Krunal Pandya: IPL 2026: One trick at a time, Krunal Pandya shows why skill, not match-ups, matters In the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), Krunal Pandya has emerged as a standout performer, proving that skill and adaptability can overcome the challenges posed by match-up advantages. As the tournament continues to favor batting over bowling, the left-arm all-rounder has consistently delivered under pressure, showcasing a unique blend of technical precision and tactical ingenuity. His ability to thrive in diverse conditions and phases of the game has positioned him as a critical asset for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have relied heavily on his contributions despite the team’s focus on match-up strategies. Pandya’s effectiveness is evident in his ability to neutralize high-scoring threats. During the RCB’s clash against the Rajasthan Royals, he successfully dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a standout performer for the Royals, and later surprised Shimron Hetmyer with a well-placed bouncer. This approach, which combines varied pace, release points, and yorkers, has made him a formidable opponent for batters. His bowling repertoire, which includes a mix of conventional spin and unconventional deliveries, has disrupted opponents’ rhythm, even in high-pressure scenarios. Statistically, Pandya’s workload has been significant. In seven matches, he has bowled 25 overs, outpacing Axar Patel (23 overs in 7 games) and Ravindra Jadeja (15 overs in 8 games). While his economy rate may not match that of his teammates, his ability to create doubt in batters’ minds has been a key factor in his success. For instance, against his future teammate Venkatesh Iyer, a bouncer forced Iyer to request a helmet, leaving him vulnerable to a follow-up delivery that struck the woodwork.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #dinesh_karthik #krunal_pandya #vaibhav_sooryavanshi
Devdutt Padikkal's Belligerent IPL 2026 Performance Shocks Fans The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Devdutt Padikkal delivered a standout performance in the IPL 2026, showcasing a bold and aggressive batting style that marked a significant evolution from his earlier approach. In a crucial match against Gujarat Titans (GT), Padikkal smashed a blistering 55 off just 27 balls, leading RCB to a successful chase of 206. This innings, characterized by his newfound aggression and technical finesse, solidified his reputation as a modern T20 powerhouse. Padikkal’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. His first-ten-balls strike rate of 170.18 in this IPL season is the highest of his career, surpassing his previous best of 126.51 from 2025 and 74.42 from 2024. The 2026 season has seen him embrace a more attacking mindset, evidenced by his ability to hit sixes at will. Notably, he struck six sixes in his innings against GT, the fifth time he has achieved this feat in T20 cricket. However, this match was particularly impressive due to the brevity of his innings—requiring only 27 balls compared to at least 46 in his previous instances of hitting five or more sixes. The shift in Padikkal’s approach is evident in his statistics. His strike rate in T20s has surged from 131.98 in 99 innings prior to 2024 to 165.36 in 22 innings since. This IPL has further accelerated his progress, with a strike rate of 184.07, the highest of his career. His ability to attack deliveries on a length has also improved dramatically. Previously, his balls-per-six ratio off length deliveries was 29.31 (19 sixes in 557 balls), but this season, it has dropped to 5.11 (nine sixes in 46 balls). His strike rate for length deliveries has nearly doubled, from 111.31 to 221.73.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #devdutt_padikkal #espcricinfo
IPL 2026: Devdutt Padikkal Credits State Captaincy for His Growth Devdutt Padikkal’s performance in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marked by both consistent runs and a deeper understanding of the game, which he attributes to his role as captain of the Karnataka cricket team. Following his standout 27-ball 55 in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Padikkal highlighted how leading Karnataka has reshaped his approach to cricket. “Being a captain has given me a different perspective on the game,” he said during a post-match press conference. “It’s made me think more about how bowlers and captains strategize on the field and what they might aim to achieve.” Padikkal’s growth as a T20 batter became evident in his innings alongside Virat Kohli during the chase. Entering the innings early in a tight chase, he balanced aggression with calculated risk-taking, ensuring RCB maintained a competitive run rate. The 25-year-old emphasized that the leadership role has sharpened his decision-making. “It gives me a better understanding of the situation I’m in and how I need to respond,” he said. “The captaincy has helped me refine different aspects of my game, making me a more complete T20 batter.” Despite his recent form, Padikkal dismissed the notion of a sudden transformation, framing his progress as an ongoing journey. “The conversations about me being different have been going on for too long,” he said. “This is who I am now. You find areas to work on and keep improving.” He acknowledged the technical adjustments required when transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket, noting visible differences between his Ranji Trophy batting and his IPL performances.#karnataka #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #devdutt_padikkal #vijay_dahiya
IPL 2026: Virat Kohli's Masterclass Against Gujarat Titans Virat Kohli delivered a standout performance in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Opening the innings, Kohli scored 81 off 44 balls at a strike rate of 184.09, reclaiming the Orange Cap with 328 runs from seven innings. His innings, marked by calculated aggression and precision, set the tone for RCB's dominant chase of a target of 206. Dale Steyn, a former teammate of Kohli at RCB, praised his ability to adapt to the high-tempo nature of T20 cricket. "He's a genius," Steyn said on ESPNcricinfo's Time:Out show. "He plays what's in front of him. He reads the situation. Probably one of the best players that I've ever known that reads the situation and calculates how the game needs to be panned out from the first ball that he's faced." Ian Bishop, another commentator, echoed the sentiment, calling Kohli "the best chaser to have ever played the game." Kohli's partnership with Devdutt Padikkal was pivotal in RCB's success. Padikkal scored a 27-ball 55, forming a 115-run second-wicket stand in 59 balls with Kohli, who contributed 59 off 32 balls. Padikkal reflected on the team's confidence after GT's innings: "We felt they were probably 15-20 runs short, which gave us the confidence going into the batting innings." Kohli's ability to maintain a high strike rate has been a hallmark of his career. While he first surpassed a strike rate of 140 in 2010, it took him until 2024 to consistently achieve it. His 2025 season saw a strike rate of 144.71, and this season, he has averaged 163.18. Despite his age, Kohli has remained a consistent performer, scoring over 400 runs in every IPL season since 2016, with his highest tally of 973 in 2016.#virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #devdutt_padikkal #dave_steyn
Sahil Parakh Makes IPL Debut for Delhi Capitals After Facial Injury Recovery Delhi Capitals on Monday marked a significant milestone in the career of 18-year-old Maharashtra batter Sahil Parakh by giving him his Indian Premier League 2026 debut in their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in New Delhi. The left-handed opener, who can also contribute with leg-spin, returned to the field after recovering from a facial injury sustained during a pre-season practice session. The decision to have Parakh open the innings, replacing Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, was confirmed by DC skipper Axar Patel at the toss, reflecting the franchise’s confidence in the teenager’s potential. Parakh was selected at the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 30 lakh, signaling his emergence as a promising talent in the tournament. Parakh’s journey to the IPL has been defined by consistent performances in domestic and age-group cricket. Born on June 7, 2007, in Nashik, Maharashtra, he first gained recognition in school and inter-school tournaments before advancing to Maharashtra’s Under-19 setup. His standout performance came in 2024 when he scored an unbeaten 109 off 75 balls for India’s Under-19 team against Australia, showcasing his ability to strike under pressure. This innings earned him wider attention and solidified his reputation as a reliable top-order batter. In 2025, Parakh further impressed in the Maharashtra Premier League, representing Eagle Titans Nashik. His tally of 202 runs at a strike rate of 177.19 highlighted his aggressive batting style and adaptability to different formats. Additionally, he contributed with the ball for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 24 runs in two matches, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.#axar_patel #royal_challengers_bengaluru #delhi_capitals #pathum_nissanka #sahil_parakh
From PBKS vs LSG to SRH vs DC, 5 innings with most sixes in an IPL history The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several historic innings defined by explosive six-hitting, with five matches standing out for their record-breaking performances. The latest addition to this list was the Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) encounter in Mullanpur during IPL 2026, which featured 21 sixes. This match, like several others in the IPL's history, showcased the dominance of power-hitting in T20 cricket, with batters exploiting favorable conditions to dominate the opposition. The PBKS vs LSG innings marked the latest in a series of matches that have redefined the league's batting strategies. The first of these historic innings was the 2024 clash between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata. This match produced an astonishing 24 sixes, setting a new benchmark for aggressive batting in the IPL. The game was characterized by fearless hitting from both teams, with batters consistently clearing the boundaries. The conditions in Kolkata were ideal for such a display, allowing players to focus on maximizing runs through power shots. This innings highlighted the evolution of IPL batting, where big-hitting has become a central element of high-scoring encounters. Another notable match was the 2024 encounter between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru, which saw 22 sixes. This game was a high-scoring spectacle, with batters dominating the bowlers and making full use of the batting-friendly conditions. The aggressive approach of the players underscored the growing trend of power-hitting in the IPL, where clearing the boundary has become a key strategy.#kolkata_knight_riders #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #lucknow_super_giants #punjab_kings
Sri Lanka Fast Bowler Withdraws Legal Battle Over IPL NOC Dispute Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his legal challenge against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) over the board’s refusal to grant him a no-objection certificate (NOC) for participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The decision marks the end of a prolonged dispute that had kept the player sidelined from the tournament, though it remains unclear whether he will join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the franchise that signed him for ₹1.60 crore. RCB has yet to name a replacement for Thushara in the second half of the IPL 2026 season. Thushara informed the Colombo District Court that he no longer wished to pursue the case, citing the advanced stage of the tournament as a key factor in his decision. The legal battle began when SLC denied him an NOC, a mandatory clearance required for Sri Lankan players to compete in overseas leagues. The board cited fitness concerns as the reason for the denial, asserting that Thushara did not meet its updated standards. Thushara contested this claim, arguing that his fitness levels were comparable to previous seasons when he had been cleared to play abroad. The controversy escalated when Thushara expressed frustration over what he perceived as inconsistent enforcement of SLC’s policies. In a petition, he even hinted at retiring from international cricket, though it is uncertain whether this stance persists after withdrawing the case. Under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, players must obtain an NOC from their home board to participate in overseas leagues, but the criteria for granting such clearances are determined by individual boards.#indian_premier_league #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sri_lanka_cricket #nuwan_thushara #colombo_district_court
"Umpires Were Letting It Be Slow": MCC Head's Huge Remark On Stretched MI vs RCB Game In IPL 2026 The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Mumbai Indians (MI) match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 concluded in four hours and 22 minutes, far exceeding the typical duration of a T20 game. The contest, held at the Wankhede Stadium on April 24, 2026, was marred by frequent stoppages and delays, prompting criticism from cricket officials. Fraser Stewart, head of cricket at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), highlighted the issue during an event in Mumbai, stating that the game’s pace was unusually slow and that umpires appeared to be contributing to the delays. Stewart, who was present at the match, criticized the lack of urgency in managing the game’s flow. He noted that while the heat and the need for players to take drinks and breaks are understandable, the excessive interruptions disrupted the rhythm of the match. Comparing the situation to The Hundred, a T20 format where a 60-second clock starts after a wicket falls and teams risk penalty runs if the next batter is not ready, Stewart argued that similar measures could be implemented in the IPL to enforce faster play. The MCC official also pointed to the role of umpires in prolonging the game. He suggested that umpires should be held accountable for poor over rates, proposing fines as a deterrent. “The laws allow warnings and five-run penalties, but umpires are reluctant to enforce them,” Stewart said. “If umpires are fined for poor over rates, it might ensure games move along.” His comments came amid growing concerns about the IPL’s time management, as several matches in the tournament have exceeded the standard four-hour limit.#wankhede_stadium #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #fraser_stewart #mcc_head
Fraser Stewart: MCC’s Head of Cricket Calls Out IPL’s Slow Over-Rate Problem The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has faced mounting criticism for its slow over-rates, with matches stretching far beyond their scheduled durations. A recent match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 12 exemplified the issue, lasting nearly four and a half hours—among the longest in IPL history. Despite no weather interruptions, the game concluded close to midnight, with RCB securing an 18-run victory. MI skipper Hardik Pandya became the fourth captain this season to face a fine for slow over-rate violations, yet penalties appear to have little impact on curbing the trend. The problem has now drawn attention from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the game’s governing body. Fraser Stewart, MCC’s head of cricket, highlighted the systemic nature of the issue during a press conference on Tuesday. “What struck us was the pace—how slow it was, with so many stoppages,” Stewart said. He drew a contrast with The Hundred, a T20 competition where a 60-second clock starts after a wicket falls, and the batting team risks five penalty runs if the next batter isn’t ready. Stewart acknowledged the challenges of high temperatures and the need for players to take drinks, but emphasized that the frequency of interruptions—such as frequent breaks for advertisements—undermined the flow of the game. Stewart pointed to structural reasons behind the slowdown, including umpires prioritizing commercial breaks over maintaining a brisk pace. “The umpires were letting it be slow,” he said. “When every break is an advertising opportunity for the billions watching, it’s understandable why they’re reluctant to enforce urgency.#indian_premier_league #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mcc #mumbai_indians #fraser_stewart
IPL 2026: Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer Close in on Orange Cap Leaders The Orange Cap leaderboard in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 remains dominated by Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh are rapidly closing the gap. After a dominant 24th match victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), Iyer and Singh showcased their form, pushing themselves into the top tier of the batting rankings. Iyer, the PBKS captain, scored 66 off 35 balls in a high-scoring innings, while Singh remained unbeaten on 80 from 39 deliveries. Their partnership of 139 runs off 67 balls for the third wicket was instrumental in PBKS’ victory, further solidifying their status as key contributors. Singh’s performance brought his tournament total to 211 runs from four innings at a strike rate of 172.95, placing him fifth on the Orange Cap table. Iyer, with 203 runs from four matches, now ranks sixth. Kohli continues to lead the Orange Cap race with his consistent performances for RCB, but the gap between him and the chasing pack is narrowing. Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajat Patidar of RCB, and Ishan Kishan of SRH occupy positions between Kohli and Iyer and Singh. Notably, Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had previously led the table, has slipped to seventh after a duck against SRH earlier in the tournament. The Purple Cap leaderboard remains unchanged at the top, with Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna and Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj sharing the lead on 10 wickets each. Lucknow Super Giants’ Prince Yadav and Rajasthan Royals’ Ravi Bishnoi follow with nine wickets apiece.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #prabhsimran_singh
Rasikh Salam’s Remarkable IPL Journey: How Irfan Pathan’s Faith Turned Rejection into Royal Challengers Bengaluru Success Rasikh Salam Dar’s journey to the Indian Premier League has been defined by a combination of rejection, persistence, and a pivotal decision by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. His path from Kashmir trials to becoming a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) highlights the role of mentorship and belief in shaping a cricketing career. The story of Salam’s rise is not just about his personal resilience but also about the transformative impact of Pathan’s faith in his potential. The turning point in Salam’s career occurred during a trial at the Sher i Kashmir Stadium, where he faced repeated disappointment. As a young fast bowler, he had attended multiple Under 16 and Under 19 selections but never made it past the top 30. Rejection had become a routine part of his life. During a trial in 2019, Pathan observed Salam’s brief performance. The 17-year-old bowled a slower ball followed by a quicker delivery, a combination that caught Pathan’s attention. Despite the brevity of his display, Pathan made a bold decision to push Salam into the senior selection group. This act of faith proved transformative. Salam seized the opportunity, delivering a hat trick in his first senior match, which marked the beginning of his ascent. Salam’s early career was not without challenges. He made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians in 2019 as the youngest player at the time, but his progress was halted by a two-year ban due to a birth certificate discrepancy. This legal issue, which stemmed from an administrative error, forced him to rebuild his career with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #irfan_pathan #mumbai_indians #rasikh_salam #sher_i_kashmir_stadium
SRH Appoints Dilshan Madushanka as Injury Replacement for Brydon Carse in IPL 2026 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have selected Sri Lanka's left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka as an injury replacement for Brydon Carse for the remainder of IPL 2026. The decision comes after Carse, who was retained by SRH ahead of the 2026 auction, suffered a right-hand injury while batting in the nets prior to the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Madushanka, who will join SRH for INR 75 lakh, is set to bolster the team's bowling attack amid concerns over the effectiveness of their current options. Carse's injury has disrupted SRH's plans, as the fast bowler was expected to play a key role in the team's strategy. SRH head coach Daniel Vettori had initially hoped for a swift recovery from Carse, but the injury has persisted, forcing the team to seek an alternative. Madushanka, who has represented Sri Lanka in one Test, 28 ODIs, and 19 T20Is, brings valuable experience to the squad. Despite his international credentials, he remains uncapped in the IPL, having been part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad in 2024 but ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The need for a reliable replacement became evident as SRH's bowling unit faced scrutiny. With Pat Cummins recovering from an injury and Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat struggling to deliver consistent performances, the team opted to debut two young players, Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a crucial match. The two rookies responded strongly, picking up four wickets each to help SRH secure a 57-run victory. This performance highlighted the team's determination to address their bowling challenges and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the tournament.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #mumbai_indians #dilshan_madushanka #brydon_carse
IPL 2026 Points Table Shifts As Rajasthan Royals Dominate, Mumbai Indians Struggle The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 points table has undergone a significant transformation in the early stages of the tournament, with Rajasthan Royals emerging as the dominant force after securing four consecutive victories. This surge has placed them at the top of the standings, while Punjab Kings remain undefeated in their four matches, securing second place. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, faced a notable setback after a loss, marking their first defeat of the season. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, have slipped down the rankings following two consecutive losses, which has disrupted their early momentum. Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, continue to struggle with form, failing to secure a win in their opening four matches. Their inability to capitalize on key opportunities has raised concerns among fans and analysts, who are closely monitoring their progress. In contrast, Chennai Super Kings have finally opened their account with a hard-fought victory, ending their winless streak. This win has lifted them off the bottom of the table, though they remain far from the top. Kolkata Knight Riders, however, remain at the bottom of the standings, having yet to secure a single point after four matches. The shift in the points table highlights the competitive nature of the IPL, where even the most established teams face challenges in maintaining consistency. Rajasthan Royals’ dominance has been fueled by their balanced batting and disciplined bowling, with key players stepping up to deliver crucial performances. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have relied on their strong all-round squad to remain unbeaten, showcasing their depth and resilience.#ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #royal_challengers_bengaluru #punjab_kings #mumbai_indians
Salt Assault Completes the Batting Set for RCB Before Home Stretch Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Phil Salt delivered a masterclass in T20 batting during a high-stakes encounter against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026, showcasing his ability to dominate under pressure and elevate his team’s fortunes. The innings, which featured a breathtaking 36-ball onslaught, not only secured a commanding start for RCB but also solidified their batting credentials ahead of their upcoming home stretch. Salt’s performance, marked by precision, power, and adaptability, highlighted his role as a key asset in the tournament’s middle phase. Salt’s approach to the game was methodical, as he has always been known for his meticulous preparation. Before the match, he analyzed pitch conditions, bowler tendencies, and potential strategies to exploit weaknesses. However, the challenge he faced against Mumbai Indians was unexpected. The team’s decision to introduce spin early in the powerplay disrupted Salt’s usual rhythm, yet he adapted with remarkable flair. The first over from left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner proved to be a turning point, as Salt capitalized on the bowler’s errors to launch a six-hitting spree that left the opposition reeling. The innings began with RCB in a commanding position, having raced to 41 for 0 after a brisk start. Salt, batting alongside Devdutt Padikkal, took charge of the innings by dispatching deliveries short of length with ruthless efficiency. The first ball of Santner’s over was a gift, and Salt pulled it for a six, drawing applause from Virat Kohli, who tapped his hand on the bat in celebration. The next ball, Santner overcompensated by bowling fuller, and Salt punished the mistake with a towering six that cleared the long-on boundary.#mitchell_santner #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #phil_salt
Kolkata Knight Riders Need to Find the Best Spot for Cameron Green in IPL 2026 Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record fee of INR 25.20 crore, is under immense pressure to deliver for his IPL team as they struggle to climb out of the bottom of the 2026 tournament table. Despite his high-profile acquisition, Green has managed only 56 runs in four innings so far, with a strike rate of 147.36, raising concerns about his form and positioning in the team. KKR, already facing a challenging season, is now tasked with finding the optimal role for Green to maximize his contributions, both with the bat and ball. The pressure on Green has intensified as his performance has not met expectations. In his most recent innings against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens, he struggled to find his rhythm, taking 15 balls to score the first boundary and 20 to clear the ropes. His innings, which ended in an unbeaten 32 off 24 balls, was marked by visible tension, with Green appearing overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities. His efforts to regain confidence were evident when he struck a six off Mohammed Shami, a moment that brought relief to his team. However, his struggles continued in the following over, where rookie Mukul Choudhary dismantled his efforts with two sixes and a four, leading to KKR’s collapse in the chase. KKR’s management has attempted to adjust Green’s batting order, demoting him to No. 4 against Lucknow Super Giants. However, this decision has not yielded the desired results. Green, who thrived in the middle order during his time with Mumbai Indians (MI), is not suited for the middle-order role in KKR’s lineup. His IPL numbers at No.#kolkata_knight_riders #royal_challengers_bengaluru #lucknow_super_giants #mumbai_indians #cameron_green
IPL 2026 Points Table After Match 20: RCB Hold Firm at No. 3; Mumbai Indians Stay 8th Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) maintained their position as the third-ranked team in the IPL 2026 points table after securing an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. This win, their third in four matches, brought RCB to six points with a net run rate (NRR) of +1.148. Mumbai Indians, despite the loss, remain in eighth place with one win and three losses, accumulating two points and a NRR of -0.772. At the top of the table, Rajasthan Royals (RR) continue to lead the standings after winning all four of their matches. With eight points and a league-best NRR of +2.055, RR have secured a dominant position. Punjab Kings (PK) follow in second place, having earned seven points from three wins and one no-result match, with a NRR of +0.720. Delhi Capitals (DC) occupy fourth place with four points, having secured two wins and two losses. Their NRR of +0.322 places them ahead of Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), both of which share the fifth and sixth positions with identical records of two wins and two losses. However, GT edge out LSG slightly with a NRR of -0.029 compared to LSG’s -0.427. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sit seventh with two points, having managed one win in four matches and a NRR of -0.024. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are ninth with one win and three losses, struggling with a NRR of -1.532. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) trail the table, remaining winless with one point and a NRR of -1.315. The updated points table reflects the current standings after Match 20: Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- 1 | Rajasthan Royals | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +2.#wankhede_stadium #ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph Over Mumbai Indians To Secure Third Place In IPL 2026 Points Table Royal Challengers Bengaluru surged to the third position in the IPL 2026 points table after a commanding 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians in a high-stakes clash at the Hyderabad venue on April 12, 2026. The match, which saw RCB post a formidable total of 240 for four, proved to be a masterclass in batting as the defending champions overwhelmed the Mumbai Indians with a combination of power hitting and disciplined execution. The RCB innings was anchored by a stellar half-century from skipper Rajat Patidar (53), alongside contributions from Phil Salt (78) and Virat Kohli (50). Salt and Kohli formed a formidable opening partnership, adding 120 runs for the first wicket, while Patidar and Tim David (34 off 16 balls) accelerated the scoring in the latter stages. The innings began with a breathtaking display from Kohli, who launched a spectacular flick off Trent Boult’s pads to send the ball soaring over deep square leg for a six. Salt, however, took charge of the acceleration, piercing the fast bowlers Boult and Hardik Pandya for boundaries. Boult was pulled into the stands for a six, while Mitchell Santner faced a barrage of three consecutive sixes from Salt. RCB’s explosive start, which saw 50 runs scored in just 4.2 overs, forced Mumbai Indians to bring back a wicketless Jasprit Bumrah for a second over in the powerplay, an unusual tactical decision. Salt continued his dominance by dismantling leg-spinner Mayank Markande with three consecutive fours in the eighth over, while Kohli targeted Santner’s next over for two more boundaries. Despite MI’s efforts to disrupt the rhythm, the RCB middle order remained unbroken.#virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #rajat_patidar #phil_salt
Mumbai Indians Batting Coach Confident Will Jacks Will Join Squad Ahead of IPL 2026 Clash Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard has confirmed that England all-rounder Will Jacks is expected to rejoin the team shortly ahead of their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Pollard emphasized that the team is prepared for Jacks’ potential return, highlighting the squad’s depth despite his absence. Pollard clarified that he was not aware of any specific fitness concerns affecting Jacks, though he acknowledged the player’s absence. “We’re expecting Will Jacks very soon,” he said. “As you alluded to, fitness issues—to my knowledge, I don’t know anything about that. We are a team made up of over 20 members. And at this point, he’s not here. But we’ll be here soon.” Pollard’s comments underscored the team’s readiness to adapt to any circumstances while maintaining competitive edge. The former West Indies all-rounder also expressed confidence in Jacks’ ability to make an immediate impact upon his return, praising his all-round skills with both bat and ball. “And hopefully when he’s here as well, his economy will be low, he will get wickets, and he will score runs just for you,” Pollard added, emphasizing Jacks’ value as a versatile player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. Pollard’s remarks extended to other key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, who faced scrutiny after a forgetful spell against Rajasthan Royals. The coach defended Bumrah’s performance, noting the evolving nature of T20 cricket where economy rates often take precedence over wicket-taking.#jasprit_bumrah #will_jacks #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #kieron_pollard
IPL 2026: Why Are RCB Playing Abhinandan Singh Before Rasikh Salam & Mangesh Yadav? Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have opted to include uncapped pacer Abhinandan Singh in their playing XI for the first three matches of IPL 2026, despite retaining more expensive domestic fast bowlers Rasikh Salam and Mangesh Yadav. This decision has sparked discussions among cricket analysts, as Abhinandan, retained at his base price of INR 30 lakh, has been preferred over the two younger players who were acquired through the IPL 2026 mini-auction at INR 6 crore and INR 5.20 crore respectively. The inclusion of Abhinandan in the initial lineup follows the withdrawal of pacer Yash Dayal from the tournament due to personal reasons. RCB’s management faced the challenge of filling the void left by Dayal, leading them to select Abhinandan, who has emerged as a key bowler in their early matches. Despite his relatively low cost compared to Salam and Yadav, the team has prioritized his availability and recent performances over the more expensive options. Abhinandan’s rise to the playing XI can be attributed to his standout performances during pre-season training sessions. In intra-squad matches, he showcased his potential by dismissing Virat Kohli, a feat that caught the attention of the coaching staff. The 23-year-old right-arm pacer, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, made his IPL debut in 2026 for RCB after representing the Lucknow Falcons in the UP T20 League. His ability to consistently take wickets has been a significant factor in his selection. In the first three games of the tournament, Abhinandan has taken three wickets across three matches, including a two-wicket haul in one game.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mangesh_yadav #abhinandan_singh #rasikh_salam
Just a Run-Feeder… Until They Play Him, They’ll Suffer – Ex-India Cricketer Slams RCB’s Abhinandan Singh After Costly Outing vs RR Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has publicly criticized Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) decision to include fast bowler Abhinandan Singh in their playing XI during their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), which resulted in the defending champions’ first loss of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Srikkanth, who is a respected figure in Indian cricket, accused RCB of making a strategic error by relying on the uncapped right-arm pacer, whose performance has been consistently poor. The 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and left-handed batsman Dhruv Jurel targeted Singh during the match, exploiting his lack of control and accuracy. Abhinandan, who made his IPL debut in the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, has struggled to make an impact for RCB. In his three appearances so far, he has managed to take only three wickets while conceding nearly 13 runs per over. His performance against RR in Guwahati was particularly damaging, as he leaked 54 runs in just three overs. Srikkanth described Singh as a “run-feeder” and warned that RCB would continue to suffer as long as they fielded him. “RCB are playing this Abhinandan, who is just a run feeder. Until they play him, they’ll suffer,” he said on his YouTube channel. Srikkanth also highlighted the poor bowling conditions faced by RCB’s fast bowlers, noting that even established players like Mitchell Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were expensive in their early overs due to the aggressive approach of Sooryavanshi and Jurel. Only Krunal Pandya, the team’s all-rounder, managed to bowl effectively, providing a rare moment of relief for RCB.#rajasthan_royals #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #kris_srikkanth #abhinandan_singh
