Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bangalore (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

Indian Premier LeagueThe batting revolution has reached another peak in IPL 2026, where even a score above 200 no longer guarantees safety. Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 222/4 against Punjab Kings on Sunday, officially registering their 53rd 200-plus score in the tournament this season – the highest ever in a singles. IPL version.Highest total of more than 200 in an IPL edition53 in 202652 in 202541 in 202437 in 202318 in 2022The trend over the past few years makes this number even more staggering. IPL 2025 had previously set a record with 52 scores above 200. Earlier, IPL 2024 had seen 41 such scores, while IPL 2023 had seen 37. Go back just four years to IPL 2022, and the number was only 18. This growth perfectly reflects how dramatically T20 batting has evolved. Aggressive powerplay intent, fearless middle-order hitting and expert finishers have completely changed the definition of a “good total” in the IPL. The introduction of the impact player rule has tilted the balance towards the batsmen, allowing teams to field an extra hitter, while giving players even more freedom to attack with the first ball. What was once considered a match-winning score is now often seen as an equaliser. RCB’s innings against PBKS was another reminder of that change. Virat Kohli Laid the foundation by scoring 58 runs in 37 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal maintained the pace by scoring 45 runs in 25 balls. but he was Venkatesh Iyer Who completely changed the innings by scoring unbeaten 73 runs in just 40 balls. Even after crossing 220, RCB still could not feel completely safe as such totals are increasingly becoming chaseable in modern IPL cricket. Earlier this season, Punjab Kings chased down 265 against Delhi Capitals, which perfectly reflects the fearless batting era that has entered the league. Batsmen are now attacking from the very first ball, teams routinely score more than 10 runs per over throughout the innings and the death overs have become boundary-hit showdowns. A score of 200 is no longer extraordinary in IPL 2026. This is just the starting point of the competition.

While Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni dominate the popularity charts, former India batsman Ambati Rayudu believes that the discussion about the greatest IPL player of all time belongs to someone else. After Kolkata Knight Riders’ big win over Gujarat Titans, Rayudu overtook the league’s most famous icons to crown Sunil Narine the undisputed number one.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu delivered a scathing verdict on the West Indian’s legacy, highlighting his unmatched value as a genuine two-way player.

“Best IPL An all-time player in my opinion,” Rayudu said, “a match-winner with the ball and with the bat. I don’t think there have been that many great players in the IPL, but this guy always stands out. That’s at the top of the list for me.”

Overcome Controversy to Achieve Greatness

Former India coach Sanjay Bangar strongly supported Rayudu’s claim and placed Narine firmly in the top five of all-time. Bangar praised the KKR star’s resilience and how he rebuilt his bowling after his action was questioned several times during his career.

“He had to overcome a lot of problems in terms of his action being questioned,” Bangar said. “But he found another way of bowling the ball while maintaining the ability to turn the ball both ways. This creates a huge doubt in the mind of the batsman. These qualities make him a legend.”

Historic 200th match keeps KKR alive

The praise came at just the right time, including from Narine Historic 200th IPL match for KKR, it is necessary to win at any cost.

Batting first, KKR scored a season’s best score of 247 runs for 2 wickets. Opener Finn Allen played a stormy innings of 93 runs in 35 balls, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi (82*) and Cameron Green (52*) ended the innings brilliantly by making an unbeaten 108-run partnership.

Captain of Gujarat Titans in reply Shubman Gill gave a brilliant counter attackKept his team in the competition by scoring 85 runs. However, it was Narine who broke the game open. The experienced spinner outwitted the dangerous Gill, and trapped him in an errant shot on his way to taking 2 for 29.

Despite half-centuries from Jos Buttler (57) and Sai Sudarshan (53*), GT finished at 218 for 4. The 29-run win kept KKR’s play-off hopes alive, proving that even after 200 matches, Sunil Narine is one of the ultimate match-winners in the IPL.

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Rahmat Shah (Image Credit: Zimbabwe Cricket)

New Delhi: A social media post that included Rehmat Shah There was mass confusion and panic among cricket fans when many mistakenly believed that the Afghanistan batsman had passed away. Confusion started when Afghanistan all-rounder Kareem Janat Rehmat Shah shared a condolence message on Instagram along with a photo and a note written in Pashto.Soon after the post surfaced online, the automated translation on Instagram incorrectly suggested that Rehmat Shah had died. Fans were left shocked and many social media users started posting condolence messages for the cricketer.However, these reports were completely false. Rehmat Shah is alive. Actually, the condolence message was not for the demise of the cricketer but for Rehmat Shah’s mother.The confusion arose from Instagram’s automatic translation feature, which mistranslated Janat’s Pashto message. The automatic translation reads:“With great sadness, I heard the news of the demise of the great player Rahmat Shah Afghanistan national cricket team. This great tragedy has deeply saddened me and all cricket fans. As a cricket player, I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to Rahmat Shah and his family. May Allah grant the deceased heaven, illuminate his grave and give his family the fortitude to bear this immense grief. Verily, we belong to Allah, and verily, to Him we will return,” the automated Instagram translation of Karim’s post read.However, the translation was wrong and changed the entire context of the original Pashto message.The correct translation of Janat’s post is as follows:“I heard the news of the death of the respected mother of Rahmat Shah, a talented player of the national cricket team. This great tragedy deeply saddens me and all cricket fans. On my own behalf and as a cricketer, I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to Rahmat Shah and his respected family. May Allah grant heaven to the deceased, fill his grave with light, and give his family the fortitude to bear this great grief. Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we will return.” Rahmat Shah last played an ODI for the Afghanistan national cricket team in October last year against the Bangladesh national cricket team, where he retired hurt during the match.The veteran batsman has represented Afghanistan in 11 Tests, 125 ODIs and one T20I, and has scored over 5,000 international runs during his career.

Conor McGregor is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon after nearly five years, taking on Max Holloway in a welterweight bout at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11. McGregor, 37, has been out of action since suffering a broken foot during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021. McGregor initially planned to return against Michael Chandler in 2024But the match was canceled due to a fracture in his big toe a few weeks before the competition.

The upcoming fight against Holloway will renew a rivalry that dates back to 2013, when McGregor defeated the Hawaiian by unanimous decision in a featherweight contest. Holloway, now 34, represents a major challenge to the comeback of McGregor, who has been among the elite fighters in the lightweight divisions in recent years.

McGregor takes a dig at Holloway

McGregor, known for his insults and trash talking on social media, took a dig at Holloway right after the fight was made official. Reminding Blessed of the previous result, the Irish star promised to defeat him in the Octagon.

“I’m gonna make you a son, baby. Again,” McGregor said.

One of the biggest names in MMA history, McGregor has a professional record of 22 wins and six losses since beginning his career in 2008. He became the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion after capturing the featherweight title in 2015 and the lightweight crown a year later.

However, the later stages of his career were also filled with many controversies. In 2025, McGregor accepted an 18-month suspension for violating the UFC’s anti-doping rules after missing three drug tests during a 12-month period in 2024.

The suspension, which was applied retroactively from his third missed test in September 2024, officially ended in March. Since then, McGregor has reportedly faced 11 tests by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) this year – the highest number among active UFC fighters.

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Bangladesh national cricket team wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das scored a brilliant counterattack century to rescue his team after being dismissed early on the opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan national cricket team on Saturday.

Liton scored 126 runs off just 159 balls with 16 fours and two sixes, as Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 after a poor start in their first innings.

Pakistan then negotiated safely six overs before stumps, scoring 21 runs without loss and trailing by 257 runs at the end of play.

Apart from Liton, no Bangladesh batsman managed to cross the 30-run mark, underscoring the pressure created by Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack throughout the day.

Bain vs Pak. Second Test: Highlights from day one

Khurram Shahzad, who was brought into the team in place of Shaheen Shah Afridi, bowled brilliantly for Pakistan and took 4 wickets for 81 runs. Experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas provided excellent support and took 3 wickets for 45 runs.

Hasan Ali, who suffered an injury early in the innings after falling awkwardly in his opening over, later returned to the field and took 2 for 49, including the prized wicket of Liton Das.

Pakistan got off to a great start after captain Shan Masood won the toss and decided to bowl first. Abbas dismissed Mahmudul Hasan for zero on the second ball of the innings.

Debutant Tanzeed Hasan coped with the pressure briefly with a lively innings of 26 runs. The left-handed batsman played some attractive strokes, including a cover drive off Abbas, before also defeating Khurram Shahzad.

However, Tanjeed gave a return catch to Hasan Ali in the eighth over. While completing the catch, Pakistan’s fast bowler got injured and had to be immediately taken off the field.

Tanzeed’s dismissal ended a 44-run partnership with Mominul Haq, who was bowled by Shehzad for 22, leaving Bangladesh at 63 for 3.

Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who came into the match after scores of 101 and 87 in the first Test, tried to stabilize the innings along with the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim. But Abbas broke the stand by dismissing Shanto for 29 runs.

Khurram Shahzad then started another collapse by dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim for 23 and Mehdi Hasan in quick succession, reducing Bangladesh to 116 for 6.

At that stage, Liton Das launched a remarkable rescue effort.

The wicketkeeper-batsman stitched a valuable 60-run partnership with Taijul Islam for the seventh wicket and gradually shifted the momentum back in favor of Bangladesh.

Liton completed his half-century in 93 balls before accelerating brilliantly. He brought up his sixth Test century off 135 balls with a brilliant backfoot punch through cover and received applause from the crowd.

His aggressive approach ensured that Bangladesh remained competitive despite frequent setbacks.

After this, Pakistan openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal performed safely in the last overs of the day and remained unbeaten on 13 and 8 runs respectively.

Pakistan’s leading batsman Babar Azam has also returned to the team for the second Test after missing the opening match due to a left knee injury.

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Sai Sudarshan of Gujarat Titans (ANI photo)

Sai Sudarshan continued his sensational rise in world cricket by becoming the fastest batsman to reach 3000 T20 runs during Gujarat Titans’ clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.Fewest innings to score 3000 runs in T2078 – Sai Sudarshan*85 – Shaun Marsh86 – D’Arcy Short86 – Devon Conway87 – Chris Gayle The stylish left-handed batsman achieved the feat in just 78 innings and broke the previous record of Shaun Marsh, who had achieved the feat in 85 innings. SAI also overtakes names like D’Arcy Short, Devon Conway and Chris Gayle in the elite list. Despite losing to Gujarat Titans by 29 runs, SAI once again looked in great form during the chase. The opening batsman retired for some time after suffering an injury, but later returned to the crease and remained unbeaten on 53 runs in just 28 balls.Consecutive scores of over 50 for GT4* – Sai Sudarshan (2026)3 – Hardik Pandya (2022)3 – Sai Sudarshan (2024-25)3 – Shubman Gill (2025)3-Shubhman Gill (2026) The half-century continued his extraordinary consistency this season as well. Sai has now recorded four consecutive 50-plus scores for GT, becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve the feat. The previous best for Gujarat Titans was three consecutive scores of 50-plus, achieved by Hardik Pandya in 2022 and later equaled by Sai himself and Shubman Gill. The Gujarat opening batsman is now the leading run-scorer of IPL 2026 and currently holds the Orange Cap with 554 runs in 13 matches. He has scored these runs at an excellent average of 46.17 and strike rate of 157.83. SAI’s latest milestone came in a high-scoring encounter at the Eden Gardens, where Gujarat Titans’ five-match winning streak finally came to an end. Chasing a tough target of 248, GT fought hard through half-centuries from Sai, Gill and. jos buttlerBut eventually finished at 218/4. Earlier in the match, KKR completely dominated the batting after explosive innings. finn allen And Angkrish Raghuvanshi took them to 247/2. Allen scored 93 runs in just 35 balls with the help of 10 sixes, while Raghuvanshi remained unbeaten on 82 runs. GT’s poor fielding proved costly as he dropped four catches during the innings, including crucial chances given by Allen, Raghuvanshi and. cameron green. Those missed chances ultimately hurt Gujarat badly as KKR kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial win.

FC Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski is set to leave the club at the end of the season. The great Polish striker, one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of football, moved to FC Barcelona after a four-year stay, where he won seven titles. The Polish striker scored 119 goals in 191 matches, making him the team’s 14th-highest goalscorer of all time.

Lewandowski arrived at the club at a time when Barcelona were at their lowest point in their modern history, struggling with financial crisis and uncertainty on and off the field. Barcelona paid an initial transfer fee of 45 million euros plus add-ons to bring Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, where he had scored 344 goals while winning eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.

Lewandowski made an immediate impact, topping La Liga’s scoring charts with 23 goals in his first season and helping Barcelona clinch their first league title in four years.

Lewandowski said in a statement, “After four years full of challenges and hard work, it is time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission has been accomplished. Four seasons, three championships.”

He said, “I will never forget the love I have received from the fans since my early days. Catalonia is my place on earth.”

“Barça is back where it was,” the striker concluded.

Lewandowski was also Barcelona’s top scorer in the next two La Liga campaigns, Including the 2024–25 season where he scored 27 goals To help the club retain the title. However, this season, the striker struggled with several injuries, starting only 15 of his 29 La Liga matches, while scoring 13 goals.

he showed up late Barcelona won LaLiga by beating Real Madrid 2-0 last weekend, while his goal in Barcelona’s 2-1 win over CA Osasuna earlier this month set the club on course to clinch the title with a Clásico victory.

Beyond goals, Lewandowski brought leadership and calmness to a Barcelona attack filled with young players during his tenure. As Barcelona transformed into one of the most devastating attacking teams in Europe over the past two years, he was constantly seen guiding teammates on positioning, moves and decision-making.

For many of Barcelona’s rising stars, Lewandowski was more than just a striker. He was a guide, a reference point and a player whose standards shaped the dressing room during an important rebuilding era for the club. At a time when Barcelona desperately needed stability and belief, Lewandowski arrived with the aura of a serial winner and helped restore both.

Media reports suggest that Lewandowski has received offers from Saudi Arabia, Italy and the United States. Wherever he goes next, he leaves Barcelona as one of the pivotal figures in the club’s post-Messi rebuilding – a legendary goalscorer whose impact went far beyond the numbers on the scoresheet.

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Chennai Super Kings (AP Photo)

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu believe that Chennai Super Kings There was a lack of calm and experienced players on the field during Friday’s heavy seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, especially when young fast bowler Anshul Kamboj was under constant attack. Michelle Marsh And nicholas puran. CSK’s bowling attack had no answer as LSG chased down the target of 188 runs in just 16.4 overs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The night turned out to be particularly difficult for Kamboj, who was hit for four consecutive sixes in an over by Mitchell Marsh, before Nicholas Pooran repeated the same attack later in the innings. The young fast bowler ultimately finished with figures of 0/63 in 2.4 overs. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s timeout show after the match, Rayudu said that CSK lacked senior players on the field who could step up and help Kamboj regain composure during a brutal spell. Rayudu said, “I think that CSK team, when you see them on the field, there are not a lot of smart minds or experienced players, players who can control the game, who can go and pat it down and say, ‘Boss, just wait, wait for ten seconds, tie your laces.’ The former CSK batsman felt that someone was needed to break the rhythm of Kamboj’s negative thoughts when the attack was unfolding. Rayudu said wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was too far away from the action to make an immediate impact at that pressure moment. “Maybe ask them, ‘Do you think the slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl yorkers now?’ Just change his train of thought. Don’t let him get lost in that moment,” he said. Despite the nightmare, Rayudu defended the youngster and insisted that Kamboj had faced two batsmen playing at an exceptional level. “This guy has been bowling so well all season that you are bound to have a bad day. It’s like getting a duck or a golden duck. If you look at the balls he bowled, except maybe the last ball down the leg side of that over, most of them were good balls. It was unbelievable hitting,” he said. Chasing the target, Marsh played an explosive inning of 90 runs in just 38 balls, which included seven sixes and nine fours. The Australian tore apart the CSK attack from the start and completed his half-century in just 21 balls. His most destructive phase came in the fifth over when he hit four consecutive sixes and a four off Kamboj, taking 28 runs from the over, as LSG reached 67/0 after five overs. Marsh and Josh Inglis put on a massive opening partnership of 135 which effectively sealed the contest inside the powerplay, with LSG reaching 86/0 after six overs and 124/0 after 10 overs. Although CSK pulled things back briefly by taking the wickets of Inglis and Marsh on consecutive balls, Pooran ensured there was no collapse. With 24 runs required from the last four overs, the left-hander launched another ferocious attack on Kamboj, hitting four consecutive sixes to complete the chase brilliantly. Earlier, CSK scored 187/5 after useful contributions from Karthik Sharma, who scored 71 runs, and Shivam Dubey, who remained unbeaten on 32 runs. However, the total proved a far cry from LSG’s unbeatable batting performance. After this defeat, Chennai Super Kings are at sixth position in the IPL 2026 points table with 12 points from 12 matches, having won and lost six matches each.

Former coach Rahul Dravid has made it clear that he is fundamentally not a fan of Gautam Gambhir’s idea of ​​eliminating the superstar culture within Indian cricket. Has been a vocal supporter of the trend of celebrating serious personal achievements until the very end Team success should be given more importance.

Although Dravid had no problem with Gambhir’s idea, he said that every game needs its fair share of heroes and individual accolades play a role in team success. The former India captain played in the era when Indian cricket had superstars like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. This famous corps took Indian cricket to new heights.

So, Dravid said that in India, you cannot become a hero without the support of his performance.

“Any sport needs its heroes, and I don’t think people become heroes without performances. You don’t capture the imagination of a nation if you don’t perform well on the field, especially in India, where you get a lot of praise for what you do, but also a lot of criticism. There is a lot of scrutiny and constant focus on you. So becoming a legend or a superstar in India means you have done a lot of things right, and this In the process, you’ve also helped your team win,” Dravid told Wisden on the Scoop podcast.

Difficult to replace Rohit and Kohli

Dravid recently took note of India’s performance in Test cricket, which has not been the best under Gambhir. India faced whitewash in the home series Gambhir led against New Zealand And South Africa.

Dravid said that it will not be easy to replace players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin, but he is hopeful that the team will bounce back and perform well.

“The passion to perform well in red-ball cricket is definitely there. We have had a few series where we have not performed as well as the Indian team, and that could be the case. We are also missing some key players, some big names have retired recently – Rohit, Virat and Ashwin – and it is not easy to replace players like them. But Indian cricket is very strong. I am still confident that the Indian team will be competitive in every format. It may take a little time, but hopefully we can change that this season.” Will be able to do things around,” Dravid said.

Dravid also said that with a lot of white-ball cricket being played, it becomes difficult for players to switch between formats.

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