cricbuzz

Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 playoff hopes are all but over after an eight-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings. Languishing in ninth place with two wins from nine matches, the star-studded team is struggling significantly. Former cricketers believe captain Hardik Pandya lacks support, and inconsistency across the squad is hindering results.

Australian cricketers will complete their Indian Premier League duties before joining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series in Pakistan. Despite the series overlapping with IPL playoffs, players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh will fulfill their franchise commitments. Cricket Australia is expected to adjust selections to accommodate these crucial IPL matches.

Chennai Super Kings face a significant blow as MS Dhoni misses their IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday due to delay in injury recovery. He remains in Chennai for rehabilitation, raising concerns about his availability. This absence impacts CSK's playoff aspirations as they navigate a crucial phase of the tournament.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik feels Delhi Capitals' IPL campaign was derailed by a one-run loss to Gujarat Titans, leaving them mentally scarred. Despite a decent squad, DC has struggled since that defeat, experiencing extreme results. Now seventh, they face a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders, who are in winning form.

In a statement, the BCB said the charges came after investigations carried out by the Bangladesh Cricket Board Integrity Unit (BCBIU). The probe looked into alleged corrupt conduct, betting activities, lack of cooperation in anti-corruption investigations and attempts to obstruct investigations linked to the BPL.

At just 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of the IPL’s biggest attractions with his fearless batting and powerful strokeplay. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma compared the youngster’s nationwide popularity and “aura” to MS Dhoni, saying he has seen only two players command such admiration. Ex-India cricketer Murali Karthik also hailed Sooryavanshi as a “genuine prodigy”, comparing his rise and fame to that of Sachin Tendulkar.

Virender Sehwag champions Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian team, citing his "vintage" form. The "swing king" recently became the first Indian pacer to bag 350 T20 wickets, leading the Purple Cap race with 17 wickets. Sehwag lauded his sharp bowling against top batters, urging selectors to consider him for the T20 format.

Saiyami Kher steps into sports analysis with IPL, balancing the new role alongside her film career. The actor opens up about her deep-rooted connection to sport and finding synergy between the two worlds.

Punjab Kings suffered their first IPL 2026 defeat as Rajasthan Royals successfully chased 223. Captain Shreyas Iyer's slow 30 off 27 balls drew criticism, with debate arising over a potential 'retire out' to boost scoring. Despite Marcus Stoinis's rapid 62*, the total proved insufficient as Royals clinched a thrilling victory.

With Raghuvanshi given out after a mid-dive deflection, the decision raised questions on law versus spirit and whether Rishabh Pant should have withdrawn the appeal. Rohan Gavaskar disagreed with the call, while Virender Sehwag termed it harsh. KKR later won in a Super Over.

Teen star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to shine in IPL 2026, earning praise from Aiden Markram for his power-hitting. Nearing 500 runs, he remains key for Rajasthan Royals ahead of their clash with Lucknow Super Giants. Both teams seek a comeback, with the Ekana pitch expected to produce a balanced, competitive contest.

Gujarat Titans faced a defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Captain Shubman Gill's bowling strategy drew criticism. Mohammed Siraj, a key bowler, was not utilized in a crucial phase. This decision allowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to secure a comfortable chase. The loss highlights Gujarat Titans' death-over execution issues and the importance of trusting main bowlers in critical moments.

Rohit, who had walked off retired hurt during the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, is dealing with a hamstring injury. He underwent scans on Monday, but according to a cricbuzz report, there is no update yet. The report also said there is no clear indication of a serious injury, though his participation in the upcoming match remains uncertain.

Amidst IPL 2026 rumors of a rift, Krunal Pandya praised his brother Hardik Pandya as one of cricket's "best finishers." This heartfelt statement comes after Krunal's animated celebration of Hardik's wicket, which fueled online speculation. Krunal also expressed his ambition to represent India again, focusing on his performance.

PCB banned Muzarabani from the PSL for two years. "In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement," PCB said in a statement, as cited by the cricbuzz.

Sunrisers Hyderabad may soon welcome back star pacer Pat Cummins, who is set to undergo a fitness test in Australia on Wednesday. If cleared, Cummins is expected to join the squad by April 17, significantly strengthening their bowling attack for the latter half of the tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders face early season struggles. The team seeks its first win, with a single point from a rain-affected match. Both batting and bowling units need improvement. Sunil Narine's batting position and Ajinkya Rahane's leadership are under discussion. Cameron Green and Finn Allen are yet to deliver impactful performances.

The issue concerns the last ball of the game on April 5, when LSG captain Rishabh Pant hit a boundary off Jaydev Unadkat. As the ball was heading towards the boundary, Avesh, who was near the dugout, struck it back into the ground with a bat.

Actress Kritika Kamra celebrated her husband Gaurav Kapur's birthday with a heartfelt social media post featuring playful pictures. Kapur affectionately responded, calling her his "party." The couple, married in March, recently shared cherished moments from their wedding. Kamra, known for her TV roles, has also made her mark in films and web series.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making waves in IPL 2026 with explosive batting. Former pacer Simon Doull warns the young star about management companies prioritizing profit over his long-term career. Doull advises Sooryavanshi to be cautious of external influences and surround himself with people who genuinely care about his development and longevity.

Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians' batting coach, voiced his disapproval of the IPL's Impact Player rule, stating it underutilizes all-rounders' skills and could negatively impact international cricket. His concerns align with other cricketers like Axar Patel and Shubman Gill, who believe the rule makes the game less competitive. Despite widespread criticism, the rule is expected to continue for another season.

The 28-year-old leg-spinner, bought at a base price of Rs 2 crore by LSG, has not undergone the mandatory fitness test required by Sri Lanka Cricket before issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players for the IPL. Without clearing this process, his participation in the league remains uncertain.

BCCI has introduced new IPL 2026 rules restricting substitute players’ movement. Only the 16 named players can enter the field, while others must stay in the dugout. A maximum of five substitutes can be near the boundary. The move tightens existing rules to reduce on-field crowding and improve discipline, though no official reason has been provided.

Chennai Super Kings face growing uncertainty over MS Dhoni's availability for IPL 2026. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf muscle strain and is unlikely to be match-ready soon. His absence coincides with CSK's poor start, having lost their first three matches, highlighting a critical gap in crunch situations.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has urged Ajinkya Rahane to respond to criticism with composure. Rahane recently reacted strongly to questions about his strike rate and Cameron Green's bowling. Sehwag believes players should remain neutral to praise and criticism. He cited legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar as examples of handling scrutiny without public reactions.

Michael Vaughan has voiced concerns over Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka's public interactions with players post-match, warning it could destabilize the team. These visible discussions, particularly after a loss, fuel speculation and can create an unhealthy perception of internal discord. Vaughan stressed the need for clear leadership and consistent backing of player roles to maintain team balance.

Michael Vaughan and Simon Doull question Chennai Super Kings' captaincy dynamics, suggesting Ruturaj Gaikwad might feel threatened by new signing Sanju Samson's leadership credentials. Despite Samson's underwhelming start, his past success as captain at Rajasthan Royals looms large. This discussion follows CSK's second consecutive defeat, highlighting evolving leadership concerns within the team.

Fakhar Zaman faces a Level 3 ball-tampering charge in the PSL after an incident during Lahore Qalandars' match against Karachi Kings. This controversy echoes a similar episode during the T20 World Cup against the USA, where Zaman's actions also raised suspicions. Both incidents occurred under pressure, with no proven offense yet.