This decision aligns with Dhoni`s pattern this season, as he has consistently avoided travelling for away fixtures. His only exception was a solitary road trip to Lucknow earlier this month.

CSK batting coach Mike Hussey shed light on Dhoni`s absence from the crucial Ahmedabad clash, revealing that the veteran has sustained a fresh, painful thumb injury.

This explanation clarifies why Dhoni was seen with heavy taping on his thumb during CSK`s recent home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, notably the only match this entire IPL 2026 season where he actively stepped out onto the field at Chepauk.

For the CSK fans, Dhoni’s departure marks a practical end to a season where he unfortunately could not contribute on the pitch. Sidelined initially by a calf injury sustained right before the tournament opener, and now hampered by the thumb issue, Dhoni has not played a single match in IPL 2026.

While he remained a supportive figure in the dugout during home games, he spent those matches in training apparel rather than the matchday yellow jersey. The emotional narrative surrounding his potential retirement reached a peak earlier this week at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. 

Following CSK`s five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team completed their traditional lap of appreciation to thank the local fans. Despite his injuries, Dhoni joined his teammates on the field to wave to the crowd, creating an atmosphere that felt very much like a silent farewell.

Chennai Super Kings have struggled this season in the IPL

CSK have had a poor IPL season, which looks set to end in disappointment. The 5-time champions are set to miss out on the playoff spots again after a poor start to the tournament.

CSK travel to GT for the last game of their season, hoping for a win and other results to go their way.

Villa have become the 31st different winners of the UEFA Cup/Europa League, and the sixth from England. They are the third new victors in the last six seasons, along with Atalanta in 2023/24 and Emery`s Villarreal in 2020/21.

Emery has become the first coach to win this tournament with three different teams. They all have `villa` in their name: Sevilla (three times), Villarreal and Villa.

Coming into this showpiece, Freiburg were dreaming of winning a first major title in the club`s history, while Villa were seeking their first silverware in 30 years.

Given the high stakes, it was perhaps not surprising that the game took a while to settle down in front of a vibrant atmosphere at the spectacular Beşiktaş Park, with both teams displaying early signs of nerves.

After a series of half-chances came and went for both sides, it took a moment of magic to spark the game into life provided by Villa`s midfield maestro Youri Tielemans.

After 42 minutes, the Belgian latched onto a pinpoint cross from Morgan Rogers from a short corner to power a superb volley past goalkeeper Noah Atubolu and give the English side the lead.

Freiburg were rocked, and just before the break things got worse. There looked to be little danger when Emiliano Buendía received the ball from just outside the box, but the Argentinian forward shifted the ball onto his left foot and bent a stunning effort into the far corner to double the lead with the last kick of the half.

The confidence was flowing through Villa in the second period, and Buendía worked his magic again for their third just before the hour, jinking his way down the left wing before crossing for Rogers to apply a simple finish at the near post.

It was millimetres away from being four for Unai Emery`s side as Amadou Onana headed against the post from John McGinn`s corner, and that was the end of the action as Villa settled for three.

Freiburg put in a valiant effort but ultimately fell short. They will hope to bounce back on the European stage when they participate in the Conference League play-offs next season.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Having retired in 2022, Raj remains the highest run-getter in women’s cricket with 10,868 runs across formats. 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mithali Raj (@mithaliraj)

Yamal and Garcia were recently spotted hand-in-hand, strolling across the streets of Zakynthos in Greece, shortly after the skilful forward celebrated winning the Spanish League title with the Catalan giants over a week ago.

Rumours of a relationship between the two began last month after they started following each other on social media. According to Spanish news publication Marca, one of Yamal’s friends jokingly made a reference to Garcia during a livestream of a Kings League (a seven-a-side tournament established by former Barcelona and Spain star Gerard Pique) match, which Yamal was also watching.

Yamal and Garcia were also seen together at a luxury restaurant in Spain last month.

Saif said his dad’s greatest contribution to Indian cricket was his “ability to inspire self-belief in  players, who had never before been told they could dominate world cricket.”

World No.11 Sen suffered a shock 17-21, 11-21 defeat to Indonesia’s World No. 38 Mohammed Zaki Ubaidillah, while Prannoy lost 17-21, 22-20, 22-24 to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.

Meanwhile, Malvika Bansod beat Germany’s Yvonne Li 21-17 16-21 21-9, while Ashmita Chaliha beat Indonesia’s Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan 21-16 21-13.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Arsenal players and staff had gathered at the club’s London Colney training ground on Tuesday to watch closest challengers Manchester City draw 1-1 away to Bournemouth. 

The result gave Arsenal an unassailable four-point lead at the top of the table with just Sunday’s final round of matches remaining. As the Arsenal squad relished the club’s first EPL title since 2004, there were also joyous scenes at the north London side’s Emirates Stadium, where thousands of supporters gathered to mark the occasion by lighting fireworks and flares.

“Let me tell you something. [For] 22 years, they [critics] were laughing, they were joking. [But now] they’re not laughing anymore,” said Saka said in video posted by defender Jurrien Timber on his Instagram account.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Forwards win you games, defenders win you championships. Arsenal provided the perfect example for this adage. Manager Mikel Arteta’s men conceded only 26 goals from 37 games (19 clean sheets), seven less than their nearest competitor Man City. Goalkeeper David Raya and the centre-back duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were instrumental in locking down opposition attackers. Manchester City (2018-19) are the only EPL champions in the last decade to have conceded fewer goals (22).

26
No. of goals conceded by Arsenal in 37 EPL games so far; only Man City (22 in 2018-19) conceded fewer en-route to the title in the last decade 

Superb squad depth:

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Prior to winning the title, Arsenal finished runners-up in the last three seasons. They often began their campaign in fine fettle only to lose steam in the second half of the season as injuries piled up. This season though, they invested heavily in bolstering their squad depth with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie coming in. Not only did they perform at a high level, but also helped Arsenal contend with injuries to key players like Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Ben White across the season.

Eight
No. of players Arsenal signed before the start of the season

Set-piece prowess: 

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz (left) scores a header against Burnley

No EPL team has utilised set-pieces as a viable attacking strategy as much as Arsenal this season. The Gunners scored a whopping 35 of their 69 goals from set-pieces. Only Real Madrid (38 in 2012-13) and Atletico Madrid (37 in 2014-15) have scored more goals from set-pieces in a league since 2011.

35
No. of goals scored by Arsenal from set-pieces this season 

“I can confirm he [Dhoni] is not here with the team, but, if we do happen to qualify [for the Playoffs], he’ll definitely join back up with the team. He’s got a bit of a sore thumb. It’s recovering nicely, but he won’t be ready for this match,” Hussey told reporters at a pre-match press conference here on Wednesday.

Even if CSK, who are on 12 points after 13 games, beat hosts GT on Thursday, they could still end up in a net run-rate battle with Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, or Kolkata Knight Riders. There are too many ifs and buts for CSK, who are chasing a sixth IPL title this season.

Reflecting on CSK’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last home game, Hussey said: “It was disappointing, especially in front of our home fans. In our final home game, we wanted to finish with a win. Obviously, it has made it more difficult for us to get into the top four.”

Home team GT, who have made it to the Playoffs after securing 16 points in 13 games, too, will be desperate for a big win to inch closer to a top-two finish, which ensures a second shot at the title battle if you lose Qualifier 1. Talking to the media, Sai Sudharsan stressed that the team’s focus is to keep winning. “The important thing is to play good cricket and win tomorrow [Thursday]. We are not in a position to think about winning by a very big margin.

It’s about doing the right things that we have been doing and first getting a victory. If we are in that position, yes, like every team, we would love to close it as smoothly as possible or give ourselves the best opportunity to be in the top two,” said Sudharsan, GT’s highest run-scorer (554).

120.68
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s strike-rate in the ongoing IPL — his lowest ever

Four
No. of matches CSK have won against GT in their last six meetings

Mumbai’s chief selector Sanjay Patil insists that Kotian should take this snub positively and enhance his performance. “The national selectors have gone with two left-arm spinners [Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey] and it’s understandable. But Tanush should take this snub as a motivation to perform better. He needs to come up with some big performances in domestic cricket to be in contention for that India Test berth,” Patil told mid-day on Wednesday.  

Sanjay Patil and Nilesh Kulkarni

In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, Kotian had 23 scalps from six matches, but could only manage nine wickets from three games last season. “Being an off-spinner, Tanush needs to take lots of wickets, but in the last two years, he hasn’t performed as per expectations. If he wants to represent India in Tests, he needs to be more consistent,” added Patil.  

Kotian has taken 131 wickets in 44 first-class games and scored 2168 runs so far. 

Former India left-arm spinner Nilesh Kulkarni echoed similar feelings and advised Kotian to aim for more fifers. “Tanush needs to keep performing because at the end of the day, everyone looks at how many five-wicket hauls you have or centuries you’ve scored. If he helps his team to victories by taking wickets, he can still have a chance [to play Tests],” Kulkarni told mid-day.  

“I feel there is still enough scope for Tanush because [offie] Washington Sundar has not necessarily made it to the Test team by claiming fifers, but his performance has been consistent. So, Tanush needs to step up and get noticed,” Kulkarni added. 

131
No. of wickets picked  by Tanush Kotian in 44 first-class games, scoring 2168 runs

Bangladesh wrapped up the series-clinching victory during the morning session on the final day of the Test on Wednesday, with their bowlers taking the last three Pakistan wickets to ensure a 2-0 series scoreline.

The win took Bangladesh to fifth place on the WTC 2027 standings with a win-loss percentage of 58.33 percent, surpassing India, who dropped to sixth with 48.15 points from nine Tests, four wins and as many defeats along with a drawn Test. Meanwhile, Pakistan remained in eighth place on the standings following the loss.

India, who have not played a Test match so far this year, will play a one-off Test against Afghanistan, which is not part of the WTC cycle. 

Resuming the final day on 316/7 while chasing a challenging 437-run target, Pakistan added 42 runs before being bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a fighting 94 off 166 balls, smashing 10 boundaries.

Pakistan entered the final day with hopes of pulling off a record chase and Rizwan continued to battle hard alongside Sajid Khan, who played a 28-run knock featuring five boundaries, but Pakistan lost their final three wickets without adding to the total after reaching 358.

Spinner Taijul Islam was the star for Bangladesh as he claimed six wickets, which included two scalps on the final day as the visitors attempted to pull off a record run chase of 437

Shoriful Islam was the other bowler to strike on the final day as he picked up the prized wicket of Mohammad Rizwan for 94 that gave the hosts the advantage

The series triumph was Bangladesh`s first at home against Pakistan and their second successive sweep over their Asian rivals after their 2-0 win on Pakistani soil in 2024.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"The 2026-27 domestic season reflects the BCCI`s continued commitment to building a strong and competitive domestic structure while ensuring a balanced progression across formats and categories," the board stated in release. The Duleep Trophy, which is back in zonal format, will be played between August 23 to September 10. The entire tournament will be held at BCCI`s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The Irani Cup between Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir and Rest of India will be played from October 1 to 5 in Srinagar.

The blue riband event of BCCI`s domestic calendar - the Ranji Trophy - will have its first phase between October 11 to November 5 in which four rounds will be held. The second phase between January 17 to March 3, 2027, will happen after the completion of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (National T20s) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (National 50-over meet). The SMAT will be held between November 14 to December 6. The four venues for the league stages are Mumbai, Mohali, Vizag and Kolkata.

The knock-out stage will be held in Nagpur. The timing of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will allow the talent scouts to prepare their lists before the IPL auction which will be held sometime in December. The Vijay Hazare Trophy will be held from December 14, 2026 to January 8, 2027. A good decision taken by BCCI`s scheduling team is to have the Vijay Merchant Trophy (U16) being played from November to January, allowing for improved scheduling and player preparation. This also helps the school cricketers to prepare for their annual or board exams which are generally held in February and March.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Speaking after the defeat, Pant remained firm in his belief in the squad`s quality and character, stressing that results do not define their confidence.

"We are proud as a team regardless of what our situation is right now. The kind of team we have, we know we can win this. Regardless of anything, we are confident enough as a team and as individuals. It hasn`t gone our way, and everyone knows that, but that doesn`t take away the fact that we are a f***ing good team," the LSG skipper said after the loss.

Pant also admitted that he felt that LSG could have scored more runs in the first innings after a fantastic start. Opener Mitchell Marsh scored 96 runs to give the visitors a flying start but the middle order failed to capitalise.

"I think there are a few ways to look at it. In the middle overs and then in the last over, the way Archer bowled, I think it was really good. But we could have actually scored five or ten runs more on this kind of wicket when you get that kind of start, and we just couldn`t capitalise in the last over," Pant said.

Pant says the `lack of experience` is costing LSG points

Pant also mentioned the value of experience in crunch situations, noting how difficult it is to replace seasoned performers in high-pressure phases of the game.

"Experience is something you`re always going to miss, regardless of whether things go good or bad, because experience can`t be earned overnight. It takes years for people to gain that experience, and definitely in pressure situations, that is one thing which keeps you ahead for sure," he said.

LSG were the first team to be eliminated from the IPL this season as they failed to get results despite encouraging performances. With the 2026 season heading towards a close, the focus will now shift to the preparations for the next season for LSG.

(With IANS inputs)

After scoring 38-ball-93 in a seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, which put Rajasthan Royals just one win away from the IPL play-offs, Sooryavanshi seemed very calm about all the hype surrounding him.

"I don`t read papers and all," he said smilingly when asked if he reads what all is written bout him. "I just think this is the start and if I have a long career then a lot of things will be said. I just want to focus on my game and complete journey," said the teenage prodigy, who has now amassed 574 run in this edition.

On the day, he scored only 11 off the first 12 balls that he faced but then completed his 50 off just 23 balls. "I was sitting while bowling and the wicket looked good, I didn`t want to rush and take my time. I knew that was going to help the other batter too. I always knew I could hit anytime and didn`t want to rush at all."

He has various kind of celebrations for every milestone but there is nothing that he does consciously. "Even I don`t know what that was, even the last game`s celebration didn`t mean anything. I just keep trying new things."

About the last game on Sunday, Sooryavanshi said: "We just want to focus on the last game and enjoy it, and we want to win." His skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal was all praise for his young opening partner.

"The way Vaibhav batted, he absolutely killed the game. I wanted to play good cricketing shots and get the momentum. Vaibhav and I said one of us should play till the end and he killed the game."

Pant`s slip of tongue

Rishabh Pant seemed to be lost for strategy and also words after yet another humiliating defeat. "I`m proud of the team regardless. It doesn`t take away the fact that we`re a f***ing good team," Pant said.

Despite a shoddy performance, he backed his bowlers. "You always want to back your bowlers but it`s hard. On a wicket like this it`s hard, and too many suggestions also doesn`t work." 

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Langer described the teenager`s batting as "breathtaking" and admitted it was a privilege to watch him bat.

"My gosh, he`s so young. He`s a brilliant, brilliant player and it`s a real privilege to watch him bat, actually," Langer said in the post-match press conference.

"We`ve seen it all season. He`s the leading run scorer. In all my time, I`ve seen some amazing players in 35 years of cricket. To see a young man bat like that, not just tonight, but throughout the series, is breathtaking," he added.

Sooryavanshi`s innings was laced with seven fours and ten sixes, and according to Langer, the Indian player is going to get much better with experience, as he is already shocking the big bowlers with his shots.

"I think the last game, Mitchell Starc, who`s one of the all-time great white ball bowlers, he`s bowling, and look at the expression on his face," Langer recalled. "And Nortje, who`s a world-class international bowler, and Sooryavanshi is hitting him. And the expression on their face is such that, `what is happening here?` The scary thing going forward is, if the expressions on the face of Mitch Starc and Nortje and every bowler tell a story now, what about when he learns how to bat?"

Sooryavanshi brought up his fifty in just 23 balls and later became the first Indian batter in IPL history to hit 50 sixes in a single season. He was eventually dismissed in the 14th over, but not before taking the game away from LSG and putting RR on the brink of victory.

After Sooryvanshi`s dismissal, Dhruv Jurel, who scored his fifth fifty of the season, and Donovan Ferreira added the finishing touches to help RR over the finish line and keep them firmly in the IPL 2026 playoffs race.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

“There are clear instructions from the BCCI to their team of curators, who oversee IPL pitches, to ensure the tracks are flat, so that crowds are entertained with sixes and fours and loads of runs. For this reason, most IPL pitches are not watered for a few days and devoid of any grass. Now, April-May being summer season, most pitches are already baked due to the heat, and if you don’t water them, the dryness will ensure there is absolutely nothing in it for the bowlers — no turn, no pace,” Memon, who is also the Mumbai Schools Sports Association’s cricket secretary, tells mid-day on Wednesday.  

“These dry pitches are then rolled for long periods using heavy rollers to ensure things slow down further. That’s why a batter has ample time to first come onto his front foot and if needed, rock onto his back foot to cut a delivery. On a sporting track, the ball will just skid through on pitching, but not here.

“I remember in the past, we used to have benefit matches for retiring cricketers, mostly batters, and flat tracks were laid out so that fans can enjoy watching their favourite cricketer thrive. IPL matches have become like these benefit matches,” adds Memon.

265-4
No. of runs scored by PBKS vs DC last month; the highest successful run chase in T20s

SRH 219-6 vs PBKS 223-4, April 11
For the second time in a row openers Arya (57 off 20 balls) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25 balls) provided a flying start with a 99-run stand in just 6.2 overs. Skipper Iyer then made the chase look easy with an unbeaten 69 off 33 balls as PBKS won in 18.5 overs.
 
GT 205-3 vs RCB 206-5, April 24
Star opener Kohli led the chase with a brilliant 81 off 44 balls, ably supported by Padikkal (55 off just 27 balls). The duo added 115 runs off 59 balls as RCB overhauled the 206-run target with seven balls remaining.
 
DC 264-2 vs PBKS 265-4, April 25
PBKS chased down the highest target in T20 history, powered by an explosive knock from opener Prabhsimran Singh (76 off 26 balls). Iyer then finished it off with an unbeaten 71 off 36 balls, underlining PBKS’s dominance in chases with yet another 200-plus effort.

RR 228-6 vs SRH 229-5, April 25
An onslaught upfront from opener Abhishek Sharma (57 off 29 balls) and Ishan Kishan (74 off 31 balls) kept the required rate in check. Their 132-run stand off just 55 balls made the chase look easy as SRH won with nine balls to spare.

PBKS 222-4 vs RR 228-4, April 28
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 27) and Sooryavanshi (43 off 16) provided a solid start before Donovan Ferreira (52 not out off 26) finished it in style, helping RR chase down a 223-run target in 19.2 overs.
 
MI 243-5 vs SRH 249-4, April 29
A 129-run opening stand between Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek (24-ball 45), followed by an unbeaten 65 off 30 balls by Heinrich Klaasen helped SRH dismantle MI’s bowling attack and chase down 244 at the Wankhede with eight balls remaining.
 
RR 225-6 vs DC 226-3, May 1
KL Rahul (75 off 40) and Pathum Nissanka (62 off 33 balls) added 110 runs in just 9.3 overs as DC overhauled a formidable 226-run target on a flat Jaipur track with five balls to spare.
 
LSG 228-5 vs MI 229-4, May 4
Openers Rickelton (83 off 32) and Rohit (84 off 44) ensured LSG were never in the contest, adding 143 runs in just 10.5 overs as MI cruised home in just 18.4 overs.

LSG 203-8 vs CSK 208-5, May 10
Top-order batter Urvil Patel’s fluent 65 off 23 balls ensured CSK faced no hiccups on a tricky Chepauk track during their chase of 204. The hosts got home in 19.2 overs.
 
PBKS 210-5 vs DC 216-7, May 11
Skipper Axar Patel (56 off 30 balls) anchored the chase alongside big-hitter David Miller (51 off 28 balls) after a top-order collapse as DC crossed the finishline with an over to spare.
 
PBKS 200-8 vs MI 205-4, May 14
Tilak Varma delivered a phenomenal performance under pressure with an unbeaten 75 off just 33 balls to take MI home with one ball to spare.
 
LSG 220-5 vs RR 225-3, May 19
A 221-run target turned out to be easier than expected, thanks to teen sensation Sooryavanshi’s blazing 38-ball 93. He was well supported by Dhruv Jurel (53 not out off 38) as RR won with five balls to spare.

214
No. of runs scored by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in RR’s three successive 200-plus run chases @ 71.33, including two half-centuries

190.00
Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s average in PBKS’s three successive 200-plus run chases; he has scored half-centuries in all three matches

After suffering a defeat, MI`s captain Hardik Pandya said, "Quite entertaining. I think we lost wickets in the powerplay. We should have stitched a couple of more partnerships. I don`t mind playing on such wickets. I think IPL is getting batting dominated. This was a good wicket for bowlers, I kind of enjoyed it. We have dropped a lot of catches. No one wants to do it, but there`s no hiding away. You have to grab those chances, you have to grab even half chances, or else you are always chasing the game".

IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians: Match summary

In an attempt to chase a target of 148 runs, the Knight Riders scored 148 runs for the loss of six wickets in 18.5 overs.

Impact Player, Finn Allen, departed on eight runs in five balls, including two boundaries. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane departed after scoring 21 runs in 17 balls, with the help of four boundaries.

Cameron Green was dismissed on four runs in eight balls. Manish Pandey accumulated 45 runs in 33 balls, with the help of six boundaries. Rovman Powell also played a knock of 40 runs off 30 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and two maximums. Tejasvi Singh Dahiya registered 11 runs in 12 balls, including two boundaries.

Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy stayed unbeaten. Facing five balls, Rinku scored nine runs, with the help of two boundaries, whereas Anukul scored four runs in the same number of balls.

Mumbai`s Corbin Bosch returned with the figures of three wickets for 30 runs in three overs. Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Impact Player, Allah Ghazanfar, bagged one wicket each. Captain Hardik Pandya, Raghu Sharma, and Will Jacks went wicketless in the IPL 2026 match against KKR.

Earlier, having been put to bat first, Mumbai Indians` (MI) wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton departed on six runs in seven balls, including a boundary. Veteran batsman Rohit Sharma scored 15 runs in 13 balls, including two maximums.

Naman Dhir was dismissed on a three-ball duck. Suryakumar Yadav managed to score 15 runs in six balls, with the help of two boundaries and a maximum.

Later, Tilak Varma lost his wicket on 20 runs after facing 32 balls, and also smashed a maximum. Facing 27 balls, captain Hardik Pandya scored 26 runs, including two boundaries and a maximum. Will Jacks returned to the pavilion on 14 runs, which came in seven balls, including a boundary and a maximum. Corbin Bosch garnered an unbeaten 32 runs off 18 deliveries, laced with three boundaries and two maximums. Deepak Chahar was dismissed on 10 runs in seven balls, which included two boundaries. With this, the "Paltan" posted a total of 147 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs against the Knight Riders.

Kolkata`s Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green managed to pick up two wickets each. Having completed four overs, Dubey was smashed for 34 runs, whereas Green leaked 23 runs in three overs. Kartik Tyagi also bagged two wickets by conceding 37 runs in four overs. Sunil Narine also chipped in with one wicket. Anukul Roy and Varun Chakaravarthy went wicketless in the IPL 2026 match against the "Paltan".

IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians: Match summary

In an attempt to chase a target of 148 runs, the Knight Riders scored 148 runs for the loss of six wickets in 18.5 overs.

Impact Player, Finn Allen, departed on eight runs in five balls, including two boundaries. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane departed after scoring 21 runs in 17 balls, with the help of four boundaries.

Cameron Green was dismissed on four runs in eight balls. Manish Pandey accumulated 45 runs in 33 balls, with the help of six boundaries. Rovman Powell also played a knock of 40 runs off 30 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and two maximums. Tejasvi Singh Dahiya registered 11 runs in 12 balls, including two boundaries.

Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy stayed unbeaten. Facing five balls, Rinku scored nine runs, with the help of two boundaries, whereas Anukul scored four runs in the same number of balls.

Mumbai`s Corbin Bosch returned with the figures of three wickets for 30 runs in three overs. Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Impact Player, Allah Ghazanfar, bagged one wicket each. Captain Hardik Pandya, Raghu Sharma, and Will Jacks went wicketless in the IPL 2026 match against KKR.

Earlier, having been put to bat first, Mumbai Indians` (MI) wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton departed on six runs in seven balls, including a boundary. Veteran batsman Rohit Sharma scored 15 runs in 13 balls, including two maximums.

Naman Dhir was dismissed on a three-ball duck. Suryakumar Yadav managed to score 15 runs in six balls, with the help of two boundaries and a maximum.

Later, Tilak Varma lost his wicket on 20 runs after facing 32 balls, and also smashed a maximum. Facing 27 balls, captain Hardik Pandya scored 26 runs, including two boundaries and a maximum. Will Jacks returned to the pavilion on 14 runs, which came in seven balls, including a boundary and a maximum. Corbin Bosch garnered an unbeaten 32 runs off 18 deliveries, laced with three boundaries and two maximums. Deepak Chahar was dismissed on 10 runs in seven balls, which included two boundaries. With this, the "Paltan" posted a total of 147 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs against the Knight Riders.

Kolkata`s Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green managed to pick up two wickets each. Having completed four overs, Dubey was smashed for 34 runs, whereas Green leaked 23 runs in three overs. Kartik Tyagi also bagged two wickets by conceding 37 runs in four overs. Sunil Narine also chipped in with one wicket. Anukul Roy and Varun Chakaravarthy went wicketless in the IPL 2026 match against the "Paltan".

With an aim of chasing the target of 148 runs, KKR`s Impact Player, Finn Allen, departed on eight runs in five balls, including two boundaries. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane departed after scoring 21 runs in 17 balls, with the help of four boundaries.

Cameron Green was dismissed on four runs in eight balls. Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell are unbeaten at the crease.

Mumbai`s Corbin Bosch has managed to pick up two wickets. Deepak Chahar has also claimed one wicket. Jasprit Bumrah, Impact Player, Allah Ghazanfar, and captain Hardik Pandya are yet to claim their first wicket.

IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians: First innings` summary

Earlier, having been put to bat first, Mumbai Indians` (MI) wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton departed on six runs in seven balls, including a boundary. Veteran batsman Rohit Sharma scored 15 runs in 13 balls, including two maximums.

Naman Dhir was dismissed on a three-ball duck. Suryakumar Yadav managed to score 15 runs in six balls, with the help of two boundaries and a maximum.

Later, Tilak Varma lost his wicket on 20 runs after facing 32 balls, and also smashed a maximum. Facing 27 balls, captain Hardik Pandya scored 26 runs, including two boundaries and a maximum. Will Jacks returned to the pavilion on 14 runs, which came in seven balls, including a boundary and a maximum. Corbin Bosch garnered an unbeaten 32 runs off 18 deliveries, laced with three boundaries and two maximums. Deepak Chahar was dismissed on 10 runs in seven balls, which included two boundaries. With this, the "Paltan" posted a total of 147 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs against the Knight Riders.

Kolkata`s Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green managed to pick up two wickets each. Having completed four overs, Dubey was smashed for 34 runs, whereas Green leaked 23 runs in three overs. Kartik Tyagi also bagged two wickets by conceding 37 runs in four overs. Sunil Narine also chipped in with one wicket. Anukul Roy and Varun Chakaravarthy went wicketless in the IPL 2026 match against the "Paltan".

Having been put to bat first, wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton was dismissed on six runs in seven balls, including a boundary. Fellow opening batsman Rohit Sharma departed after scoring 15 runs in 13 balls, with the help of two maximums.

Naman Dhir departed on a three-ball duck. Suryakumar Yadav lost his wicket after scoring 15 runs in six balls, which included two boundaries and a maximum.

Tilak Varma and captain Hardik Pandya are unbeaten at the crease.

Kolkata`s Saurabh Dubey and Cameron Green have picked up two wickets each. Anukul Roy and Kartik Tyagi are yet to register their first scalps.

Earlier, KKR`s skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first against the "Paltan" in Kolkata.

After winning the toss, KKR`s skipper Rahane said, "We are looking to bowl first. (They need two wins out of two) Yes, absolutely. It`s as simple as that. We just want to focus on this game. We played really good cricket overall last game against GT. As you`ve mentioned, we need to win two out of two, but staying in the moment, playing good cricket over the course of 40 overs, it`s really important. (See-saw season) Yeah, I think the first half of the tournament, there were moments that we could have capitalized and the things could have been different, but again, no complaints, no regrets. The way we came back, the way we pulled off things, and the confidence amongst the group was amazing. The atmosphere in the dressing room was really good. It`s always about the comeback. It`s always about being in the moment and how can you come back, how can you do well for the team. And guys have been fantastic. (About the pitch) It`s frankly tough to read the wicket, but as I said, we need to play good cricket throughout 40 overs, and then see what happens. We are going with the same team".

IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Confirmed Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Rovaman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey.

After winning the toss, KKR`s skipper Rahane said, "We are looking to bowl first. (They need two wins out of two) Yes, absolutely. It`s as simple as that. We just want to focus on this game. We played really good cricket overall last game against GT. As you`ve mentioned, we need to win two out of two, but staying in the moment, playing good cricket over the course of 40 overs, it`s really important. (See-saw season) Yeah, I think the first half of the tournament, there were moments that we could have capitalized and the things could have been different, but again, no complaints, no regrets. The way we came back, the way we pulled off things, and the confidence amongst the group was amazing. The atmosphere in the dressing room was really good. It`s always about the comeback. It`s always about being in the moment and how can you come back, how can you do well for the team. And guys have been fantastic. (About the pitch) It`s frankly tough to read the wicket, but as I said, we need to play good cricket throughout 40 overs, and then see what happens. We are going with the same team".

On the other hand, MI`s captain Hardik Pandya said, "We would have bowled first as well. Looks like a track which has been under the covers. Just wanted to see how exactly it plays out. (Playing for pride) Absolutely. Every game you play, you want to win. You want to play your best cricket, put the best foot forward. At the same point of time, Mumbai Indians have a long history of winning titles. So just want to make sure that we keep the head high and make sure that we represent Mumbai Indians in the best capacity. (Good record here) Yes, but that`s in the past. We still need to turn up, play some good cricket and enjoy. (Changes?) I`m back. Ghaza is back and I think, yeah, just two changes".

MI`s premier batsman Suryakumar Yadav is falling short of 55 runs to achieve the feat of completing 4000 runs for the Mumbai-based franchise. If he manages to score the required runs, Suryakumar will then become the second batsman to achieve the feat for the "Paltan".

IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Confirmed Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Rovaman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey.

One of the major reasons for the franchise`s success is the development of skipper Shubman Gill. So far in 12 matches in the ongoing edition, the right-handed batsman has garnered 552 runs with an average of 46.00.

He is also the fifth-leading run-scorer in IPL 2026. Along with him, fellow opening batsman Sai Sudharsan is also on the list of leading run-scorers, having registered 554 runs in 13 matches with an average of 46.17.

Under Gill’s leadership, the Titans are placed in the second position with eight wins and five losses in 13 games. They have a net run rate (NRR) of +0.400 and 16 points.

Apart from the batters, GT`s lead pacer Kagiso Rabada is also enjoying the second spot on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league. In 13 matches, the pacer has claimed 21 wickets and has an economy of 9.22.

The Titans will play their last group stage match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans: Full squads

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), MS Dhoni (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Shivam Dube, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar.

Gujarat Titans: Ishant Sharma, Jos Buttler (WK), Jason Holder, Jayant Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Tewatia, Luke Wood, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, Shubman Gill (C), Tom Banton (WK), Yarra Raj, Anuj Rawat, Sai Sudharsan, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Arshad Khan, Nishant Sandhu, Gurnoor Brar, Ashok Sharma.

The "Men in Blue" will lock horns with the Afghans for a one-off Test match and three ODI games. The Test match will be played from June 6 to 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.

The first match of the three-match ODI series will be played on June 14 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. The second will be held on June 17 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow, and the third match on June 20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Ahead of the one-off Test match, Team India`s think tank has replaced Rishabh Pant with KL Rahul for the vice-captaincy role.

Following the decision, former Team India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that Pant was removed from the vice-captaincy role following his performance in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and that he deserved to continue the role. 

"Rishabh Pant hasn`t done anything wrong. Red-ball and white-ball cricket are two very different formats. You are judging him based on the IPL, saying that he is not doing a good job as captain, that his team is losing, and that he is not scoring runs. But I believe there is no bigger match-winner for India in Tests, as a batter, than Rishabh Pant. The problem is that people mix the formats," he said on JioHotstar.

The former cricketer also questioned the decision not to select pacer Mohammed Shami. "Why didn`t Auqib Nabi get the nod? Because he didn`t take wickets in the IPL? These are two completely different formats. KL Rahul is 34 years old. On one hand, you don`t pick Mohammed Shami, saying that age is not on his side and that you are looking at younger players. So, I`d want them to be consistent. Either go by form, regardless of age, and if you are scoring runs or taking wickets, you should get picked. Because I think Rishabh Pant deserved to continue as vice-captain," said Kaif.

India`s squad for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (WK).

It marked the end of a wait stretching back to `The Invincibles` victory of 2003-04 —a title-winning journey that has been in the works for at least the past six years since Mikel Arteta took charge in 2019 to mould and shape the squad. The Gunners, as they are fondly called, finished second in the last three seasons, behind Liverpool as well as Manchester City, leaving fans all over very frustrated.

However, this season has been different, with Arsenal going toe-to-toe with Man City, the only contenders to win the title in a season that has been a rollercoaster of emotions for every supporter —  not only across the world but also in Mumbai, including this writer. Having supported the team since 2007, after watching William Gallas equalise 2-2 against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on November 3 that year this writer has heartbreak, watching the team putting up a fight till the end even when the Red Devils were the favourites to win.

So, it is no wonder that every Arsenal fan has been celebrating with one another, even though there is one more game against Crystal Palace on May 24 before the season gets over. 

Here are some of the immediate reactions:

Carl Lewis, 40, Bandra West

After 22 years, we lift a trophy we`ve been chasing and getting so close to for the past few seasons. This means a lot and should be a watershed moment for the club as this should be the beginning of a new chapter of dominance in the English football stratosphere! The Champions League is next. It`s been 20 years since we were in a Champions League final. I can still remember Sol Campbell`s header in Paris which almost got us over the line until Henrik Larsson happened. This time it`s different, there`s electricity in the air and nothing but optimism. COYG (Come On You Gunners) for one last push to greatness!

Mahesh Khedkar, 31, Andheri West

Trust the process. Arsenal winning the Premier league feels like a dream come true. It hasn`t sunk in yet that they have actually done it. I don`t know how I`m going to react come Sunday when I actually see them lifting the trophy at Selhurst Park. It`s been a long and torturous wait. Calling it an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement. I have supported Arsenal since 2007, and unfortunately for me, that has largely been in the post-glory years of Arsene Wenger. It was the Emirates era, marked with suffering with Wenger, the man who built the Emirates. As people rightly say, Mikel Arteta turned the lights on and added the soul into the place.

This feeling of winning the EPL is unmatched and no words can do justice to it. The years of staying up late till 3 - 4 am and going to school as a kid, being trolled by rival fans, watching the ‘Wenger Out’ brigade, the horror defeats and more felt like scars that could never be healed. But guess what, time does fix things and the grass is always green where you water it. I`ve been trolled a lot for dedicating my right arm to an Arsenal tattoo that says `Victoria Concardia Crestic`, which is our motto. It translates to `Victory through Harmony `. And today, we are victorious and we did it with class, grace, and passion. Today, this tattoo that I`ll take to my grave, feels like one of my best decisions ever. I got it during our worst time, when the world was calling for Mikel Arteta’s head and I backed and had faith in him. I`m glad the board and ownership did the same and today he is the first Premier league player to win the title as a manager and the third youngest to do it. He picked Arsenal up at its lowest and he`s brought us up to the height where we belong. Truly turned the lights on!

Ryan Torres, 31, Vikhroli

We are finally seeing our club win the league again after 22 years. Through all the trolling, heartbreaks, late-night matches, and ‘next season bro’ jokes, we still stayed loyal. Arsenal has literally been part of my childhood and adulthood journey. So, seeing them finally lift the trophy again feels personal, emotional, and honestly, unforgettable. Like Henry said, this team could be “The Unforgettables” if they won, and they have done exactly that.

Colin Sequiera, 32, Vasai West

Arsenal winning the EPL title feels unreal. Twenty-two years of waiting, heartbreak, banter, and belief — and now finally seeing Arsenal back on top of England by winning the EPL… it’s pure emotion. This one is different. I’ve supported Arsenal since 1997 (my dad was an Arsenal fan), when I was four years old. So this honestly feels emotional beyond words. I was lucky enough to witness ‘The Invincibles’ growing up, and after that, it’s been 22 years of waiting, hoping, getting hurt, and still believing every single season. That’s why this title means so much. It’s not just about winning the league — it feels like seeing a piece of your childhood come back to life. But at the same time, it’s not over yet. The season isn’t done. We’ve still got a Champions League final coming up in about a week’s time. Stay humble, stay focused, and let’s give it everything in Budapest.

Rival fan

Sanjay Lawrence, 33, Vasai West 

I became a Manchester United fan at the peak of the Alex Ferguson - Arsene Wenger era, fortunate enough to be pampered with titles and a team of mentality monsters. Along came Wenger in the middle of all this and gave Arsenal a title in the classiest way possible. Since then, you could see the hope Arsenal fans carried into every season, which disappeared as every season wore on.

What Mikel Arteta and this group of players have achieved this season is extraordinary. We as rival fans questioned their mentality, while Arsenal tested everyone’s patience with their relentless set-piece routines (Haramball, anyone?). But winning is winning, however it comes, and these players have earned their moniker as a certain Thierry Henry put it - `The Unforgettables`

Somewhere in a Manchester dumpyard, there is a glut of Arsenal-themed bottles laying waste today.

As a result of the ruling, Middlesbrough, who suffered a defeat against Southampton in the playoff semi-finals, have been thrown a lifeline. They will now take Southampton`s place to face Hull City this Saturday, with a lucrative promotion to the Premier League on the line.

"An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs` training," the EFL confirmed in an official statement released on Tuesday.

The league further clarified: "In addition, the club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges. The effect of today`s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed."

Southampton confess to spying allegations

According to the EFL, Southampton confessed to violating league guidelines that demand clubs act in good faith and strictly forbid scouting or watching an opponent`s training ground within 72 hours of a match. The illicit filming took place before matches against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026.

While Southampton retains the right to challenge the disciplinary commission`s verdict, urgent talks are already underway this Wednesday to finalise the situation. The EFL noted that the schedule for Saturday’s final at Wembley could still face adjustments depending on how the appeal process unfolds.

The EFL is currently in active communication with Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull City regarding the massive logistical and competitive fallout of the ruling. The commission expects to publish its full, detailed written reasoning for the punishment shortly.

(With ANI inputs)

Speaking ahead of the special ESA Match Day, former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma said, "We want to make sure that the 20,000 kids go back smiling and happy, having witnessed something special at the Wankhede Stadium," according to a press release.

Beyond the excitement of the game itself, ESA Match Day serves as a transformative experience for thousands of children. By providing a rare opportunity that many only dream of, the initiative leverages the impact of sports and education to inspire young fans and create lifelong memories.

Launched in 2010, the ESA initiative has expanded significantly from its initial footprint. The program now engages with over 21.5 million children across India by partnering with various non-governmental organisations to deliver year-round sports development and educational support. 

Driven by the core belief that every child deserves the right to learn and play, the initiative continues to invest in grass-roots development by upgrading local sports infrastructure, providing equipment, and delivering specialised coaching across multiple athletic disciplines to ensure young children have equitable opportunities to excel.

Mumbai Indians look to end their season on a high

The five-time champions, captained by Hardik Pandya, have already been eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race, registering four victories and eight defeats across their 12 outings. Before returning to Mumbai for their final league assignment on May 24, the team travels to Eden Gardens to face the Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday.

Despite a difficult team campaign, individual performances have provided some bright spots for the franchise. 

Opening batter Ryan Rickelton has led the scoring charts for Mumbai Indians, amassing 430 runs across 10 appearances. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has returned strongly following a right hamstring injury that sidelined him for five games between April 12 and May 4. The veteran opener has accumulated 268 runs in seven innings, maintaining an average of 44.67 and an impressive strike rate of 164.42.

(With ANI inputs)

With 53 sixes in the current IPL, Sooryavanshi is very close to Gayle`s record of 59 from the 2012 season.

The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter hit a 38-ball 93 on Wednesday night against the Lucknow Super Giants, which included seven fours and ten maximums. Chasing a target of 221, Sooryavanshi`s innings helped the hosts reach the total with ease to keep their playoff hopes alive.

"It is very difficult to stop him. In his first 10 balls, he was batting at a strike rate of less than 100, and by the end of the innings, he had scored 93 runs off just 38 balls," Irfan Pathan said on JioHotstar.

"With 53 sixes, he is actually going after Chris Gayle`s record of 59 sixes, which has stood since 2012. As bowlers, we were always scared of facing Chris Gayle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is creating that same fear, and Gayle`s record is definitely in danger," he added.

Sanjay Bangar in awe of Sooryavanshi

Another former Indian player, Sanjay Bangar, said he does not have words to describe Sooryavanshi`s talent.

"Can`t really explain it; words are not sufficient. They can`t do justice to the kind of ability this young boy, this young prodigy, possesses. Some of those shots were extraordinary, to say the least," he said.

"He put on a masterclass, a sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi innings indeed. Terrific to watch, great entertainment. And he is definitely going to draw crowds wherever he goes and wherever he plays," he added.

Sooryavanshi was adjudged Player of the Match for his performance, his third such individual honour this season. The left-hander scored 93 runs off just  38 balls, including seven fours and 10 sixes. 

The 15-year-old was eventually dismissed by Mohsin Khan after he was caught by Abdul Samad. The teenager walked off to a standing ovation from the crowd.

Rajasthan Royals are still in the playoff race and will qualify with a win against the Mumbai Indians.

(With PTI inputs)

The Royals will enter the clash with two changes: Lhuan-dre Pretorious will replace the injured skipper Riyan Parag and Adam Milne will make way for Sandeep Sharma. Also, Sushant Mishra will make his IPL debut.

After winning the toss, RR`s stand-in skipper Jaiswal said, "We`re going to bowl first and I feel like it`s a good wicket. Later on, there will be some dew, I hope. So, we are going to chase."

When asked about the captaincy role, he said, "It means a lot to me and it`s proud always to represent the Rajasthan Royals franchise."

Speaking on Riyan Parag, Jaiswal said, "He had some hamstring injury and he`ll be fine soon, I hope so. So, he`s not playing this game. We have three changes. Sandy, Sushant Mishra and Lhuan-dre Pretorious come in."

On the improvements needed, he replied, "I think we all are speaking to everyone and I think the mindset and attitude what we will bring out into the ground and just enjoy the game. (on their winless record in Jaipur) I think I`ll just smile and enjoy the game and play. That said, I think it`s a wonderful, wonderful day and we have the opportunity to play good cricket. So we are going to enjoy the game. (On Jadeja) Nothing much at the moment. Jaddu bhai is recovering. He has some niggles, but he`ll be fine soon".

On the other hand, the Super Giants have also made two changes. Ayush Badoni will come in place of Aiden Markram, and Mohsin Khan will replace Mohammed Shami.

LSG`s captain Rishabh Pant said, "Pretty confident, we know this is a good wicket to bat on. Happy to either bat or bowl first. Definitely, as I said in the last few games, we have a lot to play for. As a team, we take pride and confidence in playing every match for our fans. At the same time, we want to put our best foot forward because we know we have a good team and we can do it. Aiden (Markram) is not there because he has gone (home) for his personal thing. And just one more, Shami is not playing and Mohsin is playing. Badoni comes in for Aiden".

IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants: Confirmed playing 11

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal (C), Lhuan-dre Pretorious, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Sushant Mishra, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Punja.

Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav.

The last time the Gunners clinched a Premier League title was in the 2003/04 season, when they won under manager Arsene Wenger with  Patrick Vieira as captain.

After three consecutive runner-up finishes, including the 2023–2024 season, in which Manchester City defeated Arsenal by just two points, Martin Odegaard`s team has finally won the Premier League.

Arsenal have now secured four Premier League titles, moving two ahead of Liverpool and just one behind Chelsea. Manchester United remain the competition`s most successful side with 13 Premier League wins, while Manchester City have won eight. The only other clubs to lift the trophy are Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City, each with one title.

Looking at the overall history of England`s top flight, Arsenal`s latest triumph takes their total league titles to 14, leaving them behind only Liverpool and Manchester United, who have both been crowned champions 20 times.

Manchester City`s 1-1 draw left them four points behind the league leaders, meaning they can no longer catch Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season.

Arteta becomes the third-youngest manager to win Premier League

Arteta is the third-youngest manager to win the Premier League at 44 years and 54 days. Jose Mourinho, who won the title with Chelsea in 2004–05 at 42 years and 94 days and again in 2005–06 at 43 years and 93 days, is the only manager younger than Arteta to have done so.

The Spaniard has also become the youngest manager in Arsenal history to win the league title, surpassing George Graham, who was 124 days older when he led the club to glory in the 1988/89 season.

Arteta, who took charge of the Gunners in 2019, has also become the first former Arsenal skipper to lead the team to a top-flight championship as a manager. Focus will now shift to the UEFA Champions League final against PSG on May 30.

(With ANI inputs)