Lucknow Super Giants are set to boost their pace attack with Mayank Yadav returning ahead of the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Captain Rishabh Pant now faces a selection call despite a steady bowling unit. LSG have won two of four matches, with losses coming while defending totals at home. Bowling coach Bharat Arun has improved the attack this season. Global director Tom Moody said, “Mayank is ready to go… he has worked exceptionally hard.” The 23-year-old, known for 150 kph pace, was earlier held back due to match readiness, not fitness. (PC: HT)

Indian Premier League 2026 witnessed a standout “Play of the Day” moment as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy brilliance guided Chennai Super Kings to a dominant win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite a modest total of 192, Gaikwad strategically deployed Noor Ahmad, whose spell of 3/21 dismantled KKR’s batting lineup. His calculated bowling changes turned the game, restricting KKR to 160/7 and sealing a 32-run victory. While Noor earned Player of the Match, Gaikwad’s leadership stood out as the defining factor, handing KKR their fourth defeat in five matches—marking their worst-ever start in IPL history. (PC: Reuters)

A major concern emerged during the IPL 2026 clash between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, as both stars suffered injury scares. Kohli, after scoring a half-century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, did not return to the field in the second innings due to an apparent ankle issue. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, leading Mumbai Indians’ chase, retired hurt after struggling with a suspected hamstring injury. Indian Premier League officials and team management are monitoring both players closely, raising concerns over their fitness ahead of upcoming matches. (PC: PTI)

Nitish Rana was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point after a heated argument with match officials during the IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The incident occurred when Tristan Stubbs was denied a glove change mid-over, leading to frustration in the Delhi camp. Rana confronted the umpire and was penalised for using “audible obscenity” under the IPL Code of Conduct. Ruturaj Gaikwad was also fined for a slow over-rate, while CSK won the match by 23 runs. (PC: Jiohotstar)

A controversy has emerged in IPL 2026 after Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The act is banned under anti-corruption rules. A video of the incident went viral online. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi reacted strongly, saying, “This is completely a no-no,” and asked for “immediate action.” As per rules, phones are not allowed to be used in the dugout. Officials may now investigate the matter. If found guilty, Bhinder could face action from the match referee and the anti-corruption unit soon.

Sanju Samson scored his first Indian Premier League hundred for Chennai Super Kings in a match against Delhi Capitals on April 11. He reached the milestone in 52 balls and remained unbeaten on 115. Samson celebrated with a salute inspired by Rajinikanth’s film Padayappa.   This was his first major innings after moving from Rajasthan Royals. He had low scores in earlier matches. Samson shared a key partnership with Ayush Mhatre as CSK built momentum. He hit 14 boundaries and three sixes. CSK finished with 212 runs in 20 overs.

In a thrilling IPL 2026 clash, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181/4 in 20 overs against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens. In response, LSG chased down the target, scoring 182/7 on the final ball to secure a dramatic three-wicket victory. Mukul Choudhary starred with a match-winning 54 off 27 balls, earning Player of the Match. Despite strong contributions from KKR’s top order, they failed to defend the total in the death overs. The nail-biting finish highlighted LSG’s composure under pressure, while KKR continued to struggle for consistency this season. (PC: HT)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took on Jasprit Bumrah in a key moment during the IPL 2026 match in Guwahati. In a rain-shortened game, he hit a six on the first ball he faced from Bumrah. It was a rare loose delivery. He followed it with another six in the same over. Bumrah reacted with a smile and walked back calmly.   Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya said, “In rain-affected games you should bat second.” He added, “It’s just the start of the season… we need to improve.” Rajasthan Royals continued their strong start to the season. 

Teen batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set for a key test against Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL 2026 match in Guwahati. The Rajasthan Royals youngster had a brief earlier chance in Jaipur but was dismissed for a two-ball duck before facing Bumrah.   Experts say this clash could shape his growth. “It’s a great opportunity to test yourself against the best,” Kevin Pietersen said.   Mumbai Indians may use Bumrah early to target the opener. Captain Hardik Pandya is also set to return, giving balance to the team ahead of the contest. (PC: India Today)

At the Grenke Freestyle Open, Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev again drew attention for greeting with “Namaste” instead of a handshake, initially seen when he declined Harika Dronavalli’s handshake. The moment went viral and was later mirrored by Krishnan Sasikiran, who folded his hands in a similar gesture, which Yakubboev reciprocated. The Uzbek player has previously avoided handshakes with women, citing religious beliefs, including an earlier incident involving R Vaishali, for which he apologised, clarifying his respect. The repeated gestures have sparked discussion on cultural sensitivity, personal beliefs, and etiquette in international chess tournaments. (PC: Times Now)