With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 set to kick off on March 28, excitement among fans has reached fever pitch. As one of the most celebrated franchises in the tournament’s history, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are once again in focus. The two-time champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2014, are aiming to script a fresh chapter this season after a disappointing campaign in 2025.

KKR’s loyal fanbase will be hoping for a strong comeback, especially after the franchise underwent noticeable changes in its squad composition. While the team has invested in dynamic all-rounders and power hitters, questions remain about whether the balance is right to challenge consistently throughout the tournament.

Irfan Pathan points out major concern for KKR

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised a significant concern regarding KKR’s squad, highlighting what he believes could be a persistent weakness in IPL 2026. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out that the franchise has failed to adequately address its struggles against spin bowling—particularly in the middle overs.

According to Pathan, KKR’s issues began after the departures of key players like Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana, who were capable of stabilizing the innings and handling spin effectively. He stressed that the current middle-order lacks batters who can confidently rotate strike and attack spinners.

“The real problem for Kolkata, which I think they did not properly address in the auction, has been: playing spin well. Since Shreyas Iyer left, since Nitish Rana left, they have not bought the middle-order players who can handle spin in the auction. That has actually been the biggest issue, and this is why we saw last year’s results,” said Pathan.

He further elaborated on Ajinkya Rahane’s role, noting that while the veteran thrives at the top of the order, his effectiveness drops when he bats in the middle overs, particularly against spin where his strike rate dips significantly. Pathan also assessed the roles of Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh, suggesting that both players are more comfortable against pace rather than spin. This creates a tactical gap, especially on slower pitches where spinners dominate proceedings.

“Ajinkya Rahane is very good when batting at the top. But when he comes in the middle, the problem appears. His strike rate against spin drops significantly, almost around 100. Then can you say that Rinku Singh is a good hitter of spin or a good hitter of fast bowling? He is a good fast-bowling hitter. Ramandeep also comes in towards the end, ideally against fast bowling. If he can play well against spin, then that will definitely be an advantage. So actually, the issue Kolkata should have addressed, they did not. The spin problem, I think, will remain this year as well,” added Pathan.

Also READ: After Harshit Rana, another Indian KKR pacer ruled out of IPL 2026

Can KKR realistically push for a fourth IPL title?

Despite the concerns, KKR are not without hope. The franchise has taken what many experts describe as a ‘structural reset’ rather than a complete rebuild. By investing in high-impact all-rounders, the team has added flexibility and depth, which could prove crucial in high-pressure situations.

KKR do have the potential to compete strongly in IPL 2026, but they are currently seen more as playoff contenders rather than outright favourites. Their success may largely depend on how quickly the middle order adapts to challenging conditions, particularly against quality spin attacks.

If the team can find solutions—either through tactical adjustments or unexpected player performances—they could emerge as serious contenders for a fourth IPL title. However, unless the spin vulnerability is addressed on the field, it could once again derail their campaign.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Portugal national football team head coach Roberto Martinez has brushed aside claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing the landmark of 1,000 career goals, insisting that the veteran forward remains driven by team success rather than individual milestones.Ronaldo, who has already netted over 950 goals across his career and continues to spearhead both Portugal and Al Nassr, is currently recovering from a muscle injury that has ruled him out for a few weeks. As a precaution, the 41-year-old was not included in Portugal’s squad for the ongoing international friendlies.Even with the injury setback, Ronaldo has been in strong form this season, consistently finding the net for his club and maintaining an excellent scoring rate. His performances have strengthened expectations of his involvement in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, where he is set to play a crucial role.Dismissing the idea that Ronaldo is preoccupied with records, Martinez pointed to his selfless displays in recent competitions.“I don’t agree with that. If Cristiano had played the European Championship focused on scoring a goal to break another record, the assist against Turkey for Bruno Fernandes wouldn’t have happened,” he said as quoted by Goal.com.The coach underlined that the mindset within the Portugal camp, particularly among senior players, revolves around collective responsibility and performance.“It’s not true that our players have records or personal goals in mind. The only thing I saw at the European Championship was a different kind of responsibility in the more experienced players, a maximum responsibility to have a top performance in the tournament,” he added.When questioned about any personal targets set by Ronaldo, Martinez reiterated that such narratives do not reflect reality.“No, because I don’t see Cris playing with the anxiety or intention of reaching 1,000 goals. Whether he has 950 or 1,050 goals, he has the same legacy. It won’t change anything. That’s outside talk,” he said.Martinez also highlighted Ronaldo’s intelligence in the final third, stressing that his decision-making and ability to create chances for teammates remain key assets.“We’re talking about a striker who has 25 goals in 30 games. But I value behaviour inside the box much more. And Cristiano doesn’t have the obsession that people talk about from the outside regarding his 1,000th goal. Because his behavior isn’t like that. I can’t say for the club, but here with the national team it’s not like that,” he concluded.Meanwhile, Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside Uzbekistan and Colombia for the 2026 World Cup, with their campaign set to begin on June 17. Ronaldo is expected to lead the side as they chase their maiden World Cup title.

As President Donald Trump’s 48-hour deadline ticks down, Tehran has responded to his threat to “obliterate” Iranian power plants with a threat of its own — and shown no signs of backing down. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have now declared that energy facilities in countries hosting US bases will be “lawful targets” if Trump follows through.Writing on Truth Social, Trump warned he would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants “starting with the biggest one first” unless Tehran fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz by 23:44 GMT on Monday. Around 20% of the world’s oil passes through the narrow waterway, which has been effectively blocked since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.Iran showed no sign of backing down on Sunday as Col. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command, warned, “If Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked, then fuel, energy, information technology systems and desalination infrastructure used by America and the regime in the region will be struck.”Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened to destroy critical infrastructure across the region irreversibly.“Immediately after the power plants and infrastructure in our country are targeted, the critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and oil facilities throughout the region will be considered legitimate targets and will be destroyed in an irreversible manner, and the price of oil will remain high for a long time,” he posted on X.The war, now in its fourth week, has already spread beyond Iran’s borders. Iran targeted a joint UK-US base in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, while nuclear sites in both Iran and Israel were struck. The death toll has risen to more than 1,500 in Iran, over 1,000 in Lebanon, 15 in Israel and 13 US military members, with millions displaced across the region.Now, with the clock running down, the question is whether Trump’s ultimatum will hold — or hand Tehran a win. For a president who came to power vowing to avoid “stupid” wars, the conflict he helped set in motion now risks slipping beyond his control. His administration’s messaging has been openly contradictory- talking de-escalation while deploying three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. The US attacked Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility again, even as Tehran had clearly warned against any strikes on its energy infrastructure.Trump has repeatedly called on China, Japan and NATO to help clear the strait. None have moved.The economic pressure at home is real. Gas prices have risen 93 cents per gallon and US crude oil is up more than 70% since the start of the year. In a paradox, the Trump administration has quietly begun easing restrictions on Iranian crude, allowing allies to buy the very oil that funds Tehran — the resource it is simultaneously trying to cut off.Iran’s top diplomat has made clear what any path to peace would require “guarantees” that the US and Israel won’t attack the Islamic Republic again, and assurances that its “sovereignty and national security won’t be violated.” The comments came in a phone call with EAM Jaishankar on Saturday.

Mumbai/Nashik: The SIT probing rape, human sacrifice and black magic charges against astrologer Ashok Kharat on Sunday questioned the priest of Ishaneshwar Mahadev temple, with which the accused is linked, and a watchman in Nashik, officials said.On Saturday, a staffer of Kharat’s office was questioned for more than seven hours by the SIT led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute, they said. The probe has revealed the alleged power Kharat wielded among a set of political leaders as well as transactions linked to land in Sinnar and some other areas in Nashik district. “On Sunday, the SIT team questioned Pramod Gadakh, caretaker priest of Ishaneshwar Mahadev temple in Mirgaon, and a watchman,” an official said. He said CCTV digital video recorders have been seized from Kharat’s Mirgaon farmhouse, Tikde Colony bungalow and Canada Corner office in Nashik.The official said Kharat is named in cases filed at Vavi, Shirdi and Sarkarwada police stations for alleged extortion, blackmail, rape and black magic practices. Kharat has filed a complaint against two persons at Vavi police station accusing them of blackmailing him over obscene photos. Investigators are reaching out to potential victims and more cases are expected to be filed, said the official. Sources in Nashik said three women have approached police. Allegations of Kharat and his kin possessing documents of 52 properties are also being probed, they added. Water resources minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Saturday cancelled a 2020 govt resolution allowing Kharat-linked Shivanik Sansthan trust in Mirgaon to lift 3.9 million litres of Darna dam water daily for “drinking purposes”. It is alleged that Kharat diverted this water to his mango orchards. Vikhe Patil has also ordered a probe into the antecedents of the GR that led to Kharat’s trust getting dam water. Meanwhile, officials said residents of Mirgaon, Kharat’s village, are angry at the way its reputation has been “tarnished”, with some of them seeking “capital punishment” for the accused. They also sought that Kharat’s properties be sized and the temple his trust runs be handed over to residents. PTI

Candace Owens speaks out after Joe Rogan calls Erika Kirk behavior bizarre as resurfaced video raises new questions (Image via Getty)

Candace Owens has stepped into the middle of a fresh online storm after a clip of Joe Rogan talking about Erika Kirk started spreading again. This time, the focus is not just on what Rogan said, but on how Owens reacted to it. Rogan, on his podcast, questioned Erika Kirk’s behavior and appearance in an old video linked to national security discussions. His comments quickly caught attention. Soon after, Owens posted her response on X, backing the idea that people are simply reacting to what they see. Her reply has now become the center of the story, with many debating whether she defended free speech or added fuel to the controversy.

Candace Owens did not hold back when she reacted to Joe Rogan’s remarks. After watching the clip, she posted directly on X and wrote,“Oh no! Another commentator to send a cease and desist to for the stating the obvious fact that Erika’s behavior, demeanor, and history is bizarre. Ever wonder how Joe Rogan stays on top? Because his conversations reflect how everyday people feel about various topics.”Her message was clear. She believes Rogan is popular because he says what many people are already thinking. Instead of criticizing him, she supported his right to speak openly.