Asianet Newsable

Tim David becomes second-fastest batter to score 1,000 runs in IPL

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:31:00 +0530

Australian and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David became the second fastest to score 1,000 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Tim achieved this milestone during his side's IPL game against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

During the match, David scored 26 in 17 balls, with three fours and a six, with a strike rate of 152.94, before perishing to Axar Patel.

In 56 matches and 50 innings for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), David has made 1,019 runs at an average of 36.39 and a strike rate of 177.83, with two fifties. His best score is 70*.

In six matches and six innings this season, he has made 173 runs at an average of 86.50, with a strike rate of 203.52, including a half-century with the best score of 70*.

He is the second-fastest to reach the milestone, in 560 balls, with Andre Russell (545 balls) being the fastest one to reach the milestone.

DC vs RCB Match Highlights

Coming to the match, DC won the toss and opted to bowl first. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli (19 in 13 balls, with three fours) put up a 52-run opening stand. Salt (63 in 38 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) put on a fine show with the bat, while other batters failed to capitalise on their starts. RCB put on 175/8 in their 20 overs.

Skipper Axar (2/18), Kuldeep Yadav (2/32) and Lungi Ngidi (2/39) took two wickets each, not letting RCB batters make the most of their starts. (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: What’s Behind Jasprit Bumrah’s Wicketless Run? Ex-India Cricketer Explains

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:01:50 +0530

Mumbai Indians (MI) lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah is enduring rare bowling struggles in the ongoing IPL season, as he continues his unusual wicketless run, raising concerns over his form and bowling rhythm, with a visible dip in sharpness and consistency.

Bumrah has been the Mumbai Indians’ most reliable bowler, consistently delivering breakthroughs in crucial moments, especially powerplay and death overs, over the years, making his current wicketless run in the Indian Premier League 2026 both surprising and a major concern for the team.

Across five matches so far, Jasprit Bumrah has bowled 114 balls in 19 overs and conceded 164 runs at an economy rate of 8.63, without managing a single wicket, marking a rare and worrying stretch in an otherwise dominant career.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah's On-Field Anger Goes Viral After Wicketless Spell vs RCB (WATCH)

What’s the Reason Behind Bumrah’s Wicketless Streak?

Jasprit Bumrah’s wicketless streak in the IPL 2026 has been a rare sight for the spectators and fans, as the MI pacer is often known for his ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial junctures, particularly in high-pressure situations, making his current lack of wickets both unusual and a key talking point in IPL 2026.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer suggested that Bumrah may not be 100% fit, citing dip in rhythm, unusual inconsistency, and body language, indicating physical issues behind his rare struggles and wicketless run.

“I feel that Jasprit Bumrah is not 100 per cent fit, to be honest. This is my perception and my belief. When we are watching Bumrah bowl, the body language we are seeing is not the same as what we saw in the World Cup or even before that. So I sometimes feel that he is not at his best,” Jaffer told ESPN Cricinfo.

“Because Jasprit Bumrah does not usually miss his lengths like this, and he does not usually get hit like this. If he were 100 per cent fit, I cannot imagine Jasprit Bumrah bowling like this and continuing like this. So I feel that somewhere, he is not 100 per cent fit," he added.

0/35 vs KKR0/21 vs DC0/32 vs RR0/35 vs RCB/ Jasprit Bumrah remains wicketless after five games at #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/wXyezu2w1a

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 16, 2026

Before joining the MI squad, Jasprit Bumrah checked in at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, which sparked concerns over his fitness status ahead of the season. He was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign, where he played a crucial role, but the workload and subsequent recovery phase may have impacted his rhythm heading into the IPL 2026.

‘Zing in Bumrah’s Bowling is Missing’

Further speaking on Bumrah’s bowling struggles, Wasim Jaffer highlighted that the usual ‘zing, the sharp pace, late movement, and intensity that trouble batters appear to be missing, suggesting a dip in rhythm and effectiveness during IPL 2026.

“It feels like that zing in Bumrah’s bowling is missing. It seems like that ball, which used to come in quickly and hit the bat hard, is slightly lacking now,” Jaffer said.

“Form doesn’t always stay the same, and it’s not like Bumrah will bowl brilliantly every time or have a great spell in every match. Right now, it feels like he is going through a phase where things are not quite working,” he added.

Having gone wicketless in five games, Jasprit Bumrah will be expected to be under immense scrutiny in the remainder of the matches, as the Mumbai Indians look to regroup quickly and rely on their strike bowler to rediscover his wicket-taking rhythm to revive their faltering IPL 2026 campaign.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Decisions Leave Jasprit Bumrah Upset During Mumbai Indians’ IPL Loss (WATCH)

90% of India's athletic tracks are substandard, claims AFI official

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:00:59 +0530

90% of India's Athletic Tracks Substandard: AFI

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla has raised serious concerns over the quality of synthetic athletic tracks in the country, stating that a vast majority of them are substandard in terms of material, construction, and measurements. Addressing an AFI press conference on Saturday, Sumariwalla alleged widespread irregularities in the construction and maintenance of tracks across India. "I can tell you 90% plus tracks in India are substandard. The material used is substandard, the process is substandard, and the granules used are substandard. The laying methodology is substandard, so the thickness is substandard," he said.

He further pointed out that in several cases, proper materials like polyurethane are not being used, with alternatives such as tyre rubber being used instead. "Instead of polyurethane, in places, only tyre rubber is being used instead of polyurethane. Various things are issues with 90-plus per cent of the tracks, including the measurements," he added.

AFI to Step In After World Athletics Directive

Sumariwalla also clarified that the AFI had stayed away from track certification and related processes in the past due to concerns over awarding irregularities. "AFI was never involved. AFI had stayed away from this for a very long time. After all, we don't want to get involved, because a lot of these tracks have been awarded, which is not something that we want to get into, and that is why we stayed very far," he said.

However, he added that the federation will now be compelled to participate in the process following directives from World Athletics. He further noted that based on global discussions, AFI will now have to take a more active role in ensuring track quality standards going forward. "We've never certified any track. However, from now on, we'll have to get involved because World Athletics has called us and said we need to get involved. We had a meeting in Tokyo on this, and they showed us some data, which was quite shocking," Sumariwalla said.

Intensified Testing and Vendor Vetting Planned

The AFI now plans to vet a list of vendors from across the globe and also intends to intensify testing of the tracks. This development comes after the federation conducted a course with experts on how a track is to be laid, tested, and measured. (ANI)

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

IPL: Phil Salt's half-century guides RCB to 175 against Delhi

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:00:39 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have set a modest target of 176 runs for Delhi Capitals (DC) despite starting well at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Salt's fifty anchors RCB innings

Asked to bat first, RCB got off to a flying start with the openers, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli adding 52 runs for the first wicket. Kohli failed to hit his 300th IPL six and departed after making 19 runs with the help of three boundaries. The hosts added 59 runs in the power play.

Devdutt Padikkal came in to bat at number three and started with a few boundaries, but lost his wicket to the DC skipper Axar Patel. He made 18 runs off 13 balls, with the help of one six and a four.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar started with a six, but Mukesh Kumar got him caught behind. He made just eight runs off four balls.

Salt kept hitting boundaries from one end and completed his half-century in 30 balls. He made 63 runs off 38 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Middle order falters in slog overs

Tim David (26 off 17 balls) hit three fours and one six, but lost his wicket to Patel. Jitesh Sharma failed to accelerate in the death overs and made just 14 runs off 20 balls. Krunal Pandya contributed with 12 runs, including a beautiful straight six. Romario Shepherd failed to hit big sixes and departed after making just one run.

Despite all efforts from the tailenders, RCB finished with 175/8.

Axar, Ngidi star with the ball for DC

For Delhi Capitals Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel picked two wickets each, whereas Mukesh Kumar grabbed one wicket of Patidar.

RCB will be looking to continue their winning run while DC will be hopeful for a comfortable run-chase as they aim for a win after back-to-back defeats.

Brief Score: RCB - 175/8 (Phil Salt - 63 off 38 balls, Tim David - 26 off 17 balls, Axar Patel 18/2). (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: Harbhajan hails Nehra as key to Gujarat Titans' turnaround

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:30:46 +0530

After starting the IPL 2026 season with back-to-back defeats, Gujarat Titans (GT) have bounced back with consecutive three wins and have placed themselves at fourth place in the points table. Credit for GT's turnaround also goes to the head coach, Ashish Nehra, who led the side to the title in their debut 2022 season, becoming the first Indian head coach to win the tournament.

Harbhajan Singh lauds Ashish Nehra's 'football coach' style

Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary', former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh compared Nehra's coaching style to a football coach, highlighting his non-stop energy and communication with the players. "Ashish Nehra is the only person who makes the atmosphere comfortable anywhere, anytime. Wherever he goes, he makes everyone around him feel at ease. Not just himself, but everyone who works with him. One of the finest human beings you will ever meet. If you are with him, you are guaranteed to have a good time," said Singh. "His biggest contribution to the Gujarat Titans is keeping everyone united. That is Ashish Nehra. He is like a football coach. He never sits still. Throughout the entirety of a match, he will find a player and keep talking to him. Nehra ji has a great understanding of the game. The work he has done with the Gujarat Titans is commendable," he added.

Titans secure comeback win over KKR

In their last match, the Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR, while batting first, were reduced to 32-3 in four overs when Cameron Green joined hands with Rovman Powell (27 runs) to stitch a 55-run partnership and then combined for a 60-run partnership with Anukul Roy. Green scored a 55-ball 79 and guided KKR to 180 in 20 overs, a total that looked rather difficult to achieve early in the team's innings.

GT, powered by captain Shubman Gill's 86-run knock, chased KKR's score with two balls and five wickets remaining and handed KKR their fifth successive defeat in the IPL 2026. Kagiso Rabada's bowling figures of 3/29 in 4 overs proved crucial for the GT earlier in the match.

Current Standings and NRR Concerns

With the win, GT now find themselves placed fourth on the points table. While the Gujarat Titans are on a three-match winning streak, their Net Run Rate (NRR) remains only slightly above zero. In contrast, several other teams have much stronger NRR figures--well over 0.300--with table-toppers Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru both boasting NRRs exceeding +1.

Next Fixture

The Shubman Gill-led GT will take on the Mumbai Indians in their next game in Ahmedabad on Monday. (ANI)

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

Sumit Antil's harassment complaint against coach being processed: AFI

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:30:22 +0530

World Athletics vice-president Adille Sumariwala said that a proper process will be followed while looking into a complaint filed by two-time Paralympic gold medalist Sumit Antil against coach Naval Singh for mental harrasment and usage of abusive language.

Antil has levelled serious allegations of mental harassment and repetitive use of abusive language by javelin coach Naval Singh, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra backing the complaint filed with the Sports Authority of India. According to a source, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter is being taken up with the concerned federation. Speaking about the same during a press conference of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), he said.

"I would not like to comment on that, as right now I do not want to divert from the press conference. The matter is reported, and it is in process, so I do not want to comment on that right now."

SAI Confirms Complaint, Clarifies Coach's Status

However, SAI clarified that Naval Singh is not its employee and is currently engaged by the Athletics Federation of India as part of the National Coaching Camp.

"A complaint has been received from Sumit Antil, Paralympic Gold Medalist, alleging verbal abuse by Coach Mr Naval Singh. The complaint has also been supported by other athletes, including Neeraj Chopra," as per a source from the Sports Authority of India.

"The coach in question is not an SAI employee and is training another leading athlete as part of the National Coaching Camp organised by AFI. The complaint has been received against the coach, and the matter is being duly taken up with the federation," the source said.

Vinesh Phogat Criticises Alleged Harassment

India's ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat also strongly criticised the alleged mental harassment of Sumit Antil by coach Naval Singh, expressing concern that medal-winning athletes are repeatedly disrespected while those in authority remain silent.

In an X post, Phogat wrote, "The dignity of those who bring medals for the country will be trampled every time, and the responsible people will remain silent as always. This is the new India, isn't it?" (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: 'CSK need MS Dhoni more than ever' says Aditya Tare

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:01:07 +0530

Indian cricketer Aditya Tare has emphasised the importance of MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of their high-profile Southern Derby clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026 on Saturday evening. Speaking on Star Sports, JioStar, Tare said the five-time champions CSK would benefit immensely from Dhoni's presence, both as a wicketkeeper and mentor, especially given the team's relatively young squad.

'Chennai Super Kings need MS Dhoni more than ever'

"Chennai Super Kings need MS Dhoni more than ever. If he is fit to play, he has to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad in any capacity. I would personally want him to keep wickets for the full 20 overs because he is excellent behind the stumps. No disrespect to Sanju's wicket-keeping, but you need that experience," Tare said.

Tare further highlighted the importance of Dhoni's leadership presence for CSK's younger players, including debutants Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. "There is a lot of youth in CSK's line-up and their two debutants - Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer - need the guidance of someone as experienced as Mahi bhai," he added.

Guiding force for bowlers and captain

Tare also underlined Dhoni's influence on the team's overall composure in pressure situations, especially in guiding the bowling unit and supporting captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. "Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai has always been a great support to Ruturaj and to the bowlers. We have seen him constantly talking to the bowlers and guiding them, and that is something which will give an extra edge to Chennai against SRH," he said.

Dhoni's retention and recent form

Dhoni was retained by the Super Kings as an "uncapped player" for Rs 4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and this retention was extended for IPL 2026, keeping his salary unchanged at Rs 4 crore.

Dhoni had a decent IPL 2025 season with the bat, making 196 runs from 14 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike-rate of 135.17.

CSK vs SRH: The upcoming clash

After two back-to-back wins at home, CSK will be aiming to make it three wins in a row, this time away from home, while SRH will be aiming to protect their fortress. SRH has won two of their five matches this season. (ANI)

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

Djokovic, Eileen Gu to make history as first athlete co-hosts of Laureus

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:00:54 +0530

Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu, two of the most influential athletes of their generation, will co-host this year's Laureus World Sports Awards in a historical first for the greatest show in sports.

Never before have two athletes hosted the most prestigious Awards show on the sporting calendar, to be held this year at Madrid's iconic Palacio de Cibeles on Monday, April 20. The ceremony will bring together the biggest names from across sport, entertainment and culture to celebrate excellence, resilience and inspiration on sport's grandest stage, as a press release. Broadcast globally to an audience of millions, the Laureus World Sports Awards light up social media as fans and athletes all over the world interact as the winners are revealed and magical moments between sportspeople take place #OnlyAtLaureus.

A Duo of Champions

Djokovic is a record-equalling five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, an Olympic Gold Medallist and has won a record 24 men's Grand Slam singles titles, while Eileen Gu is the most decorated freestyle skier in the sport's history: a multiple Olympic and world champion, the 2023 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year and a Laureus Ambassador. Together, they will present the prize most coveted by elite athletes, the Laureus, across categories including Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year and Comeback of the Year.

The 'Athletes' Awards'

The host team of Djokovic and Gu underline the reputation of the Laureus World Sports Awards as 'the Athletes' Awards', valued by sportsmen and women as they pit champion against champion across all sport and are voted on by their peers. Only at the Laureus World Sports Awards are winners chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy - 69 sporting legends whose achievements span generations and disciplines. That peer recognition is why the Laureus remains the most coveted prize in sport.

It is fitting that two world-class athletes and previous Laureus winners should join up to host the show in its 27th year. The Awards have previously been hosted by Hollywood stars including Bill Murray, Andy Garcia, Samuel L Jackson and Benedict Cumberbatch, while Lindsey Vonn - the 2011 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and a Member of the Academy - became the first athlete to host, in 2025.

Hosts Share Their Excitement

Novak Djokovic said, "The Laureus World Sports Awards hold a special place in my heart. They celebrate not just excellence in sport, but the power of sport to make a difference. I have been honoured with five Laureus statuettes over the years. It is always a unique opportunity to mix with athletes from other sports - and meet the sporting heroes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. Last year, I was privileged to present Mondo Duplantis with his Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award - and this time I am delighted to be hosting the show with Eileen, a remarkable athlete who also understands the purpose and mission of Laureus."

Eileen Gu said: "The Laureus World Sports Awards are incredibly special to athletes, because they celebrate our achievements in a way nothing else does - through the respect and understanding of our peers, while inspiring millions of young sports fans all over the world. They really are the Athletes' Awards and winning a Laureus in 2023 was a milestone moment in my career. I was thrilled to return last year to present the Laureus Sport for Good Award to Kick4Life and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kelly Slater. To now be part of the show as a host, alongside Novak - someone whose journey and accomplishments I've admired for so long - is a real honour." (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: Why Are RCB Players Wearing Green Jersey vs DC in Bengaluru? Reason Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:48:31 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players have been spotted wearing green jerseys in the IPL 2026 clash against the Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, April 18.

RCB are playing its 100th home match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, becoming the first-ever IPL team to reach this milestone at a single venue. The defending champions have played three matches in the ongoing IPL season, winning all three encounters so far and are now aiming for a fourth successive win to maintain their unbeaten run.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals have locked horns for the first time in the ongoing IPL season. The two sides have previously faced off against each other 33 times in IPL history, with RCB leading 20-12 in head-to-head record.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Parthiv Patel on why Washington Sundar is not bowling for GT

RCB Wear Green Jersey for DC Clash

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home side opted for their iconic green jersey as part of their annual “Go Green” initiative. The RCB were the first franchise in the history of IPL to swap their traditional red and gold kit for a green jersey to promote environmental awareness.

The special kit, which was first donned during the IPL 2011 match against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, is worn to raise awareness about environmental sustainability nd encourage fans to adopt eco-friendly practices. The initiative focuses on reducing carbon footprint, promoting waste management, and supporting renewable energy, reflecting Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s commitment to a greener future.

Speaking on the initiative, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said,

“Achieving carbon-neutral status as a T20 franchise is the result of years of dedicated work. The green jerseys reflect this commitment, and we hope this initiative inspires our fans and stakeholders to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices.”

Special game. Special initiative. We’re glad to have you be a part of this day, Baapu & @DelhiCapitals. #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 #RCBvDC pic.twitter.com/fv9YEd9CsL

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 18, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have donned the green jersey for the 16th time in IPL history, 12th for a home match, continuing their long-standing tradition of using cricket as a platform to spread awareness about environmental sustainability and climate responsibility.

What Is RCB's IPL Record in Jersey?

Before the match against the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had donned the special green kit in 15 matches, registering a poor record over the past seasons in the tournament.

Out of 15 matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won only five, lost nine, while one match ended in a no result, highlighting their struggles while playing in the green jersey despite the significance of the initiative. The defending champions' win percentage in the Green Jersey stands at 33.33%.

The last time RCB wore a green jersey was against the Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in IPL 2025, and they won the match by nine wickets, chasing down a 174-run target with 15 balls to spare, marking the fifth win in a special kit.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to continue their winning momentum in the green jersey and maintain their unbeaten run at home in IPL 2026 as they aim to secure a fifth victory of the season against Delhi Capitals.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Rinku Singh’s Lean Run Puts KKR’s Batting Order Under Scanner After Defeat to GT

IPL 2026: Parthiv Patel on why Washington Sundar is not bowling for GT

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:30:28 +0530

Gujarat Titans (GT) Assistant Coach Parthiv Patel has clarified the team's decision to limit Washington Sundar's bowling overs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stating that the move was driven purely by match conditions rather than any fitness concerns.

Speaking on JioHotstar after GT's five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday night, Patel dismissed speculation around Sundar's fitness or bowling. "There's no niggle. Washington Sundar is bowling really well. It's purely a conditions and match-up-based decision. On a surface like Ahmedabad, where there isn't much turn, it becomes difficult to use him effectively. If there were more left-handers at the crease, we would have definitely gone to him. It's just about finding the right situation to bring him into the game," Patel said. Sundar, who is known for his off-spin and control in the middle overs, was used sparingly in the contest as GT relied on other bowling options suited to the pitch conditions.

'No real concern around our middle order'

Patel also addressed concerns around the Gujarat Titans' middle order, saying the franchise is not worried despite limited opportunities for its batters. "There's no real concern around our middle order. Our approach has been to rely on the top three to take the game deep and finish it, and that's something we continue to aim for. Naturally, that means the middle order doesn't always get enough deliveries, but players like Glenn Phillips (Glenn Phillips) and Shahrukh Khan are ready when needed. Ideally, we would like a set batter to finish games, but overall, there's no concern around that unit," Patel added.

GT climb to fourth after win over KKR

GT handed KKR a five-wicket defeat, riding on the back of captain Shubman Gill's 86-run knock and Kagiso Rabada's bowling figures of 3/29 in 4 overs. With the win, GT now find themselves placed fourth on the points table.

While the Gujarat Titans are on a three-match winning streak, their Net Run Rate (NRR) remains only slightly above zero. In contrast, several other teams have much stronger NRR figures--well over 0.300--with table-toppers Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru both boasting NRRs exceeding +1. GT will next face the Mumbai Indians on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (ANI)

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

BAI launches mascot design contest for BWF World Championships 2026

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:30:51 +0530

Nationwide Mascot Contest Launched

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a nationwide mascot design contest for the upcoming BWF World Championships 2026, inviting fans, artists, and creators to play a role in shaping the identity of one of badminton's most prestigious global events. Conceived to deepen fan engagement and celebrate India's rich cultural diversity alongside its growing badminton legacy, the initiative marks a first-of-its-kind effort by BAI to bring the community closer to the sport, according to a release.

With the BWF World Championships returning to India after 17 years, the initiative underscores both the scale of the event and the country's rise as a badminton powerhouse, highlighted by 15 World Championships medals in the past decade, including PV Sindhu's historic gold in 2019 and Satwik-Chirag's bronze last year. As New Delhi prepares to host the global showpiece, the mascot search offers a unique opportunity to craft a visual identity that reflects India's sporting ascent, cultural richness, and deep-rooted connection with badminton. Open to participants of all ages, the contest runs from April 18 to May 10, with the winner set to receive INR 25,000 along with VIP tickets to the semi-finals or finals.

A Fan-First Approach to Celebrate India's Rise

"Badminton today is played and loved across every corner of India, cutting across regions, cultures, and backgrounds, and that diversity is what truly defines the spirit of the sport in our country. With an event of the stature of the BWF World Championships coming to India, we wanted to celebrate this India rising story through a fan-first approach. This competition is an effort to bring fans closer to the tournament, giving everyone an equal opportunity to contribute to its identity. As the sport continues to grow, it is important that the event reflects not just world-class competition, but also the cultural richness and creativity of our people. We're excited to see how fans bring that spirit to life through their ideas," said Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI.

Mascot to Embody Indian Culture and Badminton Spirit

The BWF World Championships bring together the finest badminton players from across the globe, and as the host nation, India becomes the ultimate meeting point of champions, cultures, and competition--where the world converges on one stage in pursuit of the sport's highest honour. Reflecting this spirit, the mascot is expected to capture a blend of modern India and its rich cultural heritage, while incorporating elements of badminton--through form, movement, equipment, or expression--to create a design that resonates on the world stage.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, thematic relevance, and overall visual appeal, with the selected mascot going on to serve as a central visual identity for the tournament across promotional campaigns and event platforms in India and globally. All submissions will be evaluated by a designated jury panel, with the winning entry set to be unveiled ahead of the tournament.

Deepening Fan Engagement Ahead of Global Spectacle

Beyond the competition, the initiative aims to deepen fan engagement in the lead-up to the BWF World Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from August 17-23, offering a platform for creative communities to be part of a global sporting spectacle. With the world's best shuttlers set to compete, the mascot is expected to emerge as a defining symbol of the tournament's character and energy, further cementing India's position as a key destination on the international badminton calendar.

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

TCS World 10K Bengaluru set for record 35,000+ runners on April 26

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:00:23 +0530

The 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru is set to welcome a record 35,000+ participants across on-ground and virtual races on Sunday, April 26. This marks yet another milestone for a race that has come to embody the city's spirit, #EndendiguBengaluru, according to a release.

As the world's premier 10K, the race continues to set new benchmarks, with Open 10K registrations selling out in a record seven days and other categories oversubscribed, highlighting the rapid rise of distance running as India's fastest-growing sport.

Elite Field and Unique Participant Experience

With a total prize purse of USD 210,000, the World Athletics Gold Label Race will feature a fast elite field, including Uganda's Harbert Kibet and defending champion Sarah Chelangat, alongside defending champion and event record holder Abhishek Pal of India and Sanjivani Jadhav, set against the picturesque backdrop of Bengaluru. Joining them at the flag-off on Cubbon Road will be World Champion and Olympic medallist Blanka Vlasic as the International Event Ambassador.

Each participant will receive a specially designed passport at the Expo, which transforms into a personal keepsake across the running season. Upon successful completion of their race, runners will earn an exclusive stamp--distinct for every distance--with the World 10K in Bengaluru featuring a signature colour stamp. Over time, this passport evolves into a cherished memorabilia, capturing milestones, achievements, and the spirit of every finish line--much like a personal running logbook.

Indian Men's Elite Field

The men's contest will be led by defending champion Abhishek Pal, who will be joined by Kiran Matre, who recently finished second among Indians at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 (1:04:57) and third at the World 10K Bengaluru 2025 (30:01). Also in the line-up is National Marathon Champion Dr. Kartik Karkera, who made a winning debut at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 with a time of 2:19:55.

Indian Women's Elite Field

The Indian elite women's line-up will feature the defending champion, Sanjivani Jadhav, who holds a 10K personal best of 34:02, set at the World 10K Bengaluru 2024, and has enjoyed consistent success across the domestic road racing circuit. She won the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 on debut and previously claimed the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2024 title in 1:29:12. She will face strong competition from Lili Das, who boasts a 10K personal best of 34:13 and has been a national champion in the 1500m. Das, winner of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024 edition, was the runner-up at the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2024 edition. (ANI)

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

Rachana Bahadur joins Professional Golf Tour of India as an Advisor

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:00:20 +0530

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) announced the appointment of Rachana Bahadur, Senior Vice President and Country Head - India at Synchrony Financial, as an Advisor to the organisation.

A Leader with Global Experience

A seasoned global leader, Rachana Bahadur brings over three decades of experience across banking, operations, and risk management. Currently serving as Senior Vice President and Country Head for Synchrony India, she leads a dynamic workforce, driving strategic growth, digital transformation, and operational excellence, according to a press release from PGTI. Having held senior leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley and with over 18 years of global leadership experience spanning the US, Asia, and Europe, Rachana brings a truly international perspective to the table. Her people-first philosophy, centred on trust, well-being, and fostering a collaborative culture, perfectly aligns with DP World PGTI's vision for the future of Indian golf.

Bahadur 'Honoured' to Join PGTI

Expressing her thoughts on the appointment, Rachana Bahadur said, "I am honoured to join the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India as an Advisor. The DP World PGTI has played a pivotal role in developing and promoting professional golf in India, and I deeply admire its commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for players. I look forward to contributing to its mission of elevating Indian golf on the global stage."

PGTI President Welcomes the Appointment

Commenting on this major development, Kapil Dev, President, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), said, "We are delighted to welcome Rachana Bahadur to the Advisory Board of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Her extensive global leadership experience and deep expertise in building high-performing organisations will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the ecosystem of professional golf in India. We look forward to her strategic insights in shaping the next phase of DP World PGTI's growth." (ANI)

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

PSL 2026: Shaheen Afridi Slammed for ‘Arrogant Attitude’ After Bat-Smashing Video Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:38:12 +0530

Lahore Qalandars (LQ) captain Shaheen Afridi was visibly frustrated and angry after his dismissal in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 against Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, April 17.

Lahore Qalandars suffered their third successive defeat and the fourth overall following a six-wicket loss to Quetta Gladiators. After being bundled out for 134, the defending champions failed to defend it as Quetta chased down the 135-run target with 22 balls to spare or in 16.2 overs. Rilee Rossouw’s 60-run knock and 49 by Hasan Nawaz paved the way for Quetta Gladiators’ victory.

For Lahore, Sikandar Raza (1/17), Haris Rauf (1/33), and Shaheen Afridi (1/28) picked a wicket each, but were not enough to prevent Quetta Gladiators from comfortably chasing down the target and securing a convincing win.

Also Read: Hasan Ali’s Viral Brain Fade Moment: Shushing Empty Stadium After Taking A Catch During PSL Game (WATCH)

Afridi’s Bat-Smashing Video Goes Viral

Lahore Qalandars’ batting performance came under scrutiny as the team collapsed to 84/7 before Haseebullah Khan's (33) and Usman Mir's (22) contributions took the defending champions past the 100-run mark, eventually posting a total of 134 before being bowled out.

However, frustration boiled over after Shaheen Afridi’s dismissal. The incident took place in the 11th over when Afridi fell prey to Usman Tariq’s as he attempted an aggressive shot but was caught out by Saud Shakeel, ending his stay at the crease for a two-ball duck. While walking back to the dressing room, Afridi smashed his bat twice at the advertising board wheel and the dressing steps, out of frustration.

The incident was shot on camera and quickly went viral on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter).

Shaheen Shah Afridi broke his bat after getting out for duck . #LHQVQTG pic.twitter.com/DYzLMCFe9f

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) April 17, 2026

Shaheen Afridi’s dismissal further collapsed Lahore Qalandars to 60/6 in 10.4 overs, putting the team completely on the back foot before they eventually limped to a below-par total. Moreover, his captaincy also came under scrutiny after Lahore suffered another poor batting collapse and failed to defend a low total, raising questions over team balance and on-field decision-making.

‘What’s Wrong with Shaheen Afridi’s Attitude?’

Shaheen Afridi’s viral video of him smashing his bat while walking back to the dressing room after his two-ball duck dismissal has sparked criticism and trolling on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans slamming his aggressive reaction and questioning his attitude amid Lahore Qalandars’ continued poor run in PSL 2026.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts slammed Shaheen Afridi’s on-field reaction, calling it ‘arrogant’ and ‘poor sportsmanship,’ while also mocking his form and leadership. While others criticized his attitude after the bat-smashing incident, questioning his role as a senior player and captain.

What kind of attitude is this from Shaheen Shah Afridi ?These cricketers have so much attitude and arrogance even after having a flop in recent T20 WC PSL is a kind of a joke with these kind of jokers pic.twitter.com/pxGHpP5Dyw

— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) April 18, 2026

“What’s wrong with Shaheen Afridi’s attitude? Acting like a World Cup winner when you haven’t won a single trophy for Pakistan—calm down, Langra!” ️But he call himself Premium all rounder pic.twitter.com/9N9gjD4BXU

— Sheikh Abdullah (@Sheiikhabdulah) April 17, 2026

He should bat at number 10-11 and stop pretending to be an all rounder…. He simoly is not an all rounder from any angle…. Any number 10-11 can hit a few sixes in thier career like he has done and that does not make u into a number 5-6 batsman the mindset of these players is…

— Adnan (@adnansoofi) April 17, 2026

Shaheen Afridi… premium “face-off” bowler Performance: Attitude: Crucial matches: Bat didn’t break… expectations did

— JustWinWorld (@JustWinWor39771) April 17, 2026

Yeah, becoz he was just 1 run short of his 25th t20 hundred

— $id 00 (@rockstar_intown) April 17, 2026

Poor sportsmanship, Narcissistic pile of rubbish.

— Ocean Current (@current_oc31520) April 17, 2026

@iShaheenAfridi Bhai you need a psychiatrist to overcome your anger issue

— Asim Hussain (@asimhussain144) April 18, 2026

With two wins and four losses, Lahore Qalandars are sitting at the seventh spot on the points table with just four points and have a net run rate (NRR) of -1.020 after six matches. Lahore will look to bounce back when they take on Rawalpindiz at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, April 18.

The defending champions will have to win remainder of five matches in the league stage in order to have realistic chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

Also Read: PSL 2026: Babar Azam’s Furious Reply to Virat Kohli Comparison Sparks Social Media Backlash (WATCH)

Smriti Mandhana scripts history, surpasses Rohit Sharma in T20I runs

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:32:10 +0530

Mandhana Becomes India's Top T20I Scorer

Indian women's cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana scripted history by becoming India's highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals during the first India vs South Africa Women's match of the five-match T20I series, at Durban, on Friday.

Mandhana surpassed the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma's record for most T20I runs by an Indian batter. Smriti Mandhana has now scored 4,244 runs in 155 innings (161 matches) at an average of 30.31 and a strike rate of 124.38, including one century and 33 fifties, making her one of India's most prolific and consistent batters in the format.

Coming into the match against South Africa Women, Smriti Mandhana was level with Rohit Sharma on 4,231 T20I runs. She added 13 runs off 14 balls in the game, taking her total to 4,244. Overall, Mandhana is now the second-highest run-scorer in women's T20 Internationals. The all-time record in women's T20Is is held by Suzie Bates, who has accumulated 4,717 runs in 175 innings. In men's T20Is, the record belongs to Pakistan's Babar Azam, with 4,596 runs from 136 innings.

South Africa Wins Series Opener

Coming to the Women in Blue's match against South Africa Women, Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen starred as the Proteas Women defeated India by six wickets in the series-opener. Chasing 158 runs, Wolvaardt anchored the chase with a steady 51, while Dercksen remained unbeaten on 44.

Earlier, India posted 157/7, led by Harmanpreet Kaur (47*), with useful contributions from Shafali Verma (34) and Jemimah Rodrigues (36), but a slow finish hurt their total. South Africa's bowling was led by Ayabonga Khaka (3/16), supported by Tumi Sekhukhune (2/27) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/30).

Both teams will next face each other on Sunday at the same venue--Kingsmead in Durban.

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

IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals win toss, opt to bowl first against RCB

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:30:34 +0530

DC Win Toss, Opt to Bowl

Dehi Capitals (DC) won the toss and opted to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash on Saturday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

DC captain Axar Patel, after winning the toss, said he will choose to bowl first, citing the good batting conditions and the chasing-friendly nature of the Chinnaswamy pitch. He confirmed an unchanged playing XI, added that the recent break was beneficial after a couple of losses, and stressed the need for the team to focus on their strengths. "I am going to bowl first. The wicket looks good and hard. Chinnaswamy is obviously a good chasing ground. Same XI. (On having a long break) It's good to have that break after losing a couple of games. We need to focus on our strengths," Axar said at the toss presentation.

Team Form and Previews

RCB have emerged as one of the most dominant sides this season, delivering strong performances with both bat and ball. Led by Rajat Patidar, their batting lineup has been consistently productive. They have won four of their five matches in the tournament so far and will look to add another win to their campaign.

In contrast, the Delhi Capitals have experienced an inconsistent start to their campaign. Led by Axar Patel, they have shown flashes of quality but have yet to put on a complete performance. They have won two out of their four matches so far and will look to clinch their third win of the season.

Playing XIs and Impact Subs

RCB vs DC playing 11s: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal.

Delhi Capitals: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (w), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi Dar, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

Delhi Capitals Impact Subs: Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Nitish Rana. (ANI)

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

Sports legends gather in Madrid for 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:30:42 +0530

Sporting Royalty to Attend

Laureus Ambassador Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history and winner of five Laureus Statuettes, will be one of the special guests at the gala event to be held at the Cibeles Palace on the evening of April 20, according to a press release.

Joining her will be two of football's most recognisable characters: Xavi Hernandez, who played more than 1,000 professional games, mainly for FC Barcelona whom he also managed, and was a World Cup winner for Spain in 2010; and Fabio Capello, now a Laureus Ambassador, who coached club sides including AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus, as well as the England and Russia national teams.

More Stars Confirmed for Gala Event

Among other sports stars attending are: Spain's former world No 1 tennis player, now a Laureus Ambassador, Garbine Muguruza, won both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Jasmine Paolini, who won a gold medal in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 French Open She was also a singles finalist at Wimbledon and the French Open in 2024. She led Italy to the 2024 and 2025 Billie Jean King Cup titles.

Amanda Anisimova was a finalist at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, which helped her to a world No 3 ranking in January 2026. The 24-year-old American has won four WTA Tour titles.

Italian Paralympic fencer Bebe Vio, winner of the Laureus Disability Award in 2017. Simone Barlaam, Italian Paralympic swimmer who is a multiple-time World and European champion. His most recent success was winning four gold medals in the 2025 World Championship in Singapore.

Yuvraj Singh, now a Laureus Ambassador, was a highly successful all-rounder for the India cricket team, playing in 40 Tests and 304 One-Day internationals.

Bianca Bustamente, a 21-year-old racing driver from the Philippines, is competing in the Eurocup-3 series.

About the 2026 Laureus Awards

The 2026 Laureus Awards will recognise the outstanding sporting triumphs of 2025, as well as celebrate more than two decades of the Laureus movement, which has used the power of sport to transform the lives of more than seven and a half million young people around the world.

The Award winners are decided by the votes of members of the Laureus World Sports Academy - the ultimate sporting jury - and will be announced at the gala event held at the Cibeles Palace.

(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: Jay Shah, Sourav Ganguly watch GT vs KKR with special fans

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:26 +0530

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah watched the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with 1000 speacially abled people at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. Shah was accompanied by the former India captain Sourav Ganguly and the duo watched the match with the fans from the stands, ditching the VIP area.

Gill's 86 Steers GT to Thrilling Win Over KKR

In the match, the Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR, while batting first, were reduced to 32-3 in four overs when Cameron Green joined hands with Rovman Powell (27 runs) to stitch a 55-run partnership and then combined for a 60-run partnership with Anukul Roy. Green scored a 55-ball 79 and guided KKR to 180 in 20 overs, a total that looked rather difficult to achieve early in the team's innings.

IPL 2026 Points Table Update

With the win, GT now find themselves placed fourth on the points table. KKR are currently positioned at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with no wins in six matches. While they faced defeat in five matches, they had an abandoned match against the Punjab Kings and hence have one point to their name. While the Gujarat Titans are on a three-match winning streak, their NRR remains only slightly above zero. In contrast, several other teams have much stronger NRR figures, well over 0.300, with table-toppers Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru both boasting NRRs exceeding +1.

Upcoming Fixtures

The Shubman Gill-led GT will take on MI in their next gam at the same venue on Monday, whereas KKR will clash with Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. (ANI)

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

Indian Women's Hockey team fights back to draw 2-2 series in Argentina

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:30:20 +0530

The Indian Women's Hockey Team showed immense grit to finish their four-match tour of Argentina with a 2-2 draw. After a difficult start to the series, the Indian side fought back brilliantly, winning their final two matches to finish the tour on a high, according to a release.

Tour Recap

The tour began with a competitive opening match on April 13, where Navneet Kaur (22') and Annu (29') found the net for India. While Argentina eventually won 4-2, with Maria Emilia Larsen (11'), Victoria Granato (18'), and Julieta Jankunas (42', 55') among the scorers, India showed strong attacking intent throughout.

In the second match, played on April 14, Ishika (22') gave India an early lead before the hosts secured a narrow 2-1 win behind a brace from Agustina Gorzelany (34', 48').

India found their rhythm in the third match on April 16, securing a 2-1 victory to stay alive in the series. Navneet Kaur (26') and Neha (37') both scored from penalty corners to give India a comfortable 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal from Argentina's Agustina Gorzelany (52'), the Indian side stayed composed to secure the win and set up the final day drama.

On April 17, the series finale was a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 in regulation time. Both teams had chances to score, but the Indian defenders stood tall to keep a clean sheet throughout the match. In the shootout, India held their nerve to win 3-2 and ensure the series ended level.

The team will now return home to continue their training camp and build on these positive results. This tour has been a vital part of their preparation, providing the squad with important experience against a top-tier opponent on away soil.

Captain Reflects on Comeback

Reflecting on the tour, stand-in captain Navneet Kaur expressed pride in the team and praised their heart and character for posting a fightback. "I am incredibly proud of how the team responded after the first two matches. It isn't easy to trail 0-2 against a world-class team like Argentina, but we showed the heart and character needed to fight back. These back-to-back wins prove that we are moving in the right direction and can handle pressure on the big stage," she said. (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: Rinku Singh’s Lean Run Puts KKR’s Batting Order Under Scanner After Defeat to GT

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:16:57 +0530

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) search for their first win of the IPL 2026, continue as they registered their fifth defeat following a five-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.

After being bundled out for 180, banking on Cameron Green’s 79-run knock, KKR failed to defend it as GT chased down the 181-run target with a ball to spare in the final over. Shubman Gill played a captain’s innings of 86 off 50 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 172.00. Jos Buttler (25), Sai Sudharsan (22), and Glenn Phillips (19) chipped in with useful contributions to keep the chase steady.

Varun Chakravarthy led the KKR bowling attack with a spell of 2/34 at an economy rate of 8.50 in four overs. Sunil Narine (1/28), Vaibhav Arora (1/35), and Ramandeep Singh (1/5) picked a wicket each and kept KKR in the contest at different stages, but GT held their nerves in the death overs to pull off a victory.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer's leadership key to Punjab Kings' unbeaten run

Rinku Singh’s Struggling Form Raises Question

As the Kolkata Knight Riders lost to the Gujarat Titans, the focal point of discussion was not only Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy but also Rinku Singh’s lean run of form, with the southpaw failing to make a significant impact in the last six matches, raising concerns over his role and confidence in the batting order.

In the matches against the Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings, Rinku batted at No.5 and scored 33*, 35, 4, and 6, respectively, struggling to convert starts into impactful knocks. The No.5 batting position has been the left-handed batter’s most frequent role over the last few seasons, including the ongoing edition of the tournament.

However, in the match against the Gujarat Titans, Rinku Singh was demoted to the No.7 position, with Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, and Anukul Roy batting ahead of him in the order. Rinku walked in bat after Ankul’s dismissal at 147/5, but his stay at the crease was short as he was dismissed for just one run at 148/6.

Unreal downfall of Rinku Singh, there was a time when Rinku Singh used to be on hero cam during KKR matches & Indian fans used to love his batting.He looks completely useless in middle order & feels like he has become only good for 2-3 overs at slog. pic.twitter.com/fYQ0Us2ffs

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 17, 2026

In five matches, Rinku Singh has aggregated 79 runs at an average of 19.75 and a strike rate of 117.91, continuing his lean run in IPL 2026 with inconsistent returns in the middle order. KKR’s trusted middle-order batter over the past IPL seasons has struggled to replicate his finishing role, raising questions over his form and batting position.

Has KKR Lost Faith in Rinku Singh?

Rinku Singh’s demotion in batting order during the IPL 2026 clash against the Gujarat Titans has raised questions over KKR’s confidence in their finisher amid his poor run of form. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary believes that KKR has given an indirect signal of a lack of faith in Rinku Singh by altering his batting position and pushing him down the order.

Speaking on the Cricbuzz show after the GT vs KKR match, Tiwary criticized Kolkata’s batting order, especially sending Ankul Roy over Rinku up the order when the visitors were reeling at 87/4.

“You changed the entire batting order. You sent Anukul Roy higher up. You just sent Rinku Singh an indirect signal that you don't have any faith in him,” the former India cricketer said.

“Whoever is thinking in their right mind would send Rinku higher up, as he has been your asset for such a long time,” he added.

It was over. Done. Finished.Or at least that’s what everyone thought.Then came 5 swings, 5 sixes, and one name echoing forever - Rinku Singh.From impossible to immortal in a matter of minutes https://t.co/uUBGSK8nQK pic.twitter.com/P2SZpzS89F

— Zaid ᴷᴷᴿ (@zaidyyy96) April 18, 2026

Rinku Singh has amassed 1,178 runs in his IPL career so far, of which 934 runs, including three fifties, have come while batting between No.4 and No.6. He averages 31.13 with a strike rate of 138.37 in 49 matches in that position range, meaning nearly 79.3% of his IPL runs have come in the middle order.

‘He Was Completely Heartbroken’

Manoj Tiwary noticed that Rinku Singh was ‘heartbroken’ while walking back to the dugout following his 1-run dismissal, adding that KKR might remain at the bottom of the points table if the team continues with such inconsistent planning and poor batting decisions.

“Just look at Rinku, when he came back after getting out. He was completely heartbroken. He knew, deep inside, that it shouldn't have happened to him,” Tiwary said.

“When you had to build his confidence, you did the exact opposite by sending Rinku down the order. If KKR continue playing like this, they will remain at the bottom,” he added.

- KKR released Shubman Gill in 2022- KKR released Pat Cummins in 2023- KKR let Shreyas Iyer go in 2025, even though he won the trophy for themKKR let go of 3 players who are now captains of their respective teams and performing well. Then they picked Ajinkya Rahane in the… pic.twitter.com/iSeqvnqaSY

— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) April 17, 2026

After a six-match winless streak, Kolkata Knight Riders’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs have become increasingly slim, as the team needs to have a drastic turnaround, winning almost all of their remaining 8 matches to stay in contention for a realistic shot at the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Rahane lauds Cameron Green's 'courageous' 79 despite loss

GT vs KKR Highlights: Gill's Masterclass 86 Leads Gujarat Titans to Thrilling 5-Wicket Victory | IPL

Asianet Newsable English — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:14:08 +0530

Complete match coverage! Shubman Gill's brilliant 86 off 50 balls powers Gujarat Titans to 5-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders! Cameron Green's fiery 79 keeps KKR in game but GT bowlers fight back. Full match analysis, highlights with voice-over commentary and key moments from Narendra Modi Stadium! 00:00 - Match Intro & Toss Update 00:51 - KKR Innings Collapse & Green’s Fightback 03:02 - Gill’s 86 Seals GT Victory

IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer's leadership key to Punjab Kings' unbeaten run

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:21 +0530

Last year's runners-up, Punjab Kings, are unbeaten in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), and the credit should be given to the solid leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer seems to have unlocked a new gear ever since joining Punjab Kings, and after falling short at the final hurdle in the IPL 2025, the PBKS skipper is determined to go one better this season. Fondly known as 'Sarpanch' among the fans of Punjab Kings, the skipper has made 203 runs in four innings so far this year at an astonishing average of 67.67 and strike rate of 187.96. He has hit 14 sixes and as many fours in this season so far.

Iyer on 'Sarpanch' Moniker

Speaking on JioStar's 'Believe', PBKS Captain opened up on how the title of 'Sarpanch' has sat with him since joining the franchise. "I love it. I was clueless at the start of my journey with Punjab Kings about how the 'Sarpanch' tag came up and what it meant. But later, when I asked a couple of my teammates, they explained that 'Sarpanch' means the head of a family, a group, or even a district. That gave me clarity, and from there onwards, my journey started," he said.

PBKS Dominate Standings

Punjab Kings are the only unbeaten side in the IPL 2026 and currently stand at the top of the points table with nine points in five matches. Their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was washed out, and one point was given to each side. That was the only point KKR have earned this season as they are currently at the bottom of the table with five defeats in six matches. The uncapped Indian batter, Prabhsimran Singh, has also been in red-hot form for the Punjab Kings with 211 runs so far in this season. Opening the batting for PBKS, the destructive batter has made runs at an average of over 70 and a strike rate of 172. He has hit 22 fours and 11 sixes so far. (ANI)

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

KKR kicks off 'Runs to Roots' 2026, pledges 10 trees per run

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:30:34 +0530

Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) today kicked off the 2026 edition of their flagship environmental initiative, 'Runs to Roots', with a plantation drive at Subhas Sarovar Lake Park in Kolkata. KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla Mehta inaugurated the drive, joining hands with NGO 'Grow Billion Trees' to champion environmental responsibility.

This year, the initiative takes a significant leap forward, with KKR pledging 10 trees for every run scored during IPL 2026 - a tenfold increase from previous seasons, according to a release.

Evolution of KKR's Green Initiatives

KKR's sustainability journey has evolved steadily over the years - from the 'Plant a 6' campaign in 2017 to the more expansive 'Runs to Roots' movement. From planting over 6,000 trees in the ecologically sensitive Sundarbans to adding 4,669 trees across Kolkata in just the past two IPL seasons, the franchise is now dramatically scaling its ambition to deliver deeper, measurable impact.

Beyond Tree Planting: Smart Waste Management

In addition to this, KKR's Smart Waste Management initiative at the Eden Gardens and beyond continues to set the benchmark for sustainable sporting ecosystems, having successfully recycled 53,858 kgs of waste over the past two years.

Transforming Passion into Ecological Action

Driven by a commitment to influence beyond the boundary, KKR is leveraging its platform to champion eco-conscious fan behaviour and demonstrate how sport can lead meaningful, large-scale environmental change.

At its core, 'Runs to Roots' transforms the passion of cricket into tangible ecological action - reinforcing the Knight Riders' long-term commitment to sustainability and community-driven change.

Leadership Perspectives on 'Runs to Roots'

Juhi Chawla: 'Sport has the power to drive meaningful action'

Speaking on the initiative, Juhi Chawla Mehta said that cricket is more than just a sport in India and has the power to inspire meaningful change. She added that KKR believes in using sport to drive positive action, and through the 'Runs to Roots' initiative, the franchise is channelling fan energy into creating a lasting environmental impact.

"Cricket has always been more than a sport in our country - it is a way of life for millions, and has the potential to create an indelible impact. At KKR, we truly believe that sport has the power to drive meaningful action. With 'Runs to Roots', we're harnessing the incredible energy of fans to create a lasting impact for our future. We're incredibly proud of how this initiative has continued to evolve and has inspired people over the years," she said.

Venky Mysore: 'Significantly raising the bar'

Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer at KKR, said the franchise is aiming to grow 'Runs to Roots' into one of cricket's leading sustainability initiatives. He noted that by committing to planting 10 trees per run this season, KKR is significantly increasing its ambition and impact.

"At KKR, we are committed to scaling 'Runs to Roots' into one of cricket's most impactful sustainability programmes. This season, by pledging 10 trees per run, we are significantly raising the bar - both in ambition and execution. The momentum from planting close to 5,000 trees in the past two seasons gives us a strong foundation to deliver meaningful, measurable impact in 2026," he said. (ANI)

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

Sarfaraz Ahmed named Pakistan's Test head coach for Bangladesh series

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:30:41 +0530

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed the former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach of the national men's Test team ahead of next month's two-Test series against Bangladesh. Former Test regular Asad Shafiq has been appointed the new batting coach, while ex-fast bowler Umar Gul will work as bowling coach in the newly formed Test setup, as per ESPNcricinfo.

New-Look Squad for Bangladesh Tour

PCB also announced a 16-member squad for the Bangladesh Test series, including four uncapped players. Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Ghazi Ghori are the fresh faces included in the touring party. Among them, Ghori is the only player with international exposure, having featured in a solitary ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur recently.

The veteran left-hand batter, Shan Masood, will continue to lead the side, but the support staff around him has undergone a significant overhaul.

Coaching Staff Profiles

Sarfaraz, who retired from international cricket only last month, brings leadership experience, having guided Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 title. He also served as mentor and manager of the Pakistan Shaheens during their tour against England Lions earlier this year.

Shafiq, known for his solidity in the longest format, scored 4,660 runs in 77 Tests, including 12 centuries.

Gul, one of Pakistan's most successful fast bowlers across formats, claimed 427 wickets in 237 international appearances.

Preparations and Schedule

Preparation for the Bangladesh tour is already underway. Five members of the squad -- Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Ghori, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan -- are currently attending a red-ball conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

The full squad, barring players involved in the latter stages of PSL 2026, will assemble in Karachi for a training camp from April 27 to May 1. Players engaged in the PSL will join once their commitments conclude.

The two-match Test series will start in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.

Pakistan Squad and Management

Pakistan Test squad for Bangladesh series: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).

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

IPL 2026 is the mission, but we must stay in present: Shreyas Iyer

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:34 +0530

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer expressed that the team's mission is to lift the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 trophy, but also admitted the need to be in the present to stay in control of things at hand. In the current IPL season, PBKS, led by captain Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, remain the only unbeaten side so far. They have played five matches, winning four, while one game was washed out due to rain. Speaking on JioStar, Shreyas Iyer said that the ultimate goal is to win the IPL trophy, but the team is focusing on staying present and taking things one step at a time. He emphasised playing with full intent in the moment, avoiding distractions from the past or future, and encouraging his teammates to focus on self-improvement. According to him, when the team builds synergy and performs consistently, results will naturally follow. "The mission, obviously, is to lift the trophy. But I always feel that the more you stay in the present, the more you stay in control of what is in your hands at that moment and you just have to go full throttle. You don't have to think too far ahead or dwell on the past. I reiterate the same point to my teammates as well, that when we are out there, we are playing for ourselves, not against the opponents. We just want to improve each day and make sure we put our best foot forward. When everything comes together and that synergy builds, everything falls into place," Iyer said.

Punjab Kings failed to pass the final hurdle in IPL 2025 when they faced a defeat at the hands of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Dominant Performance Against Mumbai Indians

In their last match, the Punjab Kings put on a complete performance against the Mumbai Indians, defeating them by seven wickets. Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with the Player of the Match-winning figures of 3/22 in 4 overs. In response, PBKS chased the target in just 16.3 overs, reaching 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent 66 off 35 balls. The duo added a match-defining stand after early setbacks. For MI, Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2/32, but the bowlers were largely ineffective as PBKS dominated the chase. (ANI)

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

IPL: Varun Chakaravarthy joins Narine, Russell in KKR's 100-wicket club

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:00:33 +0530

Varun Chakaravarthy has now become only the third player to reach the milestone of 100 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Sunil Narine leads the charts of most wickets for KKR with 196 scalps to his name, according to the data from CricViz. Following Narine is Andre Russell, who has taken 122 wickets for the Kolkata-based franchise. At the third pot sits Chakaravarthy, who now has 100 wickets for KKR.

Chakaravarthy reached the milestone after registering bowling figures of 2/34 in 4 overs against the Gujarat Titans on Friday. In the match, he dismissed GT batters Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar. Notably, Varun Chakravarthy has mirrored his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders', struggles in the IPL 2026 season, as the match against the Gujarat Titans marked the first time he managed to take wickets in the tournament so far.

GT vs KKR: Gill guides Titans to victory

Coming to the GT vs KKR match on Friday, Shubman Gill's brilliant 86 off 50 balls guided GT to a five-wicket win in Ahmedabad. Chasing an 181-run target, GT completed the proceedings in 19.4 overs, with Gill anchoring the innings and contributing with eight fours and four sixes. This win marked GT's third consecutive victory, lifting them to fourth place on the IPL 2026 points table with six points from five matches, while KKR remain winless and bottom of the table.

Earlier, KKR posted 180, powered by Cameron Green's 79, after a shaky start and regular wickets. GT's bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada with three wickets, kept them in check.

In reply, GT had a strong start through Gill and Sai Sudharsan, with Jos Buttler adding a quick cameo of 25 runs. Despite a few breakthroughs from KKR's bowlers, including Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, GT stayed ahead and sealed the win in the final over through Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan.

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

Pakistan names squad for Bangladesh Tests; Shan Masood to lead side

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:30:23 +0530

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have named a 16-member squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, set to get underway from May 8 in Dhaka. Shan Masood will lead the Test side, while Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are four uncapped players named in the squad, as per a PCB statement.

The opening match of the two-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, is scheduled to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to 12. The second Test will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, running from May 16 to 20.

Five members of the squad announced, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are currently participating in the ongoing NCA red-ball camp in Lahore.

The squad will regroup in Karachi for another training camp beginning on 27 April. This camp will run until 1 May, after which the team is set to depart for Bangladesh on 2 May. Players included in the Test squad who are currently involved in the ongoing Pakistan Super League will join the camp once their respective teams complete their campaigns. Those whose teams progress to the final will travel to Bangladesh after the tournament concludes.

PCB Announces Red-Ball Coaching Staff

The PCB has also announced the red-ball coaching staff for the Bangladesh tour, naming former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the team's head coach. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to two ICC titles--the ICC U19 World Cup in 2006 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017--recently guided the Pakistan U19 team to victory in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup as a mentor/manager in December last year.

Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul will serve as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, during the tour. Asad appeared in 147 international matches--77 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 10 T20Is--amassing 6,188 runs, which included 12 centuries and 36 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, right-arm fast bowler Umar played 237 internationals--47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is--claiming a total of 427 wickets.

Pakistan Squad for Test Series in Bangladesh

Pakistan squad for the Test series in Bangladesh: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi. (ANI)

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

Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Gerald Coetzee for remainder of IPL 2026

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:30:46 +0530

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have signed South African pacer Gerald Coetzee for the remainder of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, as a replacement for David Payne, who has been ruled out of the tournament after an ankle injury, according to a release.

Coetzee's Career at a Glance

Gerald Coetzee has played four Tests, 14 ODIs and 18 T20Is for South Africa and has 67 international wickets against his name. He has also featured in 14 IPL matches. While he played four matches for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, he had a longer stint for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, playing 10 matches. The South African quick has 15 IPL wickets to his name.

Payne's Short Stint with SRH

Payne played two matches for SRH in the IPL 2026. He claimed figures of 2/35 in 3 overs against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in his IPL debut. He dismissed RCB captain Rajat Patidar and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma in that match. Payne went wicketless in the second match that he played, against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

IPL Confirms Signing

A media release from the IPL says, "Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have signed Gerald Coetzee as a replacement for David Payne for the remainder of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Payne - who played 2 games for SRH in the ongoing IPL season and picked 2 wickets from the same - is ruled out of the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury."

The statement adds that Coetzee will join the SRH camp for Rs 2 crore. "Coetzee - a right-arm pacer - has played 4 Tests, 14 ODIs and 18 T20Is for South Africa and has 67 international wickets against his name. Coetzee, who replaces Payne at SRH, has played 14 IPL games in the past - representing Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI), and has 15 IPL wickets. He will join SRH for INR 2 Crore," says the IPL release.

SRH in IPL 2026

SRH have so far played five games, winning two and losing three. They are positioned fifth with the net run rate of +0.576. (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: Winning more important than NRR, says GT's Kagiso Rabada

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:00:39 +0530

Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Kagiso Rabada said that prioritising a win is more important than looking to improve the net run rate (NRR), after the team registered their third consecutive win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday. GT handed KKR a five-wicket defeat, riding on the back of captain Shubman Gill's 86-run knock and Kagiso Rabada's bowling figures of 3/29 in 4 overs earlier in the match. With the win, GT now find themselves placed fourth on the points table.

While the Gujarat Titans are on a three-match winning streak, their NRR remains only slightly above zero. In contrast, several other teams have much stronger NRR figures--well over 0.300--with table-toppers Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru both boasting NRRs exceeding +1. However, speaking at the post-match press conference, Rabada said that the team's main focus should be on winning games, not worrying about net run rate. He pointed out that with many matches still left in the tournament, there's enough time for the team to improve the NRR. According to him, performance and momentum across games matter more than actively chasing a better NRR.

'Prioritise the win first': Rabada on NRR concerns

"The most important thing as a team is to prioritise the win first. And the net run rate, it will come. This is only game number five? So there are quite a few more games left, nine games. There's a lot of games to improve that, and sometimes it's just momentum. That kind of stuff is momentum. You don't want to go into a game wanting to get your net run rate higher. It's more momentum and how a team is playing throughout the different scenarios," the GT pacer said.

He stressed the importance of playing according to the situation, trusting the team's batting depth, and allowing players to stick to their natural game without interference. "Look, the most important thing is to win. The net run rate is something that you want to be good, but I don't think it's something that you prioritise. I think prioritising the win first is important and playing the situation accordingly. We know that we have the depth and the skill to score quicker, especially in the middle overs. But then again, you have to trust the guys in the middle. You have to trust their natural games, because they know what they're doing in the middle there. Those same guys are not coming to me telling me how to bowl, so we're not going to tell them how to bat," Rabada said.

GT will next face the Mumbai Indians on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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

IPL 2026: Rahane lauds Cameron Green's 'courageous' 79 despite loss

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:00:50 +0530

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded all-rounder Cameron Green for his resilient 79-run knock against Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match on Friday. While KKR eventually went down to GT by five wickets and suffered their fifth consecutive loss in the tournament, Rahane called Green's effort with the bat courageous.

KKR, batting first, were reduced to 32-3 in four overs when Green joined hands with Rovman Powell (27 runs) to stitch a 55-run partnership and then combined for a 60-run partnership with Anukul Roy (9 runs). Green scored a 55-ball 79 and guided KKR to 180 in 20 overs, a total that looked rather difficult to achieve early in the team's innings.

Rahane lauds 'courageous' Green

Rahane, speaking at the post-match press conference, praised Green for his effort with the bat, noting his counterattack when the team was three wickets down. He credited the all-rounder for showing courage with the sole fifty from KKR's batting lineup. "The kind of innings he has played has been amazing. We were three wickets down, but the counterattack; he took his time, it's never easy when things are not going your way, you're usually under pressure, but the courage he has shown was fantastic. Credit to him. We reached 180 because of Cameron Green's efforts," Rahane said.

Focus on staying positive despite losses

GT, powered by captain Shubman Gill's 86-run knock, chased KKR's score with two balls and five wickets remaining and handed the Rahane-led team their fifth successive loss in the IPL 2026. However, Ajinkya Rahane said the team is focusing on staying positive and taking things one match at a time despite the losses. He acknowledged it's tough to keep losing but emphasised that everyone is giving their best and remains hopeful.

Rahane added that the team's priority is to stay in the present, avoid overthinking the future and keep striving to perform better each game. "One game at a time. We don't want to think too far ahead. It's tough when we are losing matches. Everyone is trying their best. No one wants to lose any matches. We all want to win the games, but that's how sport has been," he said.

"There's always a hope, and you always want to be positive rather than thinking about negatives. But, as a unit, we just have to be in the moment rather than far too ahead. Taking one game at a time and try to give our best," Rahane added.

KKR at bottom of points table

KKR are currently positioned at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with no wins in six matches. While they faced defeat in five matches, they had an abandoned match against the Punjab Kings and hence have one point to their name. (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: Ajinkya Rahane's Captaincy Under Fire as KKR Sink to 6-Match Winless Streak

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:32:30 +0530

Under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) search for the first win of the IPL 2026 continues as they suffered their fifth defeat with a five-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Gill disappointed despite GT win, vows to finish better

6 Games, 0 Wins - KKR’s Nightmare Continues in IPL 2026

The nightmare would be an understatement to describe Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign so far, as the three-time IPL champions have now gone six matches without a win. KKR’s struggles began not this season but since the previous edition of the IPL, with the team failing to find consistency across both batting and bowling departments.

The release of their 2024 IPL-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, and the appointment of Ajinkya Rahane as the new skipper for the last season appeared to have disrupted the team’s balance, with KKR struggling to rebuild momentum and stability in high-pressure situations.

In IPL 2025, KKR, led by Rahane, failed to defend the title, finishing 8th on the points table and not qualifying for the playoffs. The same pattern of inconsistency has carried into IPL 2026, with KKR once again struggling to close out matches, misfiring in crunch moments, and slipping under pressure despite individual performances showing flashes of promise.

- 6 matches. - 5 losses. - 1 no result. - 1 point. A heartbreaking season for KKR in IPL 2026. pic.twitter.com/fxNM9L5AmY

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 17, 2026

The central reason for Kolkata Knight Riders’ poor show in the IPL 2026 is Ajinkya Rahane’s inability to inspire consistency and tactical clarity in crunch situations, with the side repeatedly faltering in key moments despite flashes of individual brilliance.

After 19 matches, KKR has won only 5, lost 12, and drawn 2 under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, with a winning percentage of just 26.31%, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggles for consistency and performance under pressure across IPL 2025 and 2026.

Sack Ajinkya Rahane Chorus Grows Among KKR Fans

Kolkata Knight Riders’ poor show across two IPL seasons has put Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy under immense scrutiny as his appointment as skipper by the franchise is now being widely questioned by fans and cricket enthusiasts, with calls growing louder for a change of leadership in the middle of the season.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), the fans, especially KKR supporters and cricket enthusiasts, lashed out at Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, pointing to KKR’s poor win record, while demanding his removal from the captaincy, as the three-time IPL champions are languishing at the bottom of the points table.

While others compared unfavourably with Shreyas Iyer, highlighting how KKR flourished under his leadership, they argued that the franchise’s decision to move on from a proven title-winning captain has backfired, leaving the team struggling for direction, intent, and consistency under Rahane’s reign.

Ajinkya Rahane as your captain in 2026 and you think to win IPL matches ? Ajiiii L mera. He thinks he can save his place by dropping biggest T20 player Finn Allen ? Rahane go home never come back in KKR. Have some shame and step down clown.

— Venky Mama (@venkymama100) April 17, 2026

Lowest Win Rate as Captain in IPL -31.18% - Ajinkya Rahane Lowest Win Rate as KKR Captain -25.00% - Ajinkya RahaneIf these aren't sackable stats, then we have no words! pic.twitter.com/gb0NepBito

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) April 17, 2026

In 2024, Shreyas Iyer led KKR to an IPL title as Captain.In the 2026 IPL, Shreyas Iyer is now captaining PBKS, and they are only unbeaten Teams.Meanwhile, KKR are still yet to register Win.This shows how a single decision can completely change a team. Even many fans of… https://t.co/A2ECt3UGXc

— Shah (@Shahhoon1) April 17, 2026

@ajinkyarahane88 step down as the captain of @KKRiders ASAP! https://t.co/xQjsAdwosk

— Sufiyan Nasim (@mosufi__) April 17, 2026

Idk who on earth will make Ajinkya rahane as their captain when other teams captains are Ishan Kishan,shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, shubman gill ‍♂️‍♂️ it’s big 2026 @iamsrk @KKRiders

— Thakkali_chutneyyyy (@Gaygdp) April 17, 2026

KKR fumbled Shubman GillKKR fumbled Shreyas Iyer When every team has been upgraded they have an oldie man named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain & still they don't have any other Captaincy option.KKR's downfall after winning 2024 IPL is brutal.pic.twitter.com/ZwvOrrtfWn

— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) April 17, 2026

Thankyou Ajinkya Rahane for ruining my beautiful franchise KKR #GTvsKKR pic.twitter.com/D6EbRjTpI4

— Caffeine☕ (@faizz774896) April 17, 2026

So sorry , but not Ajinkya rahane as captain please @KKRiders where is the zingggggg in your team guys ?????

— Achint Nag. (@AchintNag) April 17, 2026

Poor Captaincy by Ajinkya Rahane @KKRiders This should be his last chance! Change the captain next match as it is do or die from next match.

— ZAID (@zaqhamds2) April 17, 2026

The main culprit from KKR is Ajinkya Rahane and Abhishek Nayar. Useless Captain and coach combo. Believe me if they are sacked, KKR will be definitely in winning mode from very first match.

— Ayaan Srk Khan (@ayaan_srkian) April 17, 2026

— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) April 17, 2026

Wouldn’t be surprised if Ajinkya Rahane considers stepping aside after this one… just feels like that kind of moment.

— Karanveer Kathuria (@karanveerkv18) April 17, 2026

Every match KKR loses just raises one question what exactly was the plan behind picking Ajinkya Rahane as captain?#KKRvsGT #RinkuSingh

— Waris (@waristweets) April 17, 2026

What worse results, what more embarrassment and how many more Brain fade decisions are required for getting Ajinkya Rahane and Nayar sacked?

— Sonali (@baabi_98) April 17, 2026

KKR have been the most boring side this season. Kolkata Knight Riders lack intent, energy, and direction. Under Ajinkya Rahane, the leadership feels too passive for T20s. No aggression, no spark-just going through the motions.#KKRvsGT

— Aakash Raj (@Aakashraj2208) April 17, 2026

After a six-match winless streak, Kolkata Knight Riders’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs have become increasingly slim, as the team need to have a drastic turnaround, winning almost all of their remaining 8 matches to stay in contention for a realistic shot at the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah's On-Field Anger Goes Viral After Wicketless Spell vs RCB (WATCH)

Gill's majestic 86 helps Gujarat Titans secure 5-wicket win vs KKR

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:30:27 +0530

Rahane praises Gill, Sudharsan's batting prowess

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane praised Gujarat Titans (GT) opening batters Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan for their excellent batting, noting they handled the conditions well despite the pitch being slightly slow and some dew setting in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Gill's majestic half-century propelled the GT to a five-wicket victory over the KKR on Friday in Ahmedabad. Gill delivered a commanding 86 off 50 balls at the Narendra Modi Stadium, extending his impressive record in Ahmedabad. The GT skipper struck eight fours and four sixes to anchor the chase, guiding his side to victory in 19.4 overs while pursuing 181. Along with Gill, Sudharsan also played a vital cameo of 22, giving his side an impressive start in the power-play.

Rahane admitted that 180 was a competitive total but stressed that KKR failed to take early wickets in the powerplay, which proved costly, while also making it clear there were no excuses for the loss. "I thought he batted really well [Shubman Gill]. I initially felt slightly back of length, the ball was slightly holding, anything up front, half-volleys were coming nicely, slightly dew as well. But again, no excuse, as I said, 180, we needed wickets in the powerplay, they batted beautifully. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill batted beautifully," Rahane said after the match.

'Green's counter-attack a major boost'

Rahane admitted it is tough to reflect immediately after the loss, but chose to focus on the positives. He highlighted Cameron Green's counter-attacking innings under pressure as a major boost after early wickets. "It's never easy after immediately losing the game, and come and talk about the game. I thought I just wanted to talk about the positives, especially the way we started two-three wickets down. In Cameron Green's innings, he was under pressure, but the kind of counter-attack he did had a positive impact. What he made was amazing to see, going after their bowlers. As you mentioned some time back, 147 for four, and from there, around 180 was slightly difficult from a batting unit, but credit to all our bowlers, the way they bowled, taking the game till the last over. Everyone contributed well," he added.

Green's maiden half-century in the IPL 2026 powered KKR to 180 against GT. Green slammed 79 off 55 balls. This marked Green's second-highest IPL score after 100* (47) for MI vs SRH at Wankhede in 2023.

GT climbs to fourth; KKR winless

This is now GT's third straight victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), after wins against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). GT now have 6 points from 5 games in the IPL 2026. This propels them two places up the points table, into fourth position. KKR is still finding their first win in the IPL 2026, with one point, the three-time champions remain at the bottom of the points table.

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

IPL 2026: Gill disappointed despite GT win, vows to finish better

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:00:41 +0530

Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill acknowledged that while the win was important, there was room for improvement in how the chase was finished against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He felt the team could have wrapped things up sooner and was personally frustrated at not being there till the end. Gill highlighted his responsibility as a finisher in such situations and expressed his determination to correct that in upcoming matches.

Gill's majestic half-century propelled the Gujarat Titans (GT) to a five-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday in Ahmedabad.

"Ideally, we would have liked to finish at least an over, a couple of overs before, and I was quite disappointed with the way I got out. I wanted to be there till the end and finish it. Hopefully, the next chance I get, I would be able to do that," Gill said after the match.

Impact on IPL 2026 Standings

KKR is still finding their first win in the IPL 2026, with one point, the three-time champions remain at the bottom of the points table.

Gill shone with an 86 off 50 balls at the Narendra Modi Stadium, continuing his tremendous record in Ahmedabad. The GT captain smashed eight fours and four sixes as his side reached home in 19.4 overs in the chase of 181.

Pre-Season Focus on Fitness and Tactics

Gill also said he used his recent break before the 2026 IPL to focus on improving his fitness and strengthening his mental approach. He emphasised working not just on technical skills, but also on becoming sharper tactically and overall as a player.

"I got a couple of months before this. And fitness was one thing that I worked on. And apart from that, just working on the mental aspect of the game and trying to get better, not just technically, but tactically as well," he added.

Gill Claims Orange Cap

Gill was named Player of the match for his brilliant fifty. With this, fifty Gill snaps the orange cap from Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting heavyweight Virat Kohli. Gill now has 251 runs in 4 matches, averaging 62.75, including three fifties.

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

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill's majestic 86 propels GT to win over KKR

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:30:30 +0530

Gill's half-century powers GT chase

Shubman Gill's majestic half-century propelled the Gujarat Titans (GT) to a five-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday in Ahmedabad. Gill shone with an 86 off 50 balls at the Narendra Modi Stadium, continuing his tremendous record in Ahmedabad. The GT captain smashed eight fours and four sixes as his side reached home in 19.4 overs in the chase of 181.

This is now GT's third straight victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), after wins against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). GT now have 6 points from 5 games in the IPL 2026. This propels them two places up the points table, placing them in fourth position. KKR is still finding their first win in the IPL 2026, with one point, the three-time champions remain at the bottom of the points table.

Strong start in the powerplay

Chasing 181, Sai Sudharsan and Gill opened the innings for GT. GT made a steady start, picking up 9 runs off Vaibhav Arora's opening over. The openers continue the momentum, scoring 11 runs off Kartik Tyagi in the following over, Gill and Sudharsan opened up their arms, smashing Anukul Roy for 20 runs in the third over. Veteran spinner Sunil Narine pulled things back in the following over with a tidy line, conceding just 5 runs. GT brought up their 50 in just 4.2 overs. Narine, in the last over of the power-play, broke the opening partnership, removing Sudharsan for 22, bringing Jos Butler to the crease. Butler from the right go took on Narine, smashing him for 2 fours and a six. GT ended their power-play on 71-1.

Gill anchors the middle overs

Gill continued to attack KKR bowlers as he collected 12 runs in the 7th over off Roy. Chakaravarthy, in the 10th over of the innings, removed Butler for 25, ending his handy cameo. This was the 7th time he has got him out of 11 times in T20S. In the following over, Gill brought his fifty in just 27. However, Gill continued to hold one end as he slammed a six and a four each off Chakaravarthy in the 12th over. Narine bowled a very tight next over, giving just 4 runs to finish his spell on 1/28 in four overs. Chakaravarthy, in the 15th over, got the better of Sundar for 13, bringing Glenn Phillips to the crease. Chakaravarthy also completed 100 IPL wickets for KKR, becoming only the third player to reach the milestone for the franchise after Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.

Tense finish seals GT victory

In the 17th over after being smashed for a cracking four from Gill, Arora removed the GT skipper for 86 off 50 balls. Glenn Phillips is trying to hit a six and finish the match in the final over hold out at deep mid night after playing a decent cameo of 19. Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan then sealed the match for GT as the home side won the match in the final over.

Cameron Green's maiden fifty helps KKR post 180

Earlier in the match, Cameron Green's maiden half-century in the IPL 2026 powered KKR to 180 against GT. Green slammed 79 off 55 balls. This marked Green's second-highest IPL score after 100* (47) for MI vs SRH at Wankhede in 2023.

KKR's top-order collapse

Tim Seifert and Ajinkya Rahane opened the innings for KKR. Mohammed Siraj was stuck in the very first over, removing KKR skipper Rahane for a golden duck, bringing young Angkrish Raghuvanshi to the crease. Raghuvanshi started positively smashing two fours but was removed by ace seamer Kagiso Rabada for just 8, and Cameron Green joined Seifert in the middle. Seifert, playing his first match of IPL 2026, looked good for his 19-run cameo but was sent back to the pavilion by Rabada in his following over, bringing Rovman Powell to the crease. GT managed to hold back KKR batters in the power-play, restricting them to only 37/3.

Powell and Green lead recovery

Powell finally opened up his arms in the 7th over, smashing a massive six off Prasidh Krishna to get his innings going. Powell, in the following over, took on young Ashok Sharma, hitting him for another big six and a four, taking KKR to 59-3 after 8 overs. Green and Powell kept taking singles and smashed boundaries at regular intervals to power KKR to 80 after 10 overs, after a shaky start. Ashok Sharma, in the following, removed Powell for 27, ending his handy cameo, bringing Anukul Roy in the middle. Green in the 12th over took on Rashid Khan, smashing him for six and a four and continued his counterattack in the following over as well, slamming Sharma for two big sixes to bring up his maiden half-century this season.

Titans pull things back in death overs

Purple cap holder Krishna in the 15th over, Roy for 9, and Rinku Singh joined Green at the crease for the final five overs. Rinku's lean patch with the bat continued as he was removed on just 1 by Rabada on the first ball of the 16th over. Ramandeep Singh joined Green at the crease. Singh started positively smashing a six off his second ball, followed by two back-to-back fours off Sharma in the following over, before getting out on 17. In the 18th over, Siraj took his second wicket of the match, removing Sunil Narine for a five-ball duck, bringing Kartik Tyagi to the crease. Tyagi also started well, smashing a six off Siraj on the final ball of his spell. Gujarat Titans pulled things back strongly, bundling out Kolkata Knight Riders for 180 after conceding just 15 runs in the final three overs. Cameron Green was the top scorer for KKR with 79. With the ball, Kagiso Rabada claimed three wickets, while Sharma and Siraj picked up two wickets each. Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan also chipped in with a wicket apiece.

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

South India Rally: Gaurav Gill dominates on return from year-long break

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:40 +0530

Gaurav Gill, returning to rallying after a year's break, showed no sign of any rust as he put in a dominating performance to top the time sheets in the 49th South India Rally, which commenced at the Madras International Circuit here on Friday.

The three-day event is also the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship powered by Vamcy Merla and Round-1 of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, according to a press release.

The 44-year-old Delhi-based Gill, a three-time APRC champion and winner of seven National titles, clocked a combined time of two minutes, 51.5 seconds for the two loops of 1.45 Kms dirt Super Special Stage, piloting a Volkswagen Polo to finish 5.1 seconds ahead of his arch rival Karna Kadur in the APRC segment with Mangaluru's Jason Saldanha in third place.

Arjuna Award winner Gill also led the INRC with a 4.1 seconds advantage over local challenger Ritesh Rai, who is taking part for "some fun", while Kadur is in third position.

Gill, with the experienced Srikanth Gowda (Chikkamagaluru) as his co-driver for the first time, gave a near-flawless exhibition of pace, precision and car control and looked to be in good space going into tomorrow's Special Stages.

"It was a good start, and very happy to get back to rallying, which is what I love. My team, R-Tech, did a great job in getting the car ready in just three days due to the delay in getting spares and also in my decision to take part. It is the first time I am driving a Polo competitively. Then, a new co-driver in Srikanth (in his 36th season), but whose experience will also help over the next two days," said Gill.

A disappointed Kadur said some "gremlins" cost him fractions. "We had a restart to begin with; then my co-driver's (Kumar Ramaswamy, Coimbatore) watch stopped, and I had to reset my watch. Later, there was no intercom. So, not the start I was looking for with all these gremlins. Anyway, there is still a long way to go in this rally, and hopefully, we will be able to do better," said the former National champion.

Bengaluru's Arun Y Mavaji and Arvind Dheerendra topped the INRC 2 and INRC 3 classes, respectively, while Tarushi Vikram (Chikkamagaluru) was the fastest in the Ladies class and also in the Junior INRC category.

Former Andhra legislator Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan and High Court Advocate, Hyderabad, K Jyothi Prasad, flagged off the event.

Provisional results (Leg-1, Section-1)

Asia-Pacific Rally Championship

1. Gaurav Gill / Srikanth GM (India) (02mins, 51.5secs); 2. Karna Kadur / Kumar Ramaswamy (India) (02:56.6); 3. Jason Saldanha / PV Srinivasa Murthy (India) (02:58.3).

Indian National Rally Championship

INRC Overall: 1. Gaurav Gill / Srikanth GM (02:51.5); 2. Ritesh Rai / Phalguna Raghavendra (02:55.6); 3. Karna Kadur / Kumar Ramaswamy (02:56.6)

INRC 2

1. Arjun Y Mavaji / Jeevarathinam J (03:09.5); 2. Ritesh Guttedar / Suraj M (03:10.3); 3. Rakshith Iyer / Chandrashekar (03:18.2).

INRC 3

1. Arvind Dheerendra / Shahid Salman (03:01.5); 2. Ashwin Pulagiri / Raghunath Swaminathan (03:01.9); 3. Tarushi Vikram / Athreya Kousgi (03:05.6).

INRC 3T

1. Vikash Balachandran / Chiranth Jain (02:59.6); 2. Adith KC / Avinash CA (03:09.7); 3. Sidhartha Santosh / Sawan Sathyanarayan (03:11.9).

Ladies

1. Tarushi Vikram / Athreya Kousgi (03:05.6); 2. Athira Murali / Arun Chakkalakkal (03:05.9); 3. Shivani Pruthvi / Vinay Padmashali (03:09.4).

Junior INRC

1. Tarushi Vikram / Athreya Kousgi (03:05.6); 2. Hoshmand Elavia / Venu Ramesh Kumar (03:14.0).

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

India U17 women's team ends Russia tour with 0-3 loss in final match

Asianet News Central — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:34 +0530

The India U17 women's football team concluded their tour of Russia with a 0-3 defeat in the third and final friendly against the hosts at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi on Friday.

After a goalless first half, Russia took the lead in the 46th minute through Valeria Menyailova, before Polina Frolova doubled the advantage in the 80th. Substitute Anna Bykhanova added the third in stoppage time (90+2') to seal the result, as per a press release.

India were reduced to 10 players in the 82nd minute of the match when Julan Nongmaithem was shown a second yellow and sent off.

A valuable learning experience

The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, used the three-match series as part of their preparations for next month's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026. India had earlier lost 0-4 in the opening match and 0-3 in the second friendly, making it a challenging but valuable learning experience against a physically stronger and more experienced Russian side.

Goalless first half shows improved defence

Early on, a moment of indecision saw goalkeeper Munni rush out of her box to clear a loose ball but fail to connect properly, presenting Mira Kuznetsova with an open goal. However, the Russian forward's attempted lob went off target, sparing India an early setback.

Beyond that scare, India's defence showed marked improvement. The backline remained more organised and disciplined, closing down spaces effectively and preventing the Russian forwards from operating freely.

The Indian players also did well to contain the hosts on the wings, restricting their ability to stretch play across the pitch. As a result, Russia were often forced to attempt long-range efforts to test Munni rather than carving out clear-cut chances.

India also showed better intent in attack. Their pressing was more coordinated, and they managed to build promising moves from midfield. However, the final third continued to be an area of concern, with attackers unable to position themselves effectively or failing to capitalise on openings, as several attempts went wide or lacked precision.

Russia strikes after restart

The first half ended goalless, with both sides heading into the break on level terms.

However, Russia came out with renewed purpose after the restart and struck immediately. In the very first minute of the second half, Dana Dobrovitskaya seized control of a loose ball in midfield and threaded a precise pass through the Indian defence. Menyailova timed her run well and calmly slotted past Munni to give the hosts the lead.

Russia nearly doubled their advantage in the 50th minute when Dobrovitskaya weaved past defenders and unleashed a shot, but Munni gathered it safely.

India responded with their best phase of the match. In the 63rd minute, a long throw from Divyani Linda led to a half-cleared ball falling to Julan Nongmaithem, whose powerful left-footed strike was parried away by the Russian goalkeeper.

Julan came close again in the 70th minute, meeting a cross from substitute Anushka Kumari, but her effort was once again denied.

Hosts seal win with late goals

These chances injected confidence into the Indian side, but Russia regained control at a crucial moment. In the 80th minute, Menyailova combined neatly with substitute Daria Sorokina on the left before delivering a low cross into the box. Polina Frolova made a well-timed run and finished with a composed right-footed strike to make it 2-0.

India's frustrations boiled over late in the match when Julan Nongmaithem received her second yellow card and was sent off for kicking the ball away after a foul.

Reduced to 10 players, India struggled to contain Russia in the closing moments. The hosts added a third goal in stoppage time when Alisa Klimova delivered a high cross from the left that Munni misjudged. Substitute Anna Bykhanova was on hand at the far post to tap into an empty net, completing a comprehensive win.

Road to AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

India will face Australia (May 2), Japan (May 5) and Lebanon in Group B of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Suzhou, China. (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: Delhi Capitals' morale high despite losses, says Vipraj Nigam

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:31:15 +0530

Since his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) season last year, Vipraj Nigam has become a vital player in the Delhi Capitals' side, forming a lethal spin trio with Captain Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. DC have suffered losses in their last two games, but the young all-rounder believes the team's morale is high.

Delhi Capitals are searching for their maiden IPL title this year, and after starting the 2026 season with a couple of wins, the Axar Patel-led side suffered back-to-back losses against GT and CSK, and currently stand in fifth place in the points table.

'Morale is still high'

Speaking on the 'JioStar Press Room', Nigam talked about the team's morale after two back-to-back losses in the IPL 2026. "The morale is still high. Yes, we lost the last two games, but we analysed where we went wrong and the mistakes we made. We have had almost a week since our last game, so we have had time to work on those areas we need to improve and hopefully, come back stronger from the next game onwards. The team's environment is also very good. All the senior players, coaching staff, and everyone have given the players the freedom to express themselves. So, no one is feeling that pressure, because we know we are playing good cricket, but just need those little improvements," he said.

On personal growth since IPL debut

The 21-year-old all-rounder also spoke about the changes and improvements he has witnessed since his IPL debut in 2025. "There are a lot of changes which I can see. I played the entire domestic season for Uttar Pradesh and also played India A matches. So, the learnings from the IPL last year, I took them back to domestic cricket. India A was another huge learning experience and great exposure to a new dressing room, some new players, and some of India's top players already playing international cricket. Sharing the dressing room with them, learning a few new skills, and trying to add a few to my skillset was a good experience. So, in all the tournaments I played before coming into the IPL, and during the practice sessions, I tried to apply that," he said.

'Everyone has always backed me'

Nigam has taken 12 wickets so far in his IPL career, representing the Capitals. He has also made 154 runs with the bat.

"Axar Patel, KL Rahul, the entire coaching staff, I have never felt that someone is treating me like I am inexperienced or lacks skills. From last year till now, in all the matches I have played, everyone has always backed me and helped me learn how to react in pressure situations and how to be more involved in the game. I could always go back and talk to them and clear things up if I had any doubts. So, everyone has been really supportive," he said.

Delhi Capitals will clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next IPL match on Saturday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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

Sumit Antil alleges harassment by coach; Neeraj Chopra backs complaint

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:30:55 +0530

Two-time Paralympic medallist Sumit Antil has levelled serious allegations of mental harassment and repetitive use of abusive language by javelin coach Naval Singh, with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra backing the complaint filed with the Sports Authority of India.

SAI Confirms Complaint, Clarifies Coach's Status

According to a source, the Sports Authority of India confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the matter is being taken up with the concerned federation. However, SAI clarified that Naval Singh is not its employee and is currently engaged by the Athletics Federation of India as part of the National Coaching Camp.

Vinesh Phogat Criticises Incident

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

GT vs KKR, IPL 2026: Cameron Green’s 79-Run Knock Sparks Debate Over Strike Rotation at Death

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:21:37 +0530

After early struggles in the IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Cameron Green produced a strong comeback with a fine fifty in the clash against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.

After opting to bat first by KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, the visitors were bundled out for 180 in 20 overs, setting a 181-run target for the hosts to chase. Cameron Green led the batting wth a knock of 79 off 55 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 143.64. The second-best performance was Rovman Powell, who scored 27 off 20 balls.

For GT, Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with a spell of 3/29 at an economy rate of 7.20 in four overs. Mohammed Siraj (2/23) and Ashok Sharma (2/45) picked up two wickets each, while Prasidh Krishna (1/41) and Rashid Khan (1/44) also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Green's maiden fifty powers KKR to 180 against Gujarat

Green’s Knock and Strike Rotation at Death Overs Under Focus

Heading into the match against the Gujarat Titans, Cameron Green’s form is under scrutiny due to his early struggles in the season, where he scored just 56 runs at an average of 14 in five matches. Green walked in to bat after Angkrishn Raghuvanshi’s dismissal at 21/2 before KKR were reduced to 32/3 after Tim Seifert’s dismissal.

The Australian all-rounder was joined by Rovman Powell to steady the KKR’s ship. Cameron Green was struggling to get into his rhythm as he scored 27 off 29 balls at a strike rate of 93.10 before he accelerated the innings to complete his first fifty of the season in 34 balls, scoring 24 runs off just 5 balls, increasing the strike rate to 150.0.

Making a strong statement Cameron Green getting a move on for #KKR Updates ▶️ https://t.co/FACeUzse3B#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #GTvKKR | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/utzOHFRbGx

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2026

, #CameronGreen connects, clears the ropes, & sends it crashing onto the car for a MAXIMUM! #TATAIPL | #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 ➡️ #GTvKKR | LIVE NOW https://t.co/jRYOdM0YaS pic.twitter.com/pt2NYUGhQr

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 17, 2026

Green formed a crucial 55-run stand for the fourth wicket with Powell before his dismissal at 87/4. Thereafter, the all-rounder was a lone warrior, though he received support from Ramandeep Singh, with whom he took KKR past the 150-run mark before his dismissal at 165/7. Earlier, KKR had been reduced to 148/6 after the dismissals of Anukul Roy (8) and Rinku Singh (9).

, . ✨Against the tide, Cameron Green played a masterful knock to keep the fight alive for #KKR! #TATAIPL | #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 ➡️ #GTvKKR | LIVE NOW https://t.co/jRYOdM0YaS pic.twitter.com/kul10YKtnh

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 17, 2026

In the death overs, Cameron Green was still at the crease, but was not given enough strike to fully capitalize on the final overs, as KKR struggled to accelerate beyond the 180-run mark after being 148/5 after 15 overs. By the end of the 15th over, the Australian all-rounder was batting on 75 off 44 balls at a strike rate of 170.45.

However, after 15 overs, Green faced only 11 balls and scored just 4 runs, as KKR lost a flurry of wickets, including that of Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Kartik Tyagi, and new incoming batters consumed most of the deliveries instead of giving the strike back to a settled Green.

Big Question Marks at the Death

Though Cameron Green returned to his form after early struggles, the Australian all-rounder’s late-overs strike management came under scrutiny as KKR failed to push for a big total, despite having a set batter at the crease, ultimately finishing with 180 in 20 overs.

Fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), were divided, with some praising Cameron Green’s comeback knock, but many questioning his strike rotation at the death, arguing he should have faced more deliveries in the final overs.

Others blamed the KKR’s lower-order batters for poor strike management and missed opportunities to maximize the total.

People appreciating cameron green knock The same guy even after playing 10 overs he was unable to hit a single shot to rashid khad in last over .Imagine Kohli in place of him , whole internet would have blown up

— ⛦ (@sb7bh) April 17, 2026

Cameron Green played a brilliant innings today, but he should have taken more of the strike in the last few overs, especially while batting with the tail - probably a lack of game awareness under pressure, I guess.#GTvsKKR https://t.co/x02i0HVIzx

— India Knight Riders (@the_deportista_) April 17, 2026

KKR finish at 180 Big question marks at the death Why didn’t Cameron Green face more in the last 2 overs?Why were Rinku / Anukul / Ramandeep / Narine taking risks while Green was at the non-striker’s end?KKR messed it up in the final phase....They had momentum but… pic.twitter.com/Emgw9cfwkC

— Bijendra B Rajput (@brajput868) April 17, 2026

Cameron Green completely bottled it at the end of the innings, and honestly the whole team looked clueless. Proper embarrassing performance this season. #ipl2026

— Krishna Haranath (@iamharnad) April 17, 2026

Cameron Green played well today, but his game awareness was zero. In fact, every KKR player lacked game awareness today. This team has no planning, they are just playing on pure guesswork and luck.

— Mr. AM (@micnestler) April 17, 2026

— ⛦ (@sb7bh) April 17, 2026

Cam Green should've kept most of the strike after Anukul Roy got out!

— The Tamizh Writer (@tamizhwriter) April 17, 2026

After 15 overs Cam green just face 3 deliveries

— Rushikesh Vadolkar (@RVadolkar) April 17, 2026

Cameron green batted like a tailender in the death overs

— Stupidity Daily (@Adil45160212) April 17, 2026

Cameron Green played a brilliant knock❤️ But He was Standing Alone Tonight KKR Batters Disappointed At next Level Didnt even Gave strike to Green❌Rinku's Form is very Much Concerning should he be Dropped From KKR 11 ?#GTvsKKR pic.twitter.com/UmL42WWU3D

— SaddaPbks (@SaddaPbks) April 17, 2026

In the ongoing IPL 2026, Cameron Green has amassed 135 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 27.00 and a strike rate of 143.61 in six matches. In his IPL career, Green has aggregated 842 runs, including a century and 3 fifties, at an average of 38.27 and a strike rate of 151.98 in 35 matches.

Also Read: Big Price Tag, Quiet Returns’: KKR’s Cameron Green’s ₹25.2 Crore IPL 2026 Struggles Continue

IPL 2026: Green's maiden fifty powers KKR to 180 against Gujarat

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:00:32 +0530

Cameron Green's maiden half-century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 powered Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to 180 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on Friday in Ahmedabad. Green slammed 79 off 55 balls. This marked Green's second-highest IPL score after 100* (47) for MI vs SRH at Wankhede in 2023.

Early collapse rocks KKR

Seifert, playing his first match of IPL 2026, looked good for his 19-run cameo but was sent back to the pavilion by Rabada in his following over, bringing Rovman Powell to the crease.

GT managed to hold back KKR batters in the power-play, restricting them to only 37/3.

Green, Powell lead recovery

Green and Powell kept taking singles and smashed boundaries at regular intervals to power KKR to 80 after 10 overs, after a shaky start.

Ashok Sharma, in the following, removed Powell for 27, ending his handy cameo, bringing Anukul Roy in the middle.

Green in the 12th over took on Rashid Khan, smashing him for six and a four and continued his counterattack in the following over as well, slamming Sharma for two big sixes to bring up his maiden half-century this season.

Titans pull things back at the death

Purple cap holder Krishna in the 15th over, Roy for 9, and Rinku Singh joined Green at the crease for the final five overs.

Rinku's lean patch with the bat continued as he was removed on just 1 by Rabada on the first ball of the 16th over. Ramandeep Singh joined Green at the crease.

Singh started positively smashing a six off his second ball, followed by two back-to-back fours off Sharma in the following over, before getting out on 17.

In the 18th over, Siraj took his second wicket of the match, removing Sunil Narine for a five-ball duck, bringing Kartik Tyagi to the crease.

Tyagi also started well, smashing a six off Siraj on the final ball of his spell.

Gujarat Titans pulled things back strongly, bundling out Kolkata Knight Riders for 180 after conceding just 15 runs in the final three overs. Cameron Green was the top scorer for KKR with 79. With the ball, Kagiso Rabada claimed three wickets, while Sharma and Siraj picked up two wickets each. Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan also chipped in with a wicket apiece. (ANI)

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

New Zealand beats Bangladesh by 26 runs to take 1-0 lead in ODI series

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:30:40 +0530

New Zealand sets 248-run target

New Zealand pulled off a 26-run win over Bangladesh in the first ODI match of the bilateral series held at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Friday. Opting to bat first, the Tom Latham-led Kiwi side lost their first wicket early when Nick Kelly went to the pavillion in the seventh over. He made just seven runs in 23 balls with the help of one boundary.

Henry Nicholls added 73 runs for the second wicket with Will Young. Rishad Hossain broke their partnership in the 22nd over. Young made 30 runs off 42 balls, including a couple of boundaries.

Captain Latham added 33 runs with Nicholls before Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled him for 14 runs. Youngster Muhammad Abbas replaced him at the crease and added 14 runs to the team's total.

Nicholls was looking good and was on 68 when Hossain dismissed him. He hit nine fours in his 83-ball knock. Dean Foxcroft added quick runs and made a half-century with the support of the tailenders, and took his team's total past 240 runs. Nathan Smith (21 not out) also contributed setting a 248-run target for Bangladesh.

Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed shared took two wickets each, whereas Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket each.

Bangladesh falters in chase

Chasing a challenging target of 248 runs, Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim started Bangladesh's batting. The duo added quick runs before Nathan Smith got the first breakthrough for the Kiwi side. He dismissed Tamim on the first delivery of the fourth over. Tamim made just two runs off six balls. Smith also bowled Najmul Hossain Shanto on the very next delivery to provide a double blow to the hosts.

Litton Das (46 off 68 balls) added 93 runs for the third wicket with Hassan before Dean Foxcroft bowled Das to break that partnership. Saif Hassan completed his half-century but couldn't stay for long on the crease as William O'Rourke got him caught by Josh Clarkson. Hassan made 57 off 76 balls, including eight fours and a six.

Towhid Hridoy (55 off 60 balls) added 52 runs with Afif Hossain before Jayden Lennox broke their partnership in the 41st over. Captain Miraz also lost his wicket soon, and the onus was shifted to Hridoy.

Bangladesh lost too many wickets in the middle overs, but needed a run-a-ball to win the match, and Hridoy was the only batter left. He managed to collect runs, but wickets kept falling from one end. Bangladesh were bundled out for 221 runs. The hosts lost the match by 26 runs. They are now 0-1 down in the three-match ODI series.

Foxcroft shines as NZ take series lead

Blair Tickner took four wickets, whereas Nathan Smith picked three wickets for Black Caps. Dean Foxcroft was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Monday. (ANI)

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

IPL: Ponting, Hopes laud Punjab Kings' tactical discipline, brilliance

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:31:18 +0530

Following Punjab Kings' convincing 7-wicket win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, the fast bowling coach James Hopes and Head Coach Ricky Ponting lauded the side's tactical discipline and individual brilliance.

Coaches Hail Key Performers

'Tone-Setting' Spell from Arshdeep

Speaking during the 'Dressing Room Diaries' after the match, the coaches highlighted the "tone-setting" opening spell from Arshdeep Singh and the "calculating" batting masterclass from Prabhsimran Singh as the catalysts for the win. Hopes was quick to dismiss any talk of a "rough patch" for lead pacer Arshdeep Singh, instead pointing to the left-armer's work ethic as the reason for his immediate impact on the game, according to a press release from the franchise.

"We talk about people setting the tone; the way Arsh set the tone in the first over, swung the ball around, and put them on the back foot was exceptional," he said. "Arsh, I know you've been going through what you consider a rough patch, but the rest of us don't think so. The work you put in over the last couple of days to be able to do this straight away tonight was the reward. To be on the mark from the first ball, get two early wickets, and then come back at the end to do what you normally do... it's a credit to your work," he added.

Praise for 'Calculating' Prabhsimran

Chasing a challenging total, the Punjab Kings' batting unit drew high praise from the head coach, particularly for their composure under pressure. Ponting specifically lauded Prabhsimran Singh, who scored an unbeaten 80 off just 39 balls and stayed glued to the pitch throughout the inning. "The batting, I'm now starting to run out of appreciation for what we're doing, but dear, we're batting well," Ponting remarked. "Prabh, I need to praise you because you didn't get a lot of strikes during the Powerplay. Most of your hard work had to be done outside of it, but you were so skilful, so calm, and so calculating. You're batting as well as I've ever seen you bat."

Bowling Group's Resilience Lauded

While the Mumbai Indians looked poised for a massive total, Ponting credited the bowling group's resilience. Noting the change of momentum in the middle overs, he specifically mentioned Shashank Singh for his pivotal contributions that kept the target within reach. "Well done to the bowling group. The ability to claw it back was key. It felt like they might get a few more than 200, but Shanky's (Shashank) couple of overs changed the momentum again."

'The Journey is Long': Ponting's Message to Table-Toppers

Punjab Kings have recorded four wins so far in the season and are currently placed at the top of the table with nine points. Despite the celebratory mood, the veteran coach reminded his squad that the journey is long and they need to keep working hard in pursuit of excellence.

"We know that if we play somewhere near our best, we're going to keep winning lots of games of cricket," Ponting concluded. "We should be proud of where we are right now, but that doesn't mean we don't go to bed tonight thinking about how we can get better again tomorrow."

The Kings will next play against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19 at their home ground in New Chandigarh. (ANI)

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

Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam: How ₹17.5 Lakh IPL Black Market Was Exposed in Bengaluru? Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:03:48 +0530

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the venue for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home matches, witnessed a major controversy after a canteen worker was arrested for selling tickets on the black market amid the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Bengaluru’s iconic cricket stadium has hosted three home matches of the RCB so far, with the defending champions winning all three games against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, which also led to extremely high demand for tickets throughout the season.

Ahead of the RCB’s fourth home game against the Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a major scam involving the illegal resale of IPL tickets at inflated prices, which led to the arrest of the canteen staff at the venue.

Also Read: RCB Star Virat Kohli’s Old Stance Revisited After Impact Player Role in IPL 2026 Clash vs LSG

How did the Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam happen?

The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) investigated the matter after receiving specific inputs about bulk booking of IPL tickets through online platforms and their subsequent diversion to the black market, wherein the tickets were sold at inflated prices through intermediaries linked to insiders at the stadium.

According to the report by NDTV, the accused, Chandrashekhar, an employee of the Sri Lakshmi Canteen inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, was arrested by the CCB officials after he was caught selling over 180 tickets at a price between INR 15,000 and INR 19,000, amounting to a total racket worth approximately ₹17.5 lakh, according to police officials.

It was reported that the black tickets were sold for the high-stakes IPL 2026 match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants in Bengaluru, which was held on April 15, and later resold illegally at inflated prices through intermediaries linked to insiders.

Chinnaswamy Stadium canteen staff was arrested for illegally selling tickets for RCB match, He sold 181 tickets in black with each price ranging from 15,000 to 19,000. pic.twitter.com/G7uTSx5HG6

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 17, 2026

The M Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam case came to notice after officials of the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch received credible intelligence about irregular bulk ticket purchases and their suspected diversion into the black market, prompting a targeted investigation that eventually led to the arrest of the canteen worker involved.

Bigger Network Under Scanner in Ticket Scam Probe

The canteen worker, Chandrashekhar, was not only involved in the Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam but also allegedly part of a larger network suspected of coordinating bulk ticket purchases and illegal resale operations.

As per the report by NDTV, the tickets were purchased under the names of Swastik Heavy Engineering and Industrial Automation Consultant Company, alongside 50 tickets under the name of Dharani Computers Company. As per the findings by the police, these tickets were later diverted to the black market and sold at inflated prices.

The CCB stated that a similar pattern of the ticket scam also took place during the clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on March 28.

It was reported that 81 tickets were sold at a rate of around ₹6.6 lakh in that earlier match, with the same companies allegedly using the bulk booking before the tickets were later diverted and resold in the black market at inflated prices.

With 181 tickets sold, the prices were significantly increased and inflated during resale, taking the overall estimated value of the illegal transactions to around INR 17.5 lakh, according to police officials involved in the investigation.

Also Read: RCB to wear green jerseys vs DC, promoting sustainability initiative

KSCA Member Absconding

The canteen worker, Chandrashekhar, was just one part of the operation; the Kerala State Cricket Association (KSCA) member Ganesh Pareekshit is also suspected to be involved in the scam, which saw the tickets allegedly procured in bulk and later diverted to the black market for resale at inflated prices.

According to the police officials, Chandrashekar stated that Ganesh reportedly instructed him to sell the tickets at higher rates. A KSCA member is currently absconding after allegedly playing a key role in the distribution and coordination of the illegal sale of IPL tickets for RCB’s home matches.

Moreover, the police have registered a case against the private companies for their alleged role in the illegal sale of IPL 2026 tickets at the M Chinnaswamy.

It remains to be seen whether further arrests will be made as the CCB continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the ticket black-marketing network linked to IPL 2026 matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

IPL: MS Dhoni smashes massive sixes in nets ahead of SRH clash

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:00:32 +0530

Iconic India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper/batter MS Dhoni batted in the nets and smashed the deliveries in equal measure on the eve of his side's clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Chennai Super Kings posted a video on Instagram, where Dhoni could be seen batting in the nets and smashing some massive sixes.

Will Dhoni play against SRH?

View this post on Instagram However, it is unclear if Dhoni, out of the tournament till yet due to calf strain, will be featuring in the match against SRH. The two-week time frame that CSK specified while announcing Dhoni's injury is over.

Dhoni also had a light stint in the nets ahead of his team's clash against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk Stadium.

The legendary batter had not travelled with his team for their matches previously, neither to Guwahati and Bengaluru for their away games, nor to Chepauk on the match days at home.

MS Dhoni's IPL Career at a Glance

In 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has made 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties and a best score of 84*. He is the sixth-highest run getter in the tournament history.

Recent Form and Future with CSK

In last season's wooden spoon finish, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of over 135, with a best score of 30*.

Dhoni was retained by the Super Kings as an "uncapped player" for Rs 4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and this retention was extended for IPL 2026, keeping his salary unchanged at Rs 4 crore.

Dhoni had a decent IPL 2025 season with the bat, making 196 runs from 14 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike-rate of 135.17.

(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: RR team manager fined Rs 1 lakh for using phone in dugout

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:30:49 +0530

Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder has been fined Rs 1 lakh for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during their Indian Premier League 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on April 10. Under the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations, mobile phone use is strictly prohibited in the dugout area. While team managers and media managers are permitted to use their devices, this is restricted to the dressing room and not the dugout. Romi Bhinder was found using a mobile phone during the 11th over of the Rajasthan Royals' batting innings.

Official IPL Statement on Breach

"Rajasthan Royals Team Manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, has been fined INR 1 Lakh for breaching the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols during Match 16 between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati, on April 10, 2026. The breach relates to the use of a mobile phone in the team dugout, which is in contravention of Article 4.1.1 of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols," as per a statement from IPL.

"Acknowledging the lapse, Mr Bhinder admitted to the offence and offered an unconditional apology. As this was his first breach under the prescribed protocols, a fine of INR 1 Lakh has been imposed in accordance with Article 7.42(a) of the BCCI IPL PMOA Protocols. He has also been warned to exercise greater care in the future and to adhere strictly to the established guidelines," the statement further added.

Match Result and Team Standing

Rajasthan Royals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets, powered by a blistering 78 off 26 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Royals are currently third on the points table and will next take on three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their home turf, at the iconic Eden Gardens. (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: KKR win toss, opt to bat first against Gujarat Titans

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:01:38 +0530

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have decided to bat first after winning the toss against Gujarat Titans in match 25 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. The Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR side made one change in their playing XI from the last match. Tim Seifert will be playing his first match of the season after having a wonderful run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He will replace his compatriot Finn Allen.

What the Captains Said

Shubman Gill's GT are going unchanged from the last match. After winning the toss, KKR skipper Rahane said, "Looking to bat first, want our batters to bat freely. We just want to turn it around, so batting first is a good option. If you are doing well, people will take it well; they will criticise. The T20 format is all about momentum. One change, Seifert comes in for Allen."

GT captain Gill said, "We wanted to bowl first, to be honest. There might be some dew around. Our batting collapsed in the middle of the last match. It should have been a comfortable chase otherwise. It's all about doing the simple things right. That's what we talk about in team meetings. We are playing with the same team."

Points Table Scenario

KKR are searching for their first win of the season. They are at the bottom of the points table with four losses in five matches. One match ended without a result. GT, on the other hand, are ranked sixth with two wins in four matches.

Team Lineups

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Tim Seifert, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs: Varun Chakaravarthy, Finn Allen, Tejasvi Dahiya, Navdeep Saini, Manish Pandey

Gujarat Titans Impact Subs: Jason Holder, Shahrukh Khan, Manav Suthar, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat. (ANI)

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

Gujarat Titans sign SA star Connor Esterhuizen for injured Tom Banton

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:30:28 +0530

Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Connor Esterhuizen as a replacement for Tom Banton, who has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 owing to a finger injury.

GT Sign South African Wicketkeeper-Batter

Esterhuizen, a wicketkeeper-batter, recently made his international debut for South Africa against New Zealand in a five-match T20I series last month. He made an impressive start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team clinch the series 3-2 after being 2-1 down. This will be the 24-year-old's first stint in the IPL. He will join GT at his base price of Rs 75 Lakh.

Tom Banton Ruled Out with Injury

The 27-year-old Banton was bought for Rs 2 crore in the auction but was not part of any match in this IPL season. Banton has played two IPL matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2020 edition, which was played from September 19 to November 10 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Banton played a crucial role for England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, making 155 runs, including a crucial unbeaten knock of 63 runs off 41 balls against Scotland, where he helped his side secure a five-wicket win. He was named Player of the Match for that performance.

GT Eye Third Win Against KKR

GT, who have won two of their past matches after starting the tournament with two losses, will be aiming to make it three wins in five games against a winless KKR at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. The Shubman Gill-led side currently stands in sixth place in the points table.

Gujarat Titans Squad

Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Shahrukh Khan, Manav Suthar, Jason Holder, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Connor Esterhuizen, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Luke Wood, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma.

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

IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah's On-Field Anger Goes Viral After Wicketless Spell vs RCB (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:11:08 +0530

Mumbai Indians (MI) lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah had a tough outing in the IPL 2026 clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, April 12.

Bumrah struggled to take a wicket while conceding 35 runs in his spell of four overs in the Mumbai Indians’ five-wicket defeat to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This was the fourth successive outing for Jasprit Bumrah without taking a wicket, extending his rare dry spell in the tournament. After four matches, the MI pacer conceded 122 runs without taking a wicket, the longest wicketless streak in his IPL career.

The wicketless run by Jasprit Bumrah has been a surprising development, considering his usual consistency, and has visibly affected his on-field composure during matches.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Decisions Leave Jasprit Bumrah Upset During Mumbai Indians’ IPL Loss (WATCH)

Bumrah’s On-Field Anger Goes Viral

Jasprit Bumrah is often known for his composed nature and calm demeanour on the field, but his rare show of frustration during the match caught the attention of fans and quickly went viral on social media.

After delivering the final ball of his four-over spell, Bumrah was seen screaming out of anger and frustration and then throwing his run-up marker away in disappointment, a rare emotional outburst that quickly went viral across social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter).

The frustration stemmed from going wicketless for the fourth successive match and being unable to provide any breakthroughs for the Mumbai Indians in the clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

This is Bumrah’s reaction after going wicketless in his game vs RCB.It feels sad to see this. I hope he makes a comeback and takes a 5-wicket haul against GT pic.twitter.com/3lYschvjF2

— SG Cult (@SGdenHQ) April 17, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling struggles extended to five matches as he went wicketless against the Punjab Kings, as he conceded 41 runs without taking a scalp in his spell of four overs in the Mumbai Indians’ seven-wicket defeat at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Can Jasprit Bumrah Bounce Back in MI vs GT Clash?

After going wicketless in the first matches of the IPL 2026, Jasprit Bumrah’s rare bowling struggles have become a topic of discussion, as the Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead hasn’t been able to take a single wicket in his total of 19 overs, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming clash against the Gujarat Titans.

Over the past several seasons, Bumrah has been the Mumbai Indians’ most reliable bowler, consistently delivering crucial breakthroughs in both the powerplay and death overs, making his current wicketless run a rare and concerning phase.

0/35 vs KKR0/21 vs DC0/32 vs RR0/35 vs RCB/ Jasprit Bumrah remains wicketless after five games at #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/wXyezu2w1a

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 16, 2026

Bumrah’s wicketless run has appeared to have impacted the Mumbai Indians’ campaign as they are currently on a four-match winless streak. After winning the opening match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the five-time IPL champions have struggled to maintain momentum, suffering consecutive defeats and slipping down the points table in the ongoing IPL season.

With the upcoming clash against the Gujarat Titans, Jasprit Bumrah’s form will be crucial as the Mumbai Indians look to end their losing streak and regain momentum in the IPL 2026.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 5 Matches, 0 Wickets - Jasprit Bumrah’s Rare Bowling Struggles Spark Form Concerns

West Indies Championship: Kevin Wickham's twin tons light up opener

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:02:08 +0530

The West Indies Championship returned with an enthralling opening round, with matches played in Antigua and at Chedwin Park in Jamaica. The round produced seven centuries, three five-wicket hauls, and a remarkable ten-wicket match haul, all setting the tone for an exciting regional tournament, as per the Cricket West Indies website.

Barbados Pride vs Jamaica Scorpions

Barbadian Kevin Wickham etched his name into regional folklore with scintillating centuries in both innings for Barbados Pride against the Jamaica Scorpions. However, his efforts were rivalled by magnificent hundreds from openers John Campbell and Kirk McKenzie. Wickham excelled in both innings, becoming just the third Barbadian this century to score twin hundreds in a regional match, joining Kraigg Brathwaite (102 & 122 vs Guyana, 2015) and Ryan Hinds (168 & 150 vs Leeward Islands, 2006).

The elegant right-hander struck six fours and 12 towering sixes in a dominant first-innings score of 153, before following up with a sparkling unbeaten 108. "My mindset was just to play straight. It was about getting in on this wicket and batting for a long period. Once I was there, I knew the runs would come. The pitch was tough, but I backed my game," Wickham said.

Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell and his left-handed opening partner Kirk McKenzie launched a superb counterattack in the final innings, putting on a commanding 242-run opening stand in the chase. Their efforts propelled the Scorpions to a convincing seven-wicket victory as they successfully hunted down a challenging target of 324. Campbell struck 126, laced with 11 fours and six sixes, to register his 11th century at this level. Meanwhile, McKenzie compiled a composed and well-crafted unbeaten 135, his third first-class hundred, to calmly steer the hosts to victory and secure maximum points.

Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Windward Islands Volcanoes

In Antigua, defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles overcame a first-innings deficit to secure victory against the Windward Islands Volcanoes at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Player of the match Gudakesh Motie delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming figures of 10 for 119 to spin his team into a commanding position and set up a comfortable four-wicket win shortly after tea.

Sunil Ambris kept the Volcanoes in contention with an unbeaten 107, his 10th first-class century, before being bowled out for 209 in their second innings, setting the Harpy Eagles a target of 233. Captain Tevin Imlach led the chase with a characteristically gritty 82, bringing his side within touching distance of victory. Matthew Nandu provided solid support with 58 before Motie fittingly sealed the win with a flurry of boundaries, guiding his team to 233 for 6.

"We were good for most parts, well, at the back end because they won most of the sessions in the first innings. I thought they bowled better than us in the first innings, but I think a bit of experience came into play in the end," Imlach expressed. "We had some good performances from some of the batters, and Motie was brilliant. To see him get ten wickets for us was great," Imlach said.

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes

In the round's other clash, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force recorded an emphatic innings and 271-run triumph over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. The Red Force, after blowing away the Hurricanes for a paltry 138 on the opening day, watched as Amir Jangoo sparkled with a flawless double century to engineer the statement win.

The left-hander stroked 16 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten knock of 203 to record his second first-class ton; interestingly, his first was also a double century. Jangoo reflected on his batting marathon, which was fifteen minutes shy of eight hours at the crease. "I think it was a pretty difficult time to start, Oshane Thomas and Justin greaves bowled well, thankfully Josh and Terrance took some pressure off me because they scored freely which got me into my innings so all I had to do was put away the bad balls and rotate as much as possible and ensure I cashed in at the end," Jangoo said. "The innings was more about kicking on from my start because for my whole career I haven't made use of my starts, 17 fifties and one hundred before this, so happy to convert from this fifty and looking for many more."

Jangoo also shared in an unbroken 253-run sixth-wicket partnership with Terrance Hinds, who recorded his second century at this level to help the Red Force post a mammoth total of 507 for 5 declared. Faced with an imposing first innings deficit of 369, the hosts found themselves reeling at 46 for 5 and despite a fighting 56 not out from captain Justin Greaves, the Hurricanes folded for 98. Khary Pierre was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 37, and Captain Joshua Da Silva heaped praises on his team for what he termed as a perfect performance to begin their hunt for a first title in over 20 years.

"Overall, we had a good three days. We started off well with the ball, and that set the momentum for us, which we followed up with outstanding knocks from Jangoo and Hinds. All in all, we had a great three days, and even though we didn't expect to get the ten wickets so quickly, we were patient enough for long periods, and that helped us," Silva said.

The second round of matches bowls off on Sunday, April 19. (ANI)

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

Joburg Ladies Open: Pranavi Urs shines with bogey-free 70 in R1

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:01:20 +0530

Pranavi Urs Leads Indian Charge

Indian golfer Pranavi Urs got off to a flying start with a bogey free 3-under 70 in the first round of the Joburg Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour. She was the best Indian of the five who are playing this week. She was Tied-22nd, but the first round was not yet complete at the Par-73 Randpark Golf Club, according to a press release.

Mixed Fortunes for Other Indian Golfers

Tvesa Malik and Diksha Dagar ended the first round at 1-under 72 and were Tied-52nd, while Avani Prashanth struggled to 2-over 75, and Hitaashee Bakshi also had a disappointing day with 4-over 77. Both Avani and Hitaashee will need to shoot very low rounds to make the cut.

Tvesa was 4-under at one stage through the front nine but finished at 1-under 72 as he gave away a double bogey and a bogey towards the end on the 15th and the 16th holes.

Diksha had five birdies, three bogeys and a double in her round of 72.

French Trio and American Share Early Lead

The clubhouse lead was shared by Agathe Laisne of France, Brianna Navarossa of the US and Ariane Klotz of France, all of whom carded 7-under 66 each. Laura Beveridge of Scotland and Justice Bosio of Australia were tied for fourth at 6-under 67 each. (ANI)

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

Australia to end 15-year ODI gap in Bangladesh with June white-ball tour

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:00:34 +0530

The Australia cricket team will play six white-ball matches, three ODIs and three T20Is, across 13 days during their limited-overs tour of Bangladesh in June. The ODIs will take place on June 9, 11 and 14 in Dhaka before the T20Is are held on June 17, 19 and 21 in Chattogram.

Australia will end a 15-year gap between one-day matches in Bangladesh this winter, as per the cricket.au website. Australia will travel to Bangladesh from Pakistan, where they are set to play three ODIs in a yet-to-be-announced series expected to begin on May 30.

Australia's Last ODI Visit in 2011

Australia team last played ODI cricket in Bangladesh in 2011, when a three-match series in April was held entirely at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka's Mirpur district -- the same venue set to host all three ODIs this time. Australia won that series 3-0 on the back of Shane Watson's unbeaten 185, a ruthless knock that featured 15 sixes and as many fours in 96 balls. That series was also Michael Clarke's debut as Australia captain, as he and Michael Hussey also scored centuries.

Revisiting the 2021 T20I Tour

The Australia team last toured Bangladesh in August 2021, when they lost a five-match T20I series 4-1, a contest highlighted by Nathan Ellis's hat-trick on debut.

Team Context and Captaincy

The T20Is against Bangladesh will be Australia's first since their disappointing ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign in February, where they exited in the group stage after losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, despite wins over Ireland and Oman. Mitchell Marsh is Australia's T20I captain, while Pat Cummins officially holds the ODI captaincy. However, Marsh has recently led the side in the format as well, with Cummins featuring in only two ODIs since the 2023 World Cup final. (ANI)

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

RBC Heritage: Sahith Theegala opens with 2-under 69, tied for 27th

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:00:26 +0530

Sahith Theegala opened his campaign at the RBC Heritage with a 2-under 69, leaving him tied for 27th in the $20 million Signature event. While he trails leader Ludvig Aberg of Sweden by six shots, the round began on a strong note, with Theegala picking up three birdies in his first four holes and four in the opening seven. The other two players of Indian origin in the field, Akshay Bhatia and Sudarshan Yellamaraju, had slower starts. Bhatia posted a 2-over 73 to sit tied for 65th, while Yellamaraju carded a 3-over 74, placing him tied for 70th, according to a press release.

Theegala's Roller-Coaster Round

Theegala began with back-to-back birdies on the first two holes but dropped a shot on the third. He responded quickly with another birdie on the fourth and added further gains on the seventh and ninth, reaching 4-under at the turn in a strong position. The back nine proved more challenging. Bogeys on the 10th, 11th, and 18th holes offset a lone birdie on the 15th, brought him back to a 2-under finish for the day.

Tough Starts for Bhatia and Yellamaraju

Bhatia's round featured three bogeys and a single birdie, continuing a difficult stretch following The Players Championship, with missed cuts at both the Hero Indian Open and The Masters.

Yellamaraju had a tough start with a triple bogey on his opening hole. Though he managed one birdie soon after, a bogey on the 14th saw him slip further, ending the round at 3-over.

Aberg Leads the Pack

At the top of the leaderboard, Ludvig Aberg continued his consistent run of form, chasing a third PGA Tour title. He fired a bogey-free 8-under 63 to take a one-shot lead. Harris English and Viktor Hovland are close behind after both shot 7-under 64.

How Other Notables Fared

Scottie Scheffler, coming off a runner-up finish at The Masters, returned a 3-under 68 to sit tied for 20th. FedEx Cup leader Cameron Young opened with an even-par 71, placing him tied for 54th.

Defending champion Justin Thomas struggled in his first round, carding a 5-over 76 to fall to tied 80th on the leaderboard. (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 #RCBEverywhere movement gains steam with Usain Bolt's support

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:31:11 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the biggest franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with countless fans. During this IPL season, fans of the defending champions now have a unique opportunity to express their love for the franchise. As RCB continues to defend its title with its fearless brand of cricket, the fans have been encouraged by their players to show their love for the Red and Gold franchise with the #RCBEverywhere movement.

#RCBEverywhere: A New Movement for Fans

As a part of this movement, fans have been encouraged by franchises' stars like Virat Kohli, skipper Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya to sport their favourite team's jersey across settings, as a part of their daily routines, positioning it as a visible expression of fandom beyond the stadium.

Global Stars Join the Fandom

Eight-time Olympic medallist and World Record holder Usain Bolt also joined the RCB fandom. The world's fastest man stepped out in the 2026 RCB jersey as a sports brand, brought him in for its #RCBEverywhere campaign. "Namaskara! @pumacricket India sent me the fit so had to represent. Good luck to the team this season. #RCBEverywhere," Bolt posted.

A Symbol of Identity

A known cricket fan and long-time admirer of Virat Kohli, Bolt's association with the team has grown steadily. Another big face in this campaign is the viral Kumb Mela fan, who took the RCB shirt to one of the largest spiritual gatherings of the world last year, praying that the RCB finally ends its 18-year title drought. Over time, the RCB jersey has travelled across settings, from large cultural gatherings to personal milestones, adventures and everyday routines, emerging as a marker of identity for fans.

'Take It Everywhere': A Call from RCB Stars

Reacting to the love from the fans showcased by wearing the team jersey across various settings for years, Virat said, as per a press release from RCB, "Guys, you've really made this a thing. And we love it. So, this season, don't leave this jersey behind." Skipper Rajat Patidar also shared the same sentiment and added, "Take it everywhere. We are not joking. Everywhere." All-rounder Spinner Krunal Pandya further explained, "Your office. Your vacation. Your brother's wedding. Your next job interview."

Current Standings and Next Match

The defending champions are currently in second place in the points table with four wins in five matches. They will face the Delhi Capitals next on Saturday at their home venue in Bengaluru. (ANI) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

RCB to wear green jerseys vs DC, promoting sustainability initiative

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:31:09 +0530

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will don their iconic green jerseys as part of their 'Green Initiative' when they take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in their home fixture at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Made from recycled materials, the jerseys continue to serve as a symbol of the franchise's sustained commitment to sustainability.

Championing Sustainability

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the only carbon-neutral T20 franchise in the world, as per a release from RCB. With the initiative launched in 2011, RCB continues to embed sustainability across its operations, with a structured focus on measurement, accountability, and fan participation, as it works towards becoming carbon positive. Speaking on the initiative, Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, "Achieving carbon-neutral status as a T20 franchise is the result of years of dedicated work. The green jerseys reflect this commitment, and we hope this initiative inspires our fans and stakeholders to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices."

Engaging Fans and Enhancing Stadium Operations

A key component of RCB's sustainability efforts is a comprehensive assessment of fan behaviour on matchdays. Through stadium-wide surveys conducted across all stands, the franchise is studying commute patterns, ride-sharing behaviour, and estimating carbon emissions per spectator, enabling a clearer understanding of the environmental impact of fan travel.

Fans are also encouraged to use public transport to attend matches, with match tickets enabling access to the Bengaluru Metro. At the stadium level, RCB continues to strengthen its waste management systems, with detailed monitoring and audits of segregation practices.

Measuring and Mitigating Carbon Footprint

RCB deploys a series of measures to reduce and offset their carbon emissions, including waste segregation and management at the stadium, the use of renewable energy sources such as solar-powered lighting, and other initiatives, including voluntary fan pledges to reduce dependency on conventional resources.

The franchise also maintains a detailed assessment of its operational footprint, including emissions linked to team travel, accommodation, and energy consumption. This includes analysis of travel distances and fuel usage, accommodation-related emissions through room-night data, and verification of stadium energy usage through diesel generator audits and electricity consumption records.

In addition, matchday sustainability audits will be conducted during the course of the season, further strengthening on-ground accountability. These efforts will be consolidated into a comprehensive sustainability report, followed by an independent assurance process. (ANI)

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

Shubhankar Sharma dominates to win inaugural Boulders Classic in Hyderabad

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:00:55 +0530

Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma delivered a dominating performance to win the inaugural Rs 1 crore Boulders Classic, held at the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club in Hyderabad on Friday. Making a highly anticipated return to the PGTI circuit for his first domestic event since December 2021, the two-time DP World Tour winner showcased his absolute class and pedigree to claim the prestigious title, according to a press release from PGTI.

Sharma's Dominance on Display

The 29-year-old Sharma was in complete control throughout the tournament, consistently dismantling the course with his precise ball-striking and calm demeanour. His day-wise scores reflected his dominance: he opened the tournament with a composed six-under 66 on Day 1 and followed it up with another flawless six-under 66 on Day 2 to take the outright two-shot lead at the halfway mark.

On Day 3, Sharma showcased total control. He carded an eight-under 64, a round featuring nine birdies and just one bogey, which equalled the course record and handed him a mammoth, seven-shot lead heading into the final day. He maintained his aggressive yet controlled approach during Friday's final round to comfortably close out the championship.

Reflections on a Solid Victory

A six-time winner on the DP World PGTI, Shubhankar Sharma was playing his first event on the tour since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021. His last win on the tour came at the McLeod Russel Tour Championship in Kolkata in December 2017.

"I played really solid today -- probably hit it the best I have all week. Everything was clicking, and even when I lost a bit of momentum, I bounced back quickly with birdies," Sharma said.

He added, "It was nice to be hitting it close consistently. You have to get your yardages and wind reads right here, and I felt I did that well."

Sharma also credited his mindset for the consistency over the first three rounds. "I've just been in a happy state of mind, and that's showing on the course," he said. "The work is always constant -- I haven't done anything special, just stuck to my process and tried to cut out the mistakes."

Inspiring the Next Generation

The golf star, who has long been a trailblazer for Indian golf on the global stage, signed as a Brand Ambassador for Roundglass Sports in 2024. His association aims to inspire the next generation of golfers training at the Roundglass Golf Academy, bringing his immense international experience, work ethic, and winning mindset to the academy's holistic high-performance ecosystem.

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

NRAI unveils grand plans for 75th anniversary celebrations in Delhi

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:00:31 +0530

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the governing body for the Olympic sport of Shooting in the country, has unveiled extensive plans for their 75th anniversary celebrations on its foundation day. The celebrations began here at the hallowed Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (DKSSR) Finals Hall, with a ceremonial cake-cutting in the presence of Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General, NRAI, Rajiv Bhatia, Secretary, NRAI, Jitu Rai, Khel Ratna Awardee, Mansher Singh, Arjuna Awardee and Chief Shotgun Coach of Team India and double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, besides shooters, coaches and support staff of the national shooting squad and the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) for shooting sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Pawankumar Singh said, "The NRAI came into being on this day back in 1951 with eminent Freedom Fighter, Parliamentarian and the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha, GV Mavalankar, as its first President. We feel very proud that several Freedom Fighters, such as former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, GB Pant, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Yashwantrao Chavan, the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra, were among the first pillars of this institution. Shooting shines brightest today in winning medals for the country, and it makes us even happier that we are able to take forward their legacy in a way that honours their ideals and their blessings."

Year-Long Celebrations Planned

Providing details of the celebrations planned in the coming days, Singh said, "We have year-long celebrations planned. To begin with, we have set a target of introducing Rs 7.5 lakh new school students to Shooting, where we will either visit their schools or call them to the nearest range and make them shoot 10-shots each. We will take the help of the Government, the Ministry of Sports, as well as all the Shooting Academies and even Local Shooting Clubs across the cities and districts of the country in order to achieve this goal. This will help unearth new natural talent. Apart from this, we plan to felicitate all the Arjuna, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya awardees and Olympic medalists in Shooting during the National Championships, as well as the State Awardees during the State Championships. Finally, during the ISSF World Cup Olympic quota event next year in Delhi, we plan to host an exhibition match between our Olympic medalists, past and present."

India's Olympic Success in Shooting

Shooting Sport is one of India's most successful Olympic sports with a tally of one gold, two silver and four bronze medals won over the years. Abhinav Bindra also won India's first individual Olympic gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, winning the men's 10m air rifle event. In the most recent Paris 2024 Olympics, half of India's six medals came from Shooting, with Manu Bhaker returning with two bronze medals. (ANI)

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

Novak Djokovic pulls out of Mutua Madrid Open due to shoulder injury

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:30:27 +0530

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the upcoming Mutua Madrid Open due to injury, organisers confirmed on Friday.

The former world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings last competed at the BNP Paribas Open in March and subsequently missed the Miami Open later that month due to a right shoulder injury. The Serbian is a three-time champion at the Madrid Open, most recently lifting the trophy in 2019.

Official Announcements

Mutua Madrid Open wrote in an X post, "Novak Djokovic, a three-time #MMOPEN champion, will not be able to participate in this year's tournament. We hope to see you back here as soon as possible so we can enjoy your tennis as we have done so many times in the Caja Magica." Novak Djokovic, tres veces campeón del #MMOPEN, no podrá participar en esta edición del torneo. Deseamos que estés de vuelta lo antes posible y podamos disfrutar de tu tenis como tantas veces lo hemos hecho en la Caja Mágica. —•— Novak Djokovic, a three-time #MMOPEN champion,… pic.twitter.com/FRAmyUWB3J — #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 17, 2026

In an X post, Djokovic wrote, "Madrid, unfortunately, I won't be able to compete @MutuaMadridOpen this year. I'm continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!" Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete @MutuaMadridOpen this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto! — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 17, 2026

Recent On-Court Setbacks

The 38-year-old Serb lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in February and fell to Jack Draper in the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open last month, before withdrawing from the Miami Open with a right shoulder injury.

Draper produced one of the biggest results of the Indian Wells Open after defeating Serbian legend and World No. 3 Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Round 16 contest, while several top seeds progressed further in the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 tournament. Draper battled past Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in a hard-fought encounter at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, surviving a tense deciding-set tie-break to seal a memorable victory.

Looking Ahead

The record 40-time Masters 1000 champion is likely to compete at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, which runs from May 6 to 17. (ANI)

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

Telangana Amateur Golf: Railways' Deepak, Gulfam share lead in heat

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:30:23 +0530

Yadav and Hussain Share Lead Amidst Heatwave

The excessive summer heat seemed to take a toll as only five golfers returned sub-par rounds on the third day of the IGU Telangana Amateur Golf Championship at the Hyderabad Golf Club. However, Deepak Yadav and Gulfam Hussain, both employed with the Railways and roommates this week, made light of the hot weather conditions to share the lead with a cumulative three-day score of seven-under 203.

Yadav shot a second straight three-under 67, while Hussian managed a 69 for a one-shot lead. The duo of Ranveer Mitroo (69) and Anshul Mishra (71) were tied third at six-under 204. Chandigarh's Krish Chawla, who led on the first two days, suffered a meltdown in the heat, shooting an uncharacteristic four-over 74 to slip to tied fifth spot with Shamit Dakhane (70).

Deepak Yadav's Strong Performance

Yadav, the Order of Merit leader still searching for his maiden amateur win, excelled with his ball striking and was spot-on with his approaches. He chipped to within five feet with his second shot on the fifth for his first birdie. He picked up another shot on the next hole. The 24-year-old sank a 20-footer on the eighth to go to three-under. Yadav didn't let up steam after the turn, nailing his sand wedge tee shot to four feet for another birdie. His lone blemish came on the par-16th hole, where he three-putted from 20 feet.

Hussain Stays in Contention

Hussain's lone bogey also came on a par-3. He left his 5-iron tee shot short on the 230-yard fourth hole. He chipped 11 feet past the pin and missed the downhill par putt on the lightning-quick green. The Panchkula golfer made amends for that blip with a birdie on the seventh, where he missed a hole-in-one. His other birdie came on the 12th hole. Like his roommate, Hussain is looking to end his jinx on the amateur tour.

Leaderboard After 54 Holes

Leading scores (after 54 holes): 203: Deepak Yadav (Del, 69, 67, 67), Gulfam Hussain (Har, 66, 68, 69); 204: Ranveer Mitroo (Del, 66, 69, 69), Anshul Mishra (WB, 70, 63, 71); 206: Shamit Dakhane (Mah, 67, 69, 70), Krish Chawla (65, 67, 74); 208: Arkin Patel (Mah, 71, 71, 66). (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: What Caused RR Manager Romi Bhinder’s ₹1 Lakh Fine and Warning? Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:20:29 +0530

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager, Romi Bhinder, has reportedly been warned and fined for using the phone in the dugout during the IPL 2026 clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, April 10.

Bhinder was reportedly caught using a mobile phone during the team’s run chase against the RCB, which put him in serious trouble as he breached the PMOA protocol. The BCCI official earlier stated that he might likely face disciplinary action from the IPL committee before the notice was issued to the Rajasthan Royals.

It was reported that Bhinder used the phone in the dugout due to his health conditions, as in the past, both his lungs were reportedly collapsed, and he had to undergo a prolonged hospital stay, including time in the ICU and on ventilator support, which was the reason behind his keeping and using the mobile phone during the match.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RR Manager Romi Bhinder Likely to Face Disciplinary Action over Phone Use in the Dugout

Romi Bhinder Receives 1 Lakh Fine for PMOA Breach

After the enquiry into the matter, RR manager Romi Bhinder was bound to have breached the PMOA protocol and was handed a fine of INR 1 lakh along with a warning, with a BCCI official stating that the ACSU didn’t find anything serious apart from the usage of a mobile phone by Bhinder, who admitted his mistake.

“The ACSU wing probed it and found nothing apart from a violation of PMOA (Players' match official area). Bhinder admitted his mistake, and as it was his first offence, he was fined one lakh rupees with a warning,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.

“The ACSU didn’t probe Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the phone was used by Bhinder, and he was just seated next to him,” he added.

NO LEGAL FORMALITIES REQUIRED .- The ACSU has cleared RR manager Romi Bhinder.- RR Manager was warned and fined. - No words against Vaibhav Suryavanshi. [Cricbuzz]#CrickegTwitter #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/JfGnBfTscJ

— Vinod Kumar (@we_knowd) April 17, 2026

The RR teen sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, was spared by the ACSU, as the investigations confirmed that the youngster was not involved in the incident and was merely seated next to Romi Bhinder when the phone was being used.

ACSU Not Happy with Bhinder’s Explanation

After receiving the notice from the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI, RR manager Romi Bhinder explained, reportedly citing his medical condition as the reason for carrying and using the phone. However, the board secretary, Devajit Saikia, stated that the officials were not fully convinced by his explanation and went ahead with disciplinary action.

“Romi Bhinder was involved in a protocol violation in the Guwahati match. He was issued a notice under the IPL protocols. He was given 48 hours to explain his position,” Saikia told the Hindustan Times.

“His explanation came, and we are not very satisfied with it. The Anti-Corruption Unit is not very satisfied with his reply. As it is his first breach, so under the protocols, he was fined an amount of INR 1 lakh and also handed a warning that he needs to be more careful in the future,” he added.

RR MANAGER ROMI BHINDER SERIOUS MEDICAL ISSUES ! Romi Bhinder is battling a severe lung condition and has suffered significant health decline, losing 10-12 kg before IPL 2026.Despite being in the ICU just a month before the tournament, he is still working.Due to… pic.twitter.com/85wfds5EVQ

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 13, 2026

As per the Players’ Match and Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, team managers, coaching and support staff are strictly prohibited from using them in the dugout or on-field area during live match situations, to maintain communication control and avoid any external influence on tactical decisions.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Riyan Parag Faces Heat After Poor Batting, Questionable Captaincy in RR Loss to SRH

4 Strong Signs Roman Reigns & Randy Orton Quietly Building Alliance Before WWE WrestleMania 42

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:10:24 +0530

WWE WrestleMania 42 could feature more than just championship clashes. Recent promos, actions, and alliances hint that Roman Reigns and Randy Orton may be quietly working together, targeting Cody Rhodes and CM Punk.

Both Reigns and Orton have unfinished business with Cody Rhodes. Reigns still resents Rhodes for ending his record title reign at WrestleMania XL, while Orton has repeatedly attacked Rhodes in recent weeks. With a common rival, the two may be plotting to dethrone Rhodes and CM Punk, cementing themselves as dominant forces once again.

During a promo, Roman Reigns mentioned Pat McAfee positively, suggesting alignment with Orton’s ally. He also used “we” instead of “I” when speaking about taking back the business, hinting he isn’t alone. These subtle cues suggest Reigns could be preparing fans for a reveal of his partnership with Orton.

Reigns returned as a babyface at Survivor Series WarGames and was cheered at the Royal Rumble. However, after Elimination Chamber, he reverted to his brash heel persona. His aggressive promos, including remarks about CM Punk, suggest he’s aligning with someone equally ruthless. The timing points toward Orton as his secret partner.

Pat McAfee has openly backed Orton and recently voiced support for Reigns against CM Punk. On his show, McAfee claimed Reigns winning the title would “save the business.” His endorsement of both men strengthens speculation that Reigns, Orton, and McAfee are working together, with a reveal likely at WrestleMania 42.

Sara X Golf Code wins thrilling play-off to reach DGC League finals

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:00:32 +0530

Sara X Golf Code, Baale Golf reach DGC League finals

Sara X Golf Code won a thrilling play-off against Athletic Drive while Baale Golf edged out SwingKKings to qualify for the Finals of the fifth edition of the Delhi Golf Club Members League being played at the historic Delhi Golf Club.

Sara X Golf Code wins play-off thriller

The play-off was between the team of Pratap Singh Atwal and Simar Inder Singh of Sara X Golf Code and Surya Uday Bedi and Bikkrama Daulet Singh of Athletic Drive. Pratap. Atwal, living up to his illustrious surname, hit a scorcher of a drive off the tee box that left him with a 9-iron approach shot onto the green of a par-5 hole. Simar Inder also hit a good tee shot that found the fairway. Athletic Drive ran out of luck early on with Bikkrama Daulet Singh's tee shot finding the left thicket while Surya Uday Bedi was reasonably placed to the left of the fairway.

Chipping onto the fairway, Bikkrama Daulet Singh managed to reach the green in five shots. Surya Uday Bedi's second shot found the left thicket and then the right fairway bunker. He too reached the green in five. Meanwhile, Simar Inder Singh managed to reach the green in regulation and finished with a par. Pratap Atwal, riding on his outstanding ball striking ability, hit his approach shot to 15 feet from the pin. On the green in two, he finished with a birdie, taking Sara X Golf Code into the Finals.

Earlier, the contest between Sara X Golf Code and Athletic Drive began with Athletic Drive winning the opening game. Sara X Golf Code then stepped on the gas and won the second, third and fourth games. The fifth game was tied. Just when it looked like the match was slipping out of Athletic Drive's hands, they returned wins on the sixth and seventh games to enforce a play-off. Both teams finished with 7 points apiece.

Baale Golf overcomes SwingKKings

The second quarter-final between SwingKKings and Baale Golf began with SwingKKings winning the first game. Baale Golf recovered to win the second, third and fourth. At this stage, things looked like going Baale Golf's way. SwingKKings came back to win the fifth game. At this stage, SwingKKings looked on top.

Baale Golf, however, won the sixth to seal the fate of the match in their own favour. A win on the seventh and final game was nothing more than a consolation prize for SwingKKings. Baale Golf finished with 8 points while SwingKKings managed to secure 6 points. (ANI)

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

Uttar Pradesh Hockey's grassroots success fuels national dominance

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:00:25 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Hockey has established itself as one of the most consistent performers at the State National Championships, with its continued strength at the grassroots level on display recently as the Sub Junior Men's team clinched the Gold medal at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men's National Championship 2026 in Rajgir, Bihar earlier this month. The recent achievement further underlined the depth of the state's robust grassroots system anchored in district scouting through tournaments and academies.

Consistent Success Fueled by Grassroots System

Over the last 16 years, Uttar Pradesh's structured grassroots and academy-led development system has translated into consistent success at the Hockey India National Championships, securing 21 medals across categories - with a notable acceleration in recent years, including 15 medals since 2021, according to a press release.

Medal Haul Across All Levels

This stable foundation has been key to enabling enhanced performances across levels, as evidenced by the Sub Junior Men's haul of 8 medals since 2018 (4 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze), including the recent title triumph, and the Sub Junior Women's 3 Bronze medals (2017, 2021, 2022). The Junior Men's team has also won 4 medals since 2019 (2 Gold, 2 Silver), while the Junior Women's team added a Bronze in 2025. The Senior Men's team also clinched a Bronze in 2014, a couple of Silver medals in 2015 and 2021, and back-to-back Bronze medals in 2024 and 2025, showcasing steady progression and reflecting sustained success at the grassroot levels.

Infrastructure Growth Bolstering Talent

This surge aligns with major infrastructure growth, as over 15 astroturfs have been developed in the state in recent years across regions, including Lucknow, Rampur, Jhansi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Mau, Saifai, Kanpur, and Agra - providing world-class facilities to nurture talent statewide. The region also has ongoing plans that are underway to develop more astroturfs, further expanding access and strengthening the development ecosystem at the grassroots level.

From Grassroots to International Glory

The pathway for athletes through the grassroot structure is clearly reflected in the number of players that have gone on to represent India at the international stage, with players like Arjuna Awardee Lalit Upadhyay (bronze at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics), Raj Kumar Pal (2024 Olympics), Uttam Singh, and Mumtaz Khan. Meanwhile, Amir Ali, Sharda Nand Tiwari, Sourabh Anand, and Ajeet Yadav also played a key role in India's third-place finish at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 last year.

Upholding a Storied Hockey Legacy

Uttar Pradesh has always boasted a storied hockey legacy, having been home to legends like Major Dhyan Chand, two-time Olympic Gold medallist Kunwar Digvijay Singh, Mohammed Shahid, Ravinder Pal Singh, and Zafar Iqbal, who were part of the Moscow Olympics Gold Medal-winning team in 1980. Icons like Zafar Iqbal carry forward the rich legacy of hockey in Uttar Pradesh. Iqbal was a former Chief National Coach who led India to Asian Games Silver (1994, Hiroshima), and was recently awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025 for his contribution to Indian Hockey, as he continues to inspire the next generation.

Leadership's Vision for the Future

Reflecting on the development of the sport in the state, R.P. Singh, President, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, said, "Our achievement of 21 medals over the past 16 years is a testament to the strength of our grassroots structure and the relentless efforts of our coaches, who ensure effective scouting and nurturing of talent at our high-performance academies. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Paul Devendar, Akram Mahmood, Upendra Chauhan, Chandan Singh, Ayush Dwivedi, Jitendra Singh Bhadauria, Shashi Navait, and many others, along with our General Secretary, Rajnish Mishra. Their expertise, commitment, and vision play a pivotal role in shaping raw talent into national champions, while proudly carrying forward the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand."

"The Sub Junior Men's Gold in Rajgir exemplifies this development pathway, ensuring Uttar Pradesh fuels India's hockey future with depth, discipline, and dedication at every level. With plans to develop more astroturfs throughout the region, we want more players from Uttar Pradesh to represent the country", he added. (ANI)

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

Thomas & Uber Cup: Injury setback for India as Treesa Jolly ruled out

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:30:37 +0530

Injury Forces Reshuffle in India's Uber Cup Squad

India's preparations for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2026 have been dealt a setback with doubles specialist Treesa Jolly ruled out due to injury, prompting a late reshuffle in the women's squad. Gayatri Gopichand will also miss the event, with the pair replaced by Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam in the Indian contingent, BAI media confirmed on Friday.

Team Composition and Key Players

The newly formed duo joins Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, and Tanisha Crasto in the women's doubles lineup. In singles, India will rely on a blend of youth and experience, headlined by PV Sindhu alongside emerging names such as Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag and Isharani Baruah.

India's overall campaign will be spearheaded by top shuttlers across both competitions, with Lakshya Sen and the celebrated men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty leading the charge in the Thomas Cup. The men's squad also features seasoned campaigners Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy, while youngsters Ayush Shetty and Kiran George add depth to the singles unit. In doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan, MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila complete a well-rounded lineup.

Selection Criteria and Tournament Details

Selections were primarily based on BWF rankings as of March 10, with the top five singles players and top two doubles pairs earning automatic berths. Additional picks were made to ensure tactical flexibility, with players like Kapila and Crasto valued for their versatility across formats.

The 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals are scheduled to be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, where India will aim to mount a strong challenge despite the late disruption in the women's doubles combination.

Official Indian Squads for 2026

India squad for 2026 Thomas Cup Men's Singles: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, H. S. Prannoy, Kiran George, Men's Doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila

India squad for 2026 Uber Cup Women's Singles: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah Women's Doubles: Shruti Mishra, Priya Konjengbam, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto.

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

Boulders Classic: Shubhankar Sharma extends lead to seven shots

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:30:28 +0530

Sharma Extends Dominant Lead with Course-Record Matching Round

Overnight leader Shubhankar Sharma fired an eight-under 64 to extend his lead to seven shots at 20-under 196 after round three of the inaugural Rs 1 crore Boulders Classic being played at the Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club in Hyderabad. The 29-year-old Shubhankar (66-66-64), a two-time DP World Tour winner, matched the course record set by Honey Baisoya a day earlier. Sharma's round featured nine birdies and just one bogey as he took firm control heading into the final day.

Delhi's Rashid Khan (67-70-66), Chandigarh's Angad Cheema (68-69-66), and first-round leader Vishesh Sharma (65-70-68) of Hyderabad were tied second at 13-under 203, seven shots behind the leader. Rashid and Cheema returned matching six-under 66s, while Vishesh carded a four-under 68.

A six-time winner on the DP World PGTI, Shubhankar Sharma is playing his first event on the tour since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021. His last win on the tour came at the McLeod Russel Tour Championship in Kolkata in December 2017.

'Everything Was Clicking': Sharma on His Performance

"I played really solid today -- probably hit it the best I have all week. Everything was clicking, and even when I lost a bit of momentum, I bounced back quickly with birdies," Sharma said.

He added, "It was nice to be hitting it close consistently. You have to get your yardages and wind reads right here, and I felt I did that well."

Sharma also credited his mindset for the consistency over the first three rounds. "I've just been in a happy state of mind and that's showing on the course," he said. "The work is always constant -- I haven't done anything special, just stuck to my process and tried to cut out the mistakes."

Looking ahead to the final round, Shubhankar remained measured despite his commanding lead. "Even with the lead, the plan is to stay aggressive and stick to the process. I'm just having fun, staying relaxed and doing the same things I've done over the last three days."

Other Contenders and Notables

Chandigarh's Ajeetesh Sandhu, a former Asian Tour winner and five-time winner on the DP World PGTI, carded his third consecutive four-under 68 to move into fifth place at 12-under 204.

PGTI Rankings leader Saptak Talwar carded a six-under 66 to move to 11-under 205 and into a tie for sixth, alongside Honey Baisoya, who followed up his course-record 64 with a three-under 69.

Mohd Azhar (67-70-69) was the other Hyderabad-based professional in the top-10 as he occupied tied eighth place at 10-under 206.

Yuvraj Sandhu (73-68-73), one of the pre-tournament favourites, was tied-32nd at two-under 214.

With a commanding seven-shot advantage, Sharma will look to maintain his momentum in the final round as he chases his seventh DP World PGTI title and first since 2017. (ANI)

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

Uruguay women, USA men to make FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026 debut

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:00:24 +0530

Debut for Uruguay Women, USA Men

The Uruguay women's and USA men's teams will participate for the very first time in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026. This follows the withdrawals of both Scotland women's and Wales men's.

Women's Nations Cup in Auckland

The Women's Nations Cup will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to June 21. The impressive line-up for the competition now includes hosts New Zealand, USA, Japan, Korea, Chile, Uruguay, along with France -- who were promoted via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, and India -- who were relegated from the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.

Men's Nations Cup in Cape Town

The city of Cape Town, South Africa, will host the Men's event from June 11 to June 20 which will also feature some of the highest-ranked teams in the world: South Africa, New Zealand, France, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, USA, along with Scotland--who were promoted via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, and Ireland -- who were relegated from the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.

Tournament Background and History

The FIH Hockey Nations Cup was launched in 2021 to provide a high-level competition for the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and allow the winning team to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League in the following season.

India, Spain and New Zealand have won the first three editions of the women's competition thus far. On the men's side, South Africa won the inaugural edition, followed by back-to-back successes for the New Zealand men's team. (ANI)

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

Inside Rajat Patidar’s Lifestyle: Net Worth, Luxury Assets, Stylish Cars and More Revealed

Nancy Tiwari — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:43:42 +0530

Rajat Patidar has been making headlines with his rising cricket career. From his growing net worth to his lifestyle, assets, and car collection, here’s a closer look inside his life.

Rajat Patidar has steadily risen in Indian cricket, especially with his performances in the IPL. From domestic cricket to becoming a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his career growth has also boosted his earnings and lifestyle.

Rajat Patidar’s estimated net worth is around ₹15–20 crore. A major chunk of his income comes from the IPL, where he reportedly earns ₹20–50 lakh per season depending on contracts. Along with this, he receives match fees from domestic cricket and earns through brand endorsements, adding a few crores annually.

Patidar owns a comfortable home in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where he was born and raised. While exact details of his property value are not public, it is estimated to be worth ₹2–4 crore. His lifestyle reflects a balance of comfort and simplicity rather than extreme luxury.

Rajat Patidar’s car collection is modest but premium. He reportedly owns cars like a Hyundai Creta (₹15–20 lakh) and possibly a Mahindra Thar (₹15 lakh approx.). His choices show practicality along with a touch of style.

Despite his rising success, Patidar keeps a low profile and focuses on cricket. With consistent performances, his net worth and assets are expected to grow significantly, especially with bigger IPL deals and endorsements in the future.

German Influencer LizLaz Calls Virat Kohli Her Favourite Cricketer as RCB Star’s Like Sparks Buzz (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:37:48 +0530

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli has sparked buzz on social media after his alleged Instagram ‘like’ on German influencer LizLaz’s post went viral, triggering widespread reactions and meme discussions online.

Kohli, who is representing the RCB for the 19th successive IPL season, was caught in social media chatter after the Instagram users noticed his alleged interaction with LizLaz’s post, with the screenshots of the activity circulating widely on social media and quickly turning the incident into a viral talking point across platforms.

The Instagram users noticed that Kohli’s username, ‘virat.kohli,’ was among the accounts that allegedly liked LizLaz’s post, with screenshots have sparked resh speculation and meme reactions among fans.

Kohli liked this post on Instagram. Another paragraph loading on algorithm pic.twitter.com/PWB9aFlY87

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) April 16, 2026

This episode is similar to that of Avneet Kaur’s incident, where Virat Kohli’s alleged ‘like’ on an actor’s Instagram post had sparked similar speculation, prompting widespread discussion and meme reactions across social media platforms. However, the veteran Indian batter clarified that such interactions may occur unintentionally due to algorithmic or feed-related actions.

Also Read: ‘Another Algorithm Glitch?’: Virat Kohli’s Alleged 'Like' on LizLaz Post Sparks Online Frenzy

Kohli is LizLaz’s Favourite Cricketer

Amid the viral buzz around Virat Kohli’s alleged ‘like’ on LizLaz’s Instagram post, a recent interview of the German influencer resurfaced on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where he revealed that Kohli is her favourite cricketer.

In a recent interview with FilmyMantara, LizLaz was asked about her favourite cricketer, to which she responded, saying Virat Kohli, adding that she was first introduced to cricket during her time in India during the IPL and got addicted to the ‘hype’ around the tournament.

“Well, I only actually got introduced to it when I was in India, and I was doing IPL. So I really got addicted to that hype because everybody was watching it all the time. And I just liked the energy around it, and then I started also watching it,” LizLaz said in an interview.

During a recent interview with FilmyMantara, Lizlaz opened up about her admiration for Virat Kohli, revealing how much she adores him and proudly considers herself a devoted fan.- Kohli liked one of his Insta post too pic.twitter.com/NH3ZLy3VaF

— Fan RCBians (@RcbianOfficial) April 17, 2026

Virat Kohli has a huge fanbase not just in India but across the world, with millions of followers who admire his consistency, aggressive batting style, and leadership qualities, making him one of the most popular and influential cricketers globally.

With nearly 280 million followers on Instagram, Virat Kohli remains one of the most followed and influential athletes in the world, reflecting his massive global popularity both on and off the field.

Who Is LizLaz?

LizLaz, aka Jennifer, is a South African-German vlogger, singer, and social media influencer. She is based in Germany but holds South African roots. She has gained a massive following and popularity in India for her respectful and authentic on-ground videos exploring Indian culture.

Jennifer reportedly attended IPL matches, which can be evidenced by her statement, where she praised the hype around the tournament. LizLaz holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Psychology. She runs a YouTube channel, ‘LizLaz TV’, where she shares experience-based content, including travel vlogs, lifestyle videos, and personal updates from her life as a social media creator.

LizLaz’s frequent visits to India have often been linked to growing engagement with Indian culture by creating relatable videos like Bengaluru traffic and interacting with street vendors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LizLaz (@lizlaz_tv)

The recent episode of Virat Kohli’s alleged Instagram ‘like’ on LizLaz’s post further became popular after social media users amplified the screenshots, turning it into a trending topic across platforms with memes and widespread discussions.

Also Read: IPL: Virat Kohli stamps authority, continues excellent run-chase record

Arjun Singh, Dhiren Patel win gold medals at US Open Pickleball 2026

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:30:25 +0530

Arjun Singh added another gold to his kitty, winning the Men's Singles 5.0 at the US Open, beating Ashton Patterson in straight sets 13-11, 11-6.

Seasoned stalwart Dhiren Patel added another US Open gold medal to his tally, adding to India's total in the 40+ Pro Men's Singles category, according to a release by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). This brings India's total medal tally to 3 gold medals at the US Open 2026 held in Naples, Florida.

Dhiren Patel on His Victory

Dhiren Patel expressed his happiness after a hard-fought win, saying it was one of his toughest matches but he managed to execute his plans successfully. "Extremely happy with the win, one of the tougher matches so far but I was able to execute my plans and bring home the gold. Winning this category more than once is very special and I want to thank all the people who constantly support me behind the scenes. I also want to thank the Indian Pickleball Association for their efforts and constantly raising the bar for pickleball in India. Lastly, congratulations to Arjun and Aditya for their win as well in the singles and doubles," said Dhiren Patel.

A Hard-Fought Final

Dhiren Patel was stretched to the absolute limit by Juan Arraya in the finals, with the gold medal decided by the barest of margins. Dhiren won 11-9, 3-11,11-9 to finally take home the coveted 40+ Pro Men's Singles championship. Having won the US Open before in the same category, Dhiren's experience was the key factor in getting him across the line in the closely contested final.

Indian Pickleball Association's Vision

Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, said the recent success further strengthens their belief that India will become a global powerhouse in pickleball and dominate future rankings. "Adding to the tally only reinforces what we at Indian Pickleball Association believe to be true which is that India is a powerhouse and will dominate global rankings in the future. Congratulations to Dhiren and Arjun for winning the singles and to Aditya for the doubles. A special mention to Dhiren Patel, who has coached the team along with playing his own category. This is only the start and Indian Pickleball Association remains committed to stamping India's authority on the global scale," said Suryaveer Singh Bhullar.

Backed by the Indian Pickleball Association, the Indian contingent earlier received an unprecedented direct entry into the US Open because of the successful partnership between the national federation and the US Open. This marks a huge step forward for the Indian Pickleball Association on a global scale, as the players are cementing their position as contenders for big events. (ANI)

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

SA pacer Gideon Peters, who nearly chose rugby, joins Delhi Capitals

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:51 +0530

South African fast bowler Gideon Peters famed for his consistent 140km/hour plus deliveries, is now taking the next step in his career after being called up to train with the Delhi Capitals in this season's IPL.

It is natural for the Pretoria youngster to harbour ambitions of emulating Naas Botha, Derick Hougaard, Morne Steyn, and current Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard- demigods of rugby in Pretoria. However, the Pretoria Capitals - and now IPL team, Delhi Capitals - have a certain Cobus Pienaar to thank for convincing fast bowler Gideon Peters that it was a far better idea to hurt batters with 140km/h-plus deliveries than to be battered by giant loose forwards on the rugby field.

The Pivotal Role of a Mentor

The SA20, a Twenty20 franchise cricket tournament in South Africa details how the 26-year-old Peters happened to land in the IPL. The Director of Cricket at Peters' alma mater, the Waterkloof High School in Pretoria, happens to be the nephew of former Proteas fast bowler Fanie de Villiers. The pair crossed paths during Peters' Grade 11 year, shortly after Pienaar had completed a distinguished provincial career with Northerns, who are based at the Pretoria Capitals' home ground, Centurion.

Peters was playing both cricket and rugby at the time, but had progressed further in the contact sport, having already represented the Blue Bulls in age-group teams. However, despite Peters suffering from injuries back then already, Pienaar realised that the young tearaway had a unique gift: he could bowl fast - really fast!

"I finished with the [Northerns] Titans as a player and started at Waterkloof. He was 0basically in Grade 11 when I took over the cricket programme," Pienaar told SA20, according to a press release. "He had a strong rugby background and was in the Blue Bulls setup as well. He played fullback or wing in the outside backs. His feet were always magic. He was very good on the attack and obviously good under the high ball because of his cricket background," he said.

Pienaar detailed that in cricket, though, Peters was a bit injury-prone. "We modified and streamlined a couple of things with him. From there, he started doing very well. He played for the [Northerns] U19 side [and earned SA Colts recognition in 2017], and that was basically when he realised there was career potential after school," he said.

"In his last year, he still played both rugby and cricket, but he leaned more towards cricket. I knew straight away he had an X-factor. He was hot property because he always had the ability to bowl 140 clicks an hour. He also had a bit of a temper and wouldn't back down from a challenge. Furthermore, he had a big heart and always possessed a fighting instinct," Pienaar said.

Harnessing Raw Talent

This highly competitive spirit had to be channelled in the right direction, though, and this is where Pienaar's role as an early mentor was vital to Peters' development. "He had to fit into the system and understand that the team and the programme were bigger than the individual. That's sometimes the biggest challenge for youngsters who are highly talented. I think he bought into the way I see cricket and his development," Pienaar said.

"Since then, we have had a very strong relationship with a lot of mutual respect. Once he realised that the team was bigger than the individual, he progressed quickly. He's been a great guy, and the other players enjoy having him in the team environment."

Overcoming Injury Hurdles

Peters has had to overcome numerous obstacles to get to where he is today. Being able to bowl fast came with several challenges, as his fragile body has been through various tests just to keep him in the park. Although the 26-year-old has charged in for the Capitals across two SA20 seasons, claiming 13 wickets at an average of 21.84, he has hardly played any cricket in between due to injuries. It is only recently that the pace spearhead has been able to put together a string of matches for his domestic team, the Warriors. This bodes well for his future, especially after receiving a maiden call-up to the Proteas ODI squad for the tour to Pakistan at the beginning of the year.

Pienaar believes that with the correct management and bowling workload, the best of Peters is still to come. "His hamstring was a bit of an issue at the time when I started there," he said. "As well as his glutes and lower back. "But he is very, very strong, and obviously well-built. Players with larger muscle mass can sometimes be more susceptible to injuries. In terms of management, he's got quite a strong base to bowl from, which can really help delay those issues. He is a very hard worker, too.

"He's really aware of that. Over the last couple of years, he had strange niggles - bone breaks in his landing foot - things you can't really control or manage as such. But I don't think he's a guy who needs to bowl too much outside of actual competition. That's the way you need to streamline and manage him."

Ready for the Big Stage

With Peters taking the next step in his career after being called up to train with the Capitals in this season's IPL, Pienaar is confident his protege can be an asset to any team he plays for. "He possesses a fierce competitiveness. He's always up for the challenge, and he wants to break games open," he said.

"The pace he generates in T20 cricket is quite special. He has the ability to break games open, and that's exactly what he's shown over the last few seasons when given the opportunity."

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

Shreyas Iyer's relay catch one of the best ever: Sachin Tendulkar

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:21 +0530

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar hailed captain Shreyas Iyer's relay catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash on Thursday as "one of the best catches" that he has ever seen live. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer showcased his athletic brilliance with a stunning effort to help dismiss MI captain Hardik Pandya. The moment came on the third ball of the 18th over, bowled by Marco Jansen. Pandya's shot seemed set to clear the boundary, but Iyer sprinted in from long-on and leapt into the air to reverse-cup the ball mid-air, before smartly tossing it to Xavier Bartlett, who completed the catch. Replays confirmed that Iyer released the ball just in time, making Pandya's wicket a crucial point in the match that was eventually pocketed by Punjab. In an X post, Tendulkar praised Iyer's catch, saying it stood out not just for its athleticism but for his exceptional awareness and quick decision-making. He highlighted Iyer's ability to judge the ball, avoid the boundary rope and complete a mid-air relay while perfectly coordinating with a teammate. Tendulkar said the split-second execution showed remarkable timing, fitness and composure, calling it one of the best catches he has ever seen live.

Sachin Tendulkar Hails Iyer's 'Unbelievable Awareness'

"What made Shreyas Iyer's catch so special was not just the athleticism, but the awareness behind it. He had to judge the speed of the ball, the height, where the boundary rope was, how close he was to stepping on it, and get his jump absolutely perfect. Then, while still in the air, he caught the ball and released it to a teammate before landing, all the while knowing exactly where that fielder was positioned. To process all of that in a split second takes unbelievable awareness, timing, fitness, and composure. @ShreyasIyer15 got everything spot on. One of the best catches I've ever seen live," Tendulkar said in his post.

PBKS Defeat MI in Dominant Chase

Coming to the match, the Punjab Kings put a complete performance on display against the Mumbai Indians, defeating them by seven wickets to stay unbeaten in the tournament. Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with the Player of the Match-winning figures of 3/22 in 4 overs. In response, PBKS chased the target in just 16.3 overs, reaching 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent 66 off 35 balls. The duo added a match-defining stand after early setbacks. For MI, Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2/32, but the bowlers were largely ineffective as PBKS dominated the chase.

IPL 2026 Points Table Update

With this victory, PBKS climbed to the top of the table with four wins and a no-result, overtaking defending champions RCB, while MI slipped to ninth place with just one win from five matches. (ANI)

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

IPL: Sanjay Bangar hails PBKS' Prabhsimran Singh for his fiery knock

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:01:12 +0530

Bangar on Prabhsimran's Impactful Innings

Former Indian cricketer and batting coach Sanjay Bangar hailed Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Prabhsimran Singh for his aggressive batting and his ability to attack the bowlers and take them on all around the ground after his unbeaten 80-run knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday's match in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With PBKS chasing a 196-run target set by MI, Prabhsimran scored a scintillating and unbeaten 80-run knock off just 39 balls, smashing 11 boundaries and two sixes. He helped his team chase the target in just 16.3 overs. Notably, Prabhsimran was earlier dropped by MI's Jasprit Bumrah when the batter was playing on the score of 11.

Speaking on JioHotstar, JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar said a dropped chance proved costly as Prabhsimran capitalised on it with an impactful innings. He highlighted Prabhsimran's aggressive intent at the top, his ability to score all around the ground, and how his versatility helps maintain a high strike rate while keeping constant pressure on the bowlers.

"In hindsight, that drop did turn out to be a crucial moment because Prabhsimran Singh made the most of it. Punjab Kings' top order has been doing the bulk of the scoring, and he brings that aggressive intent which immediately puts bowlers under pressure. What stands out is his ability to attack all around the ground. He doesn't get restricted to one side. Whether it's through the off side or over the top, he keeps his options open, which allows him to maintain a high strike-rate and keep the pressure on throughout," Bangar said.

Bangar Questions MI's Strategy on de Kock

While Mumbai lost the match, the biggest positive from the match for them was Quinton de Kock, who MI had not included in the playing 11 until yesterday. De Kock slammed an unbeaten 112 off 60 balls, taking MI's score to beyond the 190-run mark.

Bangar expressed surprise at de Kock not being used more prominently, calling him a proven match-winner who can single-handedly influence games. He suggested Mumbai Indians may need to make tough selection decisions, possibly reconsidering options like Ryan Rickelton, to achieve the right balance. Bangar also stressed the importance of a well-aligned overseas combination and noted that a player like Will Jacks could bring added energy and intent to the lineup.

"I was a bit surprised to see Quinton de Kock not being utilised more prominently because he's a proven match-winner. When he gets going, he has the ability to win games on his own, and his record in T20 cricket reflects that. Mumbai Indians need that kind of impact at the top. It might mean making tough calls, even looking beyond Ryan Rickelton, to get the right balance in the XI. They also need to ensure their overseas combination complements the Indian core, and someone like Will Jacks, when he comes in, could add that extra energy and intent to the line-up," Bangar said.

Match Summary: PBKS vs MI

Coming to the match, the Punjab Kings put on a complete performance on display against the Mumbai Indians. Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with the Player of the Match-winning figures of 3/22 in 4 overs.

In response, PBKS chased the target in just 16.3 overs, reaching 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent 66 off 35 balls. The duo added a match-defining stand after early setbacks. For MI, Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2/32, but the bowlers were largely ineffective as PBKS dominated the chase.

With this victory, PBKS climbed to the top of the table with four wins and a no-result, overtaking defending champions RCB, while MI slipped to ninth place with just one win from five matches.

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

IGPL Invitational: Udayan Mane fires 64, hits ace to take big lead

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:40 +0530

Udayan Mane, who shot a flawless 7-under 65 on the first day, went one better on the second as he added an 8-under 64 that included a hole-in-one in the second round at the IGPL Invitational South Africa.

Playing at the iconic Royal Johannesburg's West Course, Olympian Mane was bogey-free for the second day in a row and moved to 15-under and was the only player in double digits under par, according to a release. Mane is now six shots ahead of the field as he seeks his maiden IGPL title.

The Leaderboard

The Chasing Pack

Trailing Mane in tied second place is a highly motivated trio of Manav Shah (65-70), Pukhraj Singh Gill (66-69) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (67-68). Yet each of them knows that making up six shots on the focused and in-form Mane will be a tough task.

Local South African star Musiwalo Nethunzwi (69-67) was sole fifth, while rookie pro Danish Verma (70-67) and another South African golfer, Alessio Graziani (72-65) were tied for sixth place.

Other Notable Standings

One of the three first-day leaders, Milind Soni, suffered a mid-round lapse with a bogey-double bogey show on the 11th and the 12th and carded 73 as he dropped to Tied-eighth alongside Raghav Chugh (69-69) and Karandeep Kochhar (67-71) at 6-under total.

Last week's runner-up, Veer Ganapathy (70-70) was tied 11th with Harshjeet Singh Sethie (70-70), Varun Parikh (70-70) and left-handed Kartik Sharma (69-71), a 4-under total.

The scoring has been rather low with 27 players at par or better after 36 holes, and there is one more round to go in the event.

Mannat Brar (74-69) was the best-placed woman player at T-21, as Vidhatri Urs (72-72) slipped to T-25.

Detailed Round Analysis

Mane's Spectacular Performance

Beginning the second day on the Par-5 first, Mane opened with an eagle and then shot a hole-in-one on the Par-3 fifth as he went to 4-under in very quick time. Two two-shot gains in a matter of five holes took Mane way ahead. Another gain on the ninth saw him turn in 5-under. Three more birdies on the back nine gave him a superb 8-under card that carried him to 15-under.

Mane is coming off a third place in Mauritius, and his game has been looking sharp. A natural long-hitter, the big-built Mane is also reaping the benefits of a much sharper short game.

Contenders' Rounds

Manav Shah, who contended in the opening event in Chandigarh, seemed to be carrying on from where he left off with a 65 on the first day. He birdied the first, fourth and the seventh to go 3-under for the front nine, and when he added a fourth birdie, it seemed he might give Mane a run. But three dropped shots in four holes with uncharacteristic errors saw him fall before a closing bogey provided some relief. Yet with a 70 in the second round and a total of 9-under, he finds himself six back.

Gill was 4-under for the front nine, but two bogeys on the back nine pulled him back. He closed with a birdie on the 18th, which played as one of the easiest holes on the day.

Bhullar is always a threat in any event. More so in recent times in IGPL. Winner of three events, he has already won once in 2026. After a 67 on Day 1, he added a 68 to stay in the frame. He knows he is six behind, but as he added, his course also gives low scores. So, a low score from Bhullar and an error two from Mane could open the contest and add to the excitement.

Day's Highlights and Team Scores

Dual Aces Light Up the Course

Mane's hole-in-one was the first of the event, and it caused quite an excitement. But before the day was out, Ranjit Singh landed an ace on the Par-3 16th later in the day. Ranjit (69-73), however, was back in T-17th place at 2-under total.

Baisoya Struggles

Last week's winner, Sachin Baisoya, had a rough day. He dropped back-to-back bogeys early on the third and the fourth and later double-bogeyed the 10th. He ended with a 2-over 74 card and was T-17, but is capable of hauling himself into the Top 10 with a good final round.

Team Competition

In the team competition, despite Mane's superb efforts, Green Fuels Hyderabad were on top with fine performances by all four players -Shah, Verma, Graziani, and Soni. With the top two cards counting each day, Green Fuels were 18-under and 10 shots ahead of Atri Mumbai, who have Mane in their team. The third-place team is Honer Gurugram, spearheaded by Pukhraj Singh Gill. (ANI)

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

ICC launches inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy in Rwanda

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:33 +0530

Kigali is set to witness a significant step forward in the growth of women's cricket as the International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy, set to start on April 18 in Rwanda.

The five-team tournament will open with hosts Rwanda taking on Italy, while Nepal face the United States on the same day. Vanuatu, the fifth side in the competition, will begin their campaign on April 19 against Rwanda after a first-day bye.

Tournament Details and Significance

Matches will be played across two adjoining grounds at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium. Designed as a double round-robin event, the tournament will run until May 2, offering participating teams a valuable platform to gain competitive international exposure, according to ICC.

The competition is part of ICC's broader initiative to strengthen pathways for Associate Member nations, complementing other events such as the Emerging Nations Trophy introduced last year. The participating teams earned their spots through strong performances in the 2025 regional Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers, with each side representing one of the ICC's five regions and narrowly missing out on qualification for the Emerging Nations Trophy.

Teams to Watch

Nepal and the USA enter the tournament as early favourites, having featured in the recent Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier earlier this year. Nepal, currently ranked 21st in the ICC Women's T20I rankings, are the highest-ranked side in the competition.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu could prove to be a dark horse. Ranked 30th, they showcased their potential by defeating higher-ranked Indonesia during the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Fiji, securing their place in this tournament.

Global Expansion of Women's Cricket

The Challenge Trophy comes at a time when women's cricket is undergoing rapid expansion globally. The Women's T20 World Cup is set to grow to 12 teams in 2026, with further expansion to 16 teams confirmed for the 2030 edition.

ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy - Schedule

April 18 9:00 am - Rwanda vs Italy 1:00 pm - Nepal vs USA

April 19 9:00 am - Rwanda vs Vanuatu 1:00 pm - Italy vs Nepal

April 21 9:00 am - Rwanda vs USA 1:00 pm - Vanuatu vs Italy

April 22 9:00 am - Rwanda vs Nepal 1:00 pm - USA vs Vanuatu

April 24 9:00 am - Nepal vs Vanuatu 1:00 pm - Italy vs USA

April 26 9:00 am - Rwanda vs Vanuatu 1:00 pm - USA vs Nepal

April 27 9:00 am - Rwanda vs Italy 1:00 pm - USA vs Vanuatu

April 28 9:00 am - Rwanda vs Nepal 1:00 pm - Italy vs Vanuatu

April 3 9:00 am - Italy vs USA 1:00 pm - Nepal vs Vanuatu

May 1 9:00 am - Rwanda vs USA 1:00 pm - Italy vs Nepal

All matches will take place at Gahanga Cricket Stadium's two grounds in Kigali. (ANI)

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

‘Another Algorithm Glitch?’: Virat Kohli’s Alleged 'Like' on LizLaz Post Sparks Online Frenzy

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:54:28 +0530

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain and star batter, Virat Kohli, has once again caught the attention of social media users, this time over an alleged liking of German influencer and musical artist LizLaz’s Instagram post.

Kohli is currently part of the ongoing IPL season, representing RCB, and is the leading run-scorer with 228 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 158.33 in five matches. The veteran Indian batter also sustained an ankle injury, which prevented him from fielding in the clash against Lucknow Super Giants and saw him come out to bat as an Impact Player.

As an impact substitute, Kohli played a match-winning knock of 49 off 34 balls to help RCB chase down a 147-run target with 29 balls or 15.1 overs, securing their third successive win at home in the ongoing IPL season.

Also Read: IPL: Virat Kohli stamps authority, continues excellent run-chase record

Kohli ‘Likes’ LizLaz’s Instagram Post

As Virat Kohli continues to dominate the headlines on the field with consistent performances in the ongoing IPL season, the veteran Indian batter has also found himself in the midst of social media chatter over an alleged interaction with German influencer LizLaz’s Instagram post.

Kohli hasn’t been frequently using Instagram of late, other than occasional interactions and updates, which has further added intrigue to the latest episode. A few Instagram users noticed that Kohli’s username, ‘virat.kohli’, was among the accounts that had allegedly liked the bold picture of LizLaz on the platform.

Soon, the screenshots of the alleged interaction began circulating widely across social media platforms, quickly turning the incident into a trending topic.

However, the RCB star batter issued a clarification on the Avneet Kaur incident, stating that such interactions may occur unintentionally due to algorithmic or feed-related actions.

Kohli’s ‘Like’ on LizLaz’s Post Sparks ‘Algorithm’ Jokes

Virat Kohli’s alleged like on German influencer LizLaz’s Instagram post has triggered massive reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts reviving the ‘algorithm’ narrative. The minor incident quickly snowballed into a meme fest, with users sharing humorous takes and drawing comparisons with earlier similar episodes involving the Indian batter.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts flooded the platform with reactions, ranging from sarcasm to humour, with many reviving the familiar “algorithm glitch” narrative around Kohli’s alleged Instagram activity.

Several joked about the accidental likes and feed-based interactions, while others shared memes and screenshots, turning the incident into a full-blown social media talking point.

Virat Kohli Liked a Model photo on Instagram .another Algorithm Glitch ? pic.twitter.com/vRHVsXOuMj

— Jeet (@JeetN25) April 16, 2026

What is this behaviour Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/wpmjJqrlFh

— Kartik Sharma (@KartikSharmaFC) April 16, 2026

Kohli liked this post on Instagram. Another paragraph loading on algorithm pic.twitter.com/PWB9aFlY87

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli has once again liked the post of an Insta female model. Now we know why he was dealing with a headache from the past 2 matches. pic.twitter.com/pSTD5McLbh

— Homie (@homelander_yyy) April 16, 2026

WTF Virat Kohli who pretends to be Cultural by visiting our temples is now liking the post of adult content creators ???Are u serious Virat ? pic.twitter.com/tigZJDGaq5

— Courageous (@CourageousRo) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli Liked German Social media Influencer lizlaz _tv ‍♂️Bro literally proved he is also a man pic.twitter.com/zIkBT0GkvX

— Shailu (@Shailu_15Jul) April 17, 2026

Here we go again! Virat kohli just liked a post by German influencer LizLaz and the algorithm memes are back. pic.twitter.com/MW9KZwC3ly

— Shariq (@CricBhakt7380) April 17, 2026

Virat Kohli liked South Africa influencer Lizlaz’s insta photo…Anushka will be Upset pic.twitter.com/xn8ZDFBm2C

— Mannuuu (@Manogna_me) April 17, 2026

Virat Kohli's manager sometimes forget that he is using VK's Insta not his own

— Chai_Sutta (@Chai_SuttaGuy) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli has liked a picture of a South African model on Instagram.Looks like it’s another algorithm mistake… Kohli saab will probably post a story about it tomorrow pic.twitter.com/o4JaFYzsdu

— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) April 16, 2026

Meanwhile, the alleged ‘like’ by Virat Kohli appeared to have disappeared from the post after the incident caught the attention of social media users, though no official confirmation has been provided regarding the interaction.

It remains to be seen whether the latest episode will fade as another social media rumour or continue to gain traction among fans, as discussions on Virat Kohli’s alleged Instagram activity show no signs of slowing down amid the ongoing IPL season.

Also Read: RCB Star Virat Kohli’s Old Stance Revisited After Impact Player Role in IPL 2026 Clash vs LSG

IPL 2026: Bahutule hails Arshdeep, Prabhsimran in PBKS' win over MI

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:51 +0530

Sairaj Bahutule, Punjab Kings' (PBKS), spin bowling coach, hailed bowler Arshdeep Singh and batter Prabhsimran Singh after their hefty contribution in PBKS' dominant seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match on Thursday. While Arshdeep registered excellent bowling figures of 3/22 in 4 overs to restrict MI to 195/6 in 20 overs despite Quinton de Kock's unbeaten 112-run knock, Prabhsimran made PBKS' chase look easy with an unbeaten 80 off just 39 balls, to take his team over the line in just 16.3 overs. Arshdeep, who conceded many runs in the earlier IPL 2026 matches, won the Player of the Match award for his bowling against MI. Arshdeep claimed wickets of Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav and Sherfane Rutherford.

Bahutule on Arshdeep's comeback

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bahutule praised Arshdeep for his strong comeback performance, saying he has been a valuable bowler for both India and Punjab Kings. He noted that T20 cricket is highly demanding due to changing conditions and expectations, and credited Arshdeep's self-awareness and preparation. Bahutule highlighted that Arshdeep returned to basics with focused spot and target bowling practice, which helped him execute effectively with both the old and semi-new ball in the match.

"I think he's been a fabulous bowler over the period of time for India and for the franchise. I think T20 is a very tough competition in which every game is different, conditions are different and you have to respond, and expectations are high. Arshdeep is a very self-aware, and understanding the nuances of the game, he went back to his basics in the last couple of days he did a lot of spot bowling, target bowling, and he really came back with understanding that he has to just focus on what he does best. I think that's what he did in this game. His execution with the old and the semi-new ball was excellent," he said.

Praise for 'fabulous' Prabhsimran

Bahutule praised Prabhsimran Singh for his consistent performances at the top of the order for Punjab Kings. He also credited head coach Ricky Ponting's positive influence in the dressing room, saying his approach and mindset have positively impacted the batters, with Prabhsimran responding particularly well to it "Prabh [Prabhsimran] is a fabulous player. He's been performing for Punjab Kings for a couple of years and he's been very consistent at the top order. I think a lot to do with Ricky also being in the in the changing room. He himself being so positive, I think he rubs it across to all the batters in terms of approaching innings and things like that and Prab has responded really well to that," Bahutule said.

Match Summary

Put to bat first by PBKS, MI reached 195/6 courtesy a 122-run stand between Quinton de Kock (112* in 60 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes) and Naman Dhir (50 in 31 balls, with three fours and three sixes). Arshdeep Singh (3/22) was the pick of the bowlers for PBKS.

Despite some early wickets, Prabhsimran Singh (80* in 39 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) and captain Shreyas Iyer (66 in 35 balls, with five fours and four sixes) took PBKS to the target in 16.3 overs. (ANI)

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

Ricky Ponting on creating a winning PBKS team after dominant MI win

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:00:44 +0530

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting outlined the key elements behind building a winning mindset after his side cruised to a dominant seven-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. PBKS clinched their fourth win of the IPL 2026 season. They are the only team that has yet to be defeated. In five matches, they have won four, while one match was abandoned due to rain.

Ponting's Coaching Philosophy

Speaking on JioHotstar, Ponting said that building a winning team starts with creating a supportive environment where players feel valued and aligned. He emphasised that his role as a coach is to guide and challenge rather than control, and to accept failure as part of the game. "For me, it starts with creating the right environment where every player feels valued and on the same page. As a coach, I'm there to support and challenge them, not to control them. Even when they fail, they need to know that's part of the game," he said.

The former Australian cricketer added that success in T20 cricket depends on a few players stepping up, so having clearly defined roles and the right team culture is crucial. He also noted that backing players like Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh has helped them deliver strong performances, which in turn drives the team's success. "In T20 cricket, you only need a few players to step up on any given day. So, it's about building a strong group with clearly defined roles. That was a big part of our auction strategy as well, getting the right people in to shape the culture. When players feel backed, like someone like Prabhsimran or Shashank, they respond with performances, and that's what ultimately drives results," he said.

Match Highlights

Coming to the match, Punjab Kings put a complete performance on display against Mumbai Indians. Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with the Player of the Match-winning figures of 3/22 in 4 overs.

PBKS Climb to Top of Table

With this victory, PBKS climbed to the top of the table with four wins and a no-result, overtaking defending champions RCB, while MI slipped to ninth place with just one win from five matches. (ANI)

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

Emotional Hardik Pandya Hides Face In Bus Amid Mumbai Indians’ Fourth Consecutive IPL 2026 Loss (WATCH)

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:58:08 +0530

Hardik Pandya’s visible disappointment after Mumbai Indians’ latest defeat has become the talking point of their IPL 2026 campaign. Cameras captured the captain covering his face inside the team bus, looking upset and emotional. Suryakumar Yadav sat next to him, a moment that added fuel to ongoing speculation about tensions within the squad.

The incident came after Mumbai’s loss to Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium, where the home side failed to defend a strong total despite Quinton de Kock’s brilliance with the bat.

Hardik Pandya was hiding his face while going hotel in the team bus. He looked quite upset and emotional. After the match last night pic.twitter.com/X0Gdcltzpr

— ⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) April 17, 2026

MI vs PBKS Match Report

Mumbai Indians posted 195/6 in their 20 overs. Quinton de Kock anchored the innings with an unbeaten 112 off 60 balls, striking eight fours and seven sixes. Naman Dhir added a valuable 50 from 31 deliveries, while Hardik Pandya managed 14 runs before falling to Marco Jansen. Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for a duck, continuing his lean run.

Punjab Kings chased down the target with ease, reaching 198/3 in just 16.3 overs. Prabhsimran Singh smashed 80 not out from 39 balls, supported by Shreyas Iyer’s 66 off 35 deliveries. Their partnership dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack, leaving little room for recovery.

Among the bowlers, Allah Ghazanfar stood out with figures of 2/31 at an economy of 7.80. Shardul Thakur picked up one wicket but conceded 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Deepak Chahar all went wicketless, with Bumrah’s figures reading 0/41 at an economy of 10.20.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

The defeat pushed Mumbai Indians to ninth in the table with just two points from five matches. Bumrah’s continued wicketless streak and Hardik Pandya’s visible disappointment have raised questions about leadership and team morale.

Hardik Pandya’s decision-making on the field has already been a subject of debate, and his emotional reaction after the match has added further pressure. With Suryakumar Yadav seated beside him during the bus incident, speculation about internal dynamics has only grown louder.

Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Decisions Leave Jasprit Bumrah Upset During Mumbai Indians’ IPL Loss (WATCH)

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:14:14 +0530

Mumbai Indians’ latest defeat in the IPL 2026 season has sparked fresh debate, not only about their collective bowling struggles but also about Jasprit Bumrah’s visible frustration with captain Hardik Pandya.

During Bumrah’s spell, Pandya was seen setting the field and offering instructions, often overriding Bumrah’s own preferences. The pacer argued once but eventually gave in, appearing disappointed as the match slipped away from Mumbai’s grasp.

JASPRIT BUMRAH NOT HAPPY WITH HARDIK PANDYA’S CAPTAINCY When Jasprit Bumrah bowling, Hardik Pandya was seen giving suggestions to him and setting the field according to himself, not according to Bumrah.Jasprit Bumrah argued once but later surrendered to the captain and… pic.twitter.com/jy20zYi0sU

— AK 45 (@ImRo45_Club) April 16, 2026

pic.twitter.com/iKkrMLdho7

— Raj Neeth (@TSrajnth) April 17, 2026

Match Result And Key Performances

Batting first, Mumbai Indians posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 115 and a fifty from Naman Dir. Despite the strong total, their bowlers faltered as Punjab Kings chased down the target with 21 balls to spare. Prabhsimran Singh’s unbeaten 80 and Shreyas Iyer’s 66 dismantled the attack.

Allah Ghazanfar was the most effective bowler, taking two wickets for 31 runs at an economy of 7.80. Shardul Thakur managed 1/42 in three overs, but the rest of the attack - including Hardik Pandya, Bumrah, and Deepak Chahar, failed to claim a single wicket.

Bumrah’s Wicketless Streak

Jasprit Bumrah’s figures of 0/41 at an economy of 10.20 extended his run of five consecutive wicketless matches. Since the opening game against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he conceded 35 runs without success, his subsequent spells against Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have all ended without breakthroughs.

This rare dip in form has left Mumbai Indians vulnerable, as their lead pacer has struggled to provide control or wickets across phases of the innings.

Moises Caicedo Rejects Madrid Links, Agrees Lucrative New Chelsea Contract Until 2033

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:41:36 +0530

Chelsea star Moises Caicedo is set to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge, with reports confirming that the Ecuador midfielder will sign a new contract running until 2033. The deal, expected to include a pay rise, comes less than three years after his move from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 22-year-old becomes the second senior player to commit long-term after captain Reece James agreed an extension earlier this season. Caicedo has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at Chelsea, telling Spanish outlets that his ambition is to become a club legend rather than seek a move elsewhere.

✍ Moisés Caicedo’s new contract at Chelsea: salary improved, two more years until June 2033, totally sharing club view for long term.Here we go. Announcement next. pic.twitter.com/IzbwgVPwZt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2026

Caicedo’s Commitment To Chelsea

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV earlier this season, Caicedo said he was focused on his current club and wanted to achieve greatness at Stamford Bridge. In another interview with Diario AS, he dismissed speculation about Real Madrid, stressing that his priority was Chelsea.

Chelsea are now working to secure extensions for Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill. Fernandez already has a contract until 2032, while Cole Palmer’s deal runs until 2033.

However, former France international Emmanuel Petit suggested in March that Caicedo, Palmer, and Fernandez looked unsettled after a defeat to PSG, questioning whether they were considering exits.

IPL 2026: MI's poor form not on one individual, says Mahela Jayawardene

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:30:20 +0530

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene said that the team's poor form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is not because of an individual, but everyone involved in the setup.

The Hardik Pandya-led team faced their fourth consecutive loss in the ongoing season, going down to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by seven wickets on Thursday. While MI opened their IPL 2026 campaign with a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders, they have faced losses against Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and now PBKS.

'It's on every one of us': Jayawardene

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Jayawardene said that the team's poor performance is a collective responsibility rather than an individual one. He stressed that the coaching staff and management, including himself, must take accountability and work on improving the team after their loss to the Punjab Kings. "I think it's on every one of us when we are not doing well. It's not an individual. It's pretty much on me, everyone who is involved in the management and all that to see how can we be better," he said.

Jayawardene said that while he knows MI are playing decent cricket, they are being outperformed by more clinical and confident opposition teams. He added that the team needs to improve in key phases of the game and take collective responsibility as a franchise and management group to regain rhythm and build confidence. "I know we are playing good cricket. We are not taken out completely, but at the same time the other teams are much better, clinical; obviously the confidence is high as well when they have that kind of start so we just need to control phases that we can control. So I think it's not just on one individual. As a franchise, as a team management, we need to do things better to get into some rhythm and then get a few wins under our belt that will give us that confidence," the MI head coach said.

Rohit Sharma injury update

Giving an update on MI opening batter Rohit Sharma, who missed the PBKS match after sustaining a hamstring issue during the RCB match earlier, Jayawardene said that Rohit has started running and is being monitored on a day-to-day basis. He added that the injury is not serious, but the team will avoid rushing his return as it is still early in the season. "He started running yesterday, [we'll take] day to day to see how he feels. He knows his body better than anybody else so it's nothing serious but at the same time we don't want to push and it's early season still," he said.

MI vs PBKS Match Recap

Coming to the match, Punjab Kings continued their dominant run in IPL 2026 with a convincing seven-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. With this victory, PBKS climbed to the top of the table with four wins and a no-result, overtaking defending champions RCB, while MI slipped to ninth place with just one win from five matches.

Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with 3/22.

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

PBKS Crush MI: Prabhsimran & Iyer Dominate In Style | IPL 2026 Highlights

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:12:06 +0530

Punjab Kings delivered a statement win as Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive batting and Shreyas Iyer’s calm leadership crushed Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. Despite Quinton de Kock’s brilliant century, MI had no answers to PBKS’ fearless chase that sent them soaring to the top of the table.

5 WWE Stars Triple H Has Given-Up On Ahead Of WrestleMania 42 Main Event Season

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:58:25 +0530

WrestleMania season is usually the time when WWE’s biggest names shine brightest. Yet, several stars who once carried divisions or storylines have been pushed aside, leaving fans questioning whether Triple H has lost faith in them.

The Women’s United States Championship has struggled for relevance. Poor booking and heavy focus on the tag division have left the belt forgotten. Giulia’s absence from SmackDown for two weeks forced WWE to announce her rematch only days before WrestleMania. Compared to NXT’s Speed Titles, the championship feels neglected, showing a lack of confidence in its holders.

Aleister Black returned last year with a unique character, but his momentum has stalled. He tormented Sami Zayn and later Matt Cardona, yet disappeared from television soon after. Despite his intriguing persona, Triple H hasn’t booked him consistently, leaving Black an afterthought on the Road to WrestleMania instead of a featured heel presence.

Carmelo Hayes lost the United States Title due to Trick Williams’ interference, and fans believe he deserved better. Hayes carried the mid-card for months but was excluded from WrestleMania. Trick earned a spot despite not winning a title, while Zayn wasn’t considered despite his role in reviving Cena’s Open Challenges. Hayes appears to be the victim of poor booking decisions.

Tiffany Stratton had a breakout year, defeating Charlotte Flair and holding the Women’s Title before losing it to Jade Cargill. Despite her strong run in 2025, Stratton has been absent from SmackDown in recent weeks. The decision to exclude her from WrestleMania 42 undermines the work she did as champion and leaves fans questioning why she isn’t featured prominently.

One year ago, IYO SKY defended the Women’s World Championship in a triple threat against Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, retaining her title. After Naomi’s Money in the Bank cash-in, SKY was shifted into a tag team role with Ripley. Since then, she has largely been presented as Ripley’s sidekick, leaving her sidelined from major singles storylines heading into WrestleMania 42.

Lalit Modi suggests IPL teams should own Test teams to save format

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:31 +0530

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has proposed a bold measure to save the "dying" Test cricket, suggesting that the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams could own the Test teams and attract youngsters to the game to save the longest format of the game from facing further decline.

A Radical Proposal for Survival

Lalit Modi, speaking on The Overlap Podcast with former England cricketer Michael Vaughan, suggested that to keep Test cricket alive, IPL franchises could own Test teams and play exhibition matches to engage younger audiences. However, he stressed that international, country-versus-country cricket should remain the top priority. "The only way Test cricket will work, somebody's going to shoot me for saying this. First time I'm saying this. Let the IPL teams own Test cricket teams. You got the youngsters, you got the loyalty factors. You play your country versus country, without doubt, that's premier. I'm saying you have it as a world championship that goes around the world every year, you play those without doubt, but also so that it doesn't disappear, you have exhibition matches starting off with it--teams playing test cricket. At least play one in a season between each other just to get their youngsters back into the game. That's going to be like club cricket. You have club cricket in everything. But the primary has to be country versus country," Lalit Modi said.

He said building loyalty among young fans requires engaging them early and providing them with a strong, enjoyable cricket experience. "And if you want to build loyalty with the youngsters, you got to catch them young and you've got to give them the experience."

The 'Dying' State of the Longest Format

Lalit Modi expressed hope that Test cricket survives, but said he believes it is in decline globally. He said only Australia and England are maintaining a strong interest in the format through events like the Ashes, while Test cricket is "dying" in other parts of the world. "I hope Test cricket survives because I love Test cricket. You look at the generation that is growing up now. Unfortunately, they are not experiencing it anywhere else except in Australia and England. These are the only two countries that are actually keeping the level of Test up because of the Ashes and because of the English season, and you have the advantage of that, but the rest of the world, Test is dying," he said.

A Call for Modernization

Modi also recommended that five-day Test matches be trimmed to four-day day-night affairs. "Now people think I'm crazy to suggest this, but I care about it, and my suggestion has always been, and since 2007, I've been saying this: Tests should turn into a four-day game, it should be day and night," he said.

Modi further argued that modern audiences lack the time and patience for long, traditional Test matches, unlike in earlier eras when cricket was less accessible and viewing options were limited. "People don't have the luxury today to go out there and spend four days all day sitting in the sun and drinking beer. I'm sorry. Those were the good old days when you had a single-channel television and the Test was rare and not accessible with media today, available to you on the fly. Every match around the world is available to you," Modi added. (ANI)

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

IPL: Prabhsimran, Iyer star as PBKS beat MI to go top of the table

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:31:05 +0530

PBKS go top of the table with dominant win

Brilliant half-centuries from Prabhsimran Singh and skipper Shreyas Iyer helped Punjab Kings (PBKS) continue their unbeaten run, beating Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

With this win, PBKS have moved to the top spot, with four wins and a no result, with nine points, dethroning the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). MI is at the ninth spot, with a win and four losses.

Despite some early wickets, Prabhsimran Singh (80* in 39 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) and ever-consistent Iyer (66 in 35 balls, with five fours and four sixes) took PBKS to the target in 16.3 overs.

Punjab's Dominant Run Chase

Fiery Start to the Innings

During the run-chase of 196 runs, PBKS was off to a fine start as Prabhsimran smashed two boundaries against Deepak Chahar while Priyansh Arya smoked him for a lofted drive for six over deep backward point and a four, bringing 21 runs in the first over.

Priyansh also collected a four against Jasprit Bumrah, but was cleaned up by Chahar for a nine-ball 15, with Allah Ghazanfar getting him with the help of an assist from Chahar. PBKS was 27/1 in 2.2 overs.

Cooper Connolly looked in good touch, scoring a four and a six against Hardik Pandya and a six against Ghazanfar, but Afghanistan spinner got him for a 12-ball 17. PBKS was 45/2 in 4.3 overs.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer started off with a four on his first ball, and PBKS reached the 50-run mark in 4.5 overs.

With four each by Iyer and a Prabhsimran, Bumrah's final over of powerplay leaked nine runs, taking them to 61/2 in six overs.

Prabhsimran and Iyer Take Control

Prabhsimran continued to be the aggressor against pace, bringing up the 100-run mark in 9.5 overs.

Halfway through, PBKS was 100/2 with Iyer (21*) and Prabhsimran (44*) unbeaten.

Shardul Thakur was taken to cleaners in his second over, smashed for two fours by Prabhsimran and a six over deep extra-cover by Iyer. Prabhsimran reached his second fifty of the tournament in 23 balls, with eight fours and a six. 18 runs came from Shardul's over.

Iyer kept the tempo going, collecting a couple of fours against Ghazanfar, showing his preference for spin, while Prabhsimran hit Bumrah for a four and six, bringing up the 100-run stand in 51 balls.

Bumrah's wicketless run stretched to a total of 146 runs, as Iyer scored two boundaries, reaching his third successive fifty in 31 balls, with five fours and two sixes.

In 16th over, Iyer smashed two sixes against Shardul, one over deep midwicket and one over long-off. But Shardul had the last laugh, getting his Mumbai teammate for 35-ball 66, with five fours and four sixes. PBKS was 184/3 in 15.3 overs.

PBKS ended their run-chase at 198/3 in 16.3 overs, with Prabhsimran (80* in 39 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) and Marcus Stoinis (10*) unbeaten. Ghazanfar (2/32) was the pick of the bowlers for MI.

De Kock's Century Powers MI

Earlier, a brilliant century from Quinton de Kock and his century partnership with Naman Dhir helped MI reach 195/6 in 20 overs.

PBKS, put to bowl first by MI, was off to a fine start with Arshdeep Singh removing both Ryan Rickelton (2) and Suryakumar Yadav (0) in the same over. MI was 12/2 in 2.2 overs.

De Kock and Dhir Rebuild

Naman Dhir, promoted to number four started to build a partnership with Quinton de Kock, scoring 15 runs against Vijaykumar Vyshak in the final over of the powerplay by hitting him for two fours and a six. MI at powerplay was 48/2 in six overs.

With Naman's six over long-off, MI reached the 50-run mark in 6.1 overs.

Later in the same over, Quinton took down Yuzi Chahal for a four and six, looting 19 runs and bringing up the 50-run stand in 26 balls.

De Kock continued attacking pace and spin alike, reaching his 25th IPL fifty in 28 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes.

At the end of 10 overs, MI was 97/2, with Naman (38*) and QDK (51*) having built a solid platform.

The battering continued for PBKS in the 11th and 12th overs, bowled by Chahal and Xavier Bartlett, bringing up the 100-run stand in 54 balls.

With a single against Shashank Singh, Naman reached his first IPL fifty in 29 balls, with three fours and three sixes. Shashank's golden arm ended the 122-run stand for the third wicket, removing Dhir for a 31-ball 50 (with three fours and three sixes). MI was 134/3 in 13.4 overs.

At the end of 15 overs, MI was 145/3, with de Kock (82*) and Hardik Pandya (3*) unbeaten.

With twin sixes against Shashank, de Kock sailed into 90s.

A boundary against Bartlett helped him reach his third IPL ton in the 17th over, with seven fours and three sixes.

Hardik looked in good touch, but a relay catch from Shreyas Iyer and Bartlett removed him for 12-ball 14. MI was 175/4 in 17.3 overs. Marco Jansen got his first wicket.

Sherfane Rutherford's stumps were rattled by Arshdeep for one run, leaving MI at 182/5 in 18.5 overs.

In the final over, Tilak was run out by Vyshak for eight. MI ended their innings at 195/6, with QDK (112* in 60 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes) and Mayank Rawat (0*) unbeaten.

Arshdeep (3/22) was the pick of the bowlers for PBKS, while Shashank and Marco Jansen managed one wicket each.

Brief Scores

MI: 195/6 (Quinton de Kock 112*, Naman Dhir 50, Arshdeep Singh 3/22) lost to PBKS: 198/3 in 16.3 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 80*, Shreyas Iyer 66, AM Ghazanfar 2/32). (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: Glenn Phillips on his varying roles, not getting big scores

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:31:12 +0530

Ahead of his side's Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Glenn Phillips spoke on not being able to convert his starts into big scores, pointing out that he has batted in different situations, which has made it harder for him to score consistently, with his role varying from either making most of the few balls left or putting a partnership in case wickets fall early. GT, who have won two of their past matches after starting the tournament with two losses, will be aiming to make it three wins in five games against a winless KKR at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

In three innings for GT, he has made 42 runs at an average of 21.00 and a strike rate of 140.00, with best score of 21. Overall in his IPL career, he has made 107 runs in 11 innings at an average of 11.88, with a strike rate of 125.88, including a best score of 25.

'A tough environment to score consistently'

Speaking during the pre-match presser, he said that he has been in different situations while batting. "I have been in completely different situations, I have played on some rubbish pitches in Dubai, I have been in situations where I have come in with 6 balls to go. It is pretty hard to score big scores in those sorts of environments, and obviously, maybe when you do get the opportunity to go big that day, maybe it is not your day," he said.

"It is a little bit of a tough environment to, I guess, score big and score consistently, but for me, I think it is about trying to contribute to the team and what the team requires of me at the time. If it means like the other day that I do not bat at all, fantastic if the team is winning and if it means that I need to go in with 4 balls to face hopefully I can hit a boundary off one of those but if on the day maybe we have a tough pitch where I have got to potentially knuckle down and get us to a bit more of a score then hopefully that can be a little bit of a situation where we do kick on a bit more. It is just trying to be as consistent in whatever role I am given to play on that particular day," he added.

On GT's performance

On the lack of consistency so far, Phillips pointed out that they have won their past two games against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), and the IPL is a very tough tournament to be consistent for a long period of time. "We have won the last two games in a row, looks consistent to me. It is a very tough tournament. It is very hard to stay consistent for a long period of time. We're doing a lot of things well. We are working hard at trainings. We are doing as much as possible to prepare ourselves for the games. Obviously, every team is very strong in their own right. We go out there, and we try our best on each given day, and hopefully, we bring away some results as well," he added.

On working with Matthew Hayden

On working with the batting coach and the former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, he said that Hayden is an "incredible wealth of knowledge". "He was a very process-driven player when he was back playing in his heyday. So for me to be able to pick his brain, mainly around the process and mindset piece that he used to go out there with, obviously, a very different time, but mental skills is mental skills at the end of the day," Phillips said.

"Obviously, when we come into a tournament like this, we all bring out certain skill sets and sometimes the most that you can give as a coach to players that you haven't been around the most is actually from that mental skills perspective. So understanding what brings you into that process zone gives you the best chance of performing, and I guess also in a tournament like the IPL, where momentum and confidence is key, trying to be able to find a way to stay level and confident the whole way through. So he's been phenomenal for that," he concluded.

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

Shreyas Iyer hails Prabhsimran's maturity after PBKS beat MI to go top

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:27 +0530

After winning the match against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer hailed opener Prabhsimran Singh for his growing maturity this season. After a 122-run stand between centurion Quinton de Kock and half-centurion Naman Dhir took MI to 194/6, quickfire fifties from Iyer and Prabhsimran, who put on 139 runs for the third wicket after two early setbacks, helped PBKS register their fourth win of the season and dethrone defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the top spot in the points tally.

Iyer on Prabhsimran's Maturity

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Iyer said, "Confident and optimistic going forward. We have been playing phenomenally. We know each game is important, it is a collective effort, glad to have a comprehensive win. Prabhsimran has raised his bar, considering the last season, where he swung wild, got runs and gave excellent starts. Now he is got maturity and finishing off games. He is maturing with each game."

Prabhsimran has been PBKS's top-run-getter this season and overall fifth-highest with 211 runs in four innings at an average of 70.33 and a strike rate of almost 173, with two fifties. During his breakthrough season last year, he made 549 runs in 17 matches at an average of 32.29, with a strike rate of 160.52, including four fifties.

Turning Point and Team Philosophy

Iyer pointed out that it was his relay catch involving Xavier Bartlett which changed things for his side and pointed out that his side has a tendency to pull things back just when everything feels out of hand. "My catch was the key to pulling things back (laughs), but we tend to do that. Did that even happen against SRH. We have to be present and enjoy the moment. We have not decided on how to set totals, lucky to have won tosses so far. We have a lot of positive players ready to go out there and express themselves. You need to keep getting better each game, focus on yourselves and that is the recipe we have been following. I have seen crowds coming in numbers, the fan following is going high. Great to see fans showering their love," he added.

Points Table Shake-up

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: Arshdeep credits chat with Ponting for match-winning form

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:30 +0530

Punjab Kings (PBKS) left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh credited a conversation with head coach Ricky Ponting for helping him rediscover his rhythm after producing a match-winning performance against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night. Arshdeep, who was named Player of the Match in PBKS' seven-wicket victory, said he regained control and confidence after a simple discussion with the coaching staff and a focused training session.

Arshdeep on Bowling and Expectations

"Feels good, it goes back to having a chat with head coach Ricky (Ponting). Told him the ball didn't feel right when it left my hand. Had a good session yesterday and the control returned, ball was seaming and swinging," Arshdeep said during the post-match presentation. He added that Ponting helped him manage expectations following recent success, including his strong performances in the T20 World Cup. "The chat was nothing technical. I was expecting too many things from myself. He told me you're coming off a high from the WC win and you can't maintain that all the time," the left-arm seamer said.

Reflecting on his bowling variations, Arshdeep said he is still working on his "wobble ball" while sticking to clear tactical plans in different phases of the game. "Wide yorkers, I've been bowling a lot... the plan is simple if the batters are set and there's a longer boundary. Sometimes, when the yorker is coming off nicely, or the batter is new, you attack the stumps. When they're set, you go wide," Arshdeep explained.

He also spoke about his growing popularity, crediting social media for his wider recognition among fans. "A lot of credit goes to my social media. A lot of them know me from reels and memes," the PBKS pacer added.

PBKS Dominate MI to Top Table

MI Post Competitive Total Despite Arshdeep's Brilliance

Prabhsimran and Iyer Lead PBKS' Emphatic Chase

In response, PBKS chased down the target in just 16.3 overs, reaching 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent 66 off 35 balls. The duo added a match-defining stand after early setbacks. For MI, Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2/32, but the bowlers were largely ineffective as PBKS dominated the chase. (ANI)

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

IPL: Shreyas Iyer's maiden Wankhede fifty powers PBKS past MI

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:35 +0530

Iyer Breaks Wankhede Jinx with Maiden Fifty

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer broke his Wankhede streak, scoring his first Indian Premier League (IPL) fifty at the venue, and continued his incredible form while chasing following a win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Before this match, Iyer had scored just 196 runs in nine IPL matches at Wankhede, his domestic cricket home with Mumbai. But in the big match against the five-time champions, he scored a fluent 35-ball 66, with five fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 188.57, scoring his first-ever fifty at the iconic venue in the IPL.

Stellar Form in Run Chases

Iyer has been at the next level while chasing since he took the reins of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 and led them to the title. Since then, he has been a part of 14 successful run chases for KKR and PBKS, scoring 621 runs at an average of 124.2, with a strike rate of 173.5, including seven fifties. He has smacked 45 fours and 39 sixes in successful chases in this time frame.

Attacking Intent Pays Dividends

As per CricViz, it is Iyer's phenomenal attacking intent this season which is standing out, which he has adopted, going against his more traditional, measured form of batting. His first 10-ball SR since IPL 2022 has been: 129.5 (2022), 133.6 (2024), 133.1 (2025) and now a massive 186.1 (2026 so far). He has led PBKS to their 18th win against MI, the most by a team against the five-time champions in the IPL besides CSK (18 in 39 matches). PBKS's 18 wins against MI have come in 35 matches.

PBKS' Strong Record Against MI

They also have six wins in 11 matches at Wankhede against MI in the IPL, the most by any IPL team, with CSK second at five wins in 13 matches. Iyer is the sixth-highest run-getter this season, with 203 runs in four innings at an average of 67.66 and a strike rate of 187.96, with three fifties and a best score of 69*.

Updated IPL Standings

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: MI needs to go back to drawing board, says Hardik Pandya

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:30:32 +0530

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya admitted that his side needs to reassess its overall performance after a seven-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night. Reflecting on the loss, Pandya said MI must analyse whether the issues lie in individual performances, team planning, or collective execution, while also acknowledging PBKS' superior display in all departments. "To be very honest, I don't have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back to the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it as planning? We'll just figure it out and see what we can do next," Pandya said during the post-match presentation.

'They just outbeat us'

The MI captain also pointed to changing match conditions, including reverse swing in the first innings and dew in the second, but conceded that Punjab were the better side on the day. "I think we need to give credit to them as well. The ball started reversing. In the second innings, the dew came, and it slightly got better, but having said that, they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better," Pandya added.

Hints at 'Difficult Calls'

He suggested that the team may need to consider tough decisions moving forward as they look to turn their campaign around. "I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls, or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we'll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer, and yeah, ownership has to be taken," he concluded.

Match Summary

Coming to the match, Punjab Kings continued their dominant run in IPL 2026 with a convincing seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. With this victory, PBKS climbed to the top of the table with four wins and a no-result, overtaking defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while MI slipped to ninth place with just one win from five matches. Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with 3/22. In response, PBKS chased the target in just 16.3 overs, reaching 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent 66 off 35 balls. The duo added a match-defining stand after early setbacks. For MI, Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2/32, but the bowlers were largely ineffective as PBKS dominated the chase. (ANI)

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

India-Pakistan cricket stalled due to 'politicised' PCB: Lalit Modi

Asianet News Central — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:52 +0530

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, in his straightforward take on the dynamics and future possibility of India vs Pakistan bilateral matches, has said that political influence within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the core problem for the frozen state of cricket between both countries.

'PCB so politicised by the powers that be'

Speaking on The Overlap Podcast with former England cricketer Michael Vaughan, Modi said that meaningful progress on India-Pakistan matches is unlikely because the Pakistan Cricket Board is heavily politicised. According to him, ongoing political tensions between the two countries will persist, and things will likely worsen, blocking any forward movement in the matter. "The problem is if the Pakistan Cricket Board was independent and ran independently, wasn't politically influenced, we would have some traction. But today, the Pakistan Cricket Board is so politicised by the powers that be, and are pulling the levers and making it political. We have tension at that level--political level, and that is not going away. It's only going to get worse," Modi said on the podcast.

The last time arch-rivals India and Pakistan met in a bilateral series was during Pakistan's tour of India in 2012-13, which consisted of two T20Is and three ODIs. Since then, both teams have only faced each other in the Asia Cup, World Cup and Champions Trophy tournaments.

Future Unlikely Amid National Sentiments

Modi further said that he believes India-Pakistan matches are unlikely in the near future, mainly due to political influence over the Pakistan Cricket Board and strong national sentiments on both sides. "So I fear for the players. I fear we are a very passionate and patriotic country and so are the Pakistanis, very passionate and patriotic country. So I fear that it may not be possible in the near future, unfortunately, primarily because of the politicisation by the Pakistan Cricket Board by the powers in Pakistan, and unfortunately, that's the way it is," Modi said.

The most recent contest between India and Pakistan's men's cricket teams was in the 2026 T20 World Cup group stage, where the eventual winners, India, defeated Pakistan by 61 runs. (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: 5 Matches, 0 Wickets - Jasprit Bumrah’s Rare Bowling Struggles Spark Form Concerns

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:44:46 +0530

Mumbai Indians (MI) lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah yet again failed to deliver his best in the IPL 2026 match against the Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16. The MI suffered their fourth successive loss with a seven-wicket defeat to PBKS, sitting second from the bottom of the points table.

After posting a total of 195/6, banking on Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 115-run knock and fifty by Naman Dir, the five-time IPL champions failed to defend it as PBKS chased down the 196-run target with 21 balls to spare. Prabhsimran Singh (80*) and Shreyas Iyer (66) were instrumental in dismantling the MI bowling attack.

Allah Ghazanfar led the Mumbai Indians’ attack with two wickets while conceding 31 runs at an economy rate of 7.80 in four overs. Shardul Thakur registered figures of 1/42 at an economy rate of 14 in three overs. Other bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Deepak Chahar, failed to take a single wicket.

Also Read: IPL 2026: MI needs to go back to drawing board, says Hardik Pandya

Bumrah’s Bowling Struggles in Spotlight

As the Mumbai Indians lost four successive matches of their IPL 2026 campaign, the main topic of discussion has not only been their collective bowling failure but also Jasprit Bumrah’s unusual lack of impact. Bumrah bowled four overs, conceding 41 runs without taking a wicket, at an economy rate of 10.20.

This is not the first instance of Bumrah going wicketless this season; it marks a streak of five consecutive matches without a wicket for MI’s lead pacer. The streak began from the Mumbai Indians’ opening against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he conceded 35 wickets without a wicket in his spell of four overs.

In the next four matches against Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings, Bumrah’s figures are 0/21, 0/32, 0/35, and 0/41, respectively, highlighting a rare and concerning dip in form for the MI spearhead, who has struggled to provide breakthroughs or control runs across phases of the innings.

0/35 vs KKR0/21 vs DC0/32 vs RR0/35 vs RCB/ Jasprit Bumrah remains wicketless after five games at #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/wXyezu2w1a

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 16, 2026

Across five matches, Jasprit Bumrah has bowled 114 balls in 19 overs and conceded 164 at an economy rate of 8.63, without managing a single wicket, marking a rare and worrying stretch in an otherwise dominant career. When Bumrah conceded 122 runs without taking a wicket in the first four matches, it extended into his longest wicketless streak in IPL history, surpassing all his previous lean phases.

Now, with a five-match wicketless streak in the ongoing IPL season, Jasprit Bumrah has recorded the longest barren run of his IPL career, raising concerns over his form and effectiveness for the Mumbai Indians.

‘Mighty Bumrah Is Not Mighty Anymore’

Jasprit Bumrah’s rare bowling struggles, wherein he went wicketless in the first five matches of the ongoing IPL season, have sparked a serious debate and concerns among fans and cricket enthusiasts over the Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead's unusual dip in form, which appeared to have impacted the MI’s campaign.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts were overwhelmingly shocked by Bumrah’s rare dip in form, calling it an unbelievable ‘slump’ for Bumrah, questioning MI’s tactics and leadership, especially the use of their premier pacer.

Others backed the star pacer, urging patience, workload management, and a return to form soon.

I hope Jasprit Bumrah is given whate time and space he needs to get back to his best wicket taking form. Mumbai Indians need his potency and greatness to flow to have a chance this season.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 16, 2026

FOR A FIRST TIME IN IPL JASPRIT GOAT BUMRAH WENT WICKETLESS IN 5 STRAIGHT IPL GAMES HIS LAST T20I WICKET WAS WC26 T20ICRAZY IS HE TIRED?? CAPTAINCY ISSUE?? OR NOT SUPPORTING BOWLER?

— RR ROYALS FANS (@parth91674522) April 16, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah has become soo irrelevant that no one is even noticing that he has gone wicketless this season of #ipl. #MIvsPBKS #IPL2026

— Devesh (@Diamondhunteerr) April 16, 2026

Mumbai Indians story this season has one big twist.When you have a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah you already start with an advantage. He’s the one who controls the game breaks partnerships wins matches.But this season everything feels different.5 matches 0 wickets.And not… pic.twitter.com/1RuyC4ePbt

— Mohd Faizy (@ansarifaizy08) April 16, 2026

This entire IPL season, Mumbai Indians and world cricket’s No.1 bowler Jasprit Bumrah is yet to take a single wicket.Mumbai have already played 5 matches, but their biggest pace star is still missing from the wickets column.Quite surprising.If a world-class bowler like… pic.twitter.com/brAkMHALvW

— Sunita Indian (@NationSpeax4j) April 16, 2026

A quite surprising fact is that Jasprit Bumrah is still wicketless this IPL season.

— Saurav Spectrum (@SauravSpectrum) April 16, 2026

Mighty bumrah is not mighty anymore #bumrah #mumbaiindians #uhknowit

— Saurabh Kushwaha (@Thesaurabh_k) April 16, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless in all 5 matches has significantly dented MI’s morale. A bowling unit packed with stars failing to defend totals raises serious questions about the team’s strategy, leadership, and on-field execution.#MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/AwtvcLmtO3

— News That Matters (@_News_hawk) April 16, 2026

I hope Jasprit Bumrah is given whate time and space he needs to get back to his best wicket taking form. Mumbai Indians need his potency and greatness to flow to have a chance this season. He need to rely his Yorker. He need to take rest for 2 matches for his workload then we can…

— Anshuman Singh (@Anshuma07648700) April 16, 2026

Conceding sixes like this from Jasprit Bumrah is not a good sign for Indian Team. He hasn’t taken a single wicket in five consecutive matches.Bumrah, who has been an unbeatable bowler, should be preserved. India must not lose an all time great bowler to overuse in…

— Uma Shankar✍️ (@umashankermedia) April 16, 2026

What’s going on with Jasprit Bumrah Never thought I’d have to question his form…5 matches, 0 wickets.Is it just a rough patch, or something more? #MIvsPBKS #PBKSvsMI pic.twitter.com/jjk7bgR6JP

— Abhishek rai (@Abhishe74899601) April 16, 2026

Only Rohit Sharma knows how to use Jasprit Bumrah effectively Not giving him the first over like Hardik Pandya does is a big mistake especially when there aren’t many other strong bowling optionsRohit uses Bumrah 1st over pp, 1 when pressure is built on batters and 2 in death .

— Anita Ojha (@Navneet_1212) April 16, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah playing 5 matches, bowling 19 overs and picking 0 wickets this season is honestly shocking. This isn’t just a bad day this is a serious form issue. When the team needs impact, where is the senior bowler? pic.twitter.com/4702gZpmdn

— Vɪʜᴀᴀɴ (@TheRealPKFan) April 16, 2026

This isn’t the Jasprit Bumrah we know #MIvPBKS

— Ritul Thakkar (@ThakkarRitul) April 16, 2026

Jasprit Bumrah has till now not been able to take, hold your breath, even ONE wicket this IPL season. Not one!

— Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant) April 16, 2026

In the last IPL season, Jasprit Bumrah missed the first four matches due to a back injury, but still managed to finish as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets at an average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 6.67 in 12 matches.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer hails Prabhsimran's maturity after PBKS beat MI to go top

IPL 2026: Consistency and Leadership – Shreyas Iyer’s Form Defines Punjab Kings' Campaign

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:50:40 +0530

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer has delivered yet another match-winning performance in the IPL 2026 match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.

Under the captaincy of Iyer, Punjab Kings secured their fourth successive win of the season with an eight-wicket win over the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. With a 196-run target, the visitors chased it down in 16.3 overs or 21 balls to spare. Prabhsimran Singh led the run chase with an unbeaten knock of 80 off 39 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 205.13.

Shreyas Iyer played a captain’s innings of 66 off 35 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 188.57. His 139-run stand for the third wicket with Prabhsimran laid the foundation for Punjab Kings’ dominant chase, effectively taking the game away from Mumbai Indians despite a competitive total of 195/6.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer hails Prabhsimran's maturity after PBKS beat MI to go top

Shreyas Iyer in Sublime Form

Shreyas Iyer has been more than an asset for Punjab Kings since the INR 26.75 crore acquisition by the franchise, repaying the investment with consistent runs at the top as well as middle-order. In the last IPL season, Iyer was the highest run-getter for PBKS, amassing 604 runs, including 6 fifties, at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07 in 17 matches.

In the ongoing IPL season, Iyer’s consistency has been steady and impactful, with back-to-back crucial contributions that have strengthened PBKS’ top order. The 31-year-old didn’t have an ideal start to his second IPL season with the Punjab Kings, scoring 18 off 11 against the Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur.

However, Shreyas Iyer made a comeback with a 29-ball 50 against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. The PBKS’ match against the Kolkata Knight Riders was abandoned due to rain in Kolkata, and thus, Iyer couldn’t get a chance to bat. However, the right-handed batter returned to form strongly, scoring 69* and 66 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, respectively.

Shot of authority @ShreyasIyer15 takes on Bumrah and sends it soaring for a maximum! #TATAIPL | #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 ➡️ #MIvPBKS | LIVE NOW https://t.co/wnST8NL0i2 pic.twitter.com/QIqzOIAzub

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 16, 2026

With three back-to-back fifties, Shreyas Iyer has surpassed the 200-run mark in the ongoing IPL season, amassing 203 runs at an average of 67.66 and 187.96. He is the only player to have recorded consecutive half-centuries in three successive innings for Punjab Kings this season, underlining his consistency and elite form in pressure situations.

Shreyas’s ability to convert starts into impactful innings has been one of the key factors behind Punjab Kings’ unbeaten run, further strengthening his reputation as the backbone of the team’s batting lineup in IPL 2026.

Captaincy Driving Punjab Kings’ Dominant Form

From 2015 to 2024, the Punjab Kings had nine different captains across 10 seasons, but none could take the team to the playoffs. The captaincy inconsistency often disrupted the team’s rhythm, making it difficult to establish a stable core or long-term strategy. However, the acquisition of Shreyas Iyer and appointing him as a captain for the IPL 2025 season has changed the fortunes of the PBKS.

Under Iyer's leadership, Punjab Kings finished at the top of the points table with 19 points and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The team lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 before defeating the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to qualify for the final. However, PBKS’s dream of winning the first IPL title was shattered after losing to the first-time champions RCB in the title clash.

Despite the defeat in the IPL 2025 final, Shreyas Iyer revived the belief that the Punjab Kings can compete at the highest level, instilling a winning mindset and long-term stability within the squad. The same belief and mindset have continued in IPL 2026, with PBKS showing strong consistency and confidence under his leadership.

With a five-match winning streak, including one no result, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings have carried forward their strong momentum in IPL 2026, showcasing consistency, confidence, and a well-balanced approach under his steady leadership.

With 14 wins and six losses under Iyer’s leadership across two seasons, PBKS, which was once known for inconsistency and frequent leadership changes, has now transformed into a more structured and confident unit, with a clear identity built around stability, disciplined execution, and strong leadership under Shreyas Iyer.

Also Read: IPL 2026: MI needs to go back to drawing board, says Hardik Pandya

Calls for Shreyas Iyer as India’s T20I Captaincy Grow

Shreyas Iyer’s commendable leadership and consistency for the Punjab Kings across two seasons have led to increasing calls for his inclusion in discussions around India’s T20I captaincy. Despite being among the standout performers in the last IPL season, Iyer wasn’t included in India’s T20 World Cup plans.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts overwhelmingly backed Shreyas Iyer to be captain of India’s T20I team, lauding his tactical acumen, sharp captaincy, and his consistent performances in the IPL.

Others questioned his continued exclusion from the national setup and argued that his recent form and leadership record for Punjab Kings make him one of the strongest candidates for India’s white-ball captaincy, with several fans urging the selectors to reconsider his role in the T20I team immediately.

Shreyas Iyer should be made the captain of T20 Indian Squad. The way he is batting and leading Punjab is just Superb and Commendable. Even Sunil Gavaskar is of the same view. @BCCI @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/KlKEdlHe8O

— Rahul Choudhry (@choudhryrahul) April 16, 2026

@cricketaakash @ashwinravi99 @bhogleharsha @WasimJaffer14 Someone someday will have to make sense of the fact that SKY is India's T20 captain and Shreyas Iyer is not even in the team

— Munish Jain (@MunishKJ) April 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer alone is enough to keep my emotional state stable. Take a bow man, you're unstoppable

— Shalini Awadhya (@awadhya_shalini) April 16, 2026

PBKS are now at the top spot! What an outstanding win tonight against Mumbai Indians. Punjab Kings are unstoppable this season. Shreyas Iyer is doing a remarkable job as Captain! Well done Sarpnch Saab!#ipl20206 #pbksvsmi

— Tejveer Singh (@tejvirsingh051) April 16, 2026

Will be extremely interesting to see how the selectors will keep Shreyas out of the Indian T20 team. In my opinion he should be the captain.

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) April 16, 2026

How long can you keep Shreyas Iyer out of the Indian team? Should not only start but captain the side as well. #MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/uVw7nhCdqn

— Vikhyat Garg (@GargVikhyat) April 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer is what Sunyakumar Yadav dreams of becoming, whether as a captain or a batter.

— TheCricketAddict (@cricket29june24) April 16, 2026

BCCI should not waste even a single second in not appointing Shreyas iyer as a white ball captain , they should do it ASAP . For both odi and T20i( over Sky ) .

— Cric X AShu (@AshuTripathi025) April 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer should be back in T20I setup for India, not just as player, but as THE CAPTAIN! It's too late already.

— Vishakan Soundararajan (@Vishak_Sound) April 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer should replace Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain. He has been robbed for too long. You can’t keep ignoring him for no reason. He is a tremendous batter and even better leader. Really sad that he isn’t treated the way he deserves to be. #IPL2026 #MIvsPBKS

— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) April 16, 2026

@BCCI team selection should at least now keep politics aside, Make Shreyas Iyer as the captain of Team India,otherwise there is no point of watching the playing of team members of Mumbai Indians and GT, stop your politics or stop international matches,continue with IPL#MIvsPKBS

— Attention_Seeker (@XPOLLSIndia) April 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer has been out of India’s T20I setup since December 2023 and has been considered for ODIs, where he is the vice-captain. In his T20I career. Iyer has aggregated 1104 runs, including 8 fifties, at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12 in 51 matches.

It remains to be seen whether the BCCI selectors will include Shreyas Iyer in India’s 2028 T20 World Cup plans, given his strong IPL leadership form, which keeps him in contention for India’s T20I plans.

Hockey MP's grassroots power yields 29 medals, Sub Junior success

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:31:56 +0530

Hockey Madhya Pradesh has established itself as one of the most consistent performers at the Hockey India National Championships, securing 29 medals across categories over the last 16 years. According to a release, the state's continued strength at the grassroots level was recently on display as both the men's and women's teams clinched Silver medals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026, further underlining the depth of its development pathway.

A Legacy of Consistent Success

Over the last 16 years, Madhya Pradesh's structured grassroots and academy-led development system has translated into consistent success at the Hockey India National Championships. The state has secured an impressive 23 medals in the women's competitions and 6 in the men's, underlining the depth and continuity of its development programme.

Dominance by Women's Teams

The women's programme has been particularly strong. Madhya Pradesh's Junior Women team has won 6 medals (3 Gold, 3 Silver), while the Sub Junior Women team has claimed 10 medals (3 Gold, 5 Silver, 2 Bronze), reflecting sustained success at the entry and development levels. At the senior level, the Senior Women's team has also made its mark with 7 medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze), including title triumphs in 2021 and 2023, highlighting the continuity of talent transitioning from grassroots to the senior stage.

Promising Record in Men's Hockey

On the men's side, Madhya Pradesh has also built a promising record, securing 6 medals (2 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze) across categories. The Junior Men team has won 2 medals (1 Gold, 1 Bronze), the Sub Junior Men team has claimed 3 medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver), while the Senior Men team opened its account with a Silver medal in 2025.

Most recently, both the men's and women's teams clinched Silver medals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026, further underlining the strength of the state's pipeline, the release said. This sustained performance across age-group competitions has ensured a strong progression of players through the ranks.

From Grassroots to International Glory

The impact of this system is also reflected at the international level, with players such as Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma in the men's setup, and Sushila Chanu and Ishika Chaudhary in the women's setup, all having come through or trained within the Madhya Pradesh academy system.

The depth of this system is further evident in the number of players who have spent significant time within the academy setup. Players such as Preeti have been long-term products of the system, while Jyoti Singh continues to be part of the academy structure. Notably, Paramjeet Singh, a veteran coach with decades of experience, has been instrumental in shaping the Madhya Pradesh Women's Hockey Academy into a leading talent hub. He played a key role in developing multiple players who featured in India's squad at the Rio 2016 Olympics, ending a 36-year Olympic absence, and was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2016.

The MPHA Development Model

Speaking on the development journey of the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy (MPHA), Paramjeet stated, "We are deeply grateful to Yashodhara Raje Scindia Ji for her vision and sustained efforts in establishing and strengthening the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy. Since 2006, the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy has focused on building a structured and inclusive development system that continues to evolve."

"While earlier there was a reliance on players from outside regions, our emphasis has been on identifying and nurturing talent from within the state. What sets MPHA apart is that even children without prior exposure to hockey are given an opportunity to train and grow within a professional setup. We have ensured access to world-class facilities, quality equipment, scientific training methods, and proper nutrition," he added.

A Collective Effort Across the State

Meanwhile, Hockey Madhya Pradesh Secretary Lok Bahadur also shared his thoughts on the academy's rise over the years and said, "Hockey Madhya Pradesh's growth is a result of a truly collective effort across the state. With our operations led from Jabalpur, we have built a system that works closely with districts across Madhya Pradesh, where talent is first identified and nurtured before progressing into our academies in Bhopal and Gwalior." (ANI)

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

De Kock creates IPL history, becomes first keeper to score 3 tons

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:30:37 +0530

De Kock Creates IPL History

Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Quinton de Kock has created history by becoming the first designated wicketkeeper in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to score three centuries, achieving the milestone during his side's clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2026 season.

De Kock also became one of the select players to score centuries for three different IPL franchises, alongside KL Rahul and Sanju Samson, highlighting his consistency across teams and seasons. KL Rahul has scored centuries for (PBKS, LSG, DC), whereas Sanju Samson slammed hundreds for (DD, RR, CSK). Quinton de Kock has now scored tons for three IPL centuries (DD, LSG, MI).

Standing in the Record Books

In the list of most hundreds in T20 cricket, Chris Gayle leads with 22 centuries, followed by Babar Azam (11) and David Warner (10), while Virat Kohli, Rilee Rossouw, Sahibzada Farhan and Quinton de Kock are all tied with nine hundreds each.

Meanwhile, among the highest individual scores for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Sanath Jayasuriya tops the chart with 114* vs CSK at Wankhede in 2008, followed by Quinton de Kock's 112* vs Punjab Kings in 2026, Rohit Sharma's 109 vs KKR in Kolkata in 2012, and his 105 vs CSK at Wankhede in 2024.

PBKS Overpower MI Despite de Kock's Heroics

Coming to the match, Punjab Kings continued their dominant run in IPL 2026 with a convincing seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. With this victory, PBKS climbed to the top of the table with four wins and a no-result, overtaking defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while MI slipped to ninth place with just one win from five matches. Batting first, MI posted 195/6, powered by Quinton de Kock's brilliant 112* off 60 balls and a crucial 122-run partnership with Naman Dhir, who scored a quick 50. Arshdeep Singh led PBKS' bowling effort with 3/22. In response, PBKS chased down the target in just 16.3 overs, reaching 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh starred with an unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent 66 off 35 balls. The duo added a match-defining stand after early setbacks. For MI, Allah Ghazanfar picked up 2/32, but the bowlers were largely ineffective as PBKS dominated the chase. (ANI)

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

ISL 2025-26: SC Delhi face Chennaiyin; Mohammedan take on Odisha FC

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:01:32 +0530

Sporting Club (SC) Delhi will aim to extend their good run of form when they face Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Later in the evening, Mohammedan SC will hope to gain their first points of the campaign as they travel to face Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 IST.

According to a release, the early kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 IST. Both matches will be streamed live on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports TEN 2.

Chennaiyin FC vs Sporting Club Delhi

Chennaiyin FC return to their home turf aiming to bounce back from a 1-3 defeat to East Bengal FC, where a late surge by the opposition undid Irfan Yadwad's first-half equaliser. Currently sitting 12th in the standings with five points, head coach Clifford Miranda's side must tighten their defensive organisation to secure a much-needed victory.

Anticipating a highly contested battle, Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda outlined his expectations. "SC Delhi are a young team that plays with a lot of heart and attacking intent," Miranda stated. "It will be a good contest between two teams who like to keep the ball on the floor, and we hope to have a good game."

Chennaiyin FC forward Irfan Yadwad added, "Preparation has been very good. We train according to the opponent, and we are ready for the match. We want to respect our opponents, but also at the same time make sure we play to win and secure all three points."

Sporting Club Delhi are riding a wave of confidence following a dominant 3-0 away victory over NorthEast United FC, powered by a clinical Joseph Sunny brace and a late strike from Mohammed Aimen. Having secured back-to-back wins, they have climbed to ninth in the standings with eight points. A vital away victory would propel Delhi to 11 points, further accelerating their upward trajectory and consolidating their push into the top half.

Chennaiyin FC hold a commanding edge in this fixture. In their 22 previous ISL encounters (including Delhi's history as Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City), the Marina Machans boast 12 victories compared to Sporting Club Delhi's five, alongside five draws. Chennaiyin have also outscored their opponents 29 to 22 overall. Their most recent clash in December 2024 ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Chennaiyin FC in Chennai.

For Sporting Club Delhi, head coach Tomasz Tchorz emphasised the need for execution and continuity. "We are in a good moment because we are unbeaten in our last four games, including two away wins with clean sheets," Tchorz explained. "Chennaiyin is a very experienced team and a tough opponent, but we are ready to continue our streak and get points."

Sporting Club Delhi defender Alex Saji noted, "We have been playing well in the past couple of matches, and we want to maintain that form until the end of the season. The team is confident, and the dressing room mood is great. We are focused on our performance, and we hope that our winning run continues."

Odisha FC vs Mohammedan SC

In the evening fixture, Odisha FC will be aiming to bounce back from a 1-3 away defeat against FC Goa, where Suhair VP's stoppage-time strike served only as a late consolation. Having slipped to 11th in the standings with five points, the Juggernauts will look to capitalise on their home advantage to arrest their slide. Securing maximum points on Friday would elevate Odisha FC to eight points.

Reflecting on their recent defeat, Odisha FC head coach T.G. Purushothaman emphasised the need for clinical finishing. "The goals we conceded were not due to defensive breakdowns, but small mistakes that the opponent capitalised on," Purushothaman explained. "All the players are performing to their capacity. The only issue is conversion, and once that improves, everything will fall into place."

Odisha FC winger C. Vanlalruatfela highlighted the advantage of playing in Bhubaneswar. "The home ground is special. In away matches, we don't get this level of support," Vanlalruatfela added. "We have played well in our previous home games, and we want the fans to come and support us."

Mohammedan SC travel to Bhubaneswar searching for their first point of the season. Languishing at the bottom of the table without a point from seven matches, the Kolkata side suffered another frustrating 0-1 defeat to Inter Kashi in their last fixture, despite an improved attacking display.

For Mohammedan SC, head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo acknowledged the challenging circumstances but demanded a spirited performance from his squad. "I feel the effort the players have put in deserves more points, but our focus remains unchanged," Wadoo stated. "Our primary objective has been survival. We still have six matches left, and we will give everything to achieve that."

Mohammedan SC defender Lal Thangkeema echoed the sentiment. "We have been unfortunate not to get points this season. We have been better in the previous few matches and we hope that we can get our first points tomorrow. My main focus is to improve as a player and help the team achieve its objective of staying in the league," Thangkeema noted.

Across the two previous ISL meetings, neither team has managed to find the back of the net or claim a victory, with both games ending in 0-0 draws.

High Stakes in Friday's Double-Header

Friday's double-header presents critical scenarios across the points table. For Mohammedan SC, it is a do-or-die battle as they fight to spark a survival bid against the looming threat of relegation. For Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC, the objective is to secure three points and establish themselves in the safe zone; a victory for Mohammedan against the Juggernauts would leave both sides in dire straits. Meanwhile, Sporting Club Delhi will look to capitalise on their momentum, continue their unbeaten run, and surge firmly into the top half of the standings.

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

ISL: 10-man East Bengal fight back thrice in 3-3 draw vs Bengaluru FC

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:01:13 +0530

East Bengal FC produced a spirited display to come from behind three times and secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against Bengaluru FC in a pulsating Indian Super League 2025-26 encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday.

According to a release, despite being reduced to ten men in the first half, the Red and Gold Brigade showed remarkable resilience, with Anwar Ali, Saul Crespo and Anton Søjberg finding the net to cancel out strikes from Ashique Kuruniyan, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Ryan Williams. The result sees both sides move to 15 points, with East Bengal placed third on goal difference from eight matches, while Bengaluru FC sit fourth, having played a game more. Saul Crespo was adjudged the Player of the Match for his influential performance in midfield.

Thrilling Encounter Unfolds

The contest began at a high tempo, with East Bengal immediately on the front foot. Bipin Singh tested the Bengaluru defence inside the opening minutes, while the visitors responded with swift transitions, setting the tone for an open and attacking encounter.

Bengaluru struck first in the 12th minute through a moment of brilliance from Ashique Kuruniyan. Receiving a pass from Sirojiddin Kuziev on the left flank, the winger created space for himself before unleashing a stunning right-footed strike from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Prabhsukhan Singh Gill with no chance.

East Bengal responded positively and were rewarded nine minutes later with a spectacular equaliser. From a corner delivered by Miguel Ferreira, Kevin Sibille's header fell awkwardly inside the six-yard box, where Anwar Ali reacted quickest to produce an audacious overhead kick that found the net, levelling the scores at 1-1.

Red Card Drama

The match took a dramatic turn in the 24th minute when East Bengal were reduced to ten men. Miguel Ferreira was shown a straight red card following an altercation near the dugout, adding further intensity to an already fiery contest.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, East Bengal continued to threaten, but Bengaluru regained the lead in the 40th minute. Ryan Williams delivered a low cross from the right that was spilt by Gill, and midfielder Suresh Singh reacted sharply to slot the ball into the net from close range, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.

Second Half Sees More Goals

Bengaluru began the second half with control, dominating possession and forcing Gill into a series of saves, including efforts from Kuziev and Rahul Bheke. However, East Bengal remained dangerous on the counter and found their equaliser in the 56th minute. After the Blues failed to clear their lines, Saul Crespo seized possession just outside the box and struck a precise left-footed effort into the bottom corner, bringing the hosts level at 2-2 in a contest that continued to ebb and flow.

The visitors maintained their attacking intent and regained the lead once again in the 72nd minute. Substitute Soham Varshneya threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Ryan Williams, who made a clever run before evading the advancing Gill and guiding a composed finish from a tight angle to make it 3-2.

Bengaluru looked to close out the game, controlling possession and creating further opportunities, but East Bengal's defensive unit held firm under sustained pressure.

Last-Gasp Equaliser

The hosts, despite their numerical disadvantage, continued to push forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 96th minute, a well-worked move culminated in Anton Søjberg finding space inside the box, and the substitute made no mistake, slotting home a left-footed finish to complete a remarkable comeback for East Bengal.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-3 draw, with East Bengal's resilience earning them a valuable point, while Bengaluru FC were left to reflect on missed chances to secure all three. (ANI)

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

IPL: MS Dhoni travels with CSK to Hyderabad for clash against SRH

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:00:46 +0530

Iconic India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter MS Dhoni left for Hyderabad ahead of his side's Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday. After two back-to-back wins at home, CSK will be aiming to make it three wins in a row, this time away from home, while SRH will be aiming to protect their fortress. SRH has won two of their five matches this season.

Taking to their X handle, CSK posted a video of Dhoni boarding the team bus for a flight to Hyderabad. MSD ✈️ HYD #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/9OvxIxfra1 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 16, 2026

Dhoni's Fitness and Injury Update

However, it is unclear if Dhoni, out of the tournament till yet due to calf strain, will be featuring in the match against SRH. The two-week time frame that CSK specified while announcing Dhoni's injury is over.

Dhoni had a light stint in the nets ahead of his team's clash against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk Stadium. The 44-year-old is still working his way towards full fitness.

During the nets, as per ESPNCricinfo, Dhoni is yet to bat full tilt and has been facing only throwdowns, particularly from batting coach and ex-CSK teammate Michael Hussey. During the training season, Dhoni also did not practice any wicketkeeping. The legendary batter had not travelled with his team for their matches previously, neither to Guwahati and Bengaluru for their away games, nor to Chepauk on the match days at home.

Dhoni's Influence on the Team

Speaking during a pre-match presser before their clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) earlier at home, head coach Stephen Fleming had said that Dhoni remains an influential figure within the franchise. "It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong," Fleming had said.

MS Dhoni's IPL Career at a Glance

In last season's wooden spoon finish, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of over 135, with a best score of 30*. (ANI)

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

Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Alexander Manninger dies at 48

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:00:21 +0530

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has passed away at the age of 48, marking the end of a career that saw him feature for several top European clubs and earn recognition as one of Austria's most experienced shot-stoppers.

A Storied Career

Manninger made 33 international appearances and was part of the Austria squad at UEFA EURO 2008, though he did not feature during the tournament, according to the UEFA website. His club career brought experience in five European leagues, including at Arsenal, Juventus, Augsburg, Fiorentina, Torino and Salzburg.

Manninger was part of the Arsenal squad that won the domestic double in 1997/98, and he was an Italian champion with Juventus in 2011/12.

Across his career, Manninger was often deployed as a second-choice goalkeeper. In that role, he established a reputation for reliability and consistency, providing support for first-choice players such as the legendary Gianluigi Buffon and David Seaman. His function within squads was defined less by visibility than by readiness and stability.

Austrian FA Pays Tribute

"Alexander Manninger was a great ambassador for Austrian football both on and off the pitch who set a benchmark in his international career and inspired and shaped so many young goalkeepers," said the Austrian Football Association's sporting director, Peter Schottel.

"His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important part of his clubs and the national team. His achievements are worthy of the highest respect and will be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time," Schottel said. (ANI)

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

IPL: Arshdeep Singh becomes first PBKS bowler to take 100 wickets

Asianet News Central — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:30:26 +0530

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh is the first bowler for Punjab Kings (PBKS) to take 100 Indian Premier League (IPL) wickets. He achieved the milestone on Thursday. The Indian left-armer, who is also the top wicket-taker for Team India in T20Is, achieved this milestone during his side's IPL game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Wankhede Stadium, taking 3/22 in four overs. His wicket-tally included dangerous batters Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav and Sherfane Rutheford.

Arshdeep's Landmark Achievement

In 87 matches for PBKS since 2019, Arshdeep has taken 102 wickets at an average of 26.87, with two four-fers and a five-wicket haul to his name and best figures of 5/32. Next best for PBKS is spinner Piyush Chawla (who took 84 wickets in 87 matches at an average of 26.63, including a four-fer and best figures of 4/17).

Elite Company and Season Performance

In five matches for PBKS this season, Arshdeep has taken five wickets at an average of 34.20 and an economy rate of 9.50. He is also the fifth left-arm pacer to take 100 IPL wickets, joining names like Trent Boult (144), Jayden Unadkat (114), Ashish Nehra (106) and Zaheer Khan (102).

Match Summary

Coming to the match, MI was put to bowl first by PBKS who won the toss. After being reduced to 12/2, a 122-run stand between Quinton de Kock (112* in 60 balls, with seven fours and seven sixes) and Naman Dhir (50 in 31 balls, with three fours and three sixes) played a big role in taking MI to 195/6 in 20 overs. Arshdeep with his three-fer was the pick of MI bowlers, while Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen also got wickets. (ANI)

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

MI vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer’s Gravity-Defying Catch to Dismiss Hardik Pandya Stuns Internet (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:24:49 +0530

The Punjab Kings’ captain, Shreyas Iyer, pulled off a spectacular effort to dismiss the Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya in the IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.

The Mumbai Indians posted a respectable total of 195/6 after being put to bat first by Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer. Quinton de Kock, who replaced injured Rohit Sharma in the playing XI, led the batting with a brilliant knock of 112 off 60 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes, at a strike rate of 186.67. Naman Dir played a knock of 50 off 31 balls, including 3 sixes and as many fours, at a strike rate of 161.29.

For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh led the bowling attack with figures of 3/22 at an economy rate of 5.50 in his spell of four overs. Marco Jansen (1/30) and Shashank Singh (1/19) picked up a wicket each, while the rest of the PBKS bowling unit kept things tight to restrict MI under 200 despite a strong batting effort.

Also Read: IPL 2026: When Will Rohit Sharma Return to Action After Being Ruled Out of MI vs PBKS Clash?

Shreyas Iyer’s Stunning Effort Goes Viral

As the Mumbai Indians posted a solid total on the board despite only contributions by Quinton de Kock and Naman Dir, what caught the attention of the spectators at the Wankhede Stadium was Shreyas Iyer’s sensational fielding effort to dismiss Hardik Pandya.

The dismissal took place in the 18th over of MI’s batting when Hardik attempted a big shot, but f Marco Jansen, but mistimed it towards the deep field, where Shreyas was stationed. The PBKS captain timed his jump to perfection and produced a sensational relay-style catch, first catching the ball mid-air before flicking it back before crossing the boundary.

Xavier Bartlett, who happened to be stationed just inside the boundary rope, completed the catch cleanly to finish off a sensational relay effort and dismiss Hardik Pandya for 14.

SHREYAS IYER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!! One of the best catches you would see in the #TATAIPL history Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Fn2dxJ4zYR#KhelBindaas | #MIvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/6EKgHR82cL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2026

Shreyas’ sensational fielding effort took place near the MI’s dugout, where Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma were completely stunned by the athletic brilliance on display. The PBKS’ skipper’s blinder left the Wankhede crowd in awe as the stadium erupted in loud cheers, while clips of the relay catch instantly went viral across social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter).

‘The Catch of the Season’

Shreyas Iyer’s sensational fielding effort to dismiss Hardik Pandya became one of the talking points from the first innings, with fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), flooding timelines with reactions praising the relay catch and hailing the Punjab Kings captain for pulling off one of the most athletic moments of the IPL 2026 season so far.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts called Shreyas Iyer’s effort ‘spectacular’, ‘unbelievable’, and ‘catch of the season’, while praising his athleticism and commitment despite injury setbacks. Many highlighted the catch as ‘illegal’ and ‘unreal’, with others highlighting his core strength and consistency in comebacks.

Others pointed out the stunned reactions from Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma, which perfectly summed up the magnitude of the moment.

Really, massive respect to Shreyas Iyer for fully committing to these kind of efforts despite the nature of injuries he has been through https://t.co/XSHrqci6lb

— absy (@absycric) April 16, 2026

This guy Shreyas will have a career threatening injury, disappear for a while, then come back showing peak athleticism like nothing ever happened. just shows the level of effort and hard work he puts in behind the scenes https://t.co/dOIvDjEfHv

— listener (@vaniarun18) April 16, 2026

SPECTACULAR. https://t.co/BAe6wEK1Bs

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 16, 2026

Absolute stunner!!! Shreyas is seriously unbelievable https://t.co/uPghTdTGq9

— (@InMyOwnBubble_) April 16, 2026

This is unbelievable honestly https://t.co/3HmUhwqjOZ

— adiyaa (@epiphaanyyx) April 16, 2026

WTF, this is illegal!! https://t.co/ME5h8WeqOk

— Srini R (@SriniR_2025) April 16, 2026

He won't see applause, he deserves it there! https://t.co/DPz5Bj8zEx

— Mangalam Undagattum (@JPngraponnu) April 16, 2026

Honestly, that’s the catch of the season, no debate.

— Broo.eth (@brooeth) April 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer, what have you done indeed in MIvsPBKS he’s pulled off the kind of catch that makes even seasoned pros shake their heads and smile.

— Swagat (@0xM0rtal) April 16, 2026

One of the best catches I have ever seen!!! ❤️Peak athleticism and that core strength of Shreyas Iyer!!!

— Sam R D'Souza (@Rocky99352897) April 16, 2026

sky and rohit https://t.co/uYXCIy6enc pic.twitter.com/T4PgAe1Rt6

— ً (@manmarziiyaan) April 16, 2026

REACTION of SARPANCH IYER#IPL #MIvsPBKS #IPL2026 #PBKSvsMI #ShreyasIyer pic.twitter.com/YARIBm6JyC

— Nik Learning :) (@NikLearning) April 16, 2026

अदभुत कैच ऐसा कैच स्लो मोशन मै भी नहीं पकड़ सकते ग्रेट कैच श्रेयस ❤️

— umesh p. shinde (@umesh0009) April 16, 2026

SHREYAS IYER….. YOU ABSOLUTELY FREAK. - The reaction of Rohit and Surya and an ice cold Celebration by Sarpanch Saab. pic.twitter.com/dMOYLL7Phl

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 16, 2026

Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings are aiming to continue their unbeaten run, while the Mumbai Indians are eyeing a comeback after three successive defeats, which have currently placed them at the ninth spot on the points table.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Was LSG Captain Rishabh Pant Mocked by Chinnaswamy DJ ‘FAAAHHH’ Chant? Video Goes Viral