R Ashwin was in for a surprise when he chose to bat first ahead of Ajinkya Rahane in the game against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens on Monday, April 6. KKR, which had lost its first two games, had an early advantage after winning the toss.
Given that it has been raining in Kolkata for the past few days and with rain predicted during the game, it was expected that Kolkata would opt to bowl first. But Rahane had other ideas and said that the team will bat and set a target for PBKS to chase.
Ashwin tweeted soon after the start of the game and said that it was an interesting thought process from the KKR think tank. KKR is also without it Services of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakraborty For the game, his bowling weakened further.
“When you know it’s going to be a rain-affected game, you have an inexperienced bowling attack, you choose to bat first. Interesting thought process,” Ashwin said on X.
(Credit: Ashwin X)
Soon after the start of play, the ball started swinging with great effect and Xavier Bartlett got the most out of it. The Australian fast bowler bowled a sensational first over and dismissed Finn Allen and Cameron Green. who once again failed to impress.
Former KKR player Srivatsa Goswami said that it was a bit shocking to see Rahane batting first.
Goswami said, “It was very surprising to see that Rahane won the toss and the sky was cloudy and decided to bat first. A bit of a shock there. Immediately you can see the swing and 2 catches behind. Very courageous decision.”
(Credit: Srivatsa Goswami X)
Why did KKR bat first?
Rahane justified the call to bat earlier in the day by saying that the pitch was dry and there was less grass on the surface.
Rahane said, “We are going to bat first. Looks like a good wicket. A little dry. But looks a very good wicket. There is a little less grass on the surface, so we want to bat first.” It seems the decision did not go well for KKR as they were 25 for two in 3.4 overs before play was stopped due to rain at Eden Gardens.
New Delhi: Looking for their first win of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders opted to bat first Shreyas IyerPunjab Kings (PBKS) on Monday.kkr captain Ajinkya Rahane Won the toss and elected to bat first at Eden Gardens.KKR made two changes in their playing eleven and neither of their two mystery spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy found a place in the team. “We are going to bat first. It looks like it is a good wicket, a little dry, but it is a very good wicket and the grass is also a little short. It is all about that belief and confidence. It is about winning those little moments. We are confident. Two changes, forced. Varun Chakravarthy got injured while taking a catch in the last game and Narine is not playing. Powell and Saini are in,” Rahane said at the time of the toss.Meanwhile, PBKS went with the same team.PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer said, “I also had to bowl. I am very happy with the decision he took. Our (Shreyas and Ponting) chemistry has developed since their Delhi Capitals days. He gives freedom to all the youngsters and he himself is an inspiration. That is the team for us.” teamsPunjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vishak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (W), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi.effects sub listPunjab Kings Impact Subs: Priyansh Arya, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey, Harpreet BrarKolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs: Blessing Muzarabani, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Singh, Rahul Tripathi, Saurabh Dubey
Royal Challengers Bangalore mentor Dinesh Karthik has expressed strong support for Devdutt Padikkal, highlighting the left-handed batsman’s impressive form as he pushes for a place in the Indian T20I squad. Karthik praised Padikkal’s composure and consistent performances under pressure, which shows that it will be difficult for the selectors to ignore him in an already talent-laden squad.
Padikkal has started IPL 2026 season with back-to-back fifties for RCB. Against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, he recovered from a slow start to score a half-century in 29 balls, which helped RCB made a record score of 250 runs in 20 oversHis highest against the five-time champions. In the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he played a more aggressive innings, scoring 61 runs off 21 balls, which included four sixes.
“In our view he is not off the radar,” Karthik told GeoHotstar after RCB’s 43-run win over CSK on Sunday.
“First and foremost is his determination. He is very determined in what he wants to do. On a pitch like this, when a batsman doesn’t get going – especially after playing an innings as he did in the first game – it is very easy to look for a big shot and bowl it away. You think you are batting well and just need to add one, but that often leads to something unnecessary. The courage he showed when the going was difficult at the start was really commendable. Once he hits his first boundary, he flips the switch.”
“He is batting in such a way that I am not sure you can keep him out of the Indian team for very long. He is playing proper cricket shots and hitting the ball from a distance. He is a proper Test player and has scored more than 2,000 runs this season,” he said.
Asked where Padikkal could fit into the senior national team – given the depth of the team that won the T20 World Cup last month – Karthik described it as a “good headache” for the selectors. He said that when the team is selected after IPL 2026, Karnataka’s batsmen will definitely be a part of the conversation.
Karthik also emphasized that Padikkal’s contribution goes beyond his batting. The 25-year-old, who captained Karnataka in the last domestic season, is emerging as a strong voice within the leadership group.
“That’s the challenge where to fit him in. But he has to be a part of the conversation. He is as good as any other player. It’s a big stage and he is coming forward to do whatever the team needs. He is the leader of the Karnataka team and that is evident in the dressing room as well. He is open, shares his thoughts and as a support staff, we have enjoyed having him as a leader within the group,” Karthik said.
a roller coaster ride
At the age of 25, Padikkal has already experienced significant ups and downs in his career. Even his stellar performance with RCB in IPL 2025—247 runs in 10 matches—was cut short due to injury.
This brilliant left-handed player had a brilliant performance Nearly derailed due to debilitating chronic intestinal condition and frequent stomach infections, which seriously affected his health between 2021 and 2023. At the peak of his illness – which was compounded by COVID-19 – Padikkal lost almost 10 kilograms in weight and suffered such extreme fatigue that he often struggled to get off the field after batting. This period of physical weakness led to a sharp decline in both his IPL and domestic performances, raising doubts whether his early promise would be fulfilled. However, through a rigorous recovery process that included strict changes in diet and a tailored fitness regime, he made a remarkable comeback by the end of 2023 and made his Test debut in 2024.
In the last two years, Padikkal has been performing brilliantly in domestic 50-over cricket. In the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 725 runs in 10 matches at an average of 90. This was followed by an impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 309 runs in six matches at an average of over 60 and a strike rate close to 180.
His red-ball form – 543 runs at an average of 61 in six Ranji Trophy matches – is likely to bring him back to the Test list. However, a strong IPL season is crucial if he is to stake his claim for selection in India’s T20I squad.
The bowling ends at the home grounds of former India captains – Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid – have been named after them. (Photo Courtesy: X-Post of Star Sports)
Bengaluru: For more than two decades, Anil Kumble And Rahul Dravid Standing shoulder to shoulder for India, Karnataka and Royal Challengers Bangalore became the backbone of teams built on discipline and excellence. Rarely were they on opposite sides. Now at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, that has changed – symbolically.Bowling ends at the home grounds of former India captains have been named after them, a decision taken by the Karnataka State Cricket Association in February this year to honor two of its most illustrious sons. Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Ahead of Sunday’s southern derby between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super KingsKumble and Dravid formally unveiled the end with their families.In a brief but emotionally charged pre-match ceremony, the great players were given a standing ovation by the packed stadium. Chinnaswamy, a place that shaped their journey from promising cricketers to legends, erupted in applause as the two walked out together – once more.His former Indian teammate and current KSCA president Venkatesh PrasadAlong with Secretary Santosh Menon, he was presented with a citation. Kumble began his address in English before switching to Kannada, but his words were largely drowned out by the deafening cheers from the stands. Both Kumble and Dravid thanked KSCA for the honor and acknowledged its role bcciHis family and fans on his journey.Being with his family made the occasion even more special. Kumble was accompanied by his wife Chetna and children Aruni, Mayas and Swasti, while Dravid was accompanied by his mother Pushpa and brother Vijay.After the ceremony, Kumble immediately returned to his broadcaster duties, while Dravid spent some time greeting players from both teams. At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they created their legacy together, Kumble and Dravid are now tied together forever in history.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently performing the toughest tightrope walk in the IPL, and the strings are starting to break.
Leading Chennai Super Kings has never been just about tactics on the board. More precisely, it is about managing a shared emotion. For Gaikwad, this responsibility has become a constant struggle for a pair of shoes so big they were probably never worth filling. He is not just fighting the opposition. He is struggling with the constant presence of Thala, a ghost who makes every bowling change suspicious unless it leads to a wicket.
After a disappointing start to the 2026 season, following three consecutive defeats including a 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gaikwad finds himself caught in a tough dilemma. He is the official face of the franchise, yet operates within a shadow that refuses to retreat, tasked with protecting a legacy that remains unforgivable.
What went wrong for CSK? IPL 2026? (Reuters photo)
The scrutiny has moved far beyond the polite confines of the pavilion and into the harsh, data-driven court of public opinion. Gaikwad’s plight is unusual. He is facing a new-age CSK, who appears to be Made a deal for his father’s army identity for Rs 30 crore Experiments driven by youth, yet they continue to be judged by the exacting standards of a dynasty built on experience.
In fact, it is a psychological ploy. On one side sits a calm, bruised MS Dhoni, the man who elected him, but whose aura ensures that any successor looks temporary. On the other hand stands T20 World Cup winner Sanju Samson, a proven leader in the Indian Premier League. whose advent has quietly established a ready alternative Before the weather settles down properly. For Gaikwad, captaincy has shifted from respect to scrutiny, a lens that magnifies hesitation.
This raises a fundamental question. Why burden the franchise’s key batting asset with the psychological weight of a change he did not design? In forcing Gaikwad to deal with the moment, CSK have run the risk of weakening their sharpest blade. The management now has a clear choice. Do they give him time for a plan that currently seems fragile, or do they relieve him of the role of protecting the player, even if it means accepting another failed succession?
dna mutation
For over a decade, CSK’s identity rested on the “Father’s Army” philosophy. Experience, restraint and hatred of panic defined him. After a disappointing 2025 season, when senior players faltered and late replacements provided little stability, the 2026 auction marked a sharp change in direction. The franchise focused decisively towards youth and invested heavily in untapped talents like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma.
Yet this new iteration seems half-baked. The plan, which was intended to defeat the opponents, has failed under initial pressure. With Dhoni sidelined and Dewald Brevis unavailable for the opening matches, the batting unit lacks assurance. Both Gaikwad and Samson have struggled For rhythm at the top, while the young middle order has not been tested. The bowling attack, led by an unexpectedly ineffective Matt Henry, has also faltered, compounded by the departure of Nathan Ellis ahead of the season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled with the bat in IPL 2026. (AP photo)
Lacking both personnel and form, Gaekwad has had to attempt to defend a formation with limited resources. The defeat against RCB showed how weak this new team is at present.
Strategically lacking?
However, it would be very convenient to save the captain altogether. There is a growing sense of tactical inertia, especially in handling spin, which has historically been CSK’s biggest strength.
As a captain, he has relied less on his spinners. This was evident in the way he dealt with players like R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja last season.
This year, young Prashant Veer, who was considered to be Jadeja’s replacement, was not played in the opening games after Rs 14.2 crore was spent on him. And he has not got bowling in the last two matches.
In the clash against RCB on Sunday, when Rajat Patidar was already set and effective against spin, the decision to introduce Noor Ahmed suggests a misreading of the moment.
This fading sense of rhythm, which was once a defining characteristic of CSK’s leadership, has now carried over into Gaikwad’s public persona.
In the post-match conversation, There is a clear lack of clarity. Sometimes it seems as if Gaikwad is borrowing from Dhoni’s mannerisms without fully owning his voice. Where Dhoni was precise, Gaikwad can drift. His criticism of the bowlers after Punjab Kings chased down a target of 210 in Chepauk was misconstrued, especially considering the batting was bowled out for 121 against Rajasthan a few days earlier. In attempting to project calm authority, he risks obscuring his natural instincts.
Prepare Plan B
The psychological burden of the dugout has increased with the presence of Sanju Samson. Amidst a whirlwind of speculation, Samson is the king-in-waiting who insists that he is not. As a senior batsman and a proven captain who has led Rajasthan Royals excellently, Samson is a ready Plan B.
Even if Samson doesn’t have any immediate ambitions of a coup, his very presence in the playing eleven adds a layer of scrutiny to every bowling change Gaikwad makes.
Furthermore, confidence in captaincy is often a by-product of runs. Gaikwad, who scored a brilliant century in ODIs at the end of last year, has been disappointed at the worst possible moment. The pressure of the dry well is clearly hampering his decision-making on the field.
The roots of the current situation lie in inconsistent recruitment strategies. In 2024, Gaikwad worked with the explicit support of Dhoni and ran a respectable campaign. However, the 2025 auction made the direction unclear. CSK doubled up on experience, bringing in players like Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda, a decision that prioritized pedigree over form and ended in last place.
It was only after that failure that the franchise changed its stance. The late inclusion of young players signaled a reactive pivot, which became a complete transformation by the 2026 auction. It is not clear how Gaekwad was at the center of these decisions. Whether they shaped this change or are simply managing its consequences remains a question.
Ruturaj Gaikwad batted with young Ayush Mhatre. (AP photo)
This is not the crisis of any one person. This is a team in transition, guided by a management group under pressure. The renowned safety of the CSK environment appears less assured even under the leadership of Stephen Fleming.
Ultimately, CSK is at a crossroads. They have a young team that will inevitably have ups and downs, yet they are led by a captain who is almost flawless by the standards of the era. Whether they turn to Samson or stick with Gaikwad will define their season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad still wears the crown, but in Chennai, there are more questions than certainties.
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (AP Photo/Ejaz Rahi)
Ruturaj Gaikwad Admits his failure on Top Hurt Chennai Super Kings He elaborated on the key moments in the post-match press conference after the huge defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chasing the target of 250 runs, CSK faltered in the beginning and were reduced to 30 runs for 3 wickets after the loss of Ruturaj. sanju samson And Ayush Mhatre. Despite the enthusiastic response later, the initial damage proved decisive. Reflecting on the fight, Ruturaj said in the post-match conference: “To be honest, I was surprised too. Somewhat spectacular fight by Sarfaraz, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton Shivam Dubey. So I think, maybe if I had contributed more at the top of the order, you never know, we would have chased it down. So it’s definitely on me today.” He highlighted how efforts were made Sarfaraz KhanPrashant Veer and Jamie Overton kept CSK in the contest for a while, but admitted that the game had already slipped away due to a poor start. Ruturaj also elaborated on a key moment in the field which could have changed the momentum. Virat Kohli Was dismissed early and RCB took full advantage. Speaking about that phase he said: “As you rightly said, if we had taken advantage of Virat Kohli early, I think, I mean, maybe we would have had the momentum. But I think, the game was still in our hands until the 13th, 14th over, and that’s when the momentum really changed.” That turnaround came dramatically at the death, when Tim David broke the CSK attack. Ruturaj told that he almost had a chance to get him out earlier. At that moment, he said in the press conference: “Well, you are right, KP. I think, Anshul almost got his wicket. It is unfortunate to have an illegal delivery, but yes, after that, he hit it all around the park and, as you rightly said, hats off to him.” RCB’s late lead powered by Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar And David completely stole the game. For Ruturaj, the path was clear. Missed chances, a strong start with the bat and a brutal finish from the opposition combined to seal CSK’s fate.
Kolkata Knight Riders are still looking for their first win of the IPL 2026 season, and their wait could continue for reasons beyond cricket. After defeats against Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, KKR now face the threat of rain ahead of their third match on Monday, April 5.
Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR are set to take on last year’s finalists Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer. This is an important early-season clash, but attention may increasingly turn to the season, which threatens to play a major role.
What do the forecasts suggest?
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is every possibility of rain during the match window. There is a possibility of another round of Kalbaisakhi storm in this area.
“The state is likely to see another round of Kalbaisakhi storm, with hailstorm and thunderstorm likely from Sunday to Thursday. The intensity and spread of rain is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the IMD said.
“The weather is expected to become more severe on Tuesday, when Kalbaisakhi storm with winds reaching 50-60 kmph, lightning and rain is likely to affect Kolkata and adjoining areas.”
AccuWeather also indicates a risk of disruption, with a 51 per cent chance of rainfall around 6pm IST, just before the toss. This increases the possibility of delays or competition being shortened.
What happens if the game is delayed?
If rain interrupts play, there is a limited time to complete the match. At least five overs of play must be played for a result to be obtained.
The cut-off time for the start of the match is 10:56 PM IST. In that case, the toss will have to take place by 10:46 PM IST. Any delay beyond this would mean that the match would have no result.
Five-over contests are usually fast-paced and unpredictable. Teams are forced to attack from the start, leaving little room for cautious play.
If no game is possible, both sides will share one point each.
With both form and weather working against them, KKR are hopeful that conditions will improve and they will finally get a chance to open their account this season.
New Delhi: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore continued their dream run in IPL 2026 with an impressive 43-run win. Chennai Super Kings On Sunday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, on the back of a sensational batting performance and timely strikes with the ball.Coming into bat, RCB made a cautious start on a slightly difficult surface and remained boundary-free in the first three overs. Virat Kohli Looked the most confident early on, while Phil Salt gradually found his rhythm. The innings gained momentum after the powerplay, in which Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal made important partnerships.
Watch
After the big win, Shami told what makes this LSG team special
After this Padikkal took the responsibility and took the innings forward by scoring 50 runs in 29 balls.However, the real carnage unfolded in the death overs. Captain after Padikkal’s dismissal Rajat Patidar joined forces with tim davidAnd both launched a brutal attack. David was particularly devastating, scoring an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls, which included eight sky-scraping sixes. Patidar played a brilliant inning of 48* runs in 19 balls and RCB reached a huge score of 250/3.In reply, CSK had a bad start while chasing the target. Jacob Duffy dismissed both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson early, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar put Ayush Mhatre in trouble by dismissing him. Despite early setbacks, Sarfaraz Khan mounted a brilliant counter-attack, scoring a half-century in 24 balls and taking CSK to 77 in the powerplay.Just when CSK looked to rebuild, Krunal Pandya Turned the game around by dismissing Sarfaraz on his very first ball and Karthik Sharma soon after. A brilliant one-handed catch by Jitesh Sharma to dismiss Shivam Dubey further weakened the chase.Although Prashant Weir (43) and Jamie Overton (37) offered resistance, the required rate continued to rise. Bhuvneshwar (3/41) and Krunal (2/36) ensured regular breakthroughs, while Suyyash Sharma impressed with his control.CSK were eventually all out for 207 in 19.4 overs, falling well behind. With this emphatic win, RCB not only extended their winning streak but also strengthened their position as early title contenders. CSK, on the other hand, now find themselves at the bottom of the table with three consecutive losses in the new season. Brief Score: RCB 250/3 (20 overs) beat CSK 207 (19.4 overs) by 43 runs
Virat Kohli was part of a special and emotional evening at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, when the iconic Bengaluru venue honored two of India’s greatest cricketers, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, by naming their ends after them.
The Rahul Dravid End and Anil Kumble End were officially unveiled at a ceremony attended by their family members, former teammates and Karnataka State Cricket Association officials. Kohli, who has built a strong relationship with Chinnaswamy as the talisman of Royal Challengers Bangalore over the years, was present at the venue, adding a modern connection with an event rooted in heritage.
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, a long-time teammate of both Dravid and Kumble, oversaw the unveiling ceremony along with vice-president Sujit Somasundar. The decision to honor both the legends, in recognition of their immense contribution to Indian and Karnataka cricket, was first announced on 14 February.
The former BEML end at the stadium has now been renamed after Dravid, who scored 24,177 international runs and is considered one of India’s greatest batsmen. The pavilion end is named after Kumble, who took 956 international wickets and remains one of the country’s greatest match-winners.
Speaking at the event, Dravid described Chinnaswamy as his “second home”, reflecting on the countless hours he spent on the field during his career. He thanked KSCA for the honor and said it was a moment that meant a lot to both him and his family.
Dravid’s mother Pushpa and brother Vijay were present at the ceremony, while Kumble was present with his wife Chetna and their children. The evening struck a balance between celebration and emotion, as the achievements of two legends were recognized at a place that played a significant role in shaping their journey.
With Kohli in attendance, the moment is a reminder of the strong heritage of Indian cricket, connecting great players of the past with the current generation.
The crisis within the Bangladesh Cricket Board has deepened, with several people resigning from the board even before completing six months in office, raising questions over its stability.Seven of the 25 directors have already resigned, including four who resigned after Saturday’s board meeting. The exit has increased uncertainty over the future of the current administration.
Watch
Stephen Fleming on CSK’s improvement, bowling pressure and impact player rule
Despite the situation, BCB President aminul islam Said on Sunday that he would not step down. His comments came as the investigation into alleged malpractices and abuse of power in last year’s elections submitted its report to the Bangladesh government.The board is facing pressure from the Sports Ministry, which has raised questions over the validity of the election, Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and allegations of political interference and favoritism within the BCB.The four directors who resigned on April 4 are Saniyan Tanim, Mehrab Alam, Faiyazur Rahman and Manjurul Alam.“I will sit in my chair, what else can I do? I will be the last one to go,” Aminul told Jamuna TV on Saturday, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo. “I have a very good, dedicated and honest team [in the BCB]. I want to serve Bangladesh cricket with this team.”“No one is indispensable. I was alone.” [Bangladeshi] To work in ICC. I am not saying that I am a big person, but I am sitting here because of my experience. I left everything to come here to support my country. If it is no longer mine then I will look for another way. But I want to support my country.”“Our team (board of directors) is good and they are dedicated and honest so I want to work with this team and serve Bangladesh cricket,” he said. “We could not work with freedom even for a day because an external force was always troubling us and is still troubling us. Our cricket is stagnant and I have said many times that an external force is troubling us and because of that the pace of our cricket has slowed down.”Aminul said he could not appear before the inquiry committee due to schedule conflicts and instead submitted a written reply.“I did not face the committee. I was busy with two different meetings, so the dates clashed with their schedule for me. I gave them my response in writing,” he said, adding, “I was not involved in anything [in the board elections]. I was involved in an area which is now under investigation. I will not go into details, but I can say that as per our constitution, an ad-hoc committee runs the district sports organization. It is clearly stated that the name [of councillors] “Must come from within the ad-hoc committee.”“When only three names came from within those ad-hoc committees, we were forced to rewrite them. We said please send names from within your ad-hoc committee. It’s the only thing I was involved in,” he said.Aminul was appointed BCB president in May 2025 after replacing Farooq Ahmed as a government-backed director on the board. He later contested elections in October and was elected President.Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal had alleged misconduct and abuse of power against Aminul and withdrew from the election race.
