat (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) guided RCB to a win with two overs left. This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

‘I Don’t Drink Milk’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Reply to Ravi Shastri at IPL 2026 Final Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:50:36 +0530

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi concluded his second IPL season with a record-breaking campaign, which left the cricketing world in awe of his batting prowess and unmatched dominance. Sooryavanshi’s performance has been the most talked-about, given his explosive strike rate and consistency at such a tender age.

At such a young age of 15, Vaibhav has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in world cricket, seamlessly transitioning from a promising youngster to a bona fide match-winner. The young batter has shattered multiple IPL records while finishing as the highest run-getter of the season, with 776 runs, including a century and 5 fifties, at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.30 in 15 matches.

RR batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s historic and record-breaking IPL 2026 season has led him to win the five major individual honours, including Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Most Sixes of the season, capping off his second campaign in the league with a historic trophy haul worth ₹55 lakhs and a brand-new Tata Sierra.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Kagiso Rabada wins Purple Cap for second time in career

Sooryavanshi’s Hilarious Reply on Explosive Power Secret Goes Viral

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was in attendance for the high-stakes IPL 2026 Final between the title retainer Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. The 15-year-old appeared in person to collect his individual honours following his record-breaking season.

However, Sooryavanshi’s post-match interview with former India captain and commentator Ravi Shastri stole the attention of the spectators and fans at the stadium. In the post-final presentation, Shashtri jokingly inquired how much milk the teenager consumes daily to stay strong.

The query left Sooryavanshi with a knowing smile, as he navigated the light-hearted moment with the poise of a seasoned professional. In response, the teenager hilariously stated that he no longer drinks milk, leaving him and former India captain Ravi Shastri in splits.

“Ab Doodh Nahi Peeta hu,” Vaibhav said. (I don't drink milk anymore).

Funny conversations between Ravi Shastri and Vaibhav Suryavanshi ✨ pic.twitter.com/FmY2TpPr5g

— Shin Kohli (@Shinkohli) May 31, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting and unapologetic confidence have made him the standout performer of the 2026 season. His fearless approach, especially taking on the seasoned bowlers with blistering intent, has been a hallmark of his game

Throughout the campaign, Vaibhav was more than a threat to the opposition bowlers, as he redefined the role of an opening batter in the modern T20 era.

Lessons Learned in his Record-Breaking IPL Season

As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi concluded his second IPL season on an exceptionally high note, the young batter reflected on the invaluable lessons he gathered throughout his record-breaking campaign.

Despite the glamour of his five-trophy haul, including the Orange Cap, MVP, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Most Sixes, Vaibhav emphasised that the season was fundamentally a learning experience in professional maturity.

“This season, I learnt how to play in pressure situations and how to change my game according to the circumstances,” the 15-year-old told Ravi Shastri.

“You can’t play every game with the same mindset. You have to read the situation of the game and play according to what the team requires. I learned a lot about that, even in the playoff games,” he added.

?' ! #TATAIPL #Final #RCBvGT #RCB #VaibhavSooryavanshi pic.twitter.com/A2CpU2D051

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2026

As the IPL 2026 concluded, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will return to action for India A’s ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, starting on June 9, 2026.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wins MVP, Orange Cap

IPL Final: 180-190 could've been winning total, says GT's Gill

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:31:05 +0530

Following his side's loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final, Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill said that 180-190 could have been a winning total and reflected on what has been another great season for the franchise.

GT continued its fine run in the IPL, reaching its second final in five years, but could not make it two trophy wins as a failure of the team's highly productive top-three batters, skipper Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler put them on the back foot right from the start. While the GT bowlers gave an immense fight in the defence of 156 runs, the total was just not enough as Virat Kohli (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) was there to guide his side to a successful IPL title defence.

Speaking after the match, Gill said, "I think if we had gotten close to 180, 190, it would have been a good match. (On whether the surface was slow or two-paced) Honestly, not that much. You know, maybe a little bit. We have seen whenever we are playing, in the first three or four overs, there is a little bit of movement for the fast bowlers. We lost a couple of early wickets, and then we kind of lost the momentum in the middle; we could not really get going. But then we knew we were playing the finals. 150, 160, if we get a couple of early wickets in the powerplay, we are always in the game."

Gill also regretted that the team "could not get over the line" and there are always room for improvement. "The way we kept talking, kept pushing ourselves, kept challenging ourselves in different areas, and kept improving those 5 per cent factors. We could not get over the line, but there are always things that you could improve on. And even if we had won the trophy, there were still things that we felt as a group that we needed to work on," he signed off.

Match Summary

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajat Patidar leads RCB to second consecutive IPL title win in 2026

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:00:23 +0530

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar expressed delight, saying he "feels superb" after leading the side to their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title win as they defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final of the 2026 season, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

RCB became only the third side after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend their IPL crown successfully. The Patidar-led side, after restricting GT to 155/8 in the first innings, chased the target down with five wickets and two overs remaining.

Speaking after RCB's win, Rajat Patidar said the victory felt "superb." He credited clear planning and highlighted that chasing after winning the toss worked well for the team. He praised the consistent performances of the bowling unit, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, and Romario Shepherd throughout the season. Notably, RCB's bowling has been one of the biggest reasons for their 2026 IPL season win as they have performed consistently throughout the season. While Bhuvneshwar ended the season with 28 wickets, Rasikh claimed 19 wickets. Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood has also taken 15 wickets in the IPL 2026 season, while Krunal Pandya managed 14 wickets.

'I never dreamt of becoming the captain': Patidar

Patidar also said captaining RCB and lifting the trophy was beyond his dreams, acknowledging his confidence boost from last season, the strong support of fans, and valuable inputs from batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik. He added that Virat Kohli remained a constant presence for the team, dedicating the win to the fans.

"It feels superb. When we came here there was a lot of memories of last year. I don't have words to express but feeling very good. It was clear planning. When we win the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP, Suyash and Shepherd, they bowled really well throughout the tournament," Rajat Patidar said during the post-match presentations.

"I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. Grateful for that. We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere it felt like a home ground for us with the fans coming in. The pre tournament prep was very good for me. I tried to analyze which shots are good for me. I got so many inputs from DK, which were helpful for me. He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team. This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu," he added.

IPL 2026 Final Match Summary

RCB started off well with a 62-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer (32 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. GT showed some fight, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, but Virat (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) guided RCB to a win with two overs left.This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL: Kohli's masterclass leads RCB to back-to-back title glory

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:30:28 +0530

Speaking after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, star Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli admitted, "that it does not feel like the same pressure as last year".

A 'Chasemaster' masterclass from Virat helped RCB complete a tricky 156 runs to join five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the elite list of clubs to have won back-to-back IPL titles. Despite wickets falling from the other ends, which produced some nerves, Virat finished things off in style, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest the T20 format has ever seen with another T20 championship title to his name, alongside a massive list of records and individual accomplishments.

'Doesn't feel like the same pressure as last year'

Speaking after the match, Kohli said, "I said to a few of the boys that it does not feel like the same pressure as last year. We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There is a reason why we got here first. And we just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp. And there's a reason why we have done well so far in the group stage. We ended up topping the league stage. And yeah, it's just the skill sets we have, the maturity, the composure of the guys just shone through again tonight, and it was a clinical performance," he said.

He also reflected on some tough matches, including a close match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) that went down to the last ball. "But as soon as we got that win against MI (in their second match of the tournament), the belief kicked back in. Then we had a comprehensive win against KKR and then, yeah, just ended up topping the table and just on our way to the finals," he added.

Virat reflected on the number of 'Player of the Match' titles RCB players won, including players like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy and himself, among others. "I mean, you look at world-class bowling like Hoff, Bhuvi, Duffy. I mean, Krunal Pandya, you know, you can bank on him, as good as ever. Rasikh Dar was brilliant this season. All the batsmen chipped in as well. So I feel so happy to play in a group where we have balance, we have strength, and we are an all-round strong team. And yeah, that is why we have the confidence we have on the field right now," he signed off.

Match Summary: RCB vs GT

Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only one to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: RCB wins back-to-back titles; BCCI's Rajeev Shukla hails win

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:30:28 +0530

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their back-to-back IPL titles following their five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final, while also lauding Gujarat Titans (GT) for their efforts in the tournament. Speaking to reporters, Shukla said, "It was a great final game. The teams who reach finals were capable... It was a great match. It is a matter of happiness that RCB won back-to-back. Along with that, I congratulate the Gujarat Titans as well."

Teen Sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Dominates Awards

Shukla also praised standout performers in the final, including teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old sensation dominated the awards at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, being named the Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, Orange Cap winner, and Super Sixes of the Season. The 15-year-old Bihar-born batter had an extraordinary tournament for Rajasthan Royals, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 776 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 237.30. At just 15 years and 65 days old, Sooryavanshi also set a new IPL record as the youngest Orange Cap winner. The previous record was held by Gujarat Titans opener Sudharsan, who won it at 23 years and 231 days in 2025, while Shubman Gill had set the record in 2023 at 23 years and 263 days.

"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a great player. There is no doubt about the way he played. The whole country is amazed by him, the way he performed at this age," Shukla said.

Shukla Praises Bhuvneshwar's Revival

He further commended Bhuvneshwar Kumar's contributions with the ball, adding, "The revival of Bhuvneshwar Kumar was amazing. The kind of bowling he did was amazing..."

The RCB speedster finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2026 season. Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in 16 games and played a key role in RCB's successful title defence, with standout figures of 4 for 23 highlighting his crucial breakthroughs with both the new ball and at the death.

IPL 2026 Final: Match Highlights

This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

IPL 2026: Kagiso Rabada wins Purple Cap for second time in career

Asianet News Central — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:00:18 +0530

Rabada Clinches Second Purple Cap

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the leading wicket-taker, claiming the Purple Cap for the second time in his career, even as the Gujarat Titans (GT) fell short in the final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After winning the Purple Cap, Rabada etched his name in the tournament's history by becoming the fourth bowler to win the Purple Cap award multiple times. He joins an elite list of bowlers who have achieved the feat, including Dwayne Bravo (2013, 2015), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016, 2017), and Harshal Patel (2021, 2024).

Top Wicket-Takers

Rabada's closest rival was RCB seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took 28 wickets in 16 games and played a key role in RCB's successful title defence. Bhuvneshwar also boasted the best economy rate among the top five wicket-takers at 7.95 runs per over, with standout figures of 4 for 23 highlighting his crucial breakthroughs with both the new ball and at the death. Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Jofra Archer rounded out the top three wicket-takers, claiming 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 9.31, with best figures of 3 for 17, continuing his consistent form throughout the season.

RCB Beat GT to Win Second IPL Title

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)