In the WPL 2026 match against the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Kotambi. WPL 2026, MI vs RCB: Confirmed Playing XI Mumbai Indians: Sajana Sajeevan, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Rahila Firdous (WK), Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Vaishnavi Sharma. Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (C), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (WK), Radga Yadav, Nadine De Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell. More updates to follow...
26 January,2026 07:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India batsman Shreyas Iyer is set to continue as Tilak Varma's replacement for the remainder of the T20I series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for India (BCCI) shared a post on its official social media handle, confirming the news. The BCCI stated that Tilak has resumed his training and is progressing well at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He will need more time to regain match fitness and will miss out on the fourth and fifth T20I matches against the "Black Caps". Earlier, the left-handed batsman underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot, and the Men's Selection Committee had then added Iyer to the T20I squad for the first three matches as a replacement. "India batter Tilak Varma has resumed physical training and is making steady progress with his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. However, he will require additional time to regain full match fitness and will not be available for the final two T20Is of the ongoing IDFC First Bank five-match T20I series," the BCCI media advisory said. Tilak is expected to join Team India on February 3 in Mumbai ahead of the side's warm-up match for the T20 World Cup 2026, the BCCI said. "The Men's Selection Committee has recommended that Shreyas Iyer will continue as Tilak Varma's replacement for the remaining matches," added the BCCI's advisory. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team has already sealed the five-match T20I series by taking a lead of 3-0 against New Zealand. The fourth T20I match between the teams is scheduled to be played on January 28 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The "Men in Blue" will soon engage in the T20 World Cup 2026, starting from February 7. They will open their global showpiece campaign against the United States of America (USA) on the same date at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The team is placed in Group A of the tournament along with Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the USA. India's updated T20I squad Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi. (With ANI Inputs)
26 January,2026 07:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Ishan Kishan is on a roll as he is showcasing his batting skills with the willow in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. He also highlighted that Sanju Samson, who is being preferred ahead of Kishan for the wicket-keeper's role, is struggling to deliver performances with the bat. "Sanju Samson got out off the first ball. He got out in the last two matches as well, and Ishan Kishan is playing well, however much he is playing," he said. "Ishan Kishan played a short but destructive knock this time too. He batted incredibly well, and by the time his wicket fell at 53, he had made his runs, and he is not stopping anytime soon. So who is ahead in this race?," added the former cricketer. Chopra then pointed out that Team India's management dropped Shubman Gill and opted to go ahead with Samson. He also said that considering the recent outings from Samson, the Team India's think tank won't be able to stay with him for long. "You will have to ask a question. We dropped Gill because there was a new philosophy or ideology, and went towards Sanju Samson, but it seems like you won't be able to stay with him for long. If you see their numbers lately, they seem identical," he said. Currently, the "Men in Blue" have already sealed the series by taking a lead of 3-0 against the "Black Caps". The fourth T20I match between the teams is scheduled to be played on January 28 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Suryakumar Yadav-led men will soon engage in the T20 World Cup 2026, starting from February 7. They will open their global showpiece campaign by playing a clash against the United States of America (USA) on the same date at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They are placed in Group A of the tournament along with teams such as Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States of America (USA). India's updated T20I squad Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi. (With ANI Inputs)
26 January,2026 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have begun with their preparations with the first pre-season camp. It was held in Udaipur from January 16 to 20. The camp was attended by key squad members, Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh, according to a release from PBKS. Speaking about the camp, Shashank, who recovered from the injury, said that the energy was superb and all the players were very positive, similar to the previous year. "The core focus was mostly on the bonding because, obviously, we met after so long. The energy was superb. We were all very positive, just like last year. The place where we had the camp was lovely, with perfect weather conditions and a perfect ground setup. We really enjoyed it and got exactly what we wanted from this camp," he said. He also said that the young players in the squad have become more mature and are excited for the upcoming IPL 2026. "There are so many young players in our team--Suryansh, Priyansh, Pyla, and Vishal. It was so good to be with them. They (young players) have become more eager, more mature, and more excited for this year. It helps to share my experience with them because they keep asking questions. Getting to know their thoughts and talking about our strengths has been amazing," Shashank added. The 34-year-old cricketer also said that the camp helped him to get into a better mental space. He is also hopeful of regaining full match fitness within one or two weeks. "For me, this game is more about the mental setup. This camp really helped me get into a better mental space," said Shashank. "I am just getting into the groove and trying to be fitter. I feel I'll be match-fit in a week or two," said the Bhilai-born cricketer. Signing off with a message for the loyal 'Sher Squad', Shashank promised a season defined by entertainment and fighting spirit. "I want to thank our fans for always supporting us. I feel our fans are the best fans. I am pretty sure that this year, in all the games, that red and golden vibe will be there on the ground. We will make sure that we entertain you, and when you leave the ground, you will have a smile on your face," he concluded. (With ANI Inputs)
26 January,2026 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTiigers of Kolkata registered a composed win in their fifth ISPL fixture against Hyderabad, delivering a well-rounded performance built on smart batting, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Kolkata made full use of the conditions to post a competitive total and then defended it with control. Openers laid the platform, with Man of the Match Saif Ali once again leading from the front. After the early loss of a wicket, Saif steadied the innings by building a crucial partnership with Rajat Mundhe, who walked in at one down. The duo ensured momentum without unnecessary risk, allowing the Tiigers to stay on course through the middle phase. Saif went on to score his second half-century of the season, finishing with a fluent 61 off 30 balls, an innings that included one 9-run hit, three sixes and four boundaries, striking at an impressive 203. His knock set the tone as Kolkata reached a defendable 119 for 4. With the ball, Gully to Glory Award winner Firdos Alam delivered a controlled spell in a high-scoring contest, conceding just 23 runs in two overs while picking up two key wickets. Skipper Bhavesh Pawar contributed on both fronts, scoring a quick 14 off 7 deliveries with four boundaries and leading decisively on the field. ISPL debutant Mahesh Nangude made an immediate impact, producing excellent boundary-line fielding efforts that saved vital runs. He also chipped in with the bat, scoring five runs off two balls, including a boundary, in a confident debut. For Saif Ali, performances like these reflect a journey shaped by patience and reinvention. From dominating Bengal’s T23 circuit without receiving a long-awaited call-up, to stepping away from leather-ball cricket in 2020 and rebuilding himself through tennis-ball cricket, Saif’s path has been anything but straightforward. The ISPL has given him a platform to express that second innings—one that saw him emerge as the tournament’s highest run-scorer in 2023 and continue his consistency across franchises. Backed by his family and driven by new responsibilities off the field, Saif’s story remains rooted in belief and resilience. Speaking after the match, Saif Ali said, “Scoring half-centuries for my team always feels special. My intent is simple—to stay positive and bat as long as possible for the team. I wasn’t middling the ball early on, but I kept my belief. The partnership with Rajat bhai really helped, and his confidence in me made a big difference. I also carried a lot of motivation from the words of Aksha Kamboj Ma’am, the coaches and the management. This is my second fifty of the season, but I honestly feel I’m just getting started.” 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.
26 January,2026 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter elder brother Sarfaraz Khan’s double century (227), younger sibling Musheer Khan claimed his maiden fifer as Mumbai beat Hyderabad by nine wickets in their Elite Group ‘D’ Ranji Trophy match in Hyderabad on Sunday. Top spot with 30 points Earning six points from the game, the 42-time champions secured the top spot with 30 points and ensured a quarter-final qualification with one league game, against Delhi (starting on January 29), still remaining. After posting a mammoth 560 in the first essay, Mumbai enforced the follow-on after bundling out Hyderabad for 267 in their first stint. The hosts then managed 302 all out in the second innings thanks to left-arm spinner Musheer’s brilliant effort with the ball. Playing only his 15th first-class game, the hardworking all-rounder claimed his first five-wicket haul (5-79), shouldering the responsibility well in the absence of experienced spinners Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian and the young Atharva Ankolekar (all out due to injury). “It feels fantastic to get my first fifer. I’ve picked up three-four wickets in a match earlier, but claiming five wickets is something different. Now I realise how hard a bowler needs to work hard to come up with such a performance in the Ranji Trophy. This [fifer] has boosted my confidence today. I’m eager to replicate this more often, going forward,” Musheer, who scored 11 and took 1-49 in the first essay, told mid-day over the phone from Hyderabad on Sunday. ‘I’m always ready’ When asked about his bowling experience in the absence of senior spinners [Mulani and Kotian], Musheer insisted that he’s always ready. “I always keep myself ready. Even if they [Mulani and Kotian] were playing this match, in the back of my mind, I would’ve always kept thinking what I would do if I got the opportunity to bowl. In their absence, I’m glad I could deliver, along with [off-spinner] Himanshu Singh [who claimed 3-39 in the first innings],” said Musheer, who has scored 339 runs so far with the help of one century (vs Himachal Pradesh) and has picked 13 wickets in six matches this season. Experienced players away Mumbai missed its experienced campaigners — India players Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube (all are on national duty) , current captain Shardul Thakur (calf injury) and ex-captain Ajinkya Rahane (due to personal reasons), but Musheer reckoned this young team is ready to shoulder its responsibilities. “We missed all our senior players, but playing for Mumbai is a very big thing and whoever is playing for this time, is perfectly ready. Whoever gets a chance is always keen to perform. We all are khadoos players and always looking to carry forward Mumbai’s cricket legacy,” Musheer signed off. 21No, of first-class wickets taken by Musheer in 15 matches 4No. of maiden overs bowled by Musheer in the second innings vs Hyderabad Brief scoresMumbai 560 & 12-1 (A Anand 5*, A Herwadkar 4) beat Hyderabad 267 & 302 all out (C Milind 85, K Himateja 43; M Khan 5-79, M Avasthi 3-47, O Tarmale 2-48) by 9 wickets
26 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureYashasvi Jaiswal was not considered for selection for Mumbai’s last Ranji Trophy league match against Delhi because the Indian opener has been “picking and choosing” the games that he wanted to play and often remained “non-responsive” ahead of selection meetings, a MCA official informed PTI. Jaiswal is neither a part of the Indian T20I squad that is currently playing a five-match series against New Zealand, nor he has been in the mix for next month’s T20 World Cup. The BCCI has issued a strict diktat to India players to appear in domestic cricket when not on national duty but the senior MCA official revealed Jaiswal has not responded to their approaches to know his availability. “It is a fact that he was non-responsive before selection for the last match [against Hyderabad] as well, and it clearly feels like he is picking and choosing matches,” said a senior MCA official on Sunday. “We had reached out to him before selecting the team for the previous game and even for the upcoming one, but we did not get any response. So, he was not considered for selection for the home match against Delhi,” he added. 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
26 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIA dominant Bengal completed a facile innings and 46-run bonus point victory over Services in their Elite Group C match to storm into the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals here Sunday. Bengal enforced follow-on after bundling out Services for 186 in their first innings after piling up a massive 519 in their first essay. Having taken a lead of 333 runs, Bengal bowlers skittled out Services for 287, following Mohammed Shami’s exploits on the third day when the out-of-favour India seamer returned figures of 5-51 in 16 overs. Resuming the fourth and final day’s play two wickets short of victory, Bengal got the job done in less than half an hour. Meanwhile, Andhra surged to the top of the Group A pecking order with an eight-wicket win over defending champions Vidarbha. Set a target of 259, Andhra, who resumed at overnight 93 for one, completed the task in 56.1 overs, with Shaik Rasheed slamming an unbeaten 132 off 144 balls, and was involved in a third wicket stand of 145 runs with skipper Ricky Bhui (64 not out off 92 balls). Elsewhere, Spinners Saransh Jain and Sagar Solanki shared six wickets between them equally as Madhya Pradesh handed Karnataka a heavy 217-run defeat. Off-spinner Jain (3-37) and left-arm spinner Solanki (3-20) ran through the Karnataka batting line-up, in their chase of 362, to fold them for 144. 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
26 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Kalyani (West Bengal) | PTIA housemaid has accused Sulaman Qadir, son of late Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, of sexually assaulting her at his farmhouse. The police have detained Sulaman, one of the four sons of Qadir, after the maid filed an FIR. The maid has alleged that she worked at the house of Sulaman and he forcibly took her to his farmhouse and raped her. 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
26 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Lahore | PTIIndia captain Ayush Mhatre said his team is growing in confidence with each outing and have shown they are mature enough to adapt to different situations in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. India, the five-time champions, extended their unbeaten run with a commanding seven-wicket win over New Zealand in a rain-hit group stage clash on Saturday. The result ensured they carried maximum points into the Super Six phase of the tournament. “The whole tournament has been really nice, and the boys have really played well and shown the character that shows strong attitude also. “The boys are really mature enough to adapt to the [different] situations, and they have played more cricket like this,” Mhatre was quoted as saying by ICC on Sunday. 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
26 January,2026 09:36 AM IST | Bulawayo | IANSTable-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to bounce back from their first setback of the season, against Delhi Capitals, when they take on struggling Mumbai Indians in a Women’s Premier League match here on Monday. Despite the defeat, RCB remain well-placed at the top of the standings. MI, on the other hand, find themselves in urgent need of revival. They have lost three matches in a row, a slide that has put their playoff aspirations under pressure. 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
26 January,2026 09:36 AM IST | Vadodara | PTIADVERTISEMENT
