In a season where allegiances are usually defined by the jersey on one’s back, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart has proven that the ‘Yellow Fever’ is a difficult habit to break. Currently representing Islamabad United in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), the New Zealand opener found himself caught between two worlds this Tuesday. Despite being miles away in Pakistan, left handed batter’s focus remained firmly on a bruising encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his former side suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Rajasthan Royals.

Ex-CSK player continues his unwavering loyalty for his franchise

Devon Conway’s journey with Chennai is the stuff of IPL folklore. Between 2022 and 2025, the South African-born Kiwi became a linchpin of the CSK top order, most notably spearheading their 2023 title charge with a staggering 672 runs and a Player of the Match performance in the final. However, the unpredictable nature of the sport saw him released after a lacklustre 2025 campaign and subsequently going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction.

Now wearing the red of Islamabad United, Conway’s maiden PSL campaign has been a mixed bag, featuring a modest 26-run debut against Multan Sultans and a frustrating washout against Peshawar Zalmi. Yet, it was the result of the CSK vs. RR clash that prompted an emotional outburst on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Conway admitted it was “hard to sit this one out,” adding that seeing the Super Kings lose ‘hurts.’ Even while “locked in” with PSL duties, his warning that “revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind” sent CSK fans into a nostalgic frenzy, proving that once you whistle podu, you never really stop.

Hard to sit this one out… 💭 Watching CSK lose to Rajasthan Royals hurts. Right now I’m locked in with PSL duties, but revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind 💛👊 #WhistlePodu

— Devon Conway (@D_Conway88) March 31, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Ravindra Jadeja gets emotional against his former franchise CSK; video goes viral

A tough start for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s men amidst injury woes in IPL 2026

While Conway watched from afar, the reality on the ground for Chennai Super Kings was grim. Facing the Rajasthan Royals, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side looked a shadow of their former dominant selves. The batting lineup crumbled under pressure, collapsing to a meagre 127 all out. If not for a gritty 43 from Brydon Carse, the embarrassment could have been far worse. The chase was a mere formality for Rajasthan, fueled by a sensational 15-ball half-century from 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who dismantled the CSK attack to seal an eight-wicket victory.

The loss highlights a growing crisis for the five-time champions. The absence of the legendary MS Dhoni, officially ruled out for at least two weeks due to a calf injury, has left a leadership and finishing void that Sanju Samson, ironically playing against his former team and Gaikwad are struggling to fill. As CSK prepares to host the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings on April 3, the pressure is mounting. Fans are now looking toward the potential return of Dewald Brevis to provide the spark that Conway once ignited. For now, however, the Men in Yellow must find their rhythm without their iconic former opener, who remains their biggest cheerleader from across the border.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go berserk as clinical Rajasthan Royals thump Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati

Stock market opened in red on Thursday, with benchmark indices falling around 2% as investor sentiments were dragged down by fresh geopolitical tensions. The fall came after US President Donald Trump said in an address that the United States would hit Iran “extremely hard” within weeks, ending hopes of a quick end to the conflict affecting the global economy.By 9:35 am, Nifty50 was down to 22,255.00, plunging 424.40 points of 1.87%. BSE Sensex had tumbled to 71,784.44, slipping 1349.88 or 1.85%.The impact was visible across Asian markets as well, which slipped by about 2% after Trump said Washington’s “core strategic objectives” in the Iran war were nearing completion, though he stopped short of indicating when the conflict might conclude. His comments signalling continued US attacks on Iran heightened uncertainty and led to a rise in crude oil prices.Meanwhile in commodity markets, oil prices showed recovery after Trump’s speech. In early trade, both key benchmarks slipped by more than $1 as markets awaited Trump’s address to the nation. Brent crude futures dropped $1.16, or 1.15%, to $100 a barrel by 1204 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.41, or 1.41%, to $98.71 a barrel. However, later in the session, Brent crude climbed more than 4% to touch $106, while West Texas Intermediate rose 3% to $103.Thursday’s weak start for the Dalal Street comes after equities bagged gains in the previous session. On Wednesday, the BSE Sensex climbed 1,186.77 points, or 1.65%, to end at 73,134.32, driven by sustained buying throughout the day. At its peak, the index had rallied 2,017.03 points, or 2.80%, reaching 73,964.58.The NSE Nifty 50 also posted gains, rising 348.00 points, or 1.56%, to close at 22,679.40, comfortably moving past the 22,650 mark. The rally added Rs 9.60 lakh crore to investor wealth in a single session, as optimism around a possible end to the West Asia conflict boosted sentiment.After the rise, market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose by Rs 9,60,261.03 crore to Rs 4,22,01,433.48 crore (USD 4.46 trillion), reflecting the broad-based strength seen across sectors. The upward momentum was supported by gains in global markets and a decline in crude oil prices after two consecutive sessions of losses.

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Aftermath of reported US-Israeli strike

Videos circulating on social media appear to show the aftermath of a reported US or Israeli strike on a facility believed to house an Iranian missile base in Baharestan city, located in the Islamic Republic’s Isfahan province.The footages show massive plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, along with visible fireballs.It was not immediately clear whether these were fresh strikes or if the complex had been targeted during Tuesday evening’s attacks.On Tuesday, the United States and Israel struck steel complexes in central and southwestern Iran, causing damage to production units, according to Iranian media. “Initial assessments indicate massive attacks, with significant damage and destruction to production units” at the complex of Mobarakeh Steel Company—one of Iran’s largest—in the central province of Isfahan, the Fars news agency reported, citing a company statement. The statement added that the attacks also hit one of the company’s subsidiaries, Sefid Dasht Steel, located in the southwestern province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. The facility “sustained damage and losses.” The Isfahan unit had also been targeted on Friday, along with Khuzestan Steel factories in southwestern Iran.Steel is a strategically vital material, essential for both industrial and military production, including the development of missiles, drones, and ships.Iran has been at war with the United States and Israel since February 28, when strikes killed the country’s then–Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, triggering a conflict that has since spread across the Middle East. He has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.However, Mojtaba’s whereabouts remain unknown, and he is believed to be recovering from war-related injuries.(With AFP inputs)

Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh Pant (X)

Lucknow Super Giants found themselves under early pressure in IPL 2026 after a disappointing six-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals at home, a result that not only exposed batting concerns but also sparked conversation off the field. LSG struggled to get going with the bat, folding for just 141 in their opening game. The top order failed to deliver, with captain Rishabh Pant scoring 7, Aiden Markram managing 11, and Nicholas Pooran contributing only 8. While the bowlers made early inroads, Delhi turned the chase around through a composed unbeaten 70 from Sameer Rizvi and a steady 39 not out from Tristan Stubbs, sealing the game with 2.5 overs to spare. However, it was what followed after the match that drew just as much attention. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen in an on-field conversation with Pant, with head coach Justin Langer also part of the discussion. While no audio was available, the visuals suggested an intense exchange, and the clip quickly gained traction across social media. The moment inevitably brought back memories of a similar incident involving Goenka and former LSG captain KL Rahul during the 2024 season. That episode, widely viewed as a public fallout after a defeat, had drawn criticism at the time, and comparisons resurfaced following the latest visuals. Despite the speculation, Goenka struck a measured tone in his public response. Taking to X after the game, he backed his side and urged patience.

Sanjiv Goenka post

“This is a long season, and moments like these are part of building something meaningful. I have full confidence in our captain and the team to respond with strength. To our fans, thank you for your support at Ekana today, we will come back stronger. The story of @LucknowIPL this season is far from written,” he wrote. On the tactical front, Pant’s decision to promote himself to the top of the order also became a talking point. Having largely operated in the middle order in recent seasons, the move did not pay off in the opener. Pant was run out for 7 at the non-striker’s end after Mukesh Kumar got a fingertip deflection onto a powerful straight drive from Mitchell Marsh. When asked if he would continue opening alongside Markram and Marsh, Pant kept his options open. “It’s a 50-50 call,” he said after the match. With questions emerging around team balance, batting roles, and the early loss, LSG now face a crucial phase as they look to settle into the season and respond strongly in the games ahead.