Lucknow Super Giants’ Mohammed Shami, left, during the IPL match against Delhi Capitals. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami continued to make a strong statement, even as Lucknow Super Giants slumped to a six-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2026 season opener at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday.Shami, who has been out of the national setup for over a year, struck with the very first ball of the Capitals’ chase, dismissing KL Rahul for a golden duck. In doing so, he etched his name into the record books, becoming the first bowler in IPL history to claim five first-ball wickets — a feat unmatched in the tournament’s 18-year history.He finished with tidy figures of 1 for 28 in four overs, once again underlining his rhythm and control despite LSG’s overall struggles. His early strike set the tone as LSG reduced Delhi to 26 for 4, but the advantage slipped away soon after.Earlier ahead of the match, Shami had made it clear that retirement is far from his mind. Speaking recently, the 35-year-old reiterated that he would only step away from the game when he feels “bored,” not due to age, injuries or selection snubs. “The day I feel lazy or bored, I will quit. But I am neither bored nor lazy. I am enjoying the game,” he said, reaffirming his hunger.

Most first-ball wicket in IPL

Despite his efforts, LSG could not capitalise. A fighting unbeaten 70 from Sameer Rizvi, alongside Tristan Stubbs (39), saw Delhi Capitals recover from early trouble and chase down 142 with ease.LSG’s problems began earlier in the evening with a disappointing batting display. Contributions were hard to come by as DC’s bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan, dismantled the lineup to restrict them to 141 in 18.4 overs.While the result did not go in their favour, Shami’s milestone and continued form offered a significant positive for LSG. As questions remain over his absence from the Indian side, the veteran pacer is letting his performances do the talking — and history is taking note.

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Cameron Green, right, and captain Ajinkya Rahane (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Cameron Green bowling in the nets ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad has quickly become a major talking point. It comes just days after the Australian all-rounder did not bowl in KKR’s opening defeat to the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, where the team failed to defend 221 and concerns over their bowling balance came into focus.The situation gained traction after KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane was asked about Green’s absence with the ball and replied, “That question you need to ask Cricket Australia.” He also admitted that Green’s bowling would add balance to the side, turning what seemed like a tactical call into a wider debate about workload management, franchise planning, and the influence of national boards during the IPL. Cricket Australia soon clarified their stance, stating that there was no last-minute restriction. Green, they explained, has been managing a lower back issue and is gradually building up his bowling workload. The franchise was reportedly aware of this plan before the tournament began, with a rough timeline of 10 to 12 days set for his return as a bowling option. This shifted the narrative from confusion to careful rehabilitation. Against that backdrop, Green bowling in the nets carries weight. It does not confirm that he will immediately resume full duties in matches, but it signals progress after a week in which the issue threatened to overshadow KKR’s campaign. For a player signed for a massive ₹25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, expectations have naturally been centred around his full all-round contribution rather than just his batting. The timing is crucial for KKR. Green was brought in to provide balance across departments, and his absence as a bowler in the opening game exposed a gap that the opposition exploited. The debate that followed also raised a larger question about how much control franchises truly have over high-value players when fitness and workload are being monitored externally. For now, the situation appears to be moving forward. The controversy began with Green not bowling when KKR needed options, intensified with Rahane’s public remarks, and has now entered a more hopeful phase, with the all-rounder back practising with the ball. Whether that translates into match overs in the coming games remains to be seen, but it has at least eased some of the early pressure surrounding one of KKR’s biggest signings.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by PTI)

NEW DELHI: The meteoric rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no longer just a feel-good breakout story; it is rapidly turning into a serious selection debate, with growing chatter around a potential India debut in the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series.Just days after turning 15, the Rajasthan Royals prodigy delivered a stunning statement, smashing a blistering 15-ball half-century against Chennai Super Kings. The knock not only showcased his fearless intent but also reinforced why he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket today.

PCB issues new guidlines (Screengrab)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued fresh directives to all Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises following a breach of security protocols at a team hotel, making it clear that any further violations will not be tolerated.The move came after Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, currently representing Lahore Qalandars, shared on social media that he was grateful to the PCB for allowing him to meet his family at the team hotel.In response, the PCB sent an official communication to all franchises and stakeholders, stating that players and team officials are not permitted to meet family members at the team hotel without prior approval. The board has mandated that any such requests must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.