New Delhi: India made a strong comeback to defeat South Africa by 14 runs in the fourth Women’s T20 match in Johannesburg and avoid a whitewash in the series. was an extraordinary artist Deepti SharmaWho gave a perfect all-round performance and scored unbeaten 36 runs and then destroyed the opposition team by taking five wickets.Asked to bat first, India got off to a bad start as Shafali Verma was out early, followed by Anushka Sharma.
Watch
Ashok Sharma’s story: Inside the village and home that shaped India’s new speed sensation
At 47/2, the visitors needed consistency, which was met. jemima rodrigues. He played a composed innings of 43 runs and formed an important partnership with the captain. Harmanpreet Kaur (22), which helped India cross the 100-run mark.However, just as India looked to be heading towards a big score, they lost wickets in quick succession and slipped to 122/5. At that time there was a need to extend the innings late. Deepti stepped up along with Richa Ghosh, who scored 34 not out. The duo added 65 runs for the sixth wicket, finishing strongly and taking India to a competitive score of 185/5 in 20 overs.South Africa started the chase confidently, with Sune Luus (40) and Tazmin Britts (30) setting the pace early. The hosts looked to be in control at one point, maintaining the required run rate.But Deepti once again made a difference. He took important wickets at crucial moments, broke partnerships and put pressure on the batsmen. His spell of 5/19 completely shifted the game in India’s favour.With support from the rest of the bowling unit, South Africa were restricted to 171/9. Although the hosts still lead the series 3-1, India’s win keeps them alive and boosts their confidence for the final match.
The Indian women’s team responded strongly after the initial defeat and registered a spectacular victory over Ukraine in their second Group A match in the Uber Cup Finals on Saturday. The win keeps India’s campaign alive ahead of the crucial final group-stage encounter.
After losing 2-3 to hosts Denmark in their first match, India needed a solid performance to stay in the competition. He performed similarly and secured an unassailable 3-0 lead by winning all three singles matches.
India dominate singles to seal tie
The charge was led by 18-year-old Unnati Hooda, who registered a straight games win over Polina Buharova. Showing composure at crucial moments, Hooda won the tough match 21-19, 22-20 in 46 minutes.
After this Tanvi Sharma had to work hard in the second singles. After winning the opening game easily, Yevgenia Kantemir pushed them into the deciding game. However, Sharma regained control in the third game and won 21-12, 17-21, 21-10 in a 49-minute battle.
Devika Sihag equalized in the third singles by defeating Maria Stolyarenko in straight games. He fought hard in the first game and won the match 23-21, 21-13 in 38 minutes.
With the tie already decided, the remaining two doubles matches became irrelevant.
What does this mean for India?
The win has put India back in a strong position after a disappointing start to their campaign. Ukraine, which also lost its opening match 0-5 to China, is now almost out of the race for a quarterfinal spot.
With only the top two teams from each group advancing, India’s qualification will now depend on their final group-stage encounter.
They face a tough test against China on Monday, a match that could decide their place in the knockout rounds.
Wonder kid Wabihav Suryavanshi is in tremendous form in IPL 2026
15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to reach 1,000 runs in men’s T20 cricket, and he scored faster than anyone before him – reaching there in just 473 balls, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Mitchell Owen (533 balls) during his storming century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026.Kishore scored a breathtaking century in 36 balls in IPL 2026 – which is now the third fastest century in league history, behind only Chris Gayle’s iconic 30-ball assault and his 35-ball effort from last season.That innings was a statistical storm in itself. Suryavanshi hit 12 sixes, the most by an Indian in an IPL innings, surpassing the previous figure of 11 jointly hit by Murali Vijay and him. In the entire IPL history, only a few innings have had more maximums.He now joins Abhishek Sharma in a select group of players to have hit 10 or more sixes in multiple IPL innings, while also becoming the first batsman to score more than one IPL century in less than 40 balls.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Major Milestones
Youngest player to reach 1,000 runs in men’s T20 history (age 15)
Reached 1,000 runs in 26 innings (one of the fastest ever)
Only batsman among 1000+ T20 run scorers with 200+ strike rate (over 212)
He needed just 15 innings to hit 50 IPL sixes, breaking Gayle’s long-standing record (21 innings).
Also 50 fastest IPL sixes according to balls faced
His tally of four T20 centuries in just 26 innings makes him the fastest century in men’s cricket, surpassing Pakistan’s Usman Khan.
In the IPL alone, he has reached two centuries in just 15 innings, which is faster than Gayle or Hashim Amla. Century in 36 balls – 3rd fastest in IPL history – behind only Chris Gayle (30 balls) and his own century in 35 balls
Only player to score multiple IPL centuries in 40 balls
2 IPL centuries in just 15 innings – fastest in league history
4 T20 centuries in 26 innings – Fastest four centuries in men’s T20 (ahead of Usman Khan – 33 innings)
12 sixes in an IPL innings – most by an Indian (surpassing Murali Vijay)
Most IPL innings with 10+ sixes (exclusive list including Chris Gayle and Abhishek Sharma)
4 sixes in the first over of IPL innings – first time
One of the few players to score three T20 centuries in 40 balls
MS Dhoni has regained full fitness ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Gujarat Titans, but the former skipper is unlikely to return to the XI as he is wary of destabilizing the combination that has finally started to click.
Dhoni’s comeback has been the biggest talking point for Chennai Super Kings ahead of Sunday’s match in Chepauk, especially after the 44-year-old traveled with the team for overseas fixtures in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Although he did not feature in any of the matches, reports now suggest that the veteran is fully fit and available, with his delayed return now more of a tactical decision than a fitness concern.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Dhoni has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of the initial phase IPL 2026 and has already passed his fitness test. He has resumed full training, including wicket-keeping drills and batting against bowlers in the nets, and did not suffer any discomfort during training on Saturday.
However, despite being fit enough to make a comeback, Dhoni is reportedly reluctant to come straight back into the team csk leaguenThe Dee are unwilling to disrupt a playing combination that has finally found its rhythm after a slow start to the season.
Dhoni be careful of losing balance
Chennai appears to have turned a corner, especially with their strong performances in recent games 103 run win over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. After a shaky start to the campaign, CSK have started to field a more stable combination, and Dhoni is believed to have informed the team management that this may not be the right time to force a change.
At this stage of the season, with the momentum finally building and the race for the play-offs becoming tight, the former captain is understood to prioritize team balance over emotions.
Play-off push shaped Dhoni’s call
CSK are fifth on the points table with six points from seven matches when they take on Gujarat Titans on Sunday. Although their campaign remains fragile, the play-off equation is still within their control.
With seven matches left, Chennai remain in the race for a top-four finish, and the recent improvement in results has strengthened the belief that they can make a serious push.
That incident has shaped Dhoni’s thinking. While his return will undoubtedly improve the atmosphere around Chepauk, the veteran player is more focused on maintaining the balance of a team that has finally started to build momentum at a crucial point in the season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan Played a restrained but aggressive role in a thrilling five-wicket win Rajasthan RoyalsAs he reflected on the leadership, batting freedom and chasing the mammoth target of 229. Speaking after being named player of the match for his 31-ball 74, Kishan made it clear that captaincy has not changed his approach. “No, I think as a wicketkeeper you have to do the same thing. So I was keeping it simple because I thought it was a very good wicket to bat on and we tried to restrict them to under 230 and we were able to do that,” he said. On handing over leadership responsibilities back to pat cumminsKishan was full of respect for the Australian captain. “It was fun to lead the team for seven matches and having Pat come in and give us extra bowling power. So when he was coming into the team I was really happy because he is a tremendous captain anyway. So I was thinking more about my batting and wicketkeeping than leadership. Reflecting on SRH’s aggressive batting approach against the Rajasthan attack, Kishan said confidence and clarity were important. “You just have to keep watching the ball and play your shots. You can’t go into a zone where you fear failure. You just have to keep it simple and play your game.” He also talked about the challenge of facing rising scores early in the innings, highlighting the importance of a strong powerplay. “When you are chasing a total like 228, you need a good powerplay. Having Head and Abhishek as openers makes the job easier, even if they bat for four overs. I was just communicating with Abhishek. He knew what was happening with the game and the run rate.” Made an important partnership of 132 runs with Kishan Abhishek SharmaAfter being given a challenging target of 229 runs by SRH, he scored 57 runs in 29 balls. heinrich classen (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (36) ensured that the chase was completed with nine balls to spare, becoming the fourth most successful run chase in IPL history. Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Royals posted a mammoth total of 228 for 6 thanks to a sensational 103 from 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite the onslaught, SRH maintained their composure in the chase, with Kishan and Abhishek setting the stage for a spectacular win. Kishan also showed his mentality at the crease. “Calmness is about the skill set. You have to see the ball and not be preoccupied. It was a big ground, so there were gaps. Just bat and enjoy it.” When asked if this was the best phase of his batting career, he immediately tried to downplay it. “No, I think my best is yet to come.”
15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi completed his second century in the Indian Premier League in just 36 balls on Saturday, April 25. Sunrisers Hyderabad had to bear the brunt of the youngster’s anger in Jaipur, where he looked in dangerous form. Vaibhav scored the third fastest IPL century ever and now has two of the three fastest to the milestone. Last season, he scored his maiden century in 35 balls against Gujarat Titans and created history as the youngest player to achieve the feat.
Vaibhav came out with intent on Saturday and hit Prafulla Hinge for four consecutive sixes in the very first over. It was an extraordinary display of intent from the batsman who was out for a golden duck against SRH in their previous encounter this season.
Vaibhav’s failure in that game resulted in Rajasthan losing while chasing an easy target of 217 runs, giving them their first defeat of the season. After that game, RR lost momentum, leaving Vaibhav in tears after the defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19.
Yesterday Vaibhav Suryavanshi was seen crying after the game, this boy is unbelievable! Whether he gets out early or the team loses, he wears his heart on his sleeve. Honestly, I know this is the mentality of a 15 year old that I would have been doing the exact same thing at that age! pic.twitter.com/Ug6X4gVqks– OldMonkOfCricket (@OldMonkOfCricket) 20 April 2026
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s charge
However, he wasn’t going to let that happen today. When Prafulla Hinge adopted the same strategy of playing short shots against the left-handed batsman, Vaibhav countered and hit a six down the leg side. If that show of intent wasn’t enough, he repeated it four more times, and scored 30 runs off just 6 balls.
He continued to wear down SRH’s bowling attack while Dhruv Jurel took time to find his rhythm. Vaibhav was particularly aggressive against SRH’s other uncapped fast bowler Saqib Hussain, completing his century in the 14th over of the match by hitting two sixes and a four.
On Saturday, Vaibhav performed strongly and hit 12 sixes and only 5 fours. At no point in his innings, he had any interest in keeping the ball on the ground.
However, after scoring a century, Saqib was successful in dismissing Vaibhav on the very next ball. Saqib bowled a full ball over the wicket. Vaibhav was unable to test the slower ball and failed to connect with the reverse lap. The ball hit his left pad and the on-field umpire gave him out.
IPL: Royals all out for 228 runs
After Vaibhav’s dismissal, Rajasthan’s run rate dropped drastically. Pat Cummins, Prafulla Hinge and Ehsaan Malinga took the responsibility of restricting Rajasthan to a total score of 228 runs.
To put things in context, Rajasthan had crossed the 100-run mark in the 9th over itself and looked set for a total of 240+.
Earlier on Saturday, Delhi Capitals played a high-scoring match against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Delhi made a huge score of 264 runs, but lost the match. Under the leadership of Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer, Punjab achieved the record target in just 18.5 overs.
New Delhi: A heated situation KL Rahul One of the most extraordinary innings in IPL history, his unbeaten 152 helped Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 264/2 against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.On a scorching 41-degree afternoon, Rahul tore apart the PBKS bowling attack, hitting 16 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 226 in his 67-ball masterclass. His innings is now the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in IPL history, surpassing several elite names, and also stands as the third-highest score overall in the tournament – behind Chris Gayle’s 175* and Brendon McCullum’s score of 175*. 158*.Rahul became only the third batsman in IPL history to cross the 150-run mark, and the second Indian after Tilak Verma to score more than 150 in men’s T20. This innings also marked his fastest IPL century, which he scored in just 47 balls and bettered his previous best of 56 runs.He was brilliantly supported by Nitish Rana, who scored 91 runs, and the duo put on a brilliant partnership of 220 runs in just 95 balls – now the second highest partnership in IPL history. His onslaught helped DC reach their highest score of a staggering 162 runs in 11-20 overs, one of the most explosive death over performances seen in the league.
KL Rahul – IPL Career
tournament
Team
mat
it goes
HS
average
sr
100s
50’s
IPL (overall)
5 teams
152
5579
152*
46.88
138.47
6
42
ipl 2026
DC
7
357
152*
59.50
187.89
1
2
ipl 2025
DC
13
539
112*
53.90
149.72
1
3
ipl 2024
lsg
14
520
82
37.14
136.12
0
4
ipl 2023
lsg
9
274
74
34.25
113.22
0
2
ipl 2022
lsg
15
616
103*
51.33
135.38
2
4
ipl 2021
PBKS
13
626
98*
62.60
138.80
0
6
ipl 2020/21
PBKS
14
670
132*
55.83
129.34
1
5
ipl 2019
PBKS
14
593
100*
53.90
135.38
1
6
ipl 2018
PBKS
14
659
95*
54.91
158.41
0
6
ipl 2016
rcb
14
397
68*
44.11
146.49
0
4
ipl 2015
SRH
9
142
44*
28.40
112.69
0
0
ipl 2014
SRH
11
166
46
20.75
101.21
0
0
ipl 2013
rcb
5
20
12
10.00
125.00
0
0
Rahul also rewrote franchise records by registering the highest individual score for Delhi Capitals, surpassing Rishabh Pant’s 128*. In another notable feat, he became the first player in IPL history to score multiple centuries for three different teams – DC, PBKS and Lucknow Super Giants.Among all IPL batsmen who have scored more than 1000 runs, Rahul continues to top the list with an average of 46.88 – second only to Sai Sudarshan.Highest individual score by an Indian in men’s T20152* – KL Rahul vs PBKS, Delhi, 2026151 – Tilak Verma vs Meghalaya, Rajkot, 2024148 – Abhishek Sharma vs Bengal, Secunderabad, 2025147 – Shreyas Iyer vs Sikkim, Indore, 2019146* – Punit Bisht vs Mizoram, Chennai, 2021Most runs in IPL8989 – Virat Kohli7183 – Rohit Sharma6769 – Shikhar Dhawan6565 – David Warner5579 – KL Rahul5528 – Suresh Raina5439 – MS DhoniOf the 109 batsmen with over 1000 IPL runs, only Sai Sudarshan’s average (47.16) is higher than Rahul’s 46.88.Most runs in 11-20 overs in an IPL innings172/2 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016162/2 – PBKS vs CSK, Cuttack, 2014162/1 – DC vs PBKS, Delhi, 2026Highest individual score in IPL175* – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013158* – Brendon McCullum (KKR) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008152* – KL Rahul (DC) vs PBKS, Delhi, 2026141 – Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025140* – Quinton de Kock (KKR) vs LSG, Mumbai DYP, 2022Rahul is the second Indian to register a score of more than 150 in men’s T20 cricket after Tilak Verma, who scored 151 for Hyderabad against Meghalaya in Rajkot in 2024/25.Highest partnership in IPL (any wicket)229 – AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016220 – KL Rahul & Nitish Rana vs PBKS, Delhi, 2026215* – AB de Villiers & Virat Kohli vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2015210* – KL Rahul & Quinton de Kock vs KKR, Mumbai DYP, 2022210 – Sai Sudarshan and Shubman Gill vs CSK, Ahmedabad, 2024
Devdutt Padikkal’s explosive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 form with Royal Challengers Bangalore has reignited calls for his return to Team India. But former India opener Virender Sehwag believes the bigger hurdle is not the performances but the lack of space in an already stacked batting lineup.
“Dinesh Karthik is saying that Padikkal should play for India, but every season players come forward who feel that they should play for India. But where is the place in the Indian team?” Sehwag said.
“There is no room for Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal and many other players. There is no room for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal. There are five players who are scoring runs, but who will you leave for them? Where is the room?”
This is the reality right now. You can score runs, you can win games, and you’ll still get doors closed because there are so many players doing the same thing.
Padikkal has not just been good this season. He has been different.
Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has moved away from the “take your time” version of himself. Now, he comes and starts swinging from the very first over.
The best example of this came against Gujarat Titans. Chasing 206, he scored 55 off 27 balls, completing his half-century in 20 balls and hitting six sixes. He along with Virat Kohli added 115 runs for the second wicket and almost halved the target.
The figures show how big the change has been. This season, his strike rate in the first ten balls is 170.18. Last year it was 126.51. A year ago, only 74.42.
Overall, the jump is even crazier. After averaging 131.98 in 99 T20 innings, he is now averaging 165.36 in his last 22 innings. In IPL 2026 alone, this number has crossed 180.
He has scored more than 200 runs in the first six matches and is getting close to what he did last season. But its impact is more than runs. The powerplay overs are never quiet when he is around. Bowlers are under pressure from the first ball.
How does the Indian team’s fight look for Padikkal?
And yet, this is where things get tricky.
In T20Is alone, you already have Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Then there are Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who are already ahead of the queue.
Add in emerging names like Tilak Verma, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and even Vaibhav Suryavanshi and it becomes a crowd.
Sehwag said, “If any senior player is given a break, then some of these players can be given a chance. But in that team, where the competition is so tough, I would say that I do not need a break. Because if I take a break and someone else comes in my place and scores runs, then I will be dropped.”
ODI team is not easy. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Gill have a strong hold on the top order, while players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jaiswal are also waiting in the wings.
So where does Padikkal fit in?
For now, he is doing his work. Scoring fast, winning games, and changing perceptions. The rest may depend on time.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals during a practice session (ANI photo)
A video shared by Rajasthan Royals Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi was shown hitting a stunning helicopter shot during a net session in Jaipur. This clip quickly went viral on social media.In IPL 2026, 15-year-old prodigy Suryavanshi continues to shine as one of RR’s standout performers. After becoming the youngest debutant and centurion in IPL history in 2025, he has carried forward his ultra-aggressive approach this season. He recently became the fastest player to reach 500 IPL runs (by balls faced), achieving the milestone in just 227 balls, breaking the previous record of 260 balls held by Glenn Maxwell.However, the youngster suffered a rare setback in his most recent match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 22, where he was out for just 8 runs. Notably, he also played his first maiden over in the IPL, which was bowled by Mohsin Khan.Rajasthan Royals shared a video of Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s net session and the franchise added a cheeky caption to the post, saying, “Trust a Bihari to hit the helicopter shot,” which garnered wide attention and reactions from fans.The helicopter shot, famously popularized by ms dhoniHailing from Jharkhand (formerly part of Bihar), he has become one of the most iconic strokes of cricket. The caption was seen as a playful nod towards that heritage, linking Suryavanshi’s roots to Dhoni’s signature shot.
Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 36th match of IPL 2026 tonight, 25th April 2026, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This is the Royals’ first game of the season at home, and they will be looking for revenge after losing by 57 runs to SRH earlier this month. RR is currently placed third in the points table with 10 points (5 wins from 7 matches). SRH are at fourth place with 8 points (4 wins from 7 matches). RR is currently placed third in the points table with 10 points (5 wins from 7 matches). SRH are at fourth place with 8 points (4 wins from 7 matches). SRH have the overall advantage in their 22 IPL meetings with 13 wins to RR’s 9.
With four overs to spare for Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore had a problem to solve at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, April 25.
Jos Buttler was set and started looking dangerous. Washington Sundar came in and immediately knew his timing. The scoring rate was already above 10, and despite Sai Sudarshan’s dismissal earlier, the platform was firmly on course for a total of over 170, perhaps even heading towards 190 if things clicked.
Only 17 runs were scored in the 17th, 18th and 19th overs. There were no boundaries in two of these overs, an important wicket fell and most importantly, the momentum changed completely.
Three overs, complete control
The change started with Rajat Patidar’s decision which was not clear.
He went back to Suyyash Sharma even though the young leg spinner had taken 14 runs in his previous over. At that stage of the innings, with a set batsman coming in and a new batsman looking fluent, most captains would have turned to safer options.
But Patidar read the situation differently.
Sundar was still new at the crease and finding his rhythm. Buttler, although set, had not yet gone into full acceleration mode. The thinking was clear. If ever there was a way to sneak in quietly, this was it.
Suyyash executed that plan very well.
caption: IPL 2026: Suyyash Sharma once again leads RCB to a crucial success against GT. (PTI photo)
No big shots were attempted, no risks were taken. Sundar played himself, Buttler remained cautious and only four runs were scored in the over. On paper, it seemed harmless. In context, this was the beginning of the pressure.
pressure builds
T20 games are not always based on big moments. Sometimes, they bowl variations in short, quiet overs that force the batsmen to reconsider.
After leading comfortably, the batting team suddenly realized that it needed to accelerate as there were fewer balls left. The margin for error reduced and pressure began to fall on the batsmen.
This is where Bhuvneshwar Kumar left his impact.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s excellent form continued against GT. (PTI photo)
He recognized the moment and more importantly the batsman. Buttler’s ramp shot is often a release option in the death overs, as a way of breaking a bowler’s rhythm. Bhuvneshwar set the trap and executed it well, resulting in Buttler’s dismissal.
That wicket changed everything.
The innings lost its grip due to the departure of the set batsman. Sundar now had to play the attacking role, while Jason Holder made his franchise debut. Although Holder has the ability to clear the ropes, it was always difficult to expect him to do so immediately in that situation.
The over reflected that reality.
There were no limits, no release shots. Singles and doubles only, resulting in five runs. At a stage where teams often try to score 15 or more, that kind of over is invaluable.
checkmate before the last over
After building that pressure, Patidar made another major call.
Instead of saving his main fast bowler for the final over, he called on Josh Hazlewood for the 19th over. It was a move that ensured that scoring goals was no longer easy.
If the batting side had got momentum in that over, it could have continued it till the last six balls. By using Hazlewood first, RCB closed that door completely.
Hazlewood performed with control and discipline.
There were no boundaries, no chance for the batsmen to be free. Each ball added to the pressure that had already built in the previous two overs. By the end of the 19th, the innings had been firmly pulled back.
Seventeen runs in three overs.
What once seemed like a total of 170 was now much more manageable.
Boundaries were hit after some time in the last over, due to which Rasikh Salaam Dar and fatigue were clearly visible on the field. Krunal Pandya had to struggle with crampsBut by then the hard work had been done.
In a format where totals can rise quickly, it was a reminder of how quickly control can be regained with the right decisions and execution.
RCB did not rely on even a single moment of talent. Instead, he applied pressure, made smart calls and backed his bowlers to perform well.
And in the end, those three overs ensured that the target remained within reach, setting up the chase.
