Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Two Indian stars have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2026, underlining the country’s dominance during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Joining them in the three-man shortlist is a rising South African batter who impressed in a bilateral series.The nominations reflect a month dominated by high-pressure performances, particularly in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, where India successfully defended their title on home soil.World Cup performances dominate shortlistIndia’s campaign was defined by match-winning contributions in crunch situations, and the two nominees played pivotal roles in sealing the title. One of the nominees, Sanju Samson scripted a remarkable turnaround, going from the sidelines to becoming the tournament’s standout performer.Once included during the Super Eights, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a stunning run of scores — 97 in a must-win clash, followed by back-to-back 89s in the semifinal and final. His tally of 275 runs in three crucial matches came at a staggering average of 137.50 and a strike rate nearing 200, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.Complementing that batting brilliance was India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who once again proved decisive in knockout cricket. In a high-scoring semifinal, he stood out with tight, pressure-building overs that turned the game. He then delivered a match-winning spell in the final, claiming four wickets while conceding just 15 runs to seal victory and earn the Player of the Match honour.Across the last three matches of the tournament, Bumrah picked up seven wickets at an exceptional average, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable performers in global events.South African challenger impressesThe third nominee, Connor Esterhuizen, a young South African batter, made a strong case with a breakthrough T20I series against New Zealand. He amassed 200 runs in five matches, including a maiden fifty and a blistering unbeaten 75 in the decider, helping his side clinch a 3-2 series win.With two Player of the Match awards and a rapid rise in the ICC rankings, his performances ensured a competitive edge to the shortlist.The final award now hinges on a contest between proven match-winners and an emerging talent who made a big statement on the international stage.

Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has criticised the side’s approach with the ball after their 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, suggesting a lack of adaptability cost them dearly. CSK were put under immense pressure after RCB posted a daunting 250/3 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The late assault from Tim David and Rajat Patidar proved decisive, with the duo stitching together a blistering 99-run stand in just 35 balls. Despite a spirited effort with the bat, CSK were eventually bowled out for 207. Reflecting on the bowling performance, Rayudu felt the problem was not just the initial plan but the failure to reassess when things began slipping away. “More than a bad plan, they just stuck to that bad plan. There was nobody to intervene and to just take some time off, take those 20-30 seconds, just make it slightly more slow and then guide the bowler with a message. I think they should have slowed it down a little bit,” Rayudu said. The closing stages of the innings, where RCB hammered 97 runs in the final five overs, highlighted CSK’s struggles at the death. Rayudu pointed out that the bowlers were unable to respond effectively after being hit. “Their follow-up balls after a boundary or a six aren’t great,” he added. “Generally, as a bowler, you need to be aware that, okay, I have been hit for a six, but it’s the next ball that matters. Whenever you see good death bowlers, they always follow up with a very good ball. But their powerplay bowling and middle-overs bowling was much better than what it was last game.” While CSK faltered in key moments, Rayudu lauded RCB’s sharp awareness and control throughout the contest, which has been a hallmark of their recent dominance, including a fourth straight win over CSK. “RCB, meanwhile, are not letting anything just pass by; they just want to control every scenario, every over,” he said. The contrast in execution and in-game decision-making ultimately proved decisive, as CSK’s inability to adapt under pressure allowed RCB to take complete control of the match.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Devdutt Padikkal, right, with Virat Kohli. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have begun their IPL 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, and batter Devdutt Padikkal has revealed the tactical shift behind their early success. With two wins in two matches, RCB sit atop the standings, showcasing a refined batting approach that blends caution with calculated aggression.Speaking after their convincing 43-run win over Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, Padikkal explained that the team has consciously addressed its past batting frailties. The new strategy revolves around preserving wickets in the first half of the innings before unleashing an all-out assault in the latter stages.‘Keep wickets, then attack’Padikkal highlighted that the change in approach stems from lessons learned last season. “Even last season we had a couple of games early on where we struggled and ended up losing maybe three or four wickets and then it put us on the back foot,” he said.“We had a conversation midway through last year that we needed to make sure that when the wicket is behaving in such a way, you have to ensure you have wickets in hand. Once the ball gets older, it becomes much easier to bat on,” he added.The left-hander stressed that avoiding early collapses has been key. “We had to make sure we are not three or four down by the 10-over mark. Once we were able to do that, we could go hard at every ball. The way the entire unit has been batting since then has been incredible,” he noted.This approach has already paid dividends, with RCB posting big totals and maintaining pressure on opposition bowlers through well-timed acceleration.Padikkal’s evolution and confidence boostPadikkal, who has been in fine form with scores of 61 and 50 in the first two games, credited his improvement in white-ball formats to a conscious shift in mindset and technique.“It’s a lot of hard work and self-belief. It wasn’t easy to make that change because I had to alter the foundation of the kind of cricket I wanted to play growing up,” he admitted.“The change was something I had to make consciously, and RCB’s support staff have been brilliant in guiding me in the right way,” he added, underlining the role of the team environment in his transformation.Power-hitting balance and Tim David factorWhile T20 batting has seen an increasing emphasis on power-hitting, Padikkal believes the evolution is part of a natural progression. “Batting has gone to another level. Everyone is working hard to hit big sixes and fours. It’s now on the bowlers to raise their game as well,” he said, adding that conditions could eventually balance the contest.Padikkal also reserved special praise for teammate Tim David, whose explosive 70 off 25 balls dismantled Chennai’s attack. “We see him do this every day in practice. He’s very clear about which bowler to target and when. That clarity makes a huge difference,” he said.

Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings’ poor start to IPL 2026 continued with a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and former star Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back while reflecting on the team’s struggles and his own difficult final season. CSK slumped to their third straight loss after being outplayed at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB piled up a massive 250/3, powered by explosive knocks from Tim David (70* off 25), Rajat Patidar (48* off 19) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 29). In response, CSK never quite recovered from early blows despite resistance from Sarfaraz Khan and Prashant Veer, eventually getting bowled out for 207. As the defeat exposed deeper issues within the side, Ashwin reflected on his own decision to step away from the IPL, admitting that he could have continued but was mentally drained after a disappointing campaign. “Any suggestions for sad songs? I am watching the match from a neutral point of view, but remember that I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK, it was a disappointing season for me personally as well. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, because emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. When asked to revisit that phase, Ashwin made it clear that it remains a sensitive subject for him. “I don’t want to go there, it’s mentally disturbing. It was very painful for me. I don’t want to go there. I discussed a little then I said, I started in Chennai, I am finishing in my hometown, it’s fine. I decided to retire myself as it would not have created a headache for them (the management) over whether to retain me or release. They would also save Rs 10 crore if I go. I am still disappointed. I had expectations, I had hope,” he added. Despite predicting an RCB win, Ashwin admitted he expected a stronger showing from CSK, especially after signs of improvement in their previous outing. “I had expectations from today. I know, I picked RCB to win, because they have strength. But, I banked on the improvement that CSK showed in the last game. I had a little faith on the fact that RCB were coming into this match after a break. The way RCB played, they warned everyone,” he said. CSK’s current approach has also come under scrutiny, particularly their shift towards a younger squad. Ashwin questioned how effectively these players are being nurtured in a high-pressure environment. “These young boys, you have to give them good practice, you have to give them intensity, you have to give them atmosphere from here on. How are they going to do this?” he remarked. The veteran spinner was also critical of certain tactical calls, especially how bowlers are being utilised. He pointed out that some players are being asked to execute skills that may not suit their strengths. “You can watch SA20 to plan against. Jamie Overton isn’t good at bowling yorkers. You are making him do that. You have to play according to the bowler’s strengths. You are making him bowl wide yorkers from around the stumps. Tim David smashed them hard,” he said. With results going against them and questions mounting over both strategy and execution, CSK now face an early-season challenge to regroup and find direction before the campaign slips further away.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

With Kolkata Knight Riders enduring a tough start to IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane has found himself under increasing scrutiny following defeats to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rahane began the season on a positive note with a fluent 67 off 40 balls against Mumbai Indians, but his effort came in a losing cause as KKR failed to defend a strong total. In the next game, which also marked his 200th IPL appearance, he struggled for rhythm during a chase, managing just 8 off 10 balls against SRH. The criticism around his captaincy has also been fuelled by off-field moments, including his remark on Cameron Green not bowling, where he said the question should be directed to Cricket Australia. Rahane later pushed back at critics, defending his intent and pointing to his improved strike rate in recent seasons. Amid the noise, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has stepped in to back Rahane, offering a strong endorsement of his leadership. “Honestly, I was reading a lot about Ajinkya Rahane, but he is a very good person, a very good human being. I have played under his captaincy and I am telling you, no bowler will get a more supportive captain. He is very supportive and a very calm captain. If he cannot get the best out of a bowler, then I don’t know who can.” While defending Rahane, Ashwin made it clear that KKR’s struggles are not solely down to captaincy. Instead, he pointed to tactical limitations, particularly in the bowling department. “He can maybe do one thing — use Sunil Narine in the powerplay and give Varun Chakravarthy a break, then bring him after the powerplay. If he does well, then confidence will come back. But that’s all he can do. What else can he do? He cannot go and bowl himself.” Ashwin also highlighted the complications around match-ups, especially against left-handers, suggesting that avoiding certain bowlers could create further imbalance. “He can also maybe avoid giving him the ball against left-handers. But if you avoid him against left-handers, then who will bowl? Sunil Narine will bowl from one end, but who will bowl from the other? So there are a lot of problems in KKR.” He added that if Cameron Green starts contributing with the ball, it could ease some of the burden on the attack. With two defeats in their opening matches, KKR are already under pressure early in the season. Ashwin’s comments underline that while Rahane remains under the spotlight, the issues within the side run deeper than just leadership concerns.

Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan (Agency Image)

A small but telling moment involving Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan caught the eye during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dominant win over Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy. As Sarfaraz walked back after a blazing knock, Kohli called out to him amid the noise of the crowd. When the CSK batter turned around, Kohli applauded and gave him a thumbs-up, acknowledging an innings that briefly brought life into an otherwise struggling chase. Sarfaraz had taken charge when CSK were in deep trouble. Reduced to 30 for 3 inside the first three overs while chasing 251, the visitors were staring at an early collapse. It was then that he counterattacked with intent, finding boundaries consistently and racing to a 25-ball fifty. His effort helped CSK reach 77 by the end of the powerplay, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the momentum did not last long. Sarfaraz was dismissed on the first ball after the powerplay, stumped off Krunal Pandya by Jitesh Sharma, ending a crucial stand just when CSK needed him to carry on. Earlier in the evening, RCB had set up the match with a commanding batting display. Kohli and Phil Salt gave them a steady start before Devdutt Padikkal took charge with a fluent half-century. The innings then exploded at the death, with skipper Rajat Patidar and Tim David unleashing a relentless assault, adding 99 runs in just 35 balls to propel RCB to 250 for 3. In response, CSK never fully recovered from the early blows delivered by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Duffy. Contributions from Prashant Veer and Jamie Overton helped them cross 200, but the target remained well out of reach as they were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs, slumping to their third straight defeat. While RCB sealed a comprehensive 43-run win, it was Kohli’s gesture towards Sarfaraz that stood out, a moment of appreciation in the middle of a high-intensity contest.

Rishabh Pant and Tim David (ANI Photos)

A high-octane Sunday double-header in the Indian Premier League delivered contrasting yet equally gripping contests, as Lucknow Super Giants edged past Sunrisers Hyderabad in a last-over thriller, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a batting masterclass to outclass Chennai Super Kings.

In Hyderabad, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant starred in Lucknow Super Giants’ tense five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.Shami’s sensational opening spell (2-9) ripped through the top order, reducing SRH to 26/4 inside the powerplay. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck and Travis Head for seven off successive deliveries, setting the tone early.Despite the collapse, SRH fought back through a brilliant 116-run stand between Heinrich Klaasen (62) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (56), lifting the total to 156/9. However, once the duo departed, the innings lost momentum, with Prince Yadav and Avesh Khan providing crucial support to Shami.LSG’s chase began briskly but faltered in the middle overs. Aiden Markram contributed 45, but quick wickets, including Nicholas Pooran’s run-out, left the game hanging in balance.Needing nine off the final over, Pant held his nerve, smashing three boundaries off Jaydev Unadkat to seal victory with one ball to spare, finishing unbeaten on 68 and guiding LSG to their first win of the season.

Tim David’s six-hitting carnage powers RCB

At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Tim David unleashed a breathtaking assault, smashing eight sixes in a 25-ball unbeaten 70 to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding 43-run win over Chennai Super Kings.After being put into bat, RCB piled up a daunting 250/3 — the highest total of the season — with key contributions from Virat Kohli (28), Phil Salt (46), Devdutt Padikkal (50) and skipper Rajat Patidar (48 not out).David’s late onslaught, including a brutal 30-run 19th over against Jamie Overton, helped RCB plunder 97 runs in the final five overs.In reply, Chennai Super Kings faltered early, losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply. While Sarfaraz Khan (50), Prashant Veer (43) and Overton (37) showed resistance, the target proved too steep as they were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs.RCB’s bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s three wickets, sealed a comprehensive win that keeps them atop the standings with two victories from two matches.After two action-packed double-header weekends, the tournament shifts gears with a single fixture on Monday, where Kolkata Knight Riders host Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens, aiming to avoid a third successive loss.

Vaishali Rameshbabu of India vs Tan Zhongi of China (Photo by Yoav Nis)

NEW DELHI: If you were to poll the global chess community on the likely victor of the FIDE Candidates 2026, the response would be near-unanimous: Javokhir Sindarov. The Uzbek sensation’s ruthless efficiency, evidenced by a staggering 6/7 score, suggests the crown is already being measured for his head. Yet, while the Open section feels like a foregone conclusion, the Women’s category has descended into a chaotic arena where experience and titles seem to count for little.In a field of eight elite female Grandmasters, the tournament has become a “comedy or tragedy of errors”, depending on which side of the board you sit.