Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has advocated for significant IPL rule changes, including the removal of the Impact Player rule, which he believes heavily favors batters. Tendulkar also proposed a bowling powerplay and allowing one bowler to deliver five overs to restore game balance.
Soft-spoken away from the spotlight and measured in his demeanour, Rajat Patidar never fit the image of a franchise-defining superstar. Yet the injury replacement who once went unsold at auction became the captain who delivered RCB's maiden IPL title. Now, after another evolution in his leadership and batting, Patidar stands one victory away from achieving what only Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have managed. 
Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru's dominant Qualifier 1 win, former star AB de Villiers expressed concern over Gujarat Titans' formidable bowling attack heading into the IPL 2026 final. Both teams are chasing their second IPL crown, with RCB aiming to defend their title and GT seeking to add to their 2022 victory.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan's exceptional opening partnership of 167 runs against Rajasthan Royals has drawn praise from Irfan Pathan, who declared them the greatest IPL opening pair. Their consistent brilliance, with both batters surpassing 700 runs this season, has been the cornerstone of Gujarat Titans' success, effectively sealing their path to the final.
Gujarat Titans secured their third IPL final appearance by defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. After a slow start, the team dominated the latter half of the season, driven by their formidable opening pair and a resurgent bowling attack. They now face RCB for their second IPL title.
Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak after a Qualifier 2 loss to Gujarat Titans. Despite a brilliant 96 from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the team fell short. Sooryavanshi's stellar season, marked by maturity and exceptional batting against top bowlers, has earned him high praise and suggestions of an imminent India call-up.
The anticipation builds for IPL 2026's Qualifier 2, where Gujarat Titans face off against Rajasthan Royals, but one player has everyone buzzing – the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His explosive capabilities during powerplays have shaken up the competition this season. Can GT's ace bowlers, Rabada and Siraj, rein in this young dynamo and prevent him from orchestrating another unforgettable knockout spectacle?
Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, is IPL 2026's breakout star, leading the Orange Cap race. Despite narrowly missing centuries twice, his focus remains on team victory, a lesson learned from his father. His selfless approach, prioritizing team success over personal milestones, has earned widespread admiration throughout the tournament.
The BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit has banned smart sunglasses for players and officials in the IPL with immediate effect due to their advanced communication features. Players must now deposit these devices, along with phones and smartwatches, before entering the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) on match days. Violations will lead to disciplinary action and potential penalties.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record-breaking IPL 2026, where he amassed 680 runs and hit 65 sixes, has propelled him into contention for the Indian national team. Comparisons to cricketing legends like Gayle and Tendulkar abound, with former coach Tom Moody even drawing parallels to Don Bradman.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s sensational 97 off 29 balls against SRH in the IPL 2026 Eliminator earned praise from cricket legends worldwide. The 15-year-old RR batter smashed 12 sixes and broke Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in an IPL season. Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers, Michael Vaughan and others hailed the teenager’s fearless batting as Rajasthan Royals reached Qualifier 2.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 97 off 29 balls against SRH became the highlight of the IPL 2026 Eliminator. Fans criticised SRH pacer Praful Hinge’s aggressive celebration after dismissing the 15-year-old batter, while Abhishek Sharma’s supportive gesture towards Vaibhav earned praise online. Sooryavanshi’s innings, featuring 12 sixes, powered Rajasthan Royals to 243/8 and helped them dominate the knockout clash.
Rajat Patidar's explosive 93 not out against Gujarat Titans propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record IPL playoff total. His fearless batting, including a remarkable backfoot six off Kagiso Rabada, earned high praise from Ravichandran Ashwin, who hailed it as a potential shot of the tournament. Patidar's dominant display has elevated his captaincy and batting credentials significantly.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru crushed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to reach the IPL 2026 final, powered by Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 and a record playoff total of 254/5. Virat Kohli also went viral after jokingly marking his bowling run-up during the match. GT captain Shubman Gill blamed poor fielding, dropped catches and pressure mistakes for the heavy defeat as Gujarat were bowled out for 162.
A viral airport video of Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag and teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi amused fans after Parag joked, “we're not flim stars!” and Vaibhav reacted with an awkward stare. The clip surfaced after RR reached the IPL 2026 playoffs. Coach Kumar Sangakkara backed Parag’s leadership despite criticism, while Vaibhav said he aims to break Chris Gayle’s T20 record and score 200.
A bizarre mix-up has seen fans troll American rapper Travis Scott, mistaking him for cricketer Travis Head due to their shared first name. This online chaos follows an on-field spat between Head and Virat Kohli during an IPL match. The abuse has extended to Head's wife and family, highlighting the dark side of fan culture and the need for empathy.
Harry Kane scored a hat trick as Bayern Munich defeated VfB Stuttgart 3-0 in the German Cup final to complete a domestic double. The match also saw fan protests and fireworks against the German Football Association. Kane finished the season with an incredible 61 goals across all competitions.
Rohit Sharma expressed his ambition for India to become the undisputed powerhouse of world cricket, citing recent successes across formats and age groups as evidence of strong progress. He also noted the game's evolution, particularly in white-ball cricket, with a more fearless and aggressive batting approach now setting new standards.
Ian Nepomniachtchi criticised reigning world champion D Gukesh for inconsistent performances, saying nearly every top GM currently has a strong chance against him. Nepomniachtchi also backed Javokhir Sindarov as favourite for their 2026 World Championship clash, citing his strong form and higher rating. Gukesh, meanwhile, has taken a break from classical chess to prepare for his title defence.
Zee Entertainment is making a significant comeback into sports broadcasting, planning to launch seven new channels under the 'Unite8 Sports' brand. This strategic move coincides with the ongoing negotiations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights in India, a major event where pricing disagreements have stalled a deal.
Former cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan revealed he was compelled to commentate shortly after his brother's cremation, highlighting immense professional pressure. He also cited this and alleged colour discrimination as reasons for his recent retirement from the BCCI commentary panel, detailing past struggles with mental health and appearance-based bias.
MS Dhoni's IPL future rests solely with him, according to CSK bowling coach Eric Simons. Despite a leg injury sidelining him from IPL 2026, Dhoni is reportedly striking the ball brilliantly in nets. Simons emphasised that Dhoni will only return if he feels he can contribute fully, prioritising the team's best interests over personal milestones.
Anukul Roy joins the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. This change follows Harsh Dubey's maiden call-up to the senior India team for the home series against Afghanistan. The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A. Anukul Roy has been a valuable player for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
The Indian Super League 2025-26 season culminates in a thrilling title race, with five teams vying for glory. East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC are level on points, but only the Kolkata giants can add to their tally. Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC are close behind, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings coach, believes Shreyas Iyer is a strong contender for India's next T20 captain, potentially even ahead of Suryakumar Yadav. Iyer's impressive IPL 2026 season, marked by captaining his third franchise to a final, highlights his maturity and leadership potential.
Hina Bano's maiden call-up to the Indian senior women's hockey team marks a triumph over societal resistance and violence. Despite facing beatings and pressure to quit, the 22-year-old midfielder from Lucknow persisted. Her journey, supported by her principal and coaches, highlights the fight for women's participation in sports, proving that dedication can overcome fear and opposition.
Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 playoff dreams are hanging by a thread after a crucial loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mathematically alive, CSK now depend on multiple teams faltering and a significant win against Gujarat Titans to improve their net run rate. Their fate is no longer solely in their own hands.
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Ruturaj Gaikwad's batting is suffering under the weight of captaincy for Chennai Super Kings. The team is in a rebuilding phase after MS Dhoni. Expectations remain high for CSK. Gaikwad's struggles highlight the challenges of leadership during this transition. Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a playoff spot with their win.
Chennai Super Kings host Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2026 clash at Chepauk, with MS Dhoni's potential farewell match adding significant intrigue. CSK need a win to boost playoff hopes, facing SRH's formidable batting. The pitch is expected to favor batsmen, with a high total anticipated.
Babar Azam's resilient 68 guided Pakistan through a tough spot on Day 2 against Bangladesh, marking his return from injury. This crucial half-century propelled him past Ben Stokes in the ICC World Test Championship's most fifty-plus scores list, showcasing his consistent performance in the prestigious tournament.
A social media post by Karim Janat mistakenly led fans to believe Afghanistan batter Rahmat Shah had passed away due to an inaccurate Instagram translation. The post was actually a condolence message for the death of Rahmat Shah's mother, not the cricketer himself. The confusion was clarified, confirming Rahmat Shah is alive.
Mumbai Indians have endured a disappointing IPL 2026, failing to reach the playoffs after just four wins in 12 matches. Captain Hardik Pandya has faced criticism for his batting and leadership, but Ravichandran Ashwin defended him, stating it's unfair to solely blame the captain when the team has underperformed collectively.
Chennai Super Kings face a critical juncture in IPL 2026 after a loss to Lucknow Super Giants. Batting coach Michael Hussey acknowledged no room for error, emphasizing the need to win remaining matches. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stressed a simple approach: win every game to secure a playoff spot, urging the team to adapt and improve.
T20 cricket has transformed significantly, demanding technique, innovation, and adaptability from batters, while bowlers employ new strategies to counter high scores. Despite the rise of young talent, experienced players like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar continue to excel, proving age is no barrier in the evolving game. Kohli emphasizes T20's shift into a distinct, high-intensity format.
Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a back spasm, missing three consecutive matches. All-rounder Shardul Thakur provided an update, suggesting Pandya could return for the May 20th match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the team's elimination from IPL 2026, Pandya's absence and poor form have been significant factors in their disappointing season.
Punjab Kings bowler Arshdeep Singh faces backlash after a video surfaced showing him allegedly making a racially insensitive remark to Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma. Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan strongly condemned the comment, recalling his own experiences with skin tone-based mockery and demanding strict action against Arshdeep.
Anshul Kamboj went viral after fans spotted a security guard resembling the Chennai Super Kings pacer during Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. CSK later shared a video of Kamboj reacting to and meeting his lookalike. Even Ravichandran Ashwin joined the fun online as CSK stayed alive in the IPL playoff race.
Mumbai Indians face Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, with captain Hardik Pandya highly unlikely to play due to back spasms. Suryakumar Yadav's availability is also uncertain as he remains in Mumbai after the birth of his child. Despite being eliminated, MI can impact Punjab's playoff hopes.
The Premier League is shifting its India focus from youth tournaments to grassroots coach development, aiming for sustainable impact. The Next Gen Coach Programme in Goa, building on past initiatives, empowers local coaches to reach thousands of young players. This strategic move prioritizes scale and lasting influence over one-off sessions, fostering a deeper connection with Indian football.
According to messages accessed by TOI, UWW president Nenad Lalovic informed the WFI that, as the national federation, it was well within its rights to seek explanations from Vinesh and take any action it deemed appropriate after reviewing her response to the show-cause notice issued last Saturday.
Former captain Tamim Iqbal, now heading an interim BCB committee, expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's mishandled exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026. He believes the previous administration failed to find a compromise with the ICC, costing the country a valuable opportunity. Tamim also emphasized the strong relationship between the BCB and BCCI, assuring India of Bangladesh's safety for future tours.
German model LizLaz claimed journalists offered her money to make false allegations against Virat Kohli after his Instagram account appeared to like one of her posts. Calling Kohli her favourite cricketer, she refused the offers, saying, “Why would I say bad things about him for money?” LizLaz admitted the sudden attention felt overwhelming and later shared photos wearing a Royal Challengers Bengaluru jersey.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a fun mid-match chat during RCB’s thrilling last-ball win over Mumbai Indians, with Rohit seen laughing during the viral moment. Amid playoff pressure, the friendly exchange delighted fans online. On the field, Krunal Pandya scored 73 while Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with bat and ball as RCB chased 167 to knock MI out of IPL 2026 playoff contention.
Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a "box-office player" with the potential to represent India in all three formats. Despite RR's loss, Sooryavanshi impressed with his fearless batting, scoring 440 runs at a strike rate of 236.56 this IPL season.
India’s women’s recurve archery team won a dramatic gold medal at the Archery World Cup in Shanghai after defeating hosts China 5-4 in a shoot-off. Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and teenager Kumkum Mohod held their nerve after a tense final ended 4-4. India had earlier stunned South Korea in the semifinals, securing their first women’s recurve World Cup gold since 2021.
Rashid Khan achieved a significant IPL milestone, entering the top 10 wicket-takers with figures of 4/33 against Rajasthan Royals. His stellar performance, earning him Player of the Match, saw him surpass Lasith Malinga on the all-time list. Gujarat Titans secured an emphatic 77-run victory.
Krunal Pandya dismissed rumours of tension with Nicholas Pooran after a viral IPL 2026 video showed Pooran grabbing him by the collar during a chat. Krunal later posted, “No lafda, only love,” while Pooran replied, “Only love here.” The exchange followed an on-field spat during the Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash.
David Miller expressed frustration at being benched for Delhi Capitals' recent IPL 2026 matches, acknowledging the team's focus on overseas player combinations. Despite missing out, the veteran batter remains committed to supporting the squad and staying prepared for any future opportunities.
Rohit Sharma went viral after an awkward selfie moment with a female fan outside the Mumbai Indians bus. As the fan realised her phone had switched off, Rohit jokingly replied, “Toh abhi kya karu mai phir?” The clip sparked laughs online. Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh praised Rohit’s recent impact and said his earlier return from injury could have changed Mumbai’s IPL season.