Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma's IPL 2026 struggles continue, drawing criticism from Ambati Rayudu for technical flaws, especially against short balls. After a stellar 2025, his form has plummeted, with low scores and a struggling strike rate. Rayudu highlighted his inability to adapt, a concern given the rapid pace of IPL matches and limited practice time.

Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma clarified his "unprofessional" comment about young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, explaining it stemmed from their close friendship. Sharma stressed that the 15-year-old is a typical teenager who enjoys simple pleasures. He urged against placing undue pressure on the youngster, advocating for him to enjoy his childhood while focusing on cricket.

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.

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.

Mitchell Marsh's explosive 111 off 56 balls powered Lucknow Super Giants to 209-3 in a rain-affected 19-over innings. Royal Challengers Bengaluru fought back valiantly in their chase of 213, with Rajat Patidar and others bringing it down to the wire, but ultimately fell short by nine runs (DLS method).

Lucknow Super Giants secured a vital nine-run DLS victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, keeping playoff hopes alive. Mitchell Marsh's explosive 111 powered LSG to 209/3, while Prince Yadav's fiery 3/33, including the remarkable wicket of Virat Kohli off his own advice, sealed the contest. RCB's chase faltered despite Patidar's 61.

Delhi Capitals, reeling from a high-scoring loss, face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru tonight. Despite a strong batting lineup, Delhi's bowling has been a major concern, while RCB boasts a more balanced side. The Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to host another run-fest, with clear and hot weather predicted.

Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter. Both teams opted for unchanged playing XIs, with GT skipper Shubman Gill emphasising the importance of their home fixtures. RCB captain Rajat Patidar expressed confidence in his team's batting prowess despite being put in to bat.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacers delivered a ruthless performance, dismantling Delhi Capitals' batting line-up to a record-breaking 8 for 6 on Monday. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took multiple wickets early, leaving DC shell-shocked and setting a new IPL low for the sixth wicket. RCB's bowlers exploited movement and pressure to perfection.

It became the lowest powerplay score in a full IPL match.

Tim David's refusal of a single proved costly as Royal Challengers Bengaluru faltered in their chase against Delhi Capitals. David's dismissal for 26 off 17 balls, after turning down a run, marked a significant shift in momentum. Earlier, a disciplined bowling effort from Delhi restricted RCB to 175 for 8, despite a strong start from Phil Salt.

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.

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.

Delhi Capitals endured a historic batting collapse, mirroring a 2011 ignominy on April 27th. Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacers ruthlessly reduced DC to a staggering 8 for 6 within four overs, marking the lowest powerplay score in a full IPL match. This dramatic implosion saw six wickets fall inside the first six overs, a feat previously achieved by Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

This is the third 150-plus stand for Punjab Kings in the tournament. The highest remains the 206-run partnership between Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2011. It is followed by the 183-run stand between KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal against Rajasthan Royals in 2020.

Delhi is buzzing with excitement for the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with fans eager to see Virat Kohli play at his home ground. To accommodate the massive turnout, the Delhi Metro has extended train services on April 27, ensuring a smooth return for spectators after the night match.

“I mean, when a batsman gets dropped on nought, it's always tough on the fielder. But it's about how you come back in the game. We had our moments. But we weren't able to hit the right lengths consistently, which was important. But they batted very well in the middle overs.”

Tim David reflects on a stellar 2025, marked by Big Bash and IPL titles, and a record-breaking T20I century. Now a key finisher for RCB, he emphasizes the top order's role and the importance of managing expectations as a middle-order batter. David also praises the growing depth of Indian domestic talent, particularly in power-hitting.

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.

Chasing 206, RCB got an early setback when Jacob Bethell was dismissed quickly. After that, Kohli and Devdutt took control and added 115 runs for the second wicket, putting the home side in a strong position.

Virat Kohli's dropped catch in the first over proved costly for Gujarat Titans as he went on to score a match-winning 81. His stellar performance, coupled with Devdutt Padikkal's 55, powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory. Krunal Pandya's late cameo sealed the chase, propelling RCB to second in the IPL 2026 standings.

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.

In the complaint, CSK said the playing of the track "Dosa, idli, sambar, chutney, chutney" during the match was "not in good taste." The song is often used in memes linked to South Indian stereotypes.

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.

Chasing 147, Kohli got RCB off to a strong start and scored 49 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and one six. He looked set for his 66th IPL half-century but was dismissed on 49, caught by Nicholas Pooran off Avesh Khan while attempting a shot in the air towards long-on.

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.