Riding on confident performances from Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamlapalli, India made a spectacular comeback with a massive 3-0 win over New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I match on Wednesday.
After losing 1-2 to Thailand in the rain-affected opening match, India showed sharp improvement in all three matches against the New Zealand team in the absence of their top player Lulu Sun.
She took advantage of Das’s inconsistency early on and recovered from 15-40 to get the first break and lead 2-0. The Indian held firm in the deuce exchanges for long periods and extended her lead with another break in the fifth game.
Although Das managed to get a break back, Vaishnavi responded immediately and finished the opening set 6-2 with an ace.
The second set was a tight one, with Das leveling at 4-4 after trailing 0-40. However, Vaishnavi regained control at the right time and broke again in the ninth game before crashing out of the match.
Vaishnavi said, “It was my first match as a player in the Billie Jean King Cup, so I was definitely very nervous. I didn’t handle my nerves well. But it was a lesson for me.”
“Coming onto the court today, I had to focus on what I do best. And I just had to go out on the court and do my best.”
Sahaja then sealed the tie with an impressive 6-1, 6-3 win over Valentina Ivanova in the second singles.
In a baseline-heavy contest, Sahaja dictated the game with his forehand and movement. She broke early and won the first set 6-1, then maintained the same pace in the second set.
After leading 3-1, Sahaja briefly lost serve in the seventh game, but quickly recovered to lead 5-3. Then he finished the match comfortably.
“I’m happy with the win. It was a tough match (against Thailand). We expected a different result, we did what we could, we fought our hearts out,” Sahaja said.
“I wasn’t happy with the strategies I implemented (in the first match) so I told myself to do it better to finish the matches. We need to fight for every point, support each other and see where it takes us.”
In doubles, Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina won 6-4, 6-2 over Erin Routliff and Monique Barry.
The result marks a strong turnaround for India after a disappointing start against Thailand, where Vaishnavi lost for the first time and Sahaja lost to Patcharine by a narrow margin in a three-set match.
India will look to carry this momentum forward as Group I ties continue.
New Delhi: Despite returning to action during IPL 2026 Match 14 between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, Shubman Gill issued a worrying update on his neck injury. Delhi Capitals continued their strong start to the season by electing to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals the mood in RR dressing room after third consecutive win
While DC came into the game with two wins, Gujarat Titans were still looking for their first win. The match also saw the return of GT captain Shubman Gill, who missed the last game due to muscle cramps.
Gill’s injury concerns and comeback
Gill’s return was encouraging for Gujarat, but the update on his fitness raised some concerns. When asked if it was the same injury that he suffered repeatedly during India’s home series against South Africa, he admitted, “It’s much better, thanks. Yes, it’s a bit like that.”This suggests that the neck problem he suffered from earlier may still persist, even if he is fit enough to play.
dc vs gt news
At the time of the toss, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel explained the decision to bowl first by pointing to the pitch conditions and recent success while chasing.“We will bowl first. We have chased the target well in the last two matches and this is a fresh wicket. It is raining; there may be some moisture. Bowl first, look at the wicket, restrict them and chase the score,” he said.Delhi are looking strong so far with two consecutive wins, while Gujarat Titans have struggled, losing both their matches. With Gill back in the lineup, GT will hope to turn things around and get their campaign back on track, but concerns over his fitness could remain a topic of discussion going forward.
Amid growing criticism over his batting approach, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has defended his intentions, insisting that he has always been a smooth and aggressive player. He emphasized that his development in T20 cricket has been the result of years of deliberate effort and adaptation.
The comments come at a time when KKR’s team combination and Rahane’s strike rate have come under scrutiny at the start of the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
Rahane said, “I have always been an instinctive player, an attacking player. But in the franchises I played for earlier, my role was different. It has always been about the team for me and how I can contribute. Whatever the management asked at that time was about fulfilling that role to the best of my ability.”
Rahane’s comments follow KKR had a mixed start to the season with modest scores in the first three matchesEven though the debate continues regarding his role at the top of the order and the use of power-hitters in the team. Despite leading the team in runs last season, the veteran has faced fresh questions over his strike rate and team balance.
“Three-four years ago, I sat down and thought how can I move forward from here and update my batting. I started working on a few different shots. It took me one to one-and-a-half years to develop some of them. I just kept practicing and at times got hit on my chest and stomach. When you have the passion to improve, you automatically strive to get better. The last few years have been really good for me in this format, and I really Enjoying my cricket.”
Leadership, team balance and expectations
Rahane, who is leading KKR despite finishing eighth last seasonAcknowledged the expectations associated with representing a franchise supported by passionate supporters in Kolkata. He also reflected on the responsibility of leadership and the importance of contributing to the team’s success.
“It has been really amazing to captain KKR. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this franchise. The passion for cricket in Kolkata is incredible. Whenever you play at Eden Gardens, the fans are passionate, and I understand that they love the game and are extremely passionate about the team. Winning the championship is always the goal,” he said.
He credited team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for his continued support, especially during challenging phases, adding that the team is focused on delivering a strong campaign for its fans. KKR will next face Lucknow Supergiants on April 9 at the Eden Gardens.
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings Facing increasing uncertainty regarding his talisman and former captain ms dhoniDespite his availability, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman is still some way away from full fitness as the IPL 2026 season gathers pace.As per Cricbuzz report, Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to a calf muscle strain and is unlikely to be match-ready in time for CSK’s upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals on April 11. At this stage, the 44-year-old may need at least another week before returning to action, casting serious doubts over his participation in the next two fixtures.
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Fleming told where CSK lost the match in the last 4 overs.
CSK is set to host Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in Chepauk in the coming days, but Dhoni is almost certain to miss the first game and is doubtful for the second. His absence comes at a crucial juncture, as the five-time champions are yet to open their account this season after three consecutive defeats.Rehabilitation in Chennai, timeline for return unclearDhoni has stayed back in Chennai instead of traveling with the team for away fixtures, including matches in Guwahati and Bengaluru. His absence during CSK’s recent home match against Punjab Kings further fueled speculations about his fitness.The report adds that Dhoni is working closely with CSK’s support staff, which also includes a physio and masseur, as part of his recovery programme. He has also resumed light training, including recent batting sessions in the nets, but is yet to regain match fitness.“MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We can’t say how much time it will take,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said. He indicated that there is no definite timeline for his return.CSK is struggling without its talismanDhoni’s unavailability coincides with a poor start for CSK, who are currently facing one of their worst ever starts. IPL Campaign. The franchise’s only poor start came in 2022, when they lost their first four matches.Although there is depth in the squad, the absence of their most experienced man has left a glaring gap, especially in difficult situations.Interestingly, Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman heinrich classen Offering a contrary view, it was suggested that Dhoni’s absence may not drastically change CSK’s on-field strength.“CSK have an incredible IPL record. They are not an inferior team even without Dhoni,” Klaasen said on the JioStar press room. He said that Dhoni’s influence is felt more in leadership than batting.
Akshar Patel warned the other teams. “Let’s make Kotla our fort,” he said on the eve of Delhi Capitals’ first IPL 2026 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Capitals followed suit by comfortably defeating Mumbai Indians at home last week. Now, they face a struggling Gujarat Titans team who are hoping to complete a hat-trick of wins in the opening season.
Having won just one out of five at the Kotla last season, Delhi will aim to continue their strong start as they play all seven home matches in the capital this year.
However, the threat of rain is looming their way, as North India continues to feel the impact of western disturbances. Shubman Gill’s return The Titans are hamstrung by neck muscle spasms, but Delhi – who appear to be a well-oiled machine – will start as favorites against a Gujarat team that looks strong on paper but is being hampered by the poor form of several of their key players.
Delhi Capitals will take on Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 PM IST. JioHotstar will broadcast the match live in India, while Star Sports will telecast it on television.
Ringside View: DC vs GT
On the eve of the game in Delhi, evening rain gave both teams a chance to overcome their shortcomings. In the Gujarat Titans camp, all the attention was on their weak middle-order. Washington Sundar, who was tasked with strengthening the unit, conducted a 40-minute workout. Tested by the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, the young all-rounder gradually found his rhythm. After taking his time to settle down, Sundar began to strike the ball with pace, sending balls into the stands – something the Titans will be hoping he can repeat in Wednesday’s match.
Next came their captain Shubman Gill, who missed the game against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad – where their middle order collapsed after a strong start in an unsuccessful chase of 211.
IPL 2026: Shubman Gill did not play the last match of GT. (PTI photo)
Gill entered the net session with ease, arriving minutes after his opening partner Sai Sudarshan confirmed that the captain would be fit to play. Once he got his timing right, Gill sent a few balls tumbling into the stands. As is typical of India’s ODI and Test captain, there was nothing extraordinary – just precise timing and brilliant strokeplay, which put the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar under pressure.
Rahul Tewatia, who has been looking out of form, also spent time in the nets as Gujarat look desperate to stabilize their middle order.
On the other side of the main strip, KL Rahul was the focal point. Following the routine, wicketkeeper-batsman Pathum went in with Nissanka, but it was Rahul who dominated the session, clearly eager to make a significant contribution after two consecutive failures (0 and 1). While the Sri Lankan openers looked in great form, Rahul looked sharp, although at times he struggled with the pace of Auqib Nabi.
Nitish Rana, brought in as a dependable presence at No. 3, also spent time in the middle, taking throwdowns near the boundary in a specially curated session.
Team News: DC vs GT
Delhi Capitals are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. Mitchell Starc is still in Australia And with the early season momentum firmly in their favour, they are expected to build on the work they have done so far.
Bowling coach Munaf Patel echoed this sentiment, while also indicating that Sameer Rizvi will remain an impact player despite consistent match-winning performances with the bat. He did not rule out the possibility of including an additional bowling option in Ashutosh Sharma or Nabi if the situation demanded, highlighting the team’s flexibility.
Will Auqib Nabi play in DC vs GT? (PTI photo)
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans are set to make a straightforward change, with Gill returning in place of youngster Kumar Kushagra. They may also consider bringing in Jason Holder in place of Kagiso Rabada to strengthen the lower middle order, which is lacking confidence at the moment.
They will also be keen to see Rashid Khan regain his rhythm with the ball after a slow start to the season. Express Their pace attack, featuring Ashok Sharma, has the potential to trouble Delhi’s inconsistent top order.
Delhi pitch and weather conditions
The pitch used for the game against Mumbai Indians last Saturday afternoon was helping the bowlers. On the eve of this match, there was a light green color on the surface, which suggests that the bowlers may once again get some help.
That said, Delhi continues to be one of the high-scoring venues, especially in the evening matches.
While it rained overnight in the capital, the forecast is more favorable during match hours. It may rain once or twice in the afternoon, but full play is expected on Wednesday.
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Effect Sub: Prasad Krishna
See the press: what they said
Sai Sudarshan on GT’s poor middle order: “If one of the top three batsmen plays for a long time, it is always a good thing for the team. We believe in our middle order. This is the team that played last year and we qualified. So it is just two games and I and the entire team are confident that our middle order will win the game.”
On Mitchell Starc’s absence, DC bowling coach Munaf Patel said, “We have won two matches, so his absence has not been felt so far. But if the results are not in our favor then questions will be raised. Starc is one of the best bowlers in the world. In the IPL, only a player like Jasprit Bumrah can be compared to him. He brings pace, swing and experience. We are keeping a close eye on his fitness as he is very important for us.” Are.”
Hardik Pandya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (PTI/ANI photo)
New Delhi: Mumbai Indians captain hardik pandya He was surprised by teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi after getting help from the youngster’s explosive innings Rajasthan Royals Won by 27 runs in the rain-affected IPL 2026 match on Tuesday.In a match in Guwahati that was reduced to 11 overs per team, Suryavanshi played a breathtaking inning of 39 runs off just 14 balls. Yashasvi JaiswalHis unbeaten 77 took Rajasthan to 150/3 – a total that proved well beyond Mumbai’s reach as they were restricted to 123/9.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!While the result pushed MI to seventh in the standings, Pandya decided to highlight the fearless batting of the 15-year-old opener, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the league.“It’s fascinating to see a 17 or 16-year-old boy play the way he does,” Pandya said after the game. “At the same time, we discussed him a lot in our preparation. Still, the way he bats – the kind of fearlessness he has, the kind of shots he plays – it’s amazing to watch. I wish him all the best for the future.”Suryavanshi wasted no time in impressing the leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah With bold strokeplay, including several sixes, which stunned the opposition and changed the momentum decisively in RR’s favour. Pandya admitted that the opening pair of Jaiswal and Suryavanshi effectively “knocked Mumbai out of the game” in the powerplay itself.Despite brilliant batting, Pandya attributed his team’s bowling to the main reason behind the defeat. “We didn’t execute the balls we should have and played well,” he said. “In a short game like this, the bowlers need to take more responsibility. As a bowling group, we were not at all good.”Also read:Yashasvi Jaiswal hits 100 sixes, joins Royals’ elite power-hittersHe said the outcome could have been different with better discipline. “T20 cricket is about bowling the right two balls. If we had executed on those, we would have been in the game. I wouldn’t put it on the batting – it was definitely on the bowling unit.”Looking to the future, Pandya remained optimistic despite Mumbai’s inconsistent start to the season. “Just learn from the mistakes. Tomorrow will be morning, the sun will rise,” he said, referring to their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. “We need to prepare well and come back stronger.”
Jos Buttler has struggled in 2026, especially in T20 Internationals. His T20 World Cup 2026 performance was not good and he scored only 87 runs in eight innings. Overall, he has scored 168 runs in 11 T20Is this year at an average of 15.27 and a strike rate of less than 125.
Despite this, Butler aims to make a comeback in IPL With Gujarat Titans, relying on his experience and skills. He had a strong first season with GT as he scored 538 runs in 14 matches. This season, he has started with scores of 38 runs in 33 balls against Punjab Kings and 26 runs in 14 balls against Rajasthan Royals.
Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast with Stuart Broad, Buttler said after the break T20 World Cup was beneficial. He is focusing on his technique and preparation to ensure that he is in good position at the time of ball release.
“I’m feeling really good. Feeling good after the break.” [T20] World Cup, just put the bat down and have some space. Basically, just focusing on myself and my set-up and making sure I’m in a good position when the ball is released – which I do,” Butler said.
He said that he wants to convert a good start into a match-winning innings. “And then just trusting my game, trusting my experience and trying to let it happen. I’m in a good position, like with a few starts. You always want to step up and make a match-winning contribution, but it’s good to feel calm in the middle and in a good place. Hopefully that can continue,” he said.
‘No mental block’
Butler stressed the importance of focusing on the present rather than past performance. He is careful to avoid mental blocks related to specific bowlers or venues.
“Every day you start from scratch and that’s what I’m looking forward to,” Butler explained. “Just looking forward, not thinking about the past, looking forward to the games, and just trying to measure up and not read too much into past successes or past failures.
“Sometimes you can – and I’ve certainly done this sometimes – create a kind of mental block against a certain bowler or a certain position, and say ‘This doesn’t work for me, on this ground.’ Or ‘Why can’t I score runs on any ground’ or that kind of mentality. I’m really trying to stay away from that,” he said.
Gujarat Titans have lost their first two matches and will try to recover from this when they face Delhi Capitals on April 8.
Rajasthan Royals Maintained its dominance by defeating Indian Premier League 2026 Mumbai Indians India lost by 27 runs in a rain-interrupted 11-over-a-side match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.were leading the charge Yashasvi JaiswalWho played a brilliant inning of 77 unbeaten runs in 32 balls with the help of 10 fours and four sixes. He shared a explosive opening partnership of 80 runs with teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 39 runs in just 14 balls. The pair laid the foundation for Rajasthan’s mammoth score of 150/3, which ultimately proved too heavy for Mumbai.The match, which was delayed by more than two and a half hours due to rain, became one-sided soon after the Royals’ innings. Chasing the target, Mumbai Indians soon faltered and were reduced to 46/5 inside five overs, losing key batsmen Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya in single figures. Despite some late resistance, they finished at 123/9, suffering their second consecutive defeat.Chasing 151 runs, Mumbai’s troubles started in the very first over when Richelton missed a rising ball from Joffra Archer after hitting a six and was caught by Dhruv Jurel. Suryakumar Yadav briefly showed intent by hitting a six, but fell victim to Nandre Berger soon after, taking Mumbai’s score to 20/2.Sandeep Sharma then dealt a crucial blow by dismissing Rohit Sharma LBW – the sixth time he has dismissed the Mumbai skipper in the IPL – as the five-time champions slipped further. Ravi Bishnoi tightened the screws by dismissing both Hardik Pandya and Tilak Verma in quick succession, ending Mumbai’s hopes.Earlier, Rajasthan Royals got off to a great start with Jaiswal hitting 22 runs in the first over of Deepak Chahar. After this, Suryavanshi performed fearlessly and hit two sixes on Jasprit Bumrah. Jaiswal continued the attack and hit two consecutive sixes off Trent Boult, taking Rajasthan to 50 in just 16 balls.Suryavanshi’s explosive innings ended when Shardul Thakur had him caught near the boundary line, while AM Ghazanfar dismissed Jurel and captain Riyan Parag. However, Jaiswal remained unbeaten till the end, ensuring Rajasthan Royals posted a match-winning total and moved to the top of the table with three consecutive wins.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed strong support for Mohammed Shami’s return to the Indian national cricket team. Speaking in Kolkata ahead of Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2026 match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9, Ganguly cited Shami’s recent performances as clear justification for his inclusion.
Ganguly made these comments during the inauguration of the third season of Bengal Pro T20 League on Tuesday. He praised Shami’s bowling and fitness despite his absence from the national team. The former BCCI president stressed that Shami’s role should be as Jasprit Bumrah’s new-ball partner – nothing else.
“He should be bowling at the other end to Bumrah, not anywhere else. He is that good. We all saw that spell the other night against Sunrisers Hyderabad – four overs, nine runs against the two best T20 players, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. That was phenomenal,” Ganguly said. Shami’s recent IPL performance in which he took 2 wickets for 9 runs And earned player of the match honors in Lucknow Super Giants’ win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Ganguly also highlighted Shami’s impact in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. He pointed to the 35-year-old’s hunger and consistency, noting his commitment to performing day in and day out despite being overlooked by the selectors.
“He had a very good Ranji Trophy season for Bengal. I still remember that semi-final – even though Bengal lost, he took eight wickets. He was instrumental in taking the team here,” he said.
‘Shami’s seam treat is worth watching’
Addressing the physical demands placed on fast bowlers, Ganguly welcomed Shami’s continued participation in the Ranji Trophy. “I am very happy that he wants to continue playing in the Ranji Trophy. It is tough for a fast bowler, but there is nothing better than watching Mohammed Shami play with the new ball,” he said.
“He looks fit and sharp. After bowling consistently for several months, you naturally get into peak condition – no amount of training matches that. I wish him all the best and would love to see him back in India colours,” Ganguly said.
Like millions of Indian cricket fans, Ganguly also admires Shami’s straight seam – a hallmark of his bowling that still stands out today.
Shami was one of the leading wicket-takers in this season’s Ranji Trophy with 37 wickets at an average of 16.72. Despite these performances, he has been sidelined by the Ajit Agarkar-led national selectors, and has yet to regain his place in the international team.
Ganguly highlighted the ongoing debate over selection policies and player management in Indian cricket, saying, “I still believe he should play for India. Hopefully his time comes again because he is so good. When the ball comes out with a straight seam, it is a sight to behold.”
The reason for Shami’s exclusion is not due to lack of performance. In the 2025–26 domestic season, he performed brilliantly for Bengal and took 67 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. his recent IPL Lucknow Super Giants’ form has been equally impressive; Most notably, he delivered a match-winning spell of 2 for 9 against SRH on April 5 – which included 18 dot balls.
In response to their continued omissions, Shami has been unusually vocal. He has strongly rejected any talk of retirement and has said that he would only retire when he felt bored or lacked motivation. Hinting at the deep disappointment, he suggested that lack of PR could be influencing selection decisions, with young pacers being given preference despite their proven technical ability.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has consistently said that the door is not closed. However, his comments indicate an emphasis on “match fitness” as a selection criteria – something Shami believes he has already demonstrated through his performances.
Gujarat Titans batsman Sai Sudarshan on Tuesday confirmed that the team captain and his opening partner Shubman Gill will play the IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday.“Shubman is doing well. He will play tomorrow,” Sai Sudarshan confirmed Shubman Gill’s participation in yesterday’s (Wednesday) match against Delhi Capitals, after the GT skipper missed the last game due to muscle cramps.Gill did not play in the last match and his shoulder and neck were bandaged. The GT captain has been battling neck spasms since the 2025-26 domestic Test season. Sudarshan said that Gill has recovered and is fit to return. He will probably replace Kumar Kushagra at the top of the order. GT may also consider bringing in Jason Holder in the middle-order.Delhi Capitals will be looking for runs from their top-order led by KL Rahul as they aim to continue their results against Gujarat Titans.Delhi Capitals have performed well with the ball in their first two matches, with 22-year-old Sameer Rizvi having scored the most runs so far.In comparison, Gujarat Titans have faced problems with both batting and bowling. The team has relied on its top order, and the middle order has not made use of the starts. Despite a good start from Sudarshan, GT could not chase 205 runs against Rajasthan Royals.The middle order of Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia will need to perform more.In bowling, Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have given runs, while Prasidh Krishna has not been able to perform consistently.Rashid Khan has made a good start and 23 year old fast bowler Ashok Sharma has also made an impact.The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is usually conducive to batting, but in the afternoon match last week, Mumbai Indians scored 162 runs. It remains to be seen how the pitch behaves in the evening match.
