a salam

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, second on the table, face a tightening playoff race. Despite a strong position, RCB must address batting first issues and Jitesh Sharma's form. Lucknow Super Giants, at the bottom, are dangerous with nothing to lose, especially with Nicholas Pooran finding form.

IUML has expressed strong displeasure over public discussions within Congress regarding the chief minister's post, deeming them premature and damaging to UDF activist morale. State general secretary PMa salam emphasized that such debates should remain internal until election results are announced and a majority is secured.

Eighteen-year-old Sahil Parakh makes his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals, opening alongside KL Rahul against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday. The left-handed batter, who also bowls leg-spin, impressed for India Under-19 and was acquired by DC for Rs 30 lakh. Skipper Axar Patel confirmed Parakh replaces Pathum Nissanka at the top.

Gujarat Titans face Royal Challengers Bengaluru again, seeking solutions to their middle-order struggles and bowling inconsistencies. Despite a strong top order, GT's campaign shows imbalance, while RCB arrives with momentum and a flexible batting lineup. The Titans' bowling after the Powerplay remains a key concern.

The GT opener reached the milestone in just 47 innings, going past Chris Gayle, who had taken 48 innings to get to 2,000 IPL runs.

In a big blow to RCB, their opener Phil Salt was not available for the match due to injury and Jacob Bethell came into the side in his place.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to bounce back when they face Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, with both teams struggling for consistency in IPL 2026. While RCB remain in the top half with 8 points, GT are close behind with 6, making this clash crucial for playoff positioning.

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

Tilak Varma silenced critics with a stunning maiden IPL century, scoring 101 off 45 balls against Gujarat Titans. His composed yet aggressive innings, featuring seven sixes, propelled MI to 199/5. GT batting coach Matthew Hayden lauded Varma's ability to perform when others struggled, highlighting his crucial knock.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host Delhi Capitals today, April 18, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB, second on the table with four wins, faces a mixed-campaigning DC side aiming to bounce back. The pitch is a batting paradise, and the weather is expected to be hot transitioning to pleasant.

For RCB, Virat Kohli was back in the starting XI after he played the last match as the impact player. Kohli did not field in RCB's last match and only came out to bat.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has postponed his US and UN visit due to "current internal circumstances" and security concerns. This comes amid rising tensions, with Iran warning Beirut against sidelining Hezbollah in talks with Israel. Israeli strikes continue, complicating regional stability efforts despite a ceasefire push.

The pace trio of Rasikh Salam Dar (4/24), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/27) and Josh Hazlewood (1/20) restricted LSG to 146. Hazlewood’s spell with the new ball played a key role as LSG managed only 35 for one in the Power Play. He also dismissed Nicholas Pooran, who dragged the ball onto his stumps.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are making a powerful statement off the field by wearing their signature green jerseys, crafted from recycled materials, against Delhi Capitals. RCB, the world's only carbon-neutral T20 franchise, continues its commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon positivity.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces Delhi Capitals with a key question surrounding Virat Kohli's role. After an ankle injury, Kohli played as an Impact Player against LSG, scoring 49. While expected to be fit, his workload management could see him reprise the Impact Player role. RCB, in strong form, aims for a top spot.