Cricket - Loktej English

TG20 League Auction Concludes: Tilak Varma and Mohammed Siraj Become the Center of Attraction

Loktej English Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0530

Hyderabad, June 9. The auction for the first edition of the Telangana T20 Cricket League (TG20) witnessed tremendous enthusiasm in Hyderabad.

Eight franchise teams included a total of 160 young cricketers in their squads during this grand event held at Ramoji Film City. Team India's star player Tilak Varma became the most expensive player with a bid of 33 lakh rupees, while fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was bought by Warangal Warriors for 14 lakh rupees. The auction saw significant earnings for players and substantial investments in several domestic stars.

CV Milind was the second most expensive player with a bid of 17 lakh rupees, signed by Anvita Khammam Aces. The auction process was conducted by renowned auctioneer Charu Sharma. Teams participating in this league include Hyderabad E-Champions, Medak Falcons, Warangal Warriors, Ranga Reddy Risers, Nalgonda Knights, Palamur Strikers, Karimnagar Diamonds, and Khammam Aces.

The official launch of the cricket extravaganza TG20 League will take place on June 21. This tournament will last for 21 days, featuring exciting matches.

After a total of 32 matches, the final will be played on July 11. The unique initiative by the Hyderabad Cricket Association aims to provide a large platform for the state's talented cricketers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves on a larger scale.

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Big Blow to Team India: Virat Kohli Out of Afghanistan ODI Series Due to Injury

Loktej English Team — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:39:04 +0530

The Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback just before the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Star batsman Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

Kohli sustained this injury during the IPL 2026 final, where he played brilliantly to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to victory. His absence poses a significant challenge for Team India's batting order. Fans and the team are facing increased difficulties as Kohli's form in IPL 2026 had been outstanding, leading to high expectations for him in this ODI series.

The news of Kohli's exclusion has disappointed both the team management and fans. The three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan will begin on June 14 in Dharamshala, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai. With Kohli out, all eyes are now on team selection and batting balance.

The series schedule is quite busy, and the team will need to establish a strong middle order without Kohli. The ODI squad for Team India has already been announced, and changes are now likely. Fans hope that other young players will seize this opportunity to prove their worth and help India secure victory in the series.

Team India's New Spin Coach: BCCI Appoints Sairaj Bahutule

Loktej English Team — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:02:32 +0530

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule as the new spin bowling coach for the senior men's team. Team India is gearing up for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan starting June 6 in New Chandigarh.

Bahutule's selection is based on his extensive coaching experience, which will strengthen the team's spin department. Although his international career was limited, he has excelled in first-class cricket and coaching. He has served as the head coach for domestic teams like Vidarbha, Kerala, and Bengal, and has also played the role of spin coach for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in the IPL.

Bahutule, who was part of the coaching staff of the Under-19 World Cup winning team, has played a significant role in nurturing young talents at the National Cricket Academy. His appointment adds balance to the coaching staff under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Other staff members include Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach), Morne Morkel (fast bowling coach), and T.

Dilip (fielding coach). Expressing pride in his appointment, Bahutule stated that he is fully excited to work with the players and help the team perform better in all formats.

The storm of Suryavanshi continues in IPL, now RR's 'Vaibhav' aims to break Chris Gayle's record of 100 sixes

Loktej English Team — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:19:00 +0530

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has stunned everyone with his explosive batting in IPL 2026. At just 15 years of age, he has set records that many veterans have not achieved in their entire careers.

In the eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Vaibhav scored a blistering 97 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes, leading Rajasthan Royals to a spectacular victory. His innings broke several old records. Suryavanshi now has the opportunity to break Chris Gayle's significant record, as he prepares to face Gayle's record of 100 sixes in IPL.

The IPL 2026 Qualifier-2 match will be played between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals at Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh. If Vaibhav manages to hit 11 sixes in this match, he will become the batsman to reach 100 sixes in the fewest innings in IPL history. Currently, this record is held by Chris Gayle, who achieved this feat in 37 innings.

Vaibhav has already hit 89 sixes in 22 innings across 22 matches in IPL, scoring 932 runs with an average of over 42. His batting style at such a young age has impressed cricket experts. Notably, Vaibhav remains unfazed under pressure while playing big shots and plays a crucial role in giving the team a quick start.

In addition to breaking Gayle's record, Vaibhav has another significant achievement within reach. The record for the fastest 100 sixes in IPL is currently held by Andre Russell, who accomplished this in 657 balls, while Vaibhav has faced only 402 balls so far. Furthermore, if he scores 68 runs in Qualifier-2, he will also complete 1000 runs in IPL, placing him jointly in second place for the fewest innings to reach 1000 runs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi expresses his pain after getting out, explains where he went wrong otherwise he would have set a world record

Loktej English Team — Thu, 28 May 2026 21:29:33 +0530

Dharamshala, May 28. In the second eliminator match of IPL 2026, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive innings thrilled the audience.

Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, Vaibhav scored a stunning 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) while opening the innings for Rajasthan Royals (RR). After the RR innings, Vaibhav mentioned that he was aware it was a knockout game and a big match. However, all the coaches had advised him to stick to what he practiced, enjoy the game, and not feel the pressure of the match.

Vaibhav missed out on breaking Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century. In response, he stated that he played that shot looking at the fielder, which is why he mistimed it. If he had aimed for the third man, it would have cleared easily.

However, he tried to hit it straight, which led to his shot missing. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, opening for Rajasthan Royals, scored 97 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes and 5 fours. He narrowly missed setting the record for the fastest century in IPL history, which is held by Chris Gayle, who scored a century in just 30 balls in 2013.

Despite this, Vaibhav broke Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in a season. Following Vaibhav's innings, there have been 65 sixes in IPL 2026. Chris Gayle had hit 59 sixes in IPL 2012.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was out as the first wicket after scoring 97 runs, with RR's score at 125 runs in 8 overs. After that, SRH's bowlers made a comeback, restricting RR to 243 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. RR could only manage 36 runs in the last 5 overs and just 5 runs in the final over.

KL Rahul Joins the 'Hitman' Club, Matches Rohit Sharma's Special Record in IPL

Loktej English Team — Mon, 25 May 2026 19:51:04 +0530

Kolkata, May 25. The final league matches of IPL 2026 are showcasing remarkable performances from batsmen.

KL Rahul, the experienced batsman of Delhi Capitals, once again displayed his class against Kolkata Knight Riders, contributing significantly to the team's score with a brilliant half-century. This innings not only helped Delhi reach a strong total but also placed Rahul in a special club in IPL history. In the match played at Eden Gardens, Rahul entertained the audience with his fast-paced batting.

He hit several attractive shots and consistently applied pressure on the bowlers. Rahul scored 60 runs off 30 balls in this match, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. With this half-century, he reached the milestone of scoring 50 or more runs for the 51st time in IPL history, thereby equaling the record of Mumbai Indians' star batsman Rohit Sharma.

Now both players have recorded 51 instances of scoring 50+ runs in IPL. This achievement reflects Rahul's consistency and impressive performance in T20 cricket over a long period. The most 50+ runs in IPL are held by: 76 – Virat Kohli, 66 – David Warner, 53 – Shikhar Dhawan, 51 – Rahul*, 51 – Rohit Sharma.

Throughout the season, Rahul's batting has been outstanding. In IPL 2026, he scored 593 runs in 14 innings at an average of 45.61, including one century and five half-centuries. He took responsibility for the team on several occasions and scored runs even in challenging situations.

His batting showcased an excellent balance of patience and aggression, making him one of the most successful batsmen of the season. Rahul's most talked-about innings this season came against Punjab Kings, where he scored a blistering 152 runs, setting a record for the highest runs by an Indian batsman in a single innings in IPL history.

However, despite KL Rahul's individual brilliance, the Delhi Capitals team could not reach the playoffs. Nevertheless, this season stands as another strong testament to Rahul's batting ability and consistency.

Demand for a new point system in IPL, qualification calculations may change

Loktej English Team — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:40:30 +0530

Mumbai, May 22. The playoff race in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is always exciting, but discussions about the point system arise from time to time.

This time, former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has suggested a change that has sparked a new debate among cricket fans. He believes that teams achieving big wins in the tournament should receive additional points, making the competition even more interesting. Currently, what is the rule in IPL?

The IPL started in 2008, and since then, there has been no major change in the point system. According to the current rule, the winning team in any match receives two points, while the losing team receives no points. If a match is abandoned due to rain or other reasons, both teams receive one point each.

Interestingly, regardless of how large the victory margin is, the points remain the same. Whether a team wins by one run on the last ball or by 100 runs, they receive only two points. The advantage of a large victory margin is only reflected in the net run rate.

Aakash Chopra has suggested that a bonus point system should be considered in the IPL. He shared his opinion on the social media platform X, stating that he wishes the IPL would adopt the option of bonus points for big wins. In fact, Aakash Chopra believes that this would motivate teams not just to win but to achieve impressive victories, and viewers would also get to see more aggressive and competitive cricket.

This rule is already in place in the South African T20 league SA 20, where if a team wins the match while chasing the target within 16 overs, they receive an additional point. The team batting first receives a bonus point if they restrict the opposing team to more than 20 percent below their score. The purpose of this rule is to encourage big and impressive wins.

If such a rule is implemented in the IPL in the future, the calculations in the points table could change completely. Sometimes, a team with fewer match wins could rise up the table with the help of bonus points. This would keep the playoff race open until the final stages, increasing the importance of every match.

BCCI releases mega domestic cricket calendar: Season to start with Duleep Trophy, 1788 matches to be played across the country

Loktej English Team — Thu, 21 May 2026 19:35:32 +0530

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a busy domestic cricket calendar for 2026-27. The season will begin with the Duleep Trophy on August 23, featuring six zonal teams.

Following this, the Irani Cup will be held in the first week of October. To manage players' workload, BCCI has decided to conduct several important tournaments in two phases this time. The main highlight of the domestic season, the Ranji Trophy, will start on October 11 and conclude in March in two phases, divided into Elite and Plate groups.

Meanwhile, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will commence on November 14, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy will start on December 14. These tournaments will provide players ample opportunity to showcase their talent in various formats and prepare for international levels. BCCI has also focused on youth and women's cricket this time.

Several tournaments at junior and senior levels, along with the Under-23 State A Trophy and the Viji Trophy, have been converted to T20 format to help young talents adapt to the needs of modern cricket. In the women's category, efforts will be made to nurture new talents through Under-23, Under-19, and Under-15 competitions.

Entry of Four Young Stars in Team India: Are the International Careers of These Big Players at Risk? Selectors' Big Gamble

Loktej English Team — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:43:33 +0530

The BCCI has announced the Indian team for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan. Four new players, Prince Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, and Gurnoor Barad, have been given their first international opportunity.

This decision by the selectors is aimed at future preparations. However, the selection of these young players seems to complicate the return of several experienced players, raising questions about their future. The inclusion of all-rounders Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar poses a challenge for veterans like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

If these young players perform effectively in the upcoming matches, it may become difficult for Jadeja and Patel to secure their spots in the team. Meanwhile, the impressive domestic form of fast bowlers Gurnoor Barad and Prince Yadav has cast doubts on the return of Mohammad Siraj in ODIs and the career of Mohammad Shami. The exclusion of Rishabh Pant from the ODI team and the removal of his vice-captaincy from the Test team clearly indicates that the team management wants to explore new options for the 2027 World Cup.

By resting experienced bowlers like Bumrah, new fast bowlers have been given a full opportunity to prove themselves in powerplay and death overs. The performance of these young players will determine the future of Indian cricket and whether the veterans can salvage their reputations.

IPL 2026: Kohli is the 'Number-1' Partner in T20 Cricket, Statistics Confirm

Loktej English Team — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:34:22 +0530

Dharamshala: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Virat Kohli has set a significant record in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kohli has jointly reached the top of the list of batsmen with the most half-century partnerships in men's T20 matches. On Sunday, in IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kohli partnered with Devdutt Padikkal for the second wicket, scoring 76 runs off 41 balls. Kohli is now tied with Alex Hales, who has also been part of 210 half-century partnerships in T20 cricket.

David Warner (200) is second on this list, while Babar Azam (196) is third. Chris Gayle (191) ranks fourth. In the ongoing match against Punjab Kings at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Kohli scored 58 runs off 37 balls.

Kohli is also the highest run-scorer against three different IPL teams. He has scored 1,215 runs against Punjab Kings at an average of 37.15, 1,174 runs against Chennai Super Kings at an average of 37.87, and 1,172 runs against Delhi Capitals at an average of 48.83. Kohli's name appears in the top three for the most runs scored against a single opposing team in IPL history.

Rohit Sharma is fourth on this list, having scored 1,161 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders at an average of 40.03. David Warner has scored 49.3 runs against Punjab Kings. In the match against Punjab Kings, Kohli and Padikkal reached the joint second position for the most half-century partnerships in a single IPL season as a non-opening pair.

This duo has achieved half-century partnerships for the sixth time in nine innings this season, equaling the record set by Michael Hussey-Suresh Raina (2013) and Suryakumar Yadav-Tilak Varma (2025). Kohli and AB de Villiers hold the top record, having achieved this feat seven times in 13 innings in 2016.

Viewership of IPL on Digital Platforms Increases

Loktej English Team — Sat, 16 May 2026 15:19:45 +0530

Mumbai, May 15. The popularity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to rise, with a seven percent increase in viewership on digital platforms, while the number of viewers on TV is nearing the 500 million mark.

According to the official broadcaster JioStar, there has been a 15 percent increase in the total digital reach of the IPL. This figure includes 51 matches broadcast on linear TV and 57 matches on digital platforms. The company claimed that the reach of CTV (Connected TV) has increased by 25 percent and 'watch time' has increased by 20 percent.

In regional languages, 'watch time' has seen a 42 percent increase. The broadcaster stated that this growth is attributed to the addition of 125 new advertisers compared to the previous season.

After IPL 2026, BCCI to make a major decision, several names including Balaji shortlisted for coaching roles

Loktej English Team — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:35:12 +0530

Reports suggest that significant changes may soon be seen at the BCCI's Center of Excellence (COE), a crucial part of Indian cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted names for the coaching staff of the team.

Popular names such as former Indian bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji and VRV Singh have emerged in this list. According to media reports, they may be assigned new responsibilities immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2026. After Troy Cooley's departure from the Center of Excellence last year, BCCI has been looking for a new bowling specialist for its high-performance center in Bengaluru.

During this time, the board had also engaged in discussions with renowned English bowling coach Stephen Jones. Reports indicate that discussions between both parties had progressed significantly, but the matter has not yet been finalized. Following this, BCCI shifted its focus from foreign options to Indian coaches.

Applications were sought for a total of 10 new coaching positions in February, and the selection process has now reached its final stages. It is believed that an official decision on these names may be made after IPL 2026 concludes. According to a report from Cricbuzz, experienced coach P.

Krishnakumar, who has done excellent work with the Jammu and Kashmir team, may be assigned the role of bowling coach at the BCCI Center of Excellence. Krishnakumar is credited with developing fast bowlers like Umran Malik, Yudhveer Singh, and Aaqib Nabi. Meanwhile, former Karnataka all-rounder Yere Goud is being considered as the leading candidate for the batting coach position.

The 54-year-old Goud has played 134 first-class and 49 List A matches in his career. Additionally, former Indian women's cricketer Sunetra Paranjpe is also likely to be included in the batting coaching setup. Dishant Yagnik's name is almost confirmed for the role of fielding coach.

Yagnik is currently working as a fielding coach with Kolkata Knight Riders and has previously been part of Rajasthan and Rajasthan Royals. However, the situation regarding foreign coach Stephen Jones remains unclear. The 52-year-old Jones was recently seen involved in a private coaching project in Hyderabad, which has kept discussions about his name ongoing.