According to a report, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is set to leave the franchise after IPL 2026. Sources claimed that Pandya informed the team management of his decision during the season.   The report said the 32-year-old felt "mentally stressed and completely exhausted" after a difficult campaign. He also reportedly suffered a back injury. Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs, adding to the disappointment.   Pandya took over as captain in 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma. Reports suggest both Pandya and the franchise have reached an understanding to part ways ahead of next season. (PC: BBCI)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will captain the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement ends doubts about Messi's participation after a recent injury scare while playing for Inter Miami.   Messi, 38, is set to play in his sixth World Cup, extending his record. Medical tests showed he is dealing with muscle fatigue, but Scaloni played down concerns over his fitness.   Argentina have named a 26-player squad for the tournament. The defending champions will begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 in the United States. (PC: Reuters)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa delivered a major statement at Norway Chess 2026 by defeating world No.1 Magnus Carlsen in round three, earning three full points in a tense classical contest. The victory lifted Praggnanandhaa to sole second place with 4.5 points, behind tournament leader Alireza Firouzja, who stands at 7.5 points. The win continues Praggnanandhaa’s impressive rise after strong performances in Bucharest and marks another classical victory over Carlsen following his breakthrough success at Norway Chess 2024. Meanwhile, reigning world champion D Gukesh endured another setback, losing to Firouzja in Armageddon after a marathon classical draw. Praggnanandhaa later described defeating Carlsen as a “really big win” and admitted feeling fortunate.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30-31. The Supreme Court bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is set to hear the matter on Friday. Earlier, the Delhi High Court criticised WFI’s selection policy as exclusionary and unfair towards athletes returning from maternity leave, directing the federation to permit Phogat’s participation and ensure transparency through video recording and independent observers from SAI and IOA. Phogat had challenged WFI’s decision declaring her ineligible for domestic competition till June 26, 2026, under anti-doping return regulations. (PC: Reuters)

Rajasthan Royals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at New Chandigarh to book a place in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a blistering 97 off just 29 balls, helping Rajasthan post a massive 243/8. He also broke Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single IPL season. In reply, Hyderabad collapsed under pressure despite resistance from Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy, eventually getting bowled out well short of the target. 

India’s rising tennis star Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is set to compete at the Junior French Open as part of her long-term development plan rather than a pursuit of immediate results. The 16-year-old, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy, views the clay-court Grand Slam as an opportunity to gain experience and strengthen her transition toward professional tennis. Maaya has already shown promise with junior successes on European clay and valuable exposure at Grand Slam junior events. Supported by a professional coaching team and government backing, she believes every match contributes to her growth. Her focus remains on improving her game, adapting to higher competition, and building a foundation for a future career on the WTA Tour. (PC: X)

Rajasthan Royals secured their IPL 2026 playoff place with a tactical win over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium after promoting England pacer Jofra Archer up the batting order. Archer scored a quick 32 off 15 balls, shifting momentum after RR lost early wickets. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said the team wanted an aggressive batter to attack while another batter held the innings together. RR director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara described the move as a calculated gamble. Archer later contributed with the ball as RR defended 206 runs. The victory confirmed Rajasthan Royals’ place in the IPL playoffs. (PC: India Today)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar won praise on social media after a video showed him greeting passengers and taking selfies during a commercial flight. In the viral clip, Tendulkar walked through the aisle to personally meet fans, many of whom were seen cheering and recording the moment. Sharing the video online, Tendulkar wrote, “Had to do a lap and meet everyone! Always appreciate the love people show me.” The gesture quickly drew admiration from fans, who praised the former cricketer for remaining humble and approachable despite decades of fame and global recognition. 

Sonam Zomba from Arunachal Pradesh has created history by becoming the first athlete from the state to win the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Strawweight Championship title in mixed martial arts. She achieved the milestone with a dominant performance, showcasing strong striking, grappling control, and resilience inside the cage. Her victory marks a significant breakthrough for women’s combat sports in Northeast India, especially from a region with limited exposure to professional MMA platforms. Zomba’s success is being widely celebrated as a source of inspiration for young athletes. Officials and sports personalities praised her dedication, discipline, and determination, highlighting her achievement as a major step forward for Indian MMA on the global stage.

Gurindervir Singh produced a sensational performance at the National Senior Athletics Federation Cup in Ranchi, clocking a historic 10.09 seconds in the men’s 100m final to break the Indian national record and become the fastest sprinter in the country. The race, held at Birsa Munda Stadium, marked a defining moment in Indian athletics as the national record changed hands multiple times during the competition. Gurindervir not only reclaimed the record but also crossed the 10.10-second barrier for the first time by an Indian. His effort secured the gold medal and confirmed qualification for major international events, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, highlighting a new era in Indian sprinting excellence. (PC: India Today)