IPL 2026 ELIMINATOR: RECORDS BROCKEN BY RR'S SOORYAVANSHI DURING 29-BALL 97

The 15-year-old fell a few runs short of scoring the fastest century, but broke or equalled numerous other IPL records

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays a shot against Sunrisers Hyderabad during the Eliminator IPL T20 match at the New Chandigarh Stadium in Punjab on May 27, 2026 | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

Rajasthan Royals (RR) prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi surpassed West Indies legend Chris Gayle for most sixes in a single Indian Premier League (IPL) edition and in a T20 tournament.

Sooryavanshi achieved this milestone during his side’s IPL eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), slamming a stormy 97 in just 29 balls, with five fours and 12 massive sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 334.48.

He's always aiming for the stars 💫

Relive his record-breaking six ▶️ https://t.co/7D6JymqfsM#TATAIPL | #Eliminator | #TheFinalLeap | #SRHvRR | @rajasthanroyalspic.twitter.com/8YODkB5QJy

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 27, 2026

Sooryavanshi has smashed 65 sixes so far in the ongoing IPL season, outdoing Gayle’s tally of 59 sixes in the 2012 edition.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, left, returns to the dugout after his dismissal as players and staff in the dugout applaud him | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

Sooryavanshi has also levelled with Gayle for most instances of hitting 10-plus sixes in an IPL innings, a total of four times. Three of these occasions have come this season, making him the first batter to hit 10-plus sixes in three IPL innings in a season.

The 15-year-old’s take down of cricket legends one by one continues as he also surpassed Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya’s tally of seven powerplay sixes during the IPL 2008 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with eight sixes in the powerplay at Mullanpur.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, left, returns to the dugout after his dismissal as players and staff in the dugout applaud him | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

Sooryavanshi is the batter with the most runs coming in the powerplay during an IPL season, with 490 runs, overtaking Australian legend David Warner, who scored 467 runs for SRH in the 2016 edition.

This is also his fifth fifty-plus score in the power play in IPL, with only Warner (six such scores) ahead of him.

He has also joined Suresh Raina (87 against Punjab Kings in 2014) and Adam Gilchrist (74 against Delhi Daredevils in 2009) for fifty-plus scores made during powerplay in an IPL knockout/playoff match.

This is Sooryavanshi’s fifth fifty in less than 20 balls, with only Abhishek Sharma (six) above him.

Sooryavanshi establishes new IPL playoff records

A generational IPL season

In this season, Sooryavanshi has smashed 680 runs in 15 innings at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85, including a century and four fifties, with a best score of 103. He has smashed 55 fours and 65 sixes in 280 balls faced. His balls per boundary shot ratio is 2.3, and balls per six ratio is 4.3.

The 15-year-old’s 16-ball half-century tied with Raina’s 16-ball fifty (against PBKS in 2014) for the joint-fastest fifty in an IPL knockout/playoff match.

Twelve sixes smashed by him are also the most in an innings by a batter in IPL knockouts/playoffs, outdoing Shubman Gill’s 10 sixes against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2023. Sooryavanshi has the most sixes in an IPL inning by an Indian as well.

Ninety-seven runs by Sooryavanshi is the second-highest individual score for RR in an IPL knockouts/Playoffs game, behind 106* runs by Jos Buttler against RCB in the qualifier 2 of IPL 2022.

A generational IPL season

In this season, Sooryavanshi has smashed 680 runs in 15 innings at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85, including a century and four fifties, with a best score of 103. He has smashed 55 fours and 65 sixes in 280 balls faced. His balls per boundary shot ratio is 2.3, and balls per six ratio is 4.3.

This is the most runs an uncapped batter has scored in an IPL season, overtaking his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal’s tally of 625 runs in the 2023 season. Also, he is the youngest to complete 600 runs in an IPL season.

Before the left-handed sensation arrived to the scene, no other batter in T20 history had smashed 600+ runs in a T20 tournament while also striking at 200-plus.

- ANI

FASTEST TO 50 SIXES, 500 RUNS: SOORYAVANSHI SHATTERS MORE IPL RECORDS IN RR-LSG MATCH

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record-breaking knock helped RR earn a seven-wicket win, propelling them to 14 points, a win away from sealing qualification.

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi broke a heap of runs and sixes records during the RR vs LSG match. (CREIMAS)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking spree continued its charge towards otherworldly territory as the 15-year-old produced a match-winning innings that kept Rajasthan Royals’ playoffs hunt alive on Tuesday. Featuring in a daunting 221-run chase against the Lucknow Super Giants, Sooryavanshi spearheaded the charge with a spell-binding assault of 93 runs in 38 balls, laced with 10 sixes and seven fours.

The knock helped RR earn a seven-wicket win, propelling them to 14 points, a win away from sealing qualification. Sooryavanshi’s six-hitting fest also elevated him to rare territory as a slew of records tumbled down.

Here’s a look at all the records broken by Sooryavanshi in the RR vs LSG match

Fastest to 500 runs in a season

Sooryavanshi, who leads the Orange Cap charts, became the fastest to clock 500 runs in an IPL season, in only 220 balls.

Youngest to reach 500

The southpaw also became the youngest batter ever to hit 500 runs in a T20 tournament, eclipsing Devdutt Padikkal who scored 580 runs in the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at 19. Sooryavanshi is the first teenager to score 500 runs in an IPL season.

Fastest to 50 sixes

Sooryavanshi also became the fastest batter to slam 50 sixes in an IPL season, getting there in only 236 deliveries.

Fastest to 50 IPL sixes in an edition

• 236 balls – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 2026

• 237 balls – Andre Russell, 2019

• 430 balls – Chris Gayle, 2012

• 456 balls Chris Gayle, 2013

First Indian to hit 50 sixes

The Bihar prodigy also became the first Indian batter and only the third overall after Gayle and Russell to record 50 sixes in an IPL season. With 53 sixes to his tally, only Gayle has smashed more maximums (59 in 2012) in a season in the league’s history.

Most sixes in an IPL season

• 59 – Chris Gayle (2012)

• 53 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (2026)

• 52 – Andre Russell (2019)

• 51 – Gayle (2013)

Powerplay slayer

426 of Sooryavanshi’s 579 runs this season has come in the Powerplay, making it one of the most successful seasons for a batter in the first six overs. With a game left in the league stage, only David Warner has amassed more Powerplay runs (467) than Sooryavanshi in an IPL season.

Most powerplay (1-6 overs) runs in an IPL season

• 467 – David Warner (2016)

• 426 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (2026)

• 402 – Travis Head (2024)

• 402 – Sai Sudharsan (2025)

- The Indian Express 

PBKS IPL 2026 PLAYOFFS QUALIFICATION SCENARIO: HOW CAN PUNJAB QUALIFY AFTER 5 DEFEATS

PBKS Playoffs qualification scenario, IPL 2026: Punjab have suffered five consecutive losses. (CREIMAS)

PBKS IPL 2026 Playoffs qualfication scenario: Punjab were on a phenomenal run since the start of the season, bossing the park with an unbeaten run of seven consecutive matches before losing five matches.

IPL 2026 Playoffs qualification scenario: Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings have endured a terrible patch of bad form right in the middle of their IPL 2026 campaign. PBKS’ staggering freefall has now extended to five successive defeats after a loss to Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala on Thursday night.

After a wobbly batting effort that still ushered them to a 200-run total, Punjab floundered in defence as Mumbai snatched a rare win during their poor season. Already eliminated from the Playoffs race, Mumbai have put Punjab under great pressure now to pull themselves through to the Playoffs.

Punjab’s move to their second base in Dharamsala has coincided with two losses now, the previous one occurring by 33 runs during a steep 236-run chase against SunRisers Hyderabad a few nights ago.

PBKS IPL 2026 Playoffs qualification scenario

Punjab were on a phenomenal run since the start of the season, with Iyer and Co. bossing the park with an unbeaten run of seven consecutive matches. However, things changed drastically as they went on to drop the next five matches.

Having ceded the top spot over the last two weeks, Punjab are stranded on 13 points from 12 games, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of them.

Punjab’s next two matches are against RCB and Lucknow Super Giants, who are already eliminated from the Playoffs race.

If they manage to win both games, Punjab could finish at 17 points and be secured of a top-four finish as only two other teams can be in contention to surpass the mark then. If they slip-up in either of the two remaining matches and earn only one win, Punjab will be all but out of contention as they will finish on 15 points. RCB and Gujarat Titans have already reached 16 points with SRH, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals also in the race to reach 16 points.

Punjab will have their task cut out, but can still rest easy believing that their fate still lies in their own hands.

PBKS remaining matches

PBKS vs RCB, May 17, 3:30 PM IST – Dharamsala

LSG vs PBKS, May 23, 7:30 PM IST – Lucknow

- The Indian Express 

HOLDER STARTS AS GUJRAT TITANS RESTRICT PUNJAB KINGS AND SEAL 4-WICKET WIN IN AHMEDABAD

Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada had set it up for the Titans after they opted to bowl first

Gujarat Titans all-rounder Jason Holder rocked the Punjab Kings with his medium pace bowling, claiming 4/24 in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
PTI

When an aggressive batting line-up like that of Punjab Kings gets restricted to hitting only seven sixes in their innings, it goes on to reflect how well their opponents bowled. The Gujarat Titans bowlers, led by seamer all-rounder Jason Holder (4/24), deserve all the credit for limiting the Kings to 163/9, laying the foundation for their four-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The Ahmedabad pitch aided strokeplay and also had purchase for the quicks, keeping them in the game right through.

The likes of Arshdeep Singh, Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak and Marco Jansen took the contest closer with their respective strikes, before Washington Sundar (40 not out off 23 balls) sealed the game for the Titans off with a six as Marcus Stoinis failed to execute his yorker off the penultimate delivery.

After Arshdeep had Holder holing out at the deep, the Titans needed 11 off the final over. But Stoinis began with a wide and got his execution wrong as the Titans reached home with a ball to spare, registering their third straight victory. For the Kings, this was the second consecutive loss.

For the Titans, Sai Sudharsan (57 off 41 balls) was their top scorer.

Penetration at its best

Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada had set it up for the Titans after they opted to bowl first. The duo reduced the Kings to 35/3 in the Powerplay and then Holder’s arrival led to the departure of both Impact Player Nehal Wadhera and Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer in the ninth over.

Wadhera and Shreyas were both bamboozled by length and a bit of movement.

Right through his spells, Holder, looking to make a comeback in Test cricket, focused on the back-of-a-length stuff and also looked to shape the ball in towards the right-handers.

It was only when Holder and the other quicks were away that Suryansh Shedge (57 off 29 balls) and Stoinis tried to maximise the scoring opportunities during their 79-run sixth-wicket stand. Shedge alone smashed five of the seven sixes in the Kings innings on way to his maiden IPL fifty.

But, given the damage caused earlier by Holder, it was extremely tough for the Kings to stage much of a recovery.

- The Telegraph India

RIYAN PARAG SMOKING CONTROVERSY: MATCH REFEREE COULD BE PUNISHED FOR NOT CHECKING ON BANNED SUBSTANCE REACHING DRESSING ROOM: BCCI SOURCES

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could punish the match referee for bringing disrepute to the game by letting a banned substance reach the dressing room unchecked, as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag was caught smoking on a e-cigarette in the dressing room during his side's Indian Premier League (IPL) match, as per BCCI sources.

As per the BCCI sources, there is no provision in the BCCI rule book to penalise Riyan for smoking during the Punjab Kings (PBKS) clash at Mullanpur. However, the match referee could be on the receiving end of the punishment as the banned substance was brought inside the dressing room without any checking.

While RR is having a fine IPL campaign as a collective, having won six and lost three matches and being a strong contender for playoffs with 12 points, holding a fourth-place finish currently, Riyan is himself having a poor run with the bat, having made just 117 runs in nine matches at a poor average of 14.62, a strike rate of 124.46 and a best score of 29.

So far, the RR's fire-packed campaign has been dominated by the opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (400 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of over 238, with a century and two fifties) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (306 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of over 158, with three fifties), the pace duo of Jofra Archer (14 wickets at an average of 19.50) and Nandre Burger (nine wickets at an average of 32.77).

Donovan Ferreira (182 runs in six innings at an average of 36.40 and a strike rate of over 158, with two fifties) has also delivered some strong finishes for RR.

The Royals will take on the Delhi Capitals (DC) at a home clash on Friday. (ANI)

- Vipul Kashyap

KOLKATA BEAT LUCKNOW IN THRILLING SUPER OVER

 

Getty 

Kolkata Knight Riders edged past Lucknow Super Giants in a dramatic Indian Premier League contest that needed a super over to decide the winner.

Chasing KKR's 155-8, Lucknow required seven runs to win from Kartik Tyagi's last ball, which Mohammed Shami launched for six to force a tie and send the match into a super over.

Sunil Narine dismissed Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to restrict hosts Lucknow to just one run batting first in the super over before Rinku Singh, who had emerged as KKR's star on the field with four catches, fittingly hit the winning runs.

Earlier, Mohsin Khan had claimed five wickets as Lucknow took early control after asking KKR to bat first.

The 27-year-old Indian left-arm seamer set the tone early by dismissing Tim Seifert for a three-ball duck in a wicket-maiden and finished with 5-23 to leave Kolkata reeling at 73-6.

But Rinku produced a stunning late surge, smashing four consecutive sixes in the last over to remain unbeaten on 83 from 51 balls and help KKR post 155-8.

Lucknow lost wickets at regular intervals as they struggled to keep pace during the chase but Rishabh Pant's 42 and contributions from Markram and Ayush Badoni set up the dramatic finish.

Kolkata climb to eighth place with five points while Lucknow are bottom with four.

- BBC Sport

BLESSIN MUZARABANI HANDED TWO-YEAR PSL BAN AFTER PULLING OUT OF IPL

Blessing Muzarabani had been signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL edition, but later opted out to take up an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity with KKR in the IPL. (KKR)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after he backed out of a contract for the 2026 season.

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 29-year-old joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026, leading the PCB to take disciplinary action against the pacer.

The PCB released a statement highlighting the importance of honouring contracts in franchise cricket.

“After a thorough review, the PCB has declared that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision results from his failure to honor agreed commitments, which undermines the league’s professional structure.

“The PCB believes that professional cricket depends on trust and the certainty of agreements. In this case, despite a clear offer and a definite acceptance of the essential terms, the player chose to ignore these obligations for another opportunity,” the statement said.

Muzarabani quickly made a mark for KKR in IPL 2026, taking 4/41 in his second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The development comes at a time when T20 leagues are tightening rules around player withdrawals. The IPL introduced a regulation ahead of the 2025 season stating that any player who pulls out after being picked at the auction, without a valid reason, would face a two-season ban.

England’s Ben Duckett, who withdrew from the 2026 season despite being signed by Delhi Capitals, and Harry Brook, who had taken a similar call earlier, are among those impacted.

This season marks a rare overlap of the PSL and IPL, with both leagues running simultaneously, creating scheduling conflicts and forcing players to choose between commitments.

- Express News Service

IPL FINAL 2025, RCB' VS PBKS LIVE CRICKET SCORE STREAMING ONLINE: WHERE TO WATCH ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE BS PUNJAB KINGS MATCH LIVE?

IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs PBKS Live Cricket Score Streaming Online: The Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings Match Live Telecast can be watched on Star Sports Network and Live Streaming of RCB vs PBKS can be watched on the JioHotstar App and Website.

IPL Final 2025, RCB vs PBKS Live Cricket Streaming: Rajat Patidar's Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings in the final of the 2025 IPL. (Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana)

IPL Final 2025, RCB vs PBKS Live Cricket Score Streaming Online Today Match: Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings (PBKS) face Rajat Patidar’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday, June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is a rematch of Qualifier 1, in which RCB had swatted PBKS aside. However, the latter come into this match on the back of a stunning victory over the Mumbai Indians and with a lot of momentum going for them.

PBKS’ batting lineup, who had been largely responsible for their success this season, collapsed in a heap to Josh Hazlewood and Co. in Qualifier 1. However, they followed that up by dominating the arguably more daunting attack of the Mumbai Indians consisting of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. RCB however would be looking to bank on everything they did right in the first qualifier as talisman Virat Kohli gets yet another chance to finally win his first IPL title. What is for sure is that the IPL will have a first-time title-winner at the end of the day, with both PBKS and RCB never having lifted the trophy before.

RCB vs MI IPL 2025 Final livestreaming

Which channel will broadcast the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final? 

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final will be broadcasted live on Star Sports Network.

What time will the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final toss happen?

The toss for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final will take place at 07:00 PM IST.

What time will the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final start?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final will start at 07:30 PM IST.

The live streaming of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

- Sports Desk, The Indian Express 

'HE HAS GIVEN A LOT OF YEARS TO RCB': CAPTAIN RAJAT PATIDAR SAYS TEAM WILL PUT BEST FOOT FORWARD TO WIN IPL TROPHY FOR VIRAT KOHLI

Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru warming up during an IPL match vs Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. (Sportzpics)

Kohli has played in three finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 with RCB but has ended up on the losing side in each of the summit clashes.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar said that Virat Kohli had given a lot to the franchise over the years and they’ll try to play their best cricket in Tuesday’s IPL final against the Punjab Kings to help Kohli get his hands on the coveted trophy.

“Of course. I think he has given a lot of years to RCB and the international side also. We will try to do our best in the game,” Patidar told media on Monday during his pre-match press conference.

“We are not looking on the stage that we are in the finals. We will try to play our best cricket. We are not playing here for the stage. I always like to keep things simple,” he added.

Kohli has played in three finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 with RCB but has ended up on the losing side in each of the summit clashes with his individual brilliance not being enough for them to end their title drought.

Patidar, meanwhile, will be captaining a franchise for the first time in an IPL final as opposed to his PBKS counterpart Shreyas Iyer who has led three different teams to the final of the cash rich league.

“Till now, I have enjoyed a lot to be honest. For me, I think it is a great opportunity to learn from the great leaders of the game, (some) great players, great foreign players of the game. It is a great opportunity for me to learn from them and their different ideas, which is helping me a lot in my leadership role,” he said.

“I have always tried to create a good environment off the field as much as I can so that every player, whether it is a domestic player or an international player, they both feel the same. They should feel relaxed and confident. I think this is my first point,” Patidar added.

- Sports Desk

SIRYAVANSHI HELPS LOWLY RAJASTAN SIGN OFF ON A HIGH WITH A SIX-WICKET WIN OVER CHENAI

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi celebrates after scoring fifty runs during the IPL match against Chennai Super Kings in New Delhi on Tuesday. Associated Press

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a half-century as Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended their IPL season with a consolation six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday.

The 14-year-old Suryavanshi, who made waves after he struck a record 35-ball century last month, hit 57 off 33 balls as Rajasthan chased down 188 with 17 balls to spare in New Delhi.

Suryavanshi, who announced himself on the IPL stage in emphatic style by launching his first ball in the competition for six, set up the chase in his knock laced with four fours and fours sixes.

Dhruv Jurel sealed the win with his unbeaten 31 off 12 balls.

Both the teams had already bowed out of the play-off race but Rajasthan stay above bottom-placed Chennai in the 10-team table with four wins in 14 matches.

Five-time champions Chennai, led by 43-year-old MS Dhoni, have one more match to go in the league phase.

Leaders Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have qualified for the playoffs.

Five-time winners Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are competing for the final play-off spot.

Chennai had their chances including when veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin struck in the space of five balls to send back skipper Sanju Samson (41) and Suryavanshi.

Jurel soon eased the pressure with boundaries in the next over and despite the loss of another wicket in Riyan Parag, Rajasthan raced to victory.

Jurel hit the winning six with Shimron Hetmyer at the other end on 12.

Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed with 36 off 19 balls in a brisk opening stand of 37 with Suryavanshi.

Chennai recovered to reach 187-8 after they slipped to 78-5 inside eight overs, batting first on a hot and humid evening in the Indian capital.

Teenage opener Ayush Mhatre lifted the team after two early wickets with his 20-ball 43 before his dismissal triggered a mini-collapse.

The 17-year-old Mhatre, who has impressed in his debut year with a top score of 94, hit eight fours and one six before falling to medium-pace bowler Tushar Deshpande.

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took down Ashwin and seam bowler Yudhvir Singh struck for the third time to send back Ravindra Jadeja as Rajasthan lost half their side in 7.4 overs.

South African batter Dewald Brevis made 42 and rebuilt the innings in a 59-run stand with Shivam Dube (39).

Rajasthan’s bowlers pulled things back in the end as they gave away just 17 runs from the last three overs.

Ahmedabad to host IPL final on June 3: Ahmedabad will host the IPL final on June 3, organisers said on Tuesday in their revised schedule for the tournament which was briefly suspended due to armed conflict between India and Pakistan.

The IPL was halted on May 9 and resumed on Saturday following a ceasefire. However, the restart match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders was abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled.

Ahmedabad will host the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium after staging qualifier two on June 1. The first qualifier (May 29) and the eliminator (May 30) will be held at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh.

The playoffs, initially slated for Hyderabad and Kolkata, have been relocated due to adverse weather conditions in the southern part of India.

RCB’s final home fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been moved to Lucknow where they will also play their final away game against Lucknow Super Giants.

Agencies

Brief Scores:

Chennai Super Kings 187/8 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 43, Dewald Brevis 42; Akash Madhwal 3-29, Yudhvir Singh Charak 3-47) lost to Rajasthan Royals 188/4 in 17.1 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 57, Sanju Samson 41; Ravichandran Ashwin 2-41, Anshul Kamboj 1-2) by six wickets

- Gulf Today 

GUJATAT CAPTAIN GILL DELIGHTED TO SEAL IPL PLAYOFF SPOT

Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill was pleased that his side had booked their place in the Indian Premier League playoffs with a 10-wicket win over Delhi on Sunday but said it was important not to ease up in the final two regular-season games.

Chasing 200 in Delhi, openers Sai Sudharsan (108 not out) and Gill (93 not out) powered the 2022 champions to victory in 19 overs for the highest successful chase without the loss of a wicket in IPL history.

Gujarat became the third team to qualify for the next round after Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. The top four teams at the end of the regular season make the playoffs.

"It's a great feeling to secure qualification, but we still have two key games ahead and it's important to carry momentum into the playoffs," said Gill.

"As a captain, I try to think like a batter while I'm out there. Last year taught me a lot, especially how to manage the game in the backend."

While Gujarat have booked their place in the playoffs there is still a lot riding on their final two games, with a top-two spot in the standings offering two chances to reach the final.

Gujarat top the table on 18 points, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings both just one point behind.

Mumbai Indians (14 points) and Delhi (13 points) meet on Wednesday in a potential eliminator while Lucknow Super Giants, on 10 points, are still in the running as they have three matches left to play.

The IPL said on Monday that Bengaluru had picked Zimbabwean Blessing Muzarabani to replace South African seamer Lungi Ngidi, who has to join up with the national team.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who have already been eliminated, have signed leg spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for Rovman Powell with the West Indies all rounder scheduled for a tonsils operation.

- Reuters 

IPL 2025 SUSPENDED FOR ONE WEEK AS BCCI RESPONDS TO HEIGHTEN TENSIONS AND SHAREHOLDER APPEAL

The decision, posted on IPL’s official X handle, was taken after consultations with key stakeholders, including franchise owners, broadcasters, sponsors, and players

The remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 has been suspended with immediate effect for one week, the IPL Governing Council announced on Friday, amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan.

The decision, posted on IPL’s official X handle, was taken after consultations with key stakeholders, including franchise owners, broadcasters, sponsors, and players.

“The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans,” the statement said.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterated its “full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces,” it termed the suspension a prudent step in the collective interest of all stakeholders.

The announcement came shortly after the BCCI issued a powerful statement of solidarity with the Government of India, the armed forces and the people of the country, in light of the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead and the subsequent military operations under Operation Sindoor.

“The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces… as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces,” the BCCI posted.

The IPL had already come under a cloud of uncertainty following Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which was called off midway after air raid alerts in nearby cities like Jammu and Pathankot.

A total of 12 league games and four knockouts were yet to be played in the high-stakes tournament, which was originally scheduled to end on May 25 in Kolkata.

Sources within franchises confirmed that overseas players had expressed growing unease, and travel arrangements were being made to fly them out. “The players are doing okay but are understandably worried,” a team official told PTI.

Cricket boards in Australia and New Zealand also acknowledged the evolving situation and said they were monitoring developments. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was shifted to the UAE after Indian drone strikes hit Lahore and Rawalpindi, with PCB officials calling an emergency meeting to discuss the league's future.

The BCCI, however, made it clear that cricket would not remain unaffected by the situation on the ground.

Not the first IPL disruption

It's not the first time that external factors have caused a disruption to the league, which has been taken thrice out of the country in the past due to varied reasons. In 2009, the entire tournament was moved to South Africa because of security issues amid the Lok Sabha elections.

In 2020, the tournament was played in the UAE in September, instead of the usual April-May window, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next year, the event began in India in a bio-bubble but was halted when players began testing positive for the deadly infection. The league was eventually completed in the UAE in September that year.

It remains to be seen how the BCCI will complete the ongoing edition after this break.

The Indian team is scheduled to be in England next month for a five-match Test series that will end in the first week of August.

- The Telegraph Online (With inputs from PTI)

GUJIRAT TITANS WINS BY 39 RUNS VS. KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS | TATA IPL

 

RAJASTHAN'S SURYAVANSHI MAKES IPL DEBUT AT 14, STARTS OFF WITH A SIX

The youngest debutant of IPL blasts a six off the first ball he faced

Indian Premier League - IPL - Rajasthan Royals v Lucknow Super Giants - Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, India - April 19, 2025 Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi in action REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was thrust into the Indian Premier League (IPL) spotlight as its youngest debutant on Saturday and the 14-year-old announced himself in spectacular style with a massive six off the first ball he faced.

The Rajasthan Royals left-hander came into the squad for the clash with Lucknow Super Giants in place of captain Sanju Samson and was an impact substitute during their chase of 181, where he started by smashing Shardul Thakur over extra cover.

"My word, what the hell was that?" Australia's Shane Watson said during the broadcast.

"One of the hardest shots in cricket is to gain power over cover off the front shoe ... Power to burn from the 14-year-old. What a way to announce yourself to the world."

Suryavanshi, who idolises West Indian great Brian Lara, hit two more sixes in his 20-ball 34 and was dismissed after forging a 85-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, but his team went on to lose the match by two runs.

"It was important to give him an opportunity. He batted well in the nets, his preparation was good," Rajasthan's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule told reporters.

"Obviously we missed Sanju but it created an opportunity for Vaibhav and he made the most of his it. He batted beautifully.

"He's a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders. He's got a game that's almost 360 degrees. He's courageous and you saw his approach. He's dominating and wants to play his shots. His theory is 'watch the ball, hit the ball'."

Suryavanshi had grabbed headlines in November when he became the youngest player to earn a contract in the lucrative Twenty20 league at the age of 13 after his team outbid Delhi Capitals and signed him for 11 million Indian rupees (about $128,750).

The youngster made his debut in the domestic Ranji Trophy red-ball competition aged 12 last year and has played for India's Under-19 side against Australia, scoring a 58-ball ton.

There were murmurs about his immense talent after he made a triple-century in a local tournament in his home state of Bihar, and fans will hope he can continue to sparkle for his IPL team.

 - Reuters

KISHAN TON POWERS HYDERABAD RO BIG WUN OVER RAJASTHAN IN IPL

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Ishan Kishan celebrates after scoring a century during his side's defeat of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL (Noah SEELAM)

Top-order batter Ishan Kishan hammered his first century in the Indian Premier League on Sunday as he powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a mammoth 286-6 and a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals.

Hyderabad were invited to bat first and fell just one short of their best of 287, which remains the T20 tournament's highest ever total, with England and Rajasthan bowler Jofra Archer in particular having a day to forget.

The left-handed Kishan stood out as he hammered a ton in 45 balls to pummel the opposition attack after Travis Head smashed 67 off 31 deliveries in the second match of the league that began Saturday.

Rajasthan finished on 242-6 after half-centuries from Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel. Shimron Hetmyer hit 42 off 23 balls.

Batting first, Hyderabad's Australian import Head came out roaring with opening partner Abhishek Sharma and the two handed the team a blazing start.

The left-handed Head hammered fast bowler Archer for 23 runs in one over to set the pace for the onslaught.

Archer went on to concede 76 runs in four overs for the most expensive spell in the IPL.

Head and Kishan, playing his first match for Hyderabad, put on 85 runs off 39 balls for the second wicket to lay the foundations for the total.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who hit 30 off 15 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen, who hit a 14-ball 34, boosted the total with their explosive cameos.

Rajasthan medium-pace bowler Tushar Deshpande claimed three wickets, including Head, but the batting storm continued right up to the end of Hyderabad's 20 overs.

The Hyderabad total included a remarkable 34 fours and 12 sixes.

Last year, runners-up Hyderabad posted the highest-ever innings total of 287-3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

In reply, Rajasthan lost two wickets in the second over -- opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Riyan Parag -- and were never in the chase.

Samson, Rajasthan's regular captain who did not make the XI due to an injury and came in as an impact player, smashed 66 and put on 111 runs with Jurel, who top-scored with 70.

But the partnership could only add a little polish to the defeat for the inaugural IPL champions.

The IPL will end with the final on May 25 with 74 matches to be played by ten teams across 13 venues.

The cash-rich league has generated billions in revenue since its inception in 2008, turning the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) into one of the richest governing bodies in sport.

- AFP

INDIA, THE BIGGEST PROMOTER OF T20 CRICKET, IS DETERMINED TO END A WORLD CUP TITLE DROUGHT

Kohli. AP Photo

 NEW DELHI (AP) — In the ever-growing Twenty20 cricket landscape, India boasts the richest and most-watched league in the world. Yet all that investment and attention hasn't translated into international success for India's national team.

Rohit Sharma’s India squad travels to the T20 World Cup in the United States and Caribbean in search of a second title to end a long drought.

Undoubtedly, the Indian Premier League is flush with cash and talent, attracting the best cricketers from across the world.

Since the advent of IPL, though, India hasn't lifted the World Cup trophy.

After winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, India has only reached one more final — losing to Sri Lanka in 2014.

The title drought crosses formats, too. India last won an International Cricket Council title in 2013 – the Champions Trophy in England. It last lifted the Cricket World Cup in the 50-over format in 2011.

Last year was an exceptional one in that sense – India lost the World Test Championship final to Australia in England and, a few months later, also lost the 50-over World Cup final to Australia, this time on home soil.

That caused major anguish in a cricket-mad country of 1.4 billion, considering India was on a 10-0 winning streak and a hot favorite going into the final.

Seven months later, Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are leading the campaign in what in all probability will be their last T20 tournament in India's blue.

Sharma has been a part of every Indian squad at the T20 World Cup. Kohli made his debut in the 2012 edition, making this his sixth attempt at the title.

Kohli has scored 1,141 runs at an average of 81.50 and strike-rate 131.30 in his 27 games at the tournament. Sharma has scored 963 runs in 39 games at a strike rate of 127.88.

Both players missed all of India's T20 internationals between the 2022 semifinal loss in Australia and January of this year, leading to some speculation they'd miss out on the 2024 World Cup starting June 1.

That was dispelled by both BCCI secretary Jay Shah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Now, there will be big focus on their contributions – in terms of runs and strike-rate.

Sharma only managed 417 runs for Mumbai Indians in the club's unsuccessful 2024 IPL campaign. Kohli, meanwhile, topped the run charts for Royal Challengers Bengaluru with with 741 runs runs in 15 matches, avering 61.75. But his strike-rate earlier in the season was criticized by some TV broadcast analysts.

In a news conference to confirm the India squad, Agarkar brushed off any concerns regarding Kohli’s strike-rate.

“There’s a difference between IPL and international cricket,” Agarkar said. “You need experience as the pressure of a World Cup game is different. You (only) try to take positives from what is happening in the IPL.”

Kohli opens the batting for his IPL franchise but goes in at No. 3 for India in T20s. It has led to a significant debate over his batting position for the World Cup because it holds the key to India’s XI.

Should Kohli continue to bat at No. 3, Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the innings with Sharma. India will then have to play with only four specialist batters including Suryakumar Yadav, the world’s top-ranked T20 batter.

Allrounder Hardik Pandya and first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant would slot in next, with bowling allrounders to follow.

If Kohli opens with Sharma, it allows for an extra batter in the middle order and likely makes room for Shivam Dube, who has impressed selectors with his power hitting in the IPL and strike rate of 162.29.

Dube can also bowl useful medium pace if needed, and could provide backup to Pandya.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will lead a bowling attack that will contain four spinners, including left-arm all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzendra Chahal complete the line-up.

“I asked for four spinners,” Sharma explained. “Most of our matches will start at 10-11 a.m. (and) we expect all-rounders to do a job for us. It gives us a variety of combinations to explore depending on the opposition.”

India begins its World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5, then faces fierce rival Pakistan in New York on June 9 in what could be the highlight of the group stage. India will play the U.S. on June 12 and Canada on June 15.

While it is a seemingly straight-forward road for India in the first round, the tension to end a prolonged title drought will grow once it reaches the West Indies for the Super Eight stage.

- CHETAN NARULA

MS DHONI: THE STORY CONTINUES

 

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