New Delhi: Punjab Kings registered a spectacular win by five wickets Chennai Super Kings In their IPL 2026 encounter at Chepauk, they chased a massive target of 210 runs with confidence. Despite CSK posting a strong score, PBKS handled the pressure better and secured their second consecutive win of the season.After being invited to bat, CSK built their innings around a solid partnership between Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both of them gave a strong platform to the team by adding 96 runs for the second wicket.
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Mhatre performed brilliantly and scored 73 runs in 43 balls with the help of fours and sixes.In the latter stages, Sarfaraz Khan played a quick innings and scored 32 runs in just 12 balls, while Shivam Dubey remained unbeaten on 45 and finished the innings strongly. His efforts took CSK to a competitive total of 209/5 in 20 overs, which looked challenging on the surface.In reply, PBKS attacked and maintained a steady run rate throughout the chase. Young opener Priyansh Arya provided a bright start, while others contributed to keep the scoreboard running. captain Shreyas Iyer Played an important role in taking the innings forward by scoring 50 runs in 29 balls.Even when wickets fell at intervals, PBKS did not panic and continued to play positive cricket. Contributions from the middle order ensured the target remained on target and they eventually reached 210/5 in 18.4 overs.While CSK impressed with the bat, their bowlers struggled to contain runs. PBKS, on the other hand, chased their target smartly and came out on top.
Chennai Super Kings’ first home match had a big impact on the mood at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. What started with a thunderous applause for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at the toss turned into complete silence after the CSK skipper once again played a wobbly innings in the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League.
Batting with Sanju Samson and then young Ayush Mhatre, Gaikwad never really got going and played a poor innings of 28 off 22, completely dismantling Chennai’s top order.
But it wasn’t entirely his fault. CSK, who came to bat first on a pitch that looked quite flat, faced setbacks in the very beginning. In the second over, Sanju Samson sent the ball back to the keeper while trying to drive Xavier Bartlett. It seemed as if Gaikwad had been pushed into his shell, from which he never really came out.
After hitting only two fours in his 22-ball innings, Gaikwad’s innings ended in the 12th over with what was probably one of the most harmless balls of the innings, wide of the leg side.
The batsman’s form was such that he chased the ball and swept it, but found Nehal Wadhera, the only fielder posted on the boundary.
Cricket fans on Twitter were also not happy with Gaikwad’s innings and criticized the batsman for his second failure of the season.
Chennai Super Kings were saved on Friday by a brilliant innings from Ayush Mhatre, who scored 73 runs off just 43 balls before being dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. Apart from young Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan played a brilliant inning of 32 runs in 12 balls to give the home team a late lead.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yuvraj Singh (Photo by PTI)
New Delhi: India’s young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is already making headlines in the cricket world. Ahead of IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals star considers Brian Lara as his idol Yuvraj SinghThe goal is to make an impact. Shine and break records in ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 IPL Only 14 years old last season, he, now 15, is considered a talented individual with immense potential.
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When Yuvraj was asked if Vaibhav could play for India soon, Yuvraj, while speaking on the Sports Tak podcast, said, “IPL cricket has changed everything… As far as Vaibhav is concerned, I think 90% of people already know that he will play for India. The question is not if, but when… But overall, I believe he will play for India. It’s just a matter of when.” He also highlighted the importance of staying grounded: “100%. I think he’s an amazing talent. But it’s very important to keep your head on your shoulders, it means a lot.”Yuvraj Singh is impressed by his game, saying, “The most remarkable thing about Vaibhav is his bat speed. He has incredibly fast bat speed – to be honest, even I didn’t have that kind of speed. I have seen very few players with such fast hands… What stood out for me was the way he hit sixes on the off-side, even against good balls, which showed real quality.” Yuvraj also said that Vaibhav’s strengths are all around the field, not limited to one area and with more experience, he will only improve.“When I was selected, my only goal was to give good starts to the team. I wanted to play my game in the powerplay, and if I get a good start, I wanted to continue playing for a long time without losing my wicket. I knew that if I played my shots, the scenario of the game would change,” Suryavanshi told JioStar recently.With his record-breaking start and fearlessness, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is expected to shine at the international level soon.
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has called on the Indian team management to provide clarity to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their roles ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup and stressed that players of their stature deserve transparent communication. He stressed that uncertainty is inappropriate at this stage of his career and it is necessary for India to have a clear plan as they move towards the next global event.
Both Rohit and Kohli have opted out of Tests and T20Is to focus on their roles in ODIs Be at the center of India’s roadmap, But also part of the broader transition conversation. Speaking to India Today’s sister channel, Sports Tak, Yuvraj highlighted the need for honest talks between head coach Gautam Gambhir, the India selectors and the two legends.
Yuvraj said, “I don’t know what is going on in his mind. He seems committed to playing the World Cup, but I think it is his decision and the selectors who have to decide the future. My point is that he is such a great player, there should be clarity in this.”
“You have to be able to sit in a room and discuss things openly. It’s difficult, especially at that stage of your career. You may not like to hear that the team is looking ahead, but after a year you will appreciate that at least someone told the truth to your face. That doesn’t really happen in Indian cricket,” he said.
Meanwhile, both Rohit and Kohli have shown that they remain integral parts of India’s ODI setup. Kohli has enjoyed a resurgence since the end of 2025, A return to the top of the ICC rankings with a more aggressive approach, including a brilliant series against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs in three matches at an average of 151 and a strike rate of over 117.
Rohit, on the other hand, scored 202 runs at an average of 101 in three matches in Australia, including a match-winning century in Sydney that sealed the series and helped him regain the No. 1 ODI ranking spot at 38, just . However, his form declined in the next home series against New Zealand, where he managed only 61 runs at an average of 20.33.
Why should India not pay attention to the Ro-Ko dilemma?
Yuvraj stressed that while the Rohit-Kohli debate will continue to make headlines, India’s focus should be on creating a clear and structured roadmap for the 2027 World Cup. For them, the bigger concern is not who plays, but how decisively the management communicates its vision to both the senior players and the next generation.
Yuvraj said, “I don’t want any player who has represented the country for so many years to be stuck in a situation where someone doesn’t sit down and tell them clearly what the plan is. Either commit them to the World Cup and support them fully, or tell them that the team is considering young players. Someone has to say that. Tell them the reality. I think that should happen after this IPL.”
With emerging players like Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings but struggling for opportunities due to a settled top order, India face the challenge of striking a balance between continuity and change, making clarity all the more important in the coming months.
Will Rohit, Kohli play 2027 World Cup?
For Yuvraj, the answer is not a simple yes or no, but depends on how India wants to shape its team. He stressed that it is important to plan for the future, but the value of experience in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup cannot be underestimated.
“You need experience in the team, you can’t just go with young players. You need someone like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team for the World Cup. But the thing is, whatever you are thinking, you have to be clear about them. Don’t leave them in the dark, that’s not good, not even for them,” he said.
Yuvraj said, “Rohit Sharma has probably been the best white-ball opener and a World Cup-winning captain in T20 and Champions Trophy, so give him that respect. Virat Kohli is one of the greatest players of our generation for India, so he deserves that respect too.”
As India look towards 2027, the figures show that Rohit and Kohli still have a long way to go, but the big thing is not just about form, it is about direction.
Young batsman Ayush Mhatre has revealed about a memorable meeting with his idol Rohit SharmaDescribed it as a “dream day” that left a lasting impression on him.Mhatre’s admiration for Rohit is well known. Earlier, he had also written an emotional note after losing his place to the former Indian captain in the Ranji Trophy match. Ahead of the England tour last year, the youngster finally got a chance to meet his idol – a meeting which turned into a memorable experience.
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But I am saying Chennai Super Kings‘ YouTube channel, Mhatre revealed how a simple message led to a personal conversation with Rohit. This opportunity came after Rohit had earlier told him that he could contact whenever he needed guidance IPL presence against Mumbai Indians.Before departing for England, Mhatre decided to accept the offer and sent a message to Rohit requesting a meeting.“So I was about to go on the England tour, and I wanted to talk to him about something. I messaged him. Then I said I wanted to meet him, so he called me straight away. He called me on his behalf and said, tell me what you want to say. I told him I am going on this tour and wanted to meet. He asked me, where do you live? I said Virar. He said, will you come to meet me from Virar? I said yes, I would like to meet you. I can come anywhere, just to meet you,” Mhatre said.Despite Rohit’s suggestion that they could only talk over video call, Mhatre was determined to meet him in person. The next day, he went to Rohit’s residence, where the two spent about two hours in conversation.“He said no, we can also talk on video. I said no, I want to meet you in person and talk. Then he gave me his home address and I went to his house the next day. I talked to him for at least 2 hours. I mean, it was crazy that he gave me so much time, it’s a big deal to me.” My idol gave me time, so it was a dream for me, a dream day. I didn’t realize how the time passed, 2 hours passed. It was great talking to him,” he added.Since then, Mhatre has enjoyed success and led India to the Under-19 World Cup title earlier this year. However, he had a disappointing start to his IPL 2026 campaign as he was out for a golden duck Rajasthan Royals.
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Meanwhile, Rohit made a brilliant start to the season by scoring a blistering 78 runs in 38 balls to help Mumbai Indians chase down the high-scoring target of 221 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.However, for Mhatre, meeting his idol remains a defining personal milestone – one that continues to inspire his journey in the sport.
It’s a strange thing if you are a Kolkata Knight Riders fan, especially after the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2012, KKR started their season with two big defeats. That campaign started with an eight-wicket loss to Delhi, followed by a 22-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals. At that time, KKR had a strong batting line-up on paper with Brendon McCullum, Jacques Kallis, Brett Lee and the emerging Sunil Narine.
Add to this the all-round presence of Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan, and you had a team that was just focused on cricket and not passion. But two defeats meant they needed to act fast and they did just that. In the following games, he took the bold decision of dropping McCullum, one of the finest players in T20 cricket, and included Manvinder Bisla. This was an era in which there was no influence and no option to bring one back once dropped.
The rest, as they say, is history. KKR performed sensationally, winning six of their next seven matches during the middle stage, and then defeated CSK to win the IPL title. Now, the season is only two games old, but the Kolkata team finds itself at a crossroads.
While Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Finn Allen have impressed, the bowling has looked weak, and Cameron Green being just one batsman has disrupted their combination. The results have seen them losing momentum after an initial surge, Defeats to MI and SRH have exposed their flaws. Ajinkya Rahane gave a hint Changes after defeat on April 2But it seems like they’ll need to make some big calls.
An extra batsman but who?
With Cameron Green not bowling for KKR, Sunil Gavaskar said that they need to bring an extra batsman into the mix. While Green has been bought for a big sum, if he is not bowling, KKR needs someone who can strengthen the lower order.
“I think somewhere down the line he has to think in terms of the fact that if Cameron Green is not bowling for you, you have to pick another batsman there, because yes, I think we know he has scored 100s in the IPL. We know he can bat well, but his form was not good when he came there.”
“The last game he played in Australia, he scored 100 in a Shield game in a red-ball game, but that’s where they have to look at their Nos. 6 and 7. Yes, Cameron Green is at 4, but I think 5 and 6 are also an issue where I think they are struggling. Rinku is there, but apart from that, who do they have?” Gavaskar told the broadcasters.
After Rinku, KKR is really missing the presence of Andre Russell. While the responsibility has been put on Ramandeep Singh and Anukul Roy, there is a need for a power-hitting option. The obvious choice is Rovman Powell, who enjoyed sensational performances in the T20s, scoring 269 runs in 11 matches. But that would mean sacrificing one of their bowling options – Sunil Narine or Blessing Muzarabani – which would create another big issue.
Another option could be to bring in Tim Seifert, who shares a strong bond with Finn Allen from their time with New Zealand, and slot him into the top order. But once again the question remains, who paves the way?
An exciting and possibly risky option comes in the form of Delhi Premier League import Tejashwi Singh. During the 2025 season of the DPL, he scored 339 runs in just 10 innings, striking over 190 and finishing as the second-highest six-scorer of the tournament with 29 maximum sixes. His standout moment came in a rain-interrupted chase of the target, where he scored 69 runs in just 21 balls, including a record-breaking half-century in 12 balls – the fastest in DPL history. Now, if KKR can bring him in as a replacement for Anukul or Ramandeep, things could get better at the No. 6 and 7 spots.
Narayan back opening?
Narine provided some spice in the game against SRH, hitting a few sixes off his first two balls. He’s had openings in past seasons – one successful stint in 2024 and another that didn’t quite work out. If KKR continues on that path, it gives them an all-out attacking opening pair in Allen and Narine, who will certainly take precautions. But the point is that it will push Rahane to No. 3 and Raghuvanshi to No. 4.
This is a phase that KKR needs to manage carefully, as both players have a tendency to slow things down in the middle and put pressure on the rest. So for KKR, their next encounter will be against their former captain Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings on April 6 at home. Until then, they need to find a solution. A third loss in as many games could end their season early. Some bold calls need to be made by the men in purple and gold.
Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen Abhishek Sharma Entered his name in the franchise’s record books and became only the second player since david warner To complete 100 sixes for SRH in the Indian Premier League.The left-handed batsman reached the milestone during SRH’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, hitting a quickfire 48 off 21 balls at a strike rate of over 228, which included four fours and four sixes. Abhishek now has 101 sixes for the franchise, second only to Warner’s 143 sixes. In 76 matches for SRH, he has scored 1,808 runs at an average of 26.58 and a strike rate of 162.88, including one century and nine fifties.SRH made a big score, bowlers sealed the victorySunrisers Hyderabad produced a brilliant all-round performance to register their first win of IPL 2026 by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs at the Eden Gardens.After posting a strong score of 226/8, their highest so far this season, SRH bowlers backed it up with a clinical effort. Jaydev Unadkat led the way with impressive figures of 3/21, while Ishan Malinga Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harsh Dubey kept up the pressure and bowled out KKR for 161 runs in just 16 overs.The win was significant as it was the first successful defense of the aggregate score in this year’s tournament.KKR started strong but collapsed under pressureChasing 227, KKR got off to a great start with Finn Allen scoring 28 runs in just seven balls, including an early 25. However, SRH made a quick comeback, with Dube removing Allen through a sharp catch-and-bowled effort.After this, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi stabilized the innings by making a partnership of 37 runs, Raghuvanshi continued his excellent form. But SRH regained control as Unadkat dismissed Rahane on a slower ball, while a mix-up led to Cameron Green being run out at the end of the powerplay, leaving KKR at 74/3.Raghuvanshi scored his second consecutive half-century and reached the milestone in 27 balls, before being run out on 52. After this, Nitish Kumar Reddy struck twice in quick succession and took KKR’s target forward by removing Anukul Roy and Rinku Singh.Sunil Narine counter-attacked briefly, but Malinga dismissed him and Ramandeep Singh in consecutive overs. Unadkat finished the innings by dismissing Karthik Tyagi and Varun Chakravarthy, leading to a comprehensive win for SRH.
For Nitish Kumar Reddy in the match against KKR, it was all about saving himself. After a breakout season and playing for India in 2024, suddenly it seems like the all-rounder is everywhere at SRH. He did not bowl much in 13 matches for Hyderabad and his place in the Indian team was not guaranteed after a series of injuries.
But on April 2, everything changed at Eden Gardens. The all-rounder played a brilliant first inning of 39 runs and shared an 82-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen to help SRH post 226 runs in the first innings. Then, when KKR’s chase was at a crucial juncture, he came in to dismiss Anukul Roy and then got the big wicket of Rinku Singh. to turn the game in your favor. He took two wickets for 17 runs.
Speaking after the win and being named player of the match, Nitish said that he was eagerly waiting for such a performance and was happy to perform at the right time.
Nitish said, “I mean, it’s great. It’s a match-winning performance that I’ve been waiting for for a long time. Thankfully, I got it done at the right time. Even with my bowling, I got some confidence in myself.”
How Nitish keeps negative thoughts away
In 2025 itself, Nitish suffered three separate injuries which hampered his progress and led to a premature end to his tours of England and Australia. This came after IPL 2025, where he scored just 182 runs and took two wickets.
Nitish admitted that he had a lot of negative thoughts in his mind due to injuries last season. However, he went back to the drawing board and worked on his bowling and everything is going according to plan.
“It’s just me trying to stay positive. There are a lot of negative thoughts in my mind because last season didn’t go my way and I had a lot of injuries. I didn’t bowl last season. I know I worked on my bowling a little bit. I got a break before the IPL season. I worked really hard on my bowling. It’s really paying off. When you work hard, and it shows on the field, it feels happy. I’m quite happy,” Nitish said.
“I feel great. Thanks to the trainers and physio who take care of me. I mean, my body feels fit now.”
The win gives SRH momentum for their clash against LSG on April 5.
New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad returned to winning ways with a resounding 65-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders, credit for which largely goes to heinrich classenThe quiet and experienced knocking of. Whereas blessings to muzarabani Klaasen, who shone for KKR with four wickets, helped SRH post a strong score of 226/8 after being invited to bat, with the help of consecutive 52 runs. In reply, KKR never really got going and were bowled out for 161 runs in just 16 overs, handing them yet another defeat.
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Despite obstacles, SRH scored big
SRH got off to a great start as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma attacked right from the start and stitched a quick 82-run partnership. Just when it looks like a big score is about to be scored, KKR fights back through Muzarabani, who removes the key batsmen and slows things down for a while. At one point, SRH lost wickets in quick succession and the innings seemed to be faltering.Then Claassen steps in and stabilizes things. He plays smart cricket, rotates the strike and keeps the scoreboard ticking even when the boundaries dry up. Along with Nitish Kumar Reddy, he forms a crucial partnership that keeps SRH on the path to a big score. The pair added vital runs in the middle overs, ensuring that the early momentum was not wasted and helping SRH reach a competitive score.
KKR collapsed under pressure
Chasing 227, KKR got off to a great start with a quickfire 28 from Finn Allen, but things fell apart soon after his dismissal. Lack of coordination is clearly visible as run-outs and poor shot selection have affected them badly. Cameron Green got into trouble and was run out cheaply, and even Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who played a good innings of 52, was run out due to another misstep.The innings never recover because wickets keep falling. Rinku Singh tries to make a comeback by scoring 35 runs, but once he is gone, the chase is effectively over. SRH bowlers, led by Jaydev Unadkat, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ishan Malinga, kept things tight and completed the job comfortably and secured a comprehensive win.
Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin said that Shreyas Iyer is expected to recover from the injury and play in the match against Chennai Super Kings on April 3 in Chepauk. Shreyas suffered an injury during PBKS’s win over GT as he was hit hard on the hand by Cooper Connolly’s shot.
After being beaten, IPL-debut-2889896-2026-04-01?utm_source=global-search&utm_medium=global-search&utm_campaign=global-search” target=’_blank’>Shreyas got treatment on the field itself Before being fired soon thereafter. In the post-match presentation, the Punjab captain joked that he didn’t want to mess anything upBut before the match against Chennai, he was keeping his fingers crossed.
Now PBKS assistant coach Hadin has dispelled the apprehensions and said that there is no injury to Shreyas’ hand. Haddin said that there is a little swelling in the right hand, but is hopeful that Shreyas will be ready for the game.
“No break. So that’s a good thing. Now it’s just about getting the swelling down and getting the movement back in the arm, so he should be fine for tomorrow,” Haddin said at the pre-match presser on Thursday.
punjab very lucky
Shreyas got injured trying to save himself and Haddin admitted that it was a close call for Punjab. The PBKS assistant coach claimed that it could have proved to be a serious injury but it was the best result they got at the time.
“So, we’re very fortunate, he was hit well by Cooper, although it was a drop catch from the captain which was recorded as a statistic, but because of all the injuries we got the best possible result from what we initially thought was a bad incident,” Haddin said.
Shreyas has played 15 matches against CSK in the IPL, in which he has scored 371 runs at an average of 28.54 and strike rate of 115.94. In his last match, Shreyas scored 72 runs in 41 balls against CSK.
