playoff journey

Kolkata Knight Riders secured a crucial win against Mumbai Indians, but their victory was overshadowed by a worrying injury to star batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Colliding with a teammate while attempting a catch, Raghuvanshi suffered neck pain, dizziness, and headaches, forcing him out of the match. The franchise is concerned about the impact on their playoff push.

Riyan Parag led Rajasthan Royals to the IPL 2026 playoffs with a win over Mumbai Indians, despite admitting areas for improvement. He explained tactical batting decisions and praised Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja, highlighting his instinct-driven leadership. Parag also lauded uncapped bowlers and revealed his own mental toughness despite physical struggles.

Virat Kohli has etched his name in IPL history on Wednesday, becoming the most-capped player with his 279th appearance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This significant milestone places him ahead of legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Kohli's enduring presence underscores his pivotal role in the league's evolution since its inception.

Shreyas Iyer is set to captain Punjab Kings in his 100th IPL match, a significant milestone. He joins an elite group of captains with this achievement. Iyer boasts an impressive win percentage and has led three different franchises to IPL finals. This landmark game comes as PBKS battles to revive their playoff hopes after a string of defeats.

Kolkata Knight Riders' assistant coach Shane Watson lauded spinner Varun Chakravarthy's immense bravery and dedication, revealing he's been playing through significant pain due to a reported hairline fracture. Despite discomfort, Chakravarthy's commitment has been crucial in KKR's playoff push, with Watson highlighting his continued effective bowling and desire to contribute to the team's success.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's streak of playing in every IPL season for Chennai Super Kings ended in IPL 2026 due to a thumb injury. He missed the final league match against Gujarat Titans, marking his first absence from a game for the franchise he captained to five titles. His return hinges on CSK's playoff qualification.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 93 off 38 balls stunned Lucknow Super Giants, leading Rajasthan Royals to a dominant seven-wicket victory. Even rival owner Sanjiv Goenka applauded the young prodigy's breathtaking innings, which effectively sealed the match and moved Rajasthan closer to the playoffs. Sooryavanshi's remarkable knock, featuring rapid scoring bursts, showcased a maturity beyond his years.

Sunil Narine achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, completing 200 Indian Premier League appearances. He is the first overseas player to reach this mark. Narine has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders since 2012. He is recognized for his exceptional bowling economy and has also become a powerful hitter.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s long-term girlfriend is Canadian interior designer Lauren Kyle. Their love story started with a blind date in 2015 and blossomed into marriage in 2024. Their love story, engagement and Muskoka wedding remain the talk of the world, a perfect example of balancing elite success in the NHL with a stable, private personal life together.

Breanna Stewart moved past Becky Hammon for fifth place on the New York Liberty’s all-time scoring list during Thursday’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries. Stewart scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but the Liberty struggled throughout an 87-70 defeat at Barclays Center. Golden State’s aggressive defense, strong three-point shooting, and balanced scoring overwhelmed New York, which also continued playing without injured guard Sabrina Ionescu.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's breathtaking 93 off 38 balls powered Rajasthan Royals to a crucial IPL 2026 win. Coach Justin Langer lauded the 15-year-old's fearless batting, noting its impact on elite bowlers. Sooryavanshi also became the first Indian to hit 50 sixes in a season, showcasing immense potential for the future.

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara strongly backed captain Riyan Parag, praising his leadership despite criticism and a vaping controversy. Sangakkara highlighted Parag's respect among teammates and his potential for growth as a player and person. He also clarified Jofra Archer's IPL participation was a joint decision with the ECB, focusing on managing his bowling workload.

The milestone came during Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Christian Norgaard has announced his retirement from international football after Denmark failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 32-year-old Arsenal midfielder confirmed the news through a heartfelt message on Instagram, bringing an end to his international journey with 41 appearances for his country. Norgaard said the decision was emotional because representing Denmark had always been one of the proudest parts of his career.

George Kittle gave NFL fans a rare light-hearted update during his Achilles rehab after sharing a funny 4 a.m. spider encounter involving wife Claire. While the injury continues to cast uncertainty over his future with the San Francisco 49ers, the viral story highlighted the personality and humor that have made Kittle one of football’s most relatable stars.

NHL star Leon Draisaitl and his wife Celeste Desjardins recently got the league talking after posting glamorous throwback moments from their French wedding on Instagram. The post followed just days after the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks. Fans took to social media quickly with the stylish celebration photos and talked about Leon Draisaitl’s offseason future, injuries and the Edmonton Oilers’ title aspirations heating up around the NHL.

Netflix’s Quarterback returns July 14 with a cast built around transition, pressure, and reinvention. Baker Mayfield deals with the fallout of Tampa Bay’s late collapse, Jayden Daniels faces soaring expectations after a breakout rookie year, Cam Ward begins his NFL career under intense scrutiny, and Joe Flacco delivers a rare inside look at a veteran navigating a midseason trade. Rather than relying purely on superstar appeal, Season 3 appears focused on the emotional realities behind the NFL’s most demanding position.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's stellar IPL 2026 form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marked by 21 wickets and a match-winning performance against Mumbai Indians, fuels speculation about an India return. Despite the buzz, the veteran pacer remains focused on his team's success, stating he's not setting long-term goals but cherishes his career achievements.

Former NBA star Dwyane Wade found a new purpose post-basketball, championing his daughter Zaya's journey as a transgender youth. He emphasizes how supporting Zaya transformed his parenting, teaching him to embrace individuality and listen to children's needs over traditional expectations. This experience has become a cornerstone of his advocacy for acceptance and family support.

Brandon Clarke died Monday at 29, with authorities investigating the case as a possible overdose after emergency responders found him unresponsive at a San Fernando Valley home. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly discovered at the scene, though officials have not released an official cause of death. Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies and was widely respected for his energy, kindness, and community work.