On 19^th March at 7:30 PM IST, Mumbai Spartans will be taking on Royal Riders Punjab in the ninth match of the Legends League Cricket 2026 at Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Haldwani.

Get the best MSP vs RRP Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 9^th match of the Legends League Cricket 2026. Expert analysis and more.

Also Read: Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma IPL Stats: Runs, Records, Captaincy and Who Is Better?

MSP vs RRP Match Preview:

The action in Legends League Cricket 2026 intensifies as the Mumbai Spartans prepare to lock horns with Royal Riders Punjab in Match 9. This high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at the Gandhi Sports Complex Ground in Amritsar. With the tournament race heating up, both veteran squads are eager to secure two points and cement their presence in the top half of the standings.

The Mumbai Spartans enter this fixture with mixed momentum after their recent match against Konark Suryas Odisha was unfortunately cancelled due to rain. Prior to that, they secured a clinical 17-run victory over the India Tigers, successfully defending a total of 160. The squad relies heavily on the aggressive batting of Bharath Chipli, who has already amassed 89 runs in the tournament, and the explosive power of Asad Pathan. Furthermore, the bowling department is led by Amit Verma, who currently tops their charts with 5 wickets, and the mystery spin of KC Cariappa. Additionally, captain Suresh Raina seeks to lead with intent to ensure the Spartans maintain their upward trajectory.

However, Royal Riders Punjab arrive at their home-state venue looking to bounce back from a 40-run defeat against the Southern Super Stars. Despite that setback, they showed immense quality in their earlier 43-run win over Konark Suryas Odisha, where Mohammad Shahzad anchored the innings with a fighting 48. The squad features a balanced mix of pace and experience, with Anureet Singh consistently providing breakthroughs with the new ball. Moreover, the middle order boasts the T20 expertise of Thisara Perera and the tactical stability of Asghar Afghan. Furthermore, the team intends to leverage the local Amritsar support to overcome the Spartans and regain their winning rhythm.

Therefore, both legendary teams will fight with high intensity to secure a vital win on Thursday night. The Mumbai Spartans aim to utilize their disciplined spin variety to stifle the Punjab scoring rate during the middle overs. Moreover, Royal Riders Punjab intend to leverage their power-packed batting lineup and home-turf familiarity to secure a clinical victory.

MSP vs RRP Head-to-Head Record:

MSP vs RRP Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

MSP vs RRP Playing 11s (Predicted):

Mumbai Spartans Playing 11:

1) Chadwick Walton (wk)

2) Bharath Chipli

3) Suresh Raina ©

4) Shoaib Khan

5) Amit Verma

6) Asad Pathan

7) Carlos Brathwaite

8) Isuru Udana

9) Subodh Bhati

10) K.C. Cariappa

11) Shanthakumaran Sreesanth

Royal Riders Punjab Playing 11:

1) Mohammad Shahzad (wk)

2) Danushka Gunathilaka

3) Angelo Perera

4) Asghar Afghan ©

5) Samiullah Shinwari

6) Thisara Perera

7) Rishi Dhawan

8) Chaturanga de Silva

9) Seekkuge Prasanna

10) Anureet Singh

11) Pawan Suyal

Hot Picks for MSP vs RRP Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

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MSP vs RRP Legends Cricket League 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

MSP vs RRP Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keepers – Chadwick Walton, Mohammad Shahzad
• Batters – Bharath Chipli, Angelo Perera
• All-rounders – Rishi Dhawan (vc), Thisara Perera ©, Amit Verma, Chaturanga de Silva
• Bowlers – Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Anureet Singh, Subodh Bhati

MSP vs RRP Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keepers – Mohammad Shahzad ©
• Batters – Bharath Chipli, Asghar Afghan, Angelo Perera
• All-rounders – Rishi Dhawan, Thisara Perera, Amit Verma
• Bowlers – Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Anureet Singh (vc), KC Cariappa, Subodh Bhati

MSP vs RRP Dream11 Prediction Today Match 9 Legends Cricket League 2026 Players to Avoid:

MSP vs RRP Dream11 Prediction Today Match 9 Legends Cricket League 2026 Expert Advice:

MSP vs RRP Match Winner Prediction:

Looking at the current form, Royal Riders Punjab is expected to win this match.

HDFC Bank share price today: HDFC Bank, the country’s largest private sector bank, saw its stock plunge in trade on Thursday after its part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned. HDFC Bank’s share opened in red and was trading at Rs 806 at around 9:19 AM, down Rs 37 or 4.39%.The stock movement is in focus after HDFC Bank part-time chairman and independent director Atanu Chakraborty resigned abruptly. The Reserve Bank of India has cleared the appointment of Keki Mistry, former chief executive of HDFC, as interim part-time chairman.In his resignation letter, Chakraborty said that certain developments and practices within the bank over the past two years were not in line with his personal principles and ethical standards. “This is the basis of my aforementioned decision,” he wrote.He noted that his tenure coincided with significant milestones, including the merger with HDFC, which led to the creation of a large financial conglomerate under the bank. This move positioned HDFC Bank as the second-largest lender in India. “Though, the benefits of merger are yet to fully fructify”, he added.Chakraborty joined the board of HDFC Bank in May 2021. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, served as an alternate governor on the World Bank Board, and chaired the National Infrastructure Investment Fund. He belongs to the Gujarat cadre of the Indian Administrative Service.After the announcement, the bank’s American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) listed in the US declined by more than 7 per cent overnight, falling to $26.62.Shares of HDFC Bank have been under consistent pressure in recent weeks, declining about 8 per cent over the past month. The weakness extends over a longer horizon as well, with the stock down 13 per cent in the last six months and registering a 15 per cent drop so far this year.For the December quarter, the bank posted an 11 per cent year-on-year rise in standalone net profit, which came in at Rs 18,654 crore, compared with Rs 16,735 crore in the same period last year. The figure exceeded Street expectations of Rs 18,473 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex crashed in opening trade on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve kept policy rates unchanged. While Nifty50 went below 23,300, BSE Sensex was down over 1,600 points. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 23,277.35, down 500 points or 2.10%. BSE Sensex was at 75,072.24, down 1,632 points or 2.13%.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “The uncertainty surrounding the war has turned worse with Israel hitting the world’s largest LNG refinery in Iran. Brent crude has shot up to $111. This is bad news for oil and gas importers like India. If Brent remains above $110 for an extended period of time, that will have negative implications for India’s macros. India’s GDP growth and corporate earnings in FY27, too, will be impacted. But this scenario need not play out in the fast changing scenario. A prolonged war is no one’s interest. Therefore, a sudden end to the war bringing crude prices sharply down cannot be ruled out. The market has been exceedingly volatile in response to developments on the war front and crude prices. The last three days of recovery in the market is likely to be wiped out if the war escalation continues.”Indian equity benchmarks ended higher on Wednesday, extending their gains through the trading session, even as global markets signalled caution amid rising geopolitical tensions and firming oil prices.However, Wall Street closed sharply lower on Wednesday after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged and indicated just one rate cut for the year, as policymakers assessed risks stemming from elevated oil prices and the ongoing US and Israeli conflict with Iran.Asian markets also came under pressure in early Thursday trade, tracking the weak cues from the United States and reacting to fresh attacks on critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East, which pushed oil prices higher.On the institutional front, foreign portfolio investors remained net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs 2,714 crore on Wednesday. In contrast, domestic institutional investors provided support to the market, purchasing shares worth Rs 3,253 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Kolkata: The Indian men’s hockey team will kick off their World Cup on Aug 15 against Wales before taking on England two days later on Aug 17. They play their final Group D game against Pakistan on Aug 19, according to the schedule that was published by the FIH on Wednesday. Pakistan have qualified for the World Cup after missing out in 2023, and a clash between the two subcontinental rivals is always a potential humdinger. The two teams have faced off in the World Cup five times so far, and India have won three times, including the famous 2-1 victory in the 1975 final. Speaking about the grouping and specifically the Pakistan match, India coach Craig Fulton said, “We are happy with our draw in Pool D. England, Pakistan and Wales are a good group and we respect all three teams. The match against Pakistan will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, and we are looking forward to it all.” Meanwhile, the women’s team will open their campaign against China on Aug 16. The Sjoerd Marijne-coached side will then take on South Africa on Aug 18 before their last group game against England two days later on Aug 20. It promises to be a difficult group for the women’s team considering how England and China have fared against them in recent times, and they will have to play out of their skins to make sure they make it to the knockouts. “This is a very competitive and balanced pool. There are teams like England and China that bring different styles and a lot of experience, while the South Africa women’s national field hockey team is always unpredictable and dangerous on their day,” Marijne said in a release. “However, for us, it’s not about the draw — it’s about how we show up. At a World Cup, every match demands your best,” added the Dutch coach. The women’s squad will be going on tours to the US and Argentina, and will play practice matches in Germany, besides also competing at the Nations Cup in New Zealand. Similarly, the men’s team will also continue to play abroad ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games. “We’re going to be away from home a lot more. We will play in Malaysia against New Zealand and Australia, and then travel to Europe for the Pro League,” Fulton had earlier said. India’s WC Group matches: Men: vs Wales Aug 15, vs England Aug 17, vs Pakistan Aug 19; Women: vs China Aug 16, vs South Africa Aug 18, vs England Aug 20.

BENGALURU: A bizarre incident kept police on their toes Tuesday evening after a group of people brought an elderly man stuffed inside a gunny bag to a courier office and sought to deliver the “package” to Mangaluru. The group of six, which included two women and the elderly man, went to the courier office located in Vinayaka Circle near Vyalikaval, close to Sadashivnagar in Central Business District, saying they wanted to courier something packed in the gunny bag. When asked by the courier agency staffers what was inside the huge gunny bag and where they intended to courier it, one of them opened it and out popped an elderly man!

Shocked, courier agency staff refused their request and asked the “customers” what was going on. When they told them a human could not be couriered, the group insisted: “But we want to courier him to another district.”Instead of apologising for their prank, the group questioned the agency staffers why they were running the business if they could not courier the bag with a man in it. “They went to the extent of demanding money from them, saying they had wasted their time and energy. The group gave water to the man in the gunny bag and he drank it. They walked away carrying the bag, saying they would find another courier agency which will, for sure, agree to courier the man in the bag,” a police officer told TOI.

Some of the passers-by and neighbouring shop owners were seen peeping out and trying to understand what was happening. As police reached the spot and interacted with them, one of them revealed that some of those in the group were recording reels on mobile phones.‘Bid to highlight soaring bus ticket rates’Police checked the CCTV footage from the courier agency and nearby shops and succeeded in tracing the group of people, who all turned out to be members of the same family.A young woman confessed that that family had played the prank and recorded a reel in a bid to highlight soaring bus ticket prices for travel during Ugadi and Ramzan festivities. She told police that she was upset as her aged father could not travel to Mangaluru because of the high prices.Police said no charges had been filed against the family. “If the owner or manager of the courier agency files a complaint, then we can act sternly for the practical joke they played,” police said.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is already delivering high-stakes drama before a single ball has been bowled. For the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the ‘Orange Army’ faces a significant leadership hurdle as they prepare for their opening clash against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), on March 28.

Pat Cummins to miss initial matches of IPL 2026 for SRH

The franchise has confirmed that their charismatic captain, Pat Cummins, is set to miss the initial matches of the season. Cummins, who transformed SRH into a fearless powerhouse and led them to the 2024 final, is currently sidelined with a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back. This persistent issue, which also forced him to miss the 2026 T20 World Cup, requires a cautious rehabilitation phase under the supervision of Cricket Australia. While Cummins is expected to join the squad later in the tournament, his absence at the start leaves a void in both the bowling attack and the captaincy seat.

In this crunch situation, Ishan Kishan has emerged as the frontrunner to take over the reins.

Here are three key reasons why Kishan is the ideal stand-in captain for SRH

• Proven leadership and recent domestic glory

The most compelling argument for Kishan is his recent golden touch as a captain. In the 2025-26 domestic season, Kishan led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title. Under his stewardship, Jharkhand became a dominant force, culminating in a historic final where they posted 262/3—the highest total ever in a domestic T20 final.

Kishan’s ability to inspire a team was evident as he led from the front, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 517 runs at a staggering strike rate of 197.33. His tactical acumen in rotating bowlers and maintaining a winning habit is exactly what Kavya Maran’s side needs to ensure they don’t lose early momentum in Cummins’ absence. Unlike other candidates, Kishan enters the IPL with the fresh experience of lifting a major T20 trophy as a leader.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

• Red-hot form and international pedigree

Captaincy is often most effective when the leader is performing at their peak, and Kishan is currently in the form of his life. He was instrumental in India’s success during the 2026 T20 World Cup, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer with 317 runs. His heroics included a vital 54 off 25 balls in the final against New Zealand, helping India retain their crown.

Kishan’s aggressive approach at the top of the order perfectly aligns with the high-octane brand of cricket that SRH have adopted over the last two seasons. By appointing him, SRH maintain that brave identity. His ability to dismantle world-class bowling attacks from the first over provides the team with the psychological edge necessary to compensate for the loss of a senior figure like Cummins.

• The strategic wicketkeeping advantage

In the fast-paced environment of T20 cricket, a wicketkeeper-captain offers a unique tactical edge. Occupying the best vantage point on the field, Kishan can monitor pitch behaviour, suggest fine-tuned line and length adjustments to bowlers, and masterfully control field placements.

With SRH’s bowling unit appearing slightly thin without Cummins, having a vocal and strategically sharp leader behind the stumps is invaluable. Kishan’s 360-degree view of the game allows for real-time decision-making that can turn a match in an over. His transition to SRH last year, where he also notched his maiden IPL century has made him a central figure in the dressing room, ensuring he has the respect and rapport required to lead a star-studded lineup.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Global oil prices surged and equity markets weakened on Friday after fresh strikes on energy infrastructure in Iran and in retaliation Islamic Republic escalating threats to key facilities across the Gulf raised concerns over supply disruptions.Natural gas prices increased by more than 5%, while Brent crude rose to $111.19 in early trading and extended its gains by another 4% to around $112 per barrel this morning, edging closer to the initial war peak of $120. US natural gas prices also climbed nearly 5% overnight, according to ET.The benchmark US crude, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), similarly gained over 3%, trading at $99.35 per barrel shortly after the Chicago Mercantile Exchange resumed operations. The rally follows strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest, and associated facilities at Asaluyeh. Tehran blamed the US and Israel for the attack and warned of retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently published a list of potential targets, including Ras Laffan refinery, an area which has already been targeted and Mesaieed petrochemical complex in Qatar, Samref refinery and Jubail petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia, and the Al Hosn gas field in the UAE, calling them “direct and legitimate targets.”The escalation has already disrupted energy flows. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly halted, while production cuts by major oil producers and shutdowns at key LNG facilities in Qatar have tightened supply. Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major LNG hub located about 80 km north of Doha, was hit by missile strikes, causing “extensive damage,” according to QatarEnergy. Emergency teams were deployed to contain fires, and no casualties were reported.Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the attack as a “direct threat” to national security, while its interior ministry confirmed a fire in the Ras Laffan area following an Iranian strike. Evacuations were also reported at LNG installations after Tehran issued warnings of further attacks.Energy experts have said the developments are shifting market focus back to physical supply risks. The South Pars facility alone recorded daily gas production of 730 million cubic metres in 2025, underlining its importance to global supply. The conflict’s impact could extend beyond the region, with countries such as Turkey, which imports over 10% of its gas from Iran, potentially seeking additional LNG cargoes, further tightening global markets.With tensions escalating and key infrastructure under threat, markets are likely to remain volatile amid concerns of prolonged supply disruptions. (with inputs from agencies)

Chennai: Rajasthan Royals have banked on young talent for success — Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being at the top of the list. And one of the backroom boys who has helped the franchise shape its youth structure is performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, who oversees the RR academies across the globe as well. Reflecting on Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise, Lahiri told TOI: “He’s got immense calibre for sure, he’s a freak, a 14-year-old with that level of potential. He’s in that phase of his life where he loves to breathe cricket and he loves to bat. From a cricketing perspective, we can only hope he goes on to do things that feel unreal to watch.”

The coach emphasised that the franchise aims to nurture not just players but quality coaches as well. Their academies have already produced international names such as Ollie Pope, Shoaib Bashir and Phil Salt, while closer to home, the focus remains on developing talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel. The departure of Sanju Samson was a blow to the Royals, and Lahiri admitted the team would feel his absence. “He is one of the best white-ball cricketers and a player of immense calibre. Of course, he’ll be missed. I’ve been privileged to see him play some amazing innings for us… People are talking about his World Cup success in the last three games, but we in Royals were used to it. It was a mutual decision to part ways, and I wish him every success.” Backing Parag’s leadership credentials, despite a mixed season last year, Lahiri expressed strong confidence in the youngster. “He is outstanding. He has led his domestic side; he plays his cricket in Assam, which means he knows what it means to be an underdog. He is extremely well-respected within the Royals and shares a great rapport with head coach Kumar Sangakkara and the team. I believe Parag has the quality to become an astute leader,” he said. Lahiri also noted that Parag’s progress in the white-ball format has been significant. “If not for a minor shoulder injury, he could well have been part of the T20 World Cup squad. He is an unbelievable white-ball player, and with the fearless brand of cricket India is playing, he fits right in,” he added.