Lucknow Super Giants defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets in the 15th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, thanks to explosive innings from Mukul Chaudhary and Ayush Badoni, both scoring 54 runs. This marks Lucknow Super Giants' second consecutive win in the tournament.

After losing six wickets for 125 runs, Mukul Chaudhary emerged as the savior for Lucknow, scoring an unbeaten 54 runs off 27 balls, including two fours and seven sixes, leading his team to a total of 182 runs for seven wickets. In pursuit of 182 runs, Lucknow Super Giants' opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram added 41 runs for the first wicket. In the fifth over, Vaibhav Arora took two wickets, dismissing Aiden Markram for 22 runs off 15 balls and Mitchell Marsh for 15 runs.

Captain Rishabh Pant and Ayush Badoni then attempted to stabilize the innings. In the ninth over, Kamran Green dismissed Rishabh Pant for 10 runs. Nicholas Pooran and Abdul Samad were also dismissed for 13 and 2 runs, respectively.

In the 15th over, Anukul Roy dealt a significant blow to Lucknow by dismissing Ayush Badoni, who scored 54 runs off 34 balls with seven fours and two sixes. In the next over, Sunil Narine took the wicket of Mohammad Shami. Mukul then showcased aggressive batting, hitting a flurry of sixes, and secured the victory for his team with a single off the last ball.

For KKR, Vaibhav Arora and Anukul Roy took two wickets each, while Sunil Narine, Kartik Tyagi, and Kamran Green claimed one wicket each. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders set a challenging score of 181 runs for four wickets, thanks to impressive performances from Angkrish Raghuwanshi (45), captain Ajinkya Rahane (41), Rovman Powell (unbeaten 39), and Cameron Green (unbeaten 32). Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first.

KKR lost their first wicket at a score of 15 runs when Finn Allen was dismissed for 9 runs by Prince Yadav. Angkrish Raghuwanshi then partnered with Ajinkya Rahane to add 84 runs for the second wicket. Dighvish Rathi broke this partnership by dismissing Ajinkya Rahane in the 11th over, who scored 41 runs off 24 balls with four fours and two sixes.

In the next over, M Siddharth dismissed Angkrish Raghuwanshi, who scored 45 runs off 33 balls with five fours and two sixes. Rinku Singh was bowled out for four runs by Avesh Khan. A partnership of 70 runs for the fifth wicket between Rovman Powell and Cameron Green took KKR's score to 181 runs for four wickets.

Powell scored an unbeaten 39 runs off 24 balls with four fours and two sixes, while Cameron Green scored an unbeaten 32 runs off 24 balls with three fours and one six. For Lucknow Super Giants, Prince Yadav, M Siddharth, Dighvish Rathi, and Avesh Khan took one wicket each.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant decision to strengthen discipline during IPL 2026 matches. According to the new rule, all additional players sitting on the bench will no longer be allowed to move freely around the field during the game.

The board clarified that only those players who are included in the official team sheet as 'designated 16 players' by the team management will be allowed to enter the field to bring drinks, bats, or messages. Players not on this list are completely prohibited from entering the field. Under the new guidelines, the number of players allowed to remain between the boundary rope and LED advertising boards has also been limited.

At any time, no more than five players wearing bibs can be near the boundary. These five players can be deployed to bring drinks or retrieve balls that have gone over the boundary, while the remaining players must remain confined to the dugout. The BCCI has issued these directives to enforce clauses 11.5.2 and 24.1.4 of the Match Playing Conditions (MPC) more strictly.

It is believed that the BCCI has taken this step to ensure the smooth conduct of matches and to prevent unnecessary activities. This rule has been implemented with immediate effect after the completion of 13 matches in IPL 2026, and its impact will be seen in the upcoming match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.

Although the official reason is not yet clear, this decision may affect teams' on-field communication and strategy. The board's main objective is to maintain order on the field during the game and to prevent wastage of time.

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In the 13th thrilling match of IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians by 27 runs to claim the top spot in the standings. The match, held at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, was played for 11 overs each due to rain interruptions.

Rajasthan batted first and set a massive score of 150 runs, thanks to explosive innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal and young sensation Vaibhav Suryaanshi. In response, Mumbai Indians managed only 123 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. With this victory, Rajasthan Royals completed a hat-trick of wins this season, while Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, faced their second consecutive defeat.

Following this significant win, Rajasthan Royals topped the points table with 3 wins and 6 points from 3 matches. Punjab Kings remained in second place with 5 points from 3 matches, while Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals occupied the third and fourth positions, respectively. Mumbai Indians, with only one win and two losses from 3 matches, slipped to seventh place.

The competition for net run rate among teams has intensified early in the tournament, with Rajasthan securing a strong position. Some surprising names are found at the bottom of the points table, with Kolkata Knight Riders in eighth place with one point, and last season's runners-up Gujarat Titans struggling in ninth place after losing both their initial matches.

The worst situation is for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who remain at the bottom in tenth place after losing all three of their opening matches. As IPL 2026 progresses, the race for the playoffs is becoming more interesting, with Rajasthan's consistency ringing alarm bells for the other teams.

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Chennai, April 7. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time champions, have reached an all-time low in their performance in IPL 2026.

After suffering three consecutive defeats in the initial matches of the season, concerns among the team management and fans have increased. Instead of young players, the most questions are being raised about captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was retained for 18 crores. Gaikwad has not only failed to score runs with the bat but also lacks the sharpness in his captaincy and strategies that CSK is known for.

The three consecutive losses have already made the path to the playoffs difficult for the team. Looking at the current season's statistics, Gaikwad's bat appears completely silent, having scored only 41 runs at an average of 13.66 in three matches, with a highest score of just 28 runs. Such a start as an opening batsman and captain is putting the team under pressure.

It is noteworthy that Gaikwad was also out for half the season in IPL 2025 due to injury, and his average then was only 24.40. His ongoing struggle for two consecutive seasons is proving to be the biggest obstacle to Chennai's victories, preventing the team from getting a strong start. After losses to Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings have slipped significantly in the points table.

Every match has now become a 'do or die' situation for the team. Instead of blaming middle-order players like Prashant Veer or Karthik Sharma for the losses, experts believe that senior players need to take responsibility.

The biggest challenge for CSK now is to re-strategize and enter the field mentally strong. All eyes are now on the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals, where captain Gaikwad will need to step up and lead the team.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured the top position in the points table by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 43 runs in the 11th match of IPL 2026 at their home ground. This victory marked Bengaluru's second consecutive win of the season, while Chennai faced its third straight loss.

Following this win, Bengaluru now has 4 points from 2 matches with a net run rate of +2.501. They had previously won against Hyderabad by 6 wickets. Currently, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings also have 4 points each, having played 2 matches, but their standings differ based on net run rate.

Chennai Super Kings are at the bottom of the table with a net run rate of -2.517, the worst among all teams. They need to secure as many wins as possible in their remaining 11 matches to improve their net run rate. In the match against RCB, Tim David scored an unbeaten 70 and Devdutt Padikkal contributed 50 runs, leading Bengaluru to a massive total of 250 runs for 3 wickets.

Captain Rajat Patidar scored 48 runs off 19 balls, while Phil Salt added 46 runs off 30 balls. Chennai's batting faltered in response, and despite Sarfaraz Khan's 50 runs, the team was bowled out for 207 runs in 19.4 overs.

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Punjab Kings achieved their second consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League by defeating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets with eight balls to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 50 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya contributed 43 and 39 runs, respectively, in the seventh match of IPL 2026.

With this win, Punjab Kings topped the points table with four points. Chasing a target of 210 runs, the opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a solid start, adding 61 runs for the first wicket. In the fifth over, Matt Henry dismissed Priyansh Arya, giving Chennai their first breakthrough.

Priyansh Arya scored 39 runs, hitting three fours and four sixes. Prabhsimran Singh was run out in the ninth over after scoring 43 runs off 34 balls, which included six fours and one six. In the 12th over, Anshul Kamboj took the wicket of Cooper Connolly, who scored 36 runs off 22 balls with six fours.

In the 17th over, Anshul Kamboj dismissed Shreyas Iyer, marking Punjab's fourth wicket. Shreyas Iyer scored 50 runs off 29 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. In the next over, Matt Henry took the wicket of Nehal Badhera for 10 runs, putting Punjab Kings in a spot of bother.

Punjab Kings successfully chased down the target, scoring 210 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18.4 overs. Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis remained not out at 14 and 9 runs, respectively. This marks Chennai Super Kings' sixth loss at home, placing them at the bottom of the points table.

Matt Henry and Anshul Kamboj took two wickets each for Chennai. Earlier, Ayush Mhatre and Shivam Dube's impressive innings helped Chennai Super Kings set a score of 209 runs for five wickets against Punjab Kings. Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Chennai Super Kings had a shaky start, losing Sanju Samson for seven runs in the second over to Javier Bartlett. Ayush Mhatre then stabilized the innings alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, adding 96 runs for the second wicket. In the 12th over, Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, breaking the partnership.

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 28 runs off 22 balls with two fours. In the next over, Vijaykumar Vaishak took the wicket of Ayush Mhatre, who scored 73 runs off 43 balls, hitting five sixes and six fours. Kartik Sharma was dismissed for one run as the fourth wicket.

Sarfaraz Khan scored 32 runs off 12 balls, hitting six fours and one six before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vaishak. Chennai Super Kings set a massive score of 209 runs for five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Shivam Dube remained not out at 45 runs off 27 balls, hitting five fours and one six.

Prashant Veer remained not out at six runs. For Punjab Kings, Vijaykumar Vaishak took two wickets, while Javier Bartlett, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal took one wicket each.

New Delhi, April 3 — Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has made bold predictions regarding the IPL 2026 playoffs. He named four teams that he believes could secure playoff spots based on the current season's performance.

As of now, six matches have been played, with each team having played one match. According to Pietersen, the Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are likely to reach the playoffs, although he noted that injuries to players could alter these predictions. Pietersen shared his insights on his social media account 'X', stating that based on the first round of IPL matches this season and the current standings, MI, DC, RR, and PBKS are the four teams that could make the playoffs.

However, he acknowledged that changes could occur due to injuries or other factors. Pietersen did not include the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in his list, expressing concerns about RCB's middle overs, spinners, and the fitness of Josh Hazlewood this season. RCB started the tournament with a victory, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets in their opening match.

Pietersen also believes that no target is safe this season, as he has seen RCB and MI chase down scores of over 200 with ease. He emphasized that the toss has become crucial, noting that this season's most unusual aspect is that batters are uncertain about what constitutes a safe score in the first innings.

According to the 45-year-old, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will need to make extraordinary efforts and significant changes to remain in the title race. After six matches, Rajasthan Royals currently lead the IPL 2026 points table with a net run rate of 4.171, followed by RCB in second place.

Kolkata, April 3 — Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has uplifted his players' spirits following a 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens in IPL 2026. KKR was all out for 161 runs while chasing a target of 227 runs set by SRH, marking the team's second consecutive loss this season.

Despite the setbacks at the start of the tournament, Rahane stressed the need for positivity in the dressing room. He conveyed that losing two matches in a row does not mean they are out of the tournament. Rahane appreciated the bowlers' efforts in the last 10 overs.

In a video shared on KKR's social media account, he mentioned that this loss is not the end of the world, highlighting several positive aspects from the match, especially the team's strong comeback after the 10-over mark. He noted that they bowled excellently in the final 10 overs and emphasized that what matters most is their mindset in the dressing room. Rahane urged players to have faith in themselves, stating that any player can be a match-winner for the team.

He reassured them that every player present has the potential to win matches from any situation. The focus should always be on their capability to secure victories for the team, and he expressed complete trust in each player. He also praised the aggressive approach shown by the batsmen from the start while chasing a big score against Sunrisers Hyderabad, acknowledging that the team cannot win every match.

Rahane reflected on the lessons learned from the game, emphasizing the intention to win from the first ball and expressing hope for future victories. He stated that while the world may have its opinions, it is essential to maintain a positive outlook.

KKR has had a rocky start in IPL 2026, facing defeats in their first two matches, which is only the second time in IPL history that the team has lost both opening games. Under Rahane's captaincy, KKR will face Lucknow Super Giants in their next match on April 9.

Bengaluru - South African batting legend AB de Villiers has highlighted the everlasting impact of Virat Kohli on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, describing him as the core identity and driving force behind the success of the defending champions both on and off the field. As the team prepares to launch its Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28, expectations have soared following their historic title victory in 2025.

Discussing Kohli's role within the squad, de Villiers emphasized that his influence extends far beyond the runs he scores, as per agency report. The former cricketer pointed out the immense energy and self-belief that Kohli instills in the team, particularly among the younger players. He noted that Kohli remains the heartbeat of the franchise, not only due to his consistent performances with the bat over the years but also because of his commanding presence and the fighting spirit he brings to the camp. His demeanor on and off the field serves as an inspiration, making the youth believe in their ability to step up and secure championships, just as the team did last year.

Reflecting on the successful 2025 campaign, de Villiers observed a significant shift in the team's approach. He mentioned that the franchise moved away from its past habit of relying heavily on just two to four key players. Instead, the recent triumph was built on collective efforts. While Kohli continued to be one of the primary run-scorers at the top of the order, other squad members consistently stepped up to deliver crucial performances.

Recalling the Indian Premier League 2025 final where the franchise clinched its maiden title, de Villiers highlighted that although Kohli anchored the innings with a steady knock of 43 runs off 35 balls, the aggressive contributions from the rest of the batting lineup were equally vital. Players like Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd scored at high strike rates, propelling the team to a match-winning total of over 190 runs. Additionally, Krunal Pandya played a crucial role with his bowling performance.

The South African great further stressed that having a well-balanced squad has significantly reduced the pressure on Kohli, allowing him to thrive in a more cohesive team environment. With players contributing consistently throughout the season and a strengthened bowling attack, Kohli no longer has to carry the burden of the team alone. Surrounded by a group of determined players eager to win, the team finds itself in a very strong position. Since the core squad remains largely unchanged, de Villiers expressed confidence that the defending champions have every reason to believe they can go the distance once again in the upcoming season.

Mumbai, May 28 – The IPL 2025 league stage delivered a blend of extraordinary individual performances, team inconsistencies, and emerging talents, culminating in an intense and unpredictable 67-day journey leading to the playoffs. From Rishabh Pant’s redemption century to the remarkable rise of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the tournament has already made headlines, as per agency report.

Here’s a look at the key moments and trends from the league stage:

Teen Prodigy Surprises All
When Rajasthan Royals picked Vaibhav Suryavanshi during last December's mega auction, he was just 13. By May, at 14, he smashed a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans – the fastest ever by an Indian and second fastest overall in IPL history. His fearless strokeplay stunned even seasoned legends.

Young Stars Shine Bright
Besides Suryavanshi, the league saw breakout performances from Abhishek Sharma, Punjab Kings’ uncapped talent Priyansh Arya, and Prabhsimran Singh. CSK’s Ayush Mhatre also made waves, emerging as a promising star amidst the team’s struggle.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Paradox
Despite starting with the second-highest team score in IPL history (286/6 against Rajasthan) and ending with another massive score (278/3 against KKR), SRH lacked a Plan B. The team failed to build momentum due to inconsistent middle-order performances and weak spin options in the powerplay.

CSK's Shift in Strategy
Chennai Super Kings had to adapt after early setbacks. The team finally gave opportunities to youngsters like Mhatre and found success with Dewald Brevis. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad emerged as their most effective bowler, outshining veterans like Ashwin and Jadeja.

Sai Sudharsan’s Consistency
Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan led the run charts with over 670 runs. His risk-free, composed style earned him a spot in India’s Test squad for the England tour. His performance proved the value of smart, strategic batting.

MI’s Classic Comeback
After a sluggish start with four losses in their first five games, Mumbai Indians rebounded strongly with six consecutive wins. Surya Kumar Yadav lit up the season while Jasprit Bumrah bagged 17 wickets in 10 matches. However, Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma remained underwhelming.

Delhi Capitals Lose Steam
Delhi Capitals had a dream start – five wins in six – and topped the table early. But a string of poor outings saw them lose five of their next eight, sliding out of contention despite early promise.

RR & CSK Falter, Rahane Lone Warrior for KKR
Rajasthan Royals struggled due to Sanju Samson's fitness issues and low morale. Losing stars like Buttler, Ashwin, Chahal, and Boult hurt their balance. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, relied heavily on Ajinkya Rahane as Venkatesh Iyer flopped, ending their playoff hopes early.

Pant’s Redemption, But Too Late
The tournament's costliest player, Rishabh Pant, finally silenced critics with a century in LSG’s final league game. However, his overall form, lack of middle-order depth, and bowling inconsistencies cost LSG a playoff berth. Contributions from Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram kept them afloat.

Punjab Kings Rise Under Aiyar
PBKS showed noticeable improvement under captain Shreyas Iyer. With Ponting’s guidance, they defended a low total of 111 against KKR – showcasing grit and evolution. Iyer’s leadership has turned the team from underdogs to serious contenders.

Gujarat Titans Take Flight with Gill
Shubman Gill once again delivered a 400+ run season. His leadership and consistency powered GT through challenges, including Rashid Khan’s indifferent form. Gill not only led from the front but ensured the Titans stayed ahead in the playoff race.

As the playoffs approach, the stage is set for more drama, rising stars, and decisive moments that will define IPL 2025’s legacy.

New Delhi, May 21 – Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has admitted that his side’s performance in the current Indian Premier League season was far from satisfactory and acknowledged that the team deserved to finish at the bottom of the table. As per agency report, following a six-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, CSK’s chances of avoiding the last-place finish have all but evaporated, marking a rare low for the five-time champions.

Fleming, known for his composed leadership, stated that while the team does not like to see itself at the bottom, the results this season reflected the quality of cricket they played. He added that their goal was to deliver improved performances in the last two matches, but with just one game remaining, the focus now shifts to planning for the future.

Reflecting on the shortcomings, the former New Zealand captain emphasized that the failure of the top-order batsmen was a key factor that derailed CSK’s campaign. He confirmed that the management already has a solid strategy for the next season and will be working across all departments to rebuild a stronger side.

Fleming pointed out that the team was unable to consistently get good starts, which affected their overall momentum. He noted that while there were flashes of brilliance in parts, they lacked the collective strength required to stay competitive throughout the season.

On a positive note, he praised young pacer Anshul Kamboj for his promising performances, highlighting his pace around 138–139 km/h and his effective use of length, even on flat pitches. Kamboj’s selection for India A’s upcoming tour of England was also welcomed by the coach, who believes the seamer’s attributes will be well-suited to English conditions known for seam and swing.

Despite the disappointing season, Fleming reassured fans that CSK will return with renewed energy and robust planning, aiming to reclaim their dominant presence in future IPL editions.

New Delhi, May 20 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on June 3, along with the second qualifier on June 1. The first qualifier and eliminator matches are scheduled to take place in Mullanpur on May 29 and 30, respectively.

As per agency report, the decision to shift venues was influenced by monsoon concerns and ongoing regional tensions that led to the tournament being postponed by a week. Originally, Hyderabad and Kolkata were designated to host the playoff matches. However, adjustments were made to the schedule and locations in light of changing weather patterns and logistical considerations.

In another change prompted by rain disruptions, the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, originally scheduled for May 23 in Bengaluru, has been moved to Lucknow. The last match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was washed out due to rain.

To ensure matches are completed despite unpredictable weather, the BCCI has extended the allotted extra time for games. Previously, playoff matches had an additional time buffer of 120 minutes and league games had 60 minutes. Now, all remaining league and playoff matches will have an additional two-hour window.

This announcement also marks a significant moment for Punjab Kings, who have qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They will play their first playoff game at their home ground in Mullanpur. Alongside them, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans have also secured spots in the playoffs.

Ahmedabad, which successfully hosted the IPL finals in 2022 and 2023, will once again be the center stage for the season's climax, welcoming fans for what promises to be a thrilling finale.