New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Young pacer Mangesh Yadav may not have featured regularly in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's playing XI, but his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise has provided him with invaluable lessons from some of the biggest names in world cricket.

Having shared the dressing room with stalwarts such as Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mangesh believes the transition from domestic cricket and tournaments like the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) to the IPL is defined by the sheer amount of experience available around a young player.

Reflecting on the difference between domestic cricket and the IPL environment, Mangesh, RCB’s Rs. 5.2 crore buy, said the opportunity to observe and learn from world-class players every day was unlike anything he had experienced before.

“In domestic cricket, I feel there are some senior players and some youngsters like me who, like in MPL, perform well, learn a little from there, and then play alongside the seniors. There, Rajat was also captaining, so I learnt a little from him. So, there, you learn, and whatever you get, you learn. But when you go from domestic to IPL, you share the dressing room with Virat Kohli, Virat Bhaiya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bhuvi Bhaiya, and all the other players,” Mangesh told IANS in an exclusive interaction.

The youngster said that interacting with players who have spent years at the highest level helped accelerate his understanding of the game. “So, it's good because they have so much experience. Bhuvi bhaiya (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) has at least 200 matches of experience in T20. They have 200 IPL matches. Hoff (Hazlewood) has a lot of experience. So, you get to learn from them daily. Virat Bhaiya also has a lot of experience,” he said.

While he did not get on-field opportunities, Mangesh said that even observing games closely from the sidelines offered important lessons about team culture and a winning mentality. “I didn't get a chance to play in the field. But when we used to go in as waterboys and talk about matches, it felt very intact that you don't want to leave the match in the middle, and you want to play as a team. Not a single moment felt like we had won. Until the match is won, you want to play as a team. So, that felt really good. So, I got to learn a lot in this IPL,” Mangesh stated.

Among the many memories from the season, Mangesh highlighted RCB's title-winning moment as one he will never forget. “There are a lot of moments. The first one is the trophy. When we won the trophy, it was a next-level feeling. Before that, it felt normal to win a match, even the final. But when we won the trophy, it felt very different. It felt special,” he said.

Beyond the celebrations, he pointed to the willingness of senior players to guide younger teammates as one of the defining aspects of the dressing room. “The second thing is that, in every moment, I learned from a player. If there was a doubt, I asked Josh Hazlewood what we could do in that situation. He explained it to me with a lot of love, saying we could do this. It was mind-blowing for me because I wasn't even thinking about it. Then he explained it to me, and I thought yes, we could do this too,” he said.

Mangesh said similar interactions with Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped him solve technical and tactical issues quickly.

“The same thing happened with Bhuvi Bhaiya. I was lagging in a few things. I asked him a few things, and he told me that if I did this, it would be good. So it got better immediately. Then I felt that it was very good. I learned a lot. The things that were troubling me, they had so much experience. So they had a solution. Whatever happened, I would go and ask immediately. That, Bhuvi Bhaiya, this is happening. And this is happening. So he would give me a solution immediately,” Mangesh said of Bhuvneshwar.

Despite spending much of the season outside the playing XI, Mangesh said the coaching staff constantly reminded him to remain match-ready. "I was always told that you have to be prepared. DK sir and Andy sir told me that you have to be prepared. You can play a match anytime. If anyone gets injured, you are going to play. So, they told me that you can play anytime."

The message shaped his preparation throughout the tournament. "So, I had to be prepared for every match. So, I used to go to every practice session in the same way. I used to practise. Now, what happened is not in our hands. And, a very good team combination was formed. So, the team kept going in the same way,” he stated.

For Mangesh, the team's larger objective remained more important than individual opportunities. "And, we all have the same motive. The motive for our going to the IPL is to win the trophy. So, that was the main motive. And I was prepared that, whenever I got a chance, as the coach had told me, I could play whenever something happened. So, I was prepared in the same way."

Having played under Rajat Patidar at both RCB and MPL, where he represents JK sports-owned Gwalior Cheetahs, Mangesh reserved special praise for the captain's man-management skills and calm demeanour. “Some people have still said this on social media. But what I would like to say is that it is completely pressure-free to play under him,” he noted.

According to Mangesh, Patidar's greatest strength lies in trusting players and backing their instincts. "He gives plans. First, he asks for our plan. If you give another plan to a bowler, he will not be able to do it at all, because he also has a plan. So, it happened to me in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well. I got a little run on my plan. So, he gave his plan, saying, ‘You can do this now. And I followed his plan and got a wicket there."

The approach, he said, continued in the MPL as well. "Like, I played in the last MPL match. So, he asked me for my plan, and I did well on it. So, he doesn't have any such attitude, and neither is he egoistic, saying ‘I am the captain’. He doesn't look like that at all."

Mangesh also highlighted Patidar's composure during difficult phases of a game. "And the second thing is that when the bowler gets hit, the captain shouts a lot. But he is not like that at all. He is completely calm. If he gets hit on that plan, he gives another plan. And if you execute it, he says nothing at all. Like, if you execute it well, it's fine. If you did it wrong, he himself says that it was wrong."

For a fast bowler operating under pressure, such support can make a significant difference. "So, that is one thing. He doesn't give any expression at all. Because as a bowler, I feel that if I bowl and get a six, my first look goes to my captain to see what he has to say. And he is not like that at all. He doesn't get angry at all. So, it feels very motivating that, yes, something like this is not happening."

Asked about the biggest lesson from being part of a title-winning dressing room, Mangesh pointed to one quality above all else: discipline. "The biggest learning was that everyone was very disciplined about their work. Everyone is having fun, but they know that when we go to the ground, we have to react, be aggressive, and be on our game. It is very chill outside. The best thing was the discipline of all the players."

He observed that elite players stick to routines regardless of circumstances. "Everyone is doing their thing daily. It is not like they are doing something different every day. So the discipline I saw is why they are completely different."

Using Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar as examples, Mangesh explained how attention to small details separates top professionals from the rest. "Like, Josh Hazlewood comes, and he does his warm-up first. Then he goes and bowls. It is not like he won’t warm up if he’s feeling good on a particular day. Same with Bhuvi. He does everything first, then comes to the ground.

"And I think there is no such thing as a big thing. Because small things make it big. We always take our warm-up lightly. Like, I will bowl or whatever. But that is the most important role for a player. That you warm up well. So I liked that,” he said.

The discussion on discipline inevitably led to Virat, as Mangesh agreed, “Kohli has given a different definition to discipline, because everyone knows about his discipline and how seriously he takes everything."

Looking ahead, Mangesh is focused on becoming a fully professional after securing an IPL contract. "I have planned many strategies for how I want to improve. And I am still playing MPL, so I don't have that much time. But I am talking to my mentor. This time, he is the team's trainer, so I am playing with him. I have done a gym session with him,” he said.

He added that better resources and structured planning have strengthened his confidence. "So I am working on those things gradually, and I have planned everything. Because RCB has given me so much money. So I have to become a pro. And I am absolutely ready for that. And I am feeling good. Now, the things I want, the things that were lacking, are now easily available. So this time, I absolutely feel I will reach the next level. Be it fitness or bodybuilding,” Mangesh stated.

As for his performances in the ongoing MPL, where his economy rate has been on the higher side in the opening matches, Mangesh remains unconcerned and believes it is only a matter of time before rhythm returns.

"I feel that you can say every day is not the same in cricket. Sometimes, you get hit. Sometimes, you don't. But in the last two games, I have felt that it is just that runs are being conceded. I am doing well. Some things are happening here and there,” Mangesh expressed.

The pacer feels that a lack of recent match exposure has played a role. "And I haven't played a match for a long time, so there is a little bit of a lack of match practice. So I feel that, and the rest, I feel that the rhythm will come soon."

Confident that there are no major issues in his game, Mangesh is backing himself to improve as the tournament progresses. "As for the rest, I don't feel that anything is missing,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke revealed that he was involved in a serious road accident when he was heading to the airport after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final in Ahmedabad. He described it as a "frightening experience" but was able to escape with a few bruises.

Clarke, who was part of the commentary panel for the recently concluded IPL 2026, revealed he was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle when it collided with a semi-trailer, leaving the front half of the car wedged underneath the truck.

"Interesting trip home, to say the least. Let me start by saying thank God for good people in India. That's why I made it home safely," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

"I was asleep. I fell asleep after the game, travelling. Obviously, I wasn't driving. Then I woke up to virtually the front half of the car being under a truck. The driver explained to me that the brake lights on the truck weren't working. So my driver had hit the truck up the backside. Again, it was a big semi-trailer, and our car had gone underneath," Clarke revealed. "The car's certainly written off," he added.

While the former Australian captain escaped with some bruises, he feared that the driver suffered a broken leg. "I got away with some bruises, but I definitely think he had a little break in his leg. I was really concerned because he was so scared. It wasn't his car; he works for the company," Clarke added.

The former World Cup-winning skipper further expressed his gratitude to the BCCI officials, who consistently checked on both him and his injured driver following the accident.

"Everyone at the BCCI, everybody there, they've been checking in on him, and they've been checking in on me. They've been unreal. So I'm very grateful for that. It was a complete accident. These things happen all the time, but for me it was more the shock because I was fast asleep and then woke up to see myself so close to being underneath a truck," he said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its Apex Council Committee meeting in online mode on Thursday, though it remains unclear if the issue of India’s next men’s T20I captain will be formally discussed.

“Yes, the BCCI will have an Apex Council Committee meeting in online mode on Thursday. But a possibility of officials discussing India’s next men’s T20I captain is yet to be known,” sources told IANS on Wednesday.

Speculation has grown over the future of India's men’s T20I captaincy after the T20 World Cup triumph in March was achieved under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. It is understood that eyes are on planning for the next two years, where India will enter the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup as defending champions and feature in the Los Angeles Olympics too.

While some believe Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer, the current ODI vice-captain, are in the running to succeed Suryakumar, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, and Ishan Kishan are the dark horses for clinching the leadership role.

Suryakumar’s prolonged lean patch has also been a point of concern, something which can’t be ignored for long by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and Gautam Gambhir-led team management.

The right-handed batter managed only 270 runs in 13 innings for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, while averaging 20.76, as the five-time champions finished at ninth spot on the points table. He also struggled with the bat during the victorious T20 World Cup campaign and didn’t get a good score in a recent game for Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in the ongoing Mumbai T20 League.

Suryakumar was handed India men’s T20I captaincy after veteran right-handed opener Rohit Sharma retired from the format post the T20 World Cup win in the West Indies in 2024.

India’s next T20I assignment is a two-game tour of Ireland, to be played on June 26 and 28. It is understood that the squad selection for the same can happen sometime in mid-June. After this, India will play a five-match T20I series in England, before going on a three-game tour of Zimbabwe.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik described the franchise’s successful defence of their Indian Premier League (IPL) crown in the recent season as an ‘unbelievable feeling’, while crediting the players for their consistency and skill in making the side victorious.

At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to defend the title they won at the same venue in 2025. “One thing the plan and another thing the boys have to have skill and deliver it on the given day, which they have done so consistently, and we're so proud of the team.

“Absolutely ecstatic – we were dreaming something like this would happen, but when it does happen in reality, it hits you, and it's definitely an unbelievable feeling,” said Karthik in a video posted by the IPL on its social media accounts on Wednesday.

RCB became only the third team in IPL history to defend their title after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The victory capped a season where senior players and emerging talents combined to deliver for the franchise under pressure.

“Really happy for all the fans – they've been with us through thick and thin, and I'm happy that we're able to put smiles back on their faces. I think, for the whole journey, I'm not able to pinpoint one, because there have been different challenges from the start till the day we finished.

“I think as a backroom staff, we're proud of what we've achieved. But all credit to the boys for the way they went out there day in and day out, put in their first and made it happen,” added Karthik.

He also expressed happiness for Rajat Patidar, who’s his birthday twin – both turned a year older on June 1. “It's been as special as it can get – you don't get it too many times when you win an IPL on your birthday. So extremely happy. Every year is going to be different, though we'll give it everything we have for sure,” concluded Karthik.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) India's charismatic batter Virat Kohli had a special word of advice for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the IPL 2026 final, urging the youngster to stay focused on his game and continue striving for greater heights following a record-breaking season.

After RCB won their second consecutive final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. A video of the interaction between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart and the 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals prodigy went viral. Their conversation has finally been revealed by RCB in a video posted on their social media handles.

In the meetup, Kohli praised Sooryavanshi’s work ethic and self-belief while reminding him to ignore outside noise and focus on his batting. The former RCB captain also advised the youngster to aim higher.

“You have to keep going higher from here. Whatever you’ve achieved is the result of your hard work and belief. Don’t pay attention to who is saying what. Just focus on your batting and yourself. Ek Bihari sab par bhari,” Kohli told Sooryavanshi.

The words from one of Indian cricket’s modern greats came after a season in which Sooryavanshi established himself as the biggest breakout star of the tournament despite Rajasthan Royals missing out on the title.

It is worth mentioning that earlier in the IPL 2026 season, Kohli had given Sooryavanshi an autograph and signed his cap after the left-handed batter smashed the RCB bowlers all around the park in the contest at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

While Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the IPL crown with a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans, Sooryavanshi emerged as the undisputed individual performer of the season, collecting five awards at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The teenager finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs to secure the Orange Cap and was named the Most Valuable Player as well as the Emerging Player of the Season.

He also claimed the Super Striker award after maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 237.31 and won the Super Sixes award by smashing a record 72 sixes during the campaign.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar was impressed with the impact teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had on the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying the Rajasthan Royals opener affected the outcome of games in more ways than through the runs he scored.

The batting legend also added that whenever Sooryavanshi walked out to bat, Rajasthan Royals seemed to have a renewed sense of belief.

In his post looking back at the season, Tendulkar was particular about naming some of the standout performances and trends that caught his attention during the tournament. Amongst them was the phenomenal season of Sooryavanshi.

"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an influence on games that went beyond the runs he scored. Oppositions were thinking about him, teams were planning for him, and fans were waiting for him long before he arrived at the crease," Tendulkar said in a post on Reddit.

The 15-year-old went on to be the top run-scorer in the tournament and one of the biggest success stories.

The former India skipper was more amazed by the young boy's temperament during the playoffs: "His ability to score quickly in the Eliminator and Qualifier proved his intent was always the same, even as the stakes were high. Even more importantly, his batting seemed to give Rajasthan Royals an added sense of belief every time he walked out to the middle."

Tendulkar also cited the dismissal of Jos Buttler by Josh Hazlewood in the 1st qualifier between RCB and RR, to highlight an instance of brilliant game awareness by a bowler:

"Josh Hazlewood's dismissal of Jos Buttler in the 5th over of the 1st Qualifier showed the value of deception. Buttler had hit deliveries for a 4, 6, and a 4, and once a batter settles into a rhythm like that, he often tends to commit early." He elaborated on this: "What made the wicket special was how he subtly slowed down the next delivery by 10 km/hr, and Buttler had already gone through his shot by the time the ball reached him," the batting maestro said.

Looking at the eventual champions, RCB, Tendulkar noted how their win was an all-round effort. "Every successful team develops an identity over the course of a campaign. RCB's identity seemed to be built around shared responsibility." He reserved high praise for captain Rajat Patidar.

"Rajat Patidar led from the front right through, but more importantly, he helped create an environment where others could do the same. The balance between leadership and contribution was an important part of them going all the way to yet another final," he

The legendary batsman, however, suggested a change to the rules, keeping in mind the course of most of the games in the season. "One trend that I observed through this season was how many games were decided between overs 7 and 15. Teams are now much better prepared for Power-plays and death overs than before." Tendulkar suggested the splitting of the powerplay:

"I feel the Power-play needs to be split into two parts. First 4 overs as the batting Power-play and two overs of bowling Power-play, which could be utilised at any point in the innings. If implemented, this could become the most strategic phase of T20 cricket," he said.

Tendulkar was also full of praise for Punjab Kings for their attitude, despite failing to win the trophy: "Punjab Kings brought wonderful energy to the tournament. Their cricket was positive, brave, and at times game-changing." According to him, the lesson learned from Punjab's season was to strike a balance between process and results: "Momentum plays a big part in lengthy tournaments, and eventually in such a quick tournament it comes down to process and not attaching yourself to the results. Punjab seemed to focus on the process in the first half, and on results in the second."

The former India skipper acknowledged the consistency of the Gujarat Titans. "What stood out about the Gujarat Titans is the ability to operate in a very limited performance band, across the length of an entire season." "In the inherently volatile nature of the IPL, they very rarely fall too far from their plan, even when the results are not in their favour. That means minimising both the extremes; ensuring they don't fly too close to the sun, and neither do they crash land when things go wrong. In a long tournament, such control often proves more valuable than single bursts of brilliance or match-winning efforts."

Reflecting on IPL 2026, Tendulkar emphasised the importance of adaptation. "When I reflect on IPL 2026, I was once again reminded that tournaments rarely follow a predictable course from the start. More than one instance this season, the table told a very different story at the mid-point compared to what we see at the end of the competition." He added. "The teams responded, adjusted, and new strategies were developed as the competition grew. The game is all about continuous development, and that's what makes watching it so compelling."

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) big-hitting batter Tim David has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee and will miss the opening game of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season after collecting two demerit points for a Level 1 Code of Conduct breach during the five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

David, who hit 24 off 17 balls in the final, was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match.”

The incident occurred in the 10th over of the first innings when, following the fall of a wicket, David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of on‑field umpire Nitin Menon. The Match Referee, former India pacer Javagal Srinath, imposed the sanction after David admitted to the offence and accepted the punishment.

This was David’s third Level 1 offence of the season. He had earlier committed breaches in Match 20, for which he was docked one demerit point, and in Match 54, which resulted in two demerit points. With the latest sanction, David has now accumulated five demerit points in total.

As per the IPL’s Code of Conduct regulations, accumulation of five demerit points triggers a one‑match suspension. Accordingly, David, who made 305 runs in 16 games this season, will miss RCB’s opening fixture of the next IPL season or, if he represents another franchise in the first game of IPL 2027.

RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final to secure their second consecutive title, but David’s suspension means the franchise will begin their title defence next year without one of their experienced finishers.

The win in Ahmedabad saw RCB become only the third team in IPL history to successfully defend their crown after Chennai Super Kings (2010-11) and Mumbai Indians (2019-20). Overall, RCB are now the fourth franchise with multiple titles, alongside MI and CSK, who have five each, and Kolkata Knight Riders, who have three wins.

Rajat Patidar added himself to the record books by becoming the first captain to win the IPL in each of his first two seasons. He is only the third skipper to secure back‑to‑back IPL triumphs after MS Dhoni (2010 and 2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019 and 2020).

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) With Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their second successive IPL title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans, the back-to-back wins are not the product of fortune, but of deliberate design, meticulous auction strategy and a dressing room culture being rock-solid in nature.

For years, RCB were always regarded as a franchise that had a lot of stars, but were hugely imbalanced – batting always got the big money, with bowling being their perennial weak link. But after Andy Flower and Mo Bobat took over as head coach and Director of Cricket respectively, RCB began to have a strong, well-balanced unit which is evident in their back-to-back IPL wins delighting franchise T20 cricket's most passionate fan base.

“I suppose when Andy and I first joined the franchise and we obviously had a first year that was a season of two halves and pretty challenging. Then we had the benefit of a mega auction and a bit of a reset, having learned some really strong lessons in the year before. The opportunity also to introduce Rajat as a new captain, which felt like a blank slate for us.

“At that point, I probably looked at this cycle and having come through a really good auction, we were very ambitious and optimistic about what we could do with this squad. I never came here or felt like we wouldn't achieve the elusive first trophy. I know that many teams had tried and many management teams and players had tried over lots of years to try and win that first trophy. I never really doubted that we would do that.

“I suppose I always had it in my mind that once we won that first one, we needed to not settle for that as being what we've come here to do or what we're all getting together to do, because like any sports team, you want to have almost like a bit of an infinite goal that you're just always striving towards achieving something that constantly inspires your fans,” said Bobat in the virtual press conference organised by RCB on Monday.

On strategy, Bobat was equally emphatic, revealing that a top-two finish in the group stage was always the north star. “So, how has it been different? Well, last year through the season, as we built our confidence, it felt like something we had to achieve and get done and almost tick off that first milestone, whereas this year has felt quite different. From the moment we finished last season, we've tried to push people to be ambitious about going again.

“There's been probably a deeper confidence amongst the player group this year and probably us as well as a management group around what the players are capable of, which obviously comes from success. Across both seasons, I've probably been personally quite keen and fixed on trying to achieve top two, because I think the 14 game group stage is quite a gruelling campaign.

“If you can put yourself in a position to finish top two, I think everybody knows historically what that means for your chances. So I guess part of my role is setting that bigger picture ambition and having something on the horizon that everyone's working towards. Andy is excellent at getting people to focus on what's coming in front of us and the game and the game ahead because it's certainly one of the things that I think he did brilliantly,” he added.

Among the critical changes that RCB have made to the make-up of the squad over the last two auctions is going in search of proven, experienced players rather than taking a punt at unknowns. It meant they had a compact squad at their disposal.

“I don't know whether you can win a competition at the auction. I think you can probably lose one at the auction. It's quite hard to undo things that you then either regret or don't like about your team structure, or even personnel, once you've got through your first mega auction, and then you're only dealing with mini auctions in the subsequent years.

“So I would probably say, in my still fairly limited experience, that I'm not sure you win a competition at the auction, but you can certainly lose one there. Then it gets quite difficult in the mini auction years. You're right it's funny - when we finished our mega auction, I think we were ranked second bottom for the quality of the squad by quite a lot of broadcasters and a lot of experts, and many people had us to finish last.

“That was certainly nothing that affected our thought process or psychology. We were clear on what we were trying to build as a squad in terms of team structure. We were quite clear on the attributes and characteristics that we wanted from players. That's a combination of skill and character. Both of those things are really important and we got pretty much everything we wanted and more at the auction.

“So we came out of that auction very happy, like most teams tend to do after an auction, but pretty confident that we could do the things that we wanted to do. It's obvious when anyone looks at our squad that we've massively valued experience across key roles. Andy mentioned some of the names earlier, and having the likes of Virat and Rajat as retentions was a really good start,” he recalled.

The franchise's emphasis on battle-hardened experience was a conscious and calculated call. “But then adding players of the calibre of Phil Salt, Tim David, Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Krunal - these are battle-hardened men, and that's quite important, I think, in a competition as demanding as the IPL - the games come thick and fast. You've got to be able to move on from defeats quite quickly, and you need guys that are really calm under pressure.

“I once heard a phrase used about another elite sportsman that always stuck with me, that some of the best sportsmen, the pressure moments, find them, if that makes sense. We've got quite a few players where the pressure moments gravitate towards them. They seem to be in the middle when these things are happening.

“Yesterday, our bowling was a great example of that. Bhuvi and Hazlewood started brilliantly, Krunal doing his thing. Great contributions from others, of course. Both Duffy and Rasikh were obviously excellent. The pressure always finds Virat. He finds a way to be in the thick of things when the game's on the line.

“That's what champion players do. We valued all of those things when we put our squad together. Before we played our first game or bowled our first ball, we were confident that we had a squad that could be competitive. As we described, the confidence builds through the season and a huge amount goes into auction prep.

“You've probably seen some of our auction videos and seen some of the detail that we go into. As I said, I don't think you win the competition at the auction, but it can make a really big difference. Once you've got that squad together, you've still got to get the togetherness going. You've still got to get them to deliver on their roles and create an environment where they can really go and showcase their strengths. Obviously, a lot of that goes down to the changing room environment that Rajat and Andy have built and created.”

Flower also threw light on RCB's coaching and scouting infrastructure - specifically on their Indian coaches - Dinesh Karthik (batting coach and mentor), Omkar Salvi (bowling coach), and Malolan Rangarajan (the spin bowling coach and talent identification head, apart from being WPL head coach), whose contributions he described as indispensable to the title success.

“Well, a couple of things there. Firstly, Mo has set up a scouting system here at RCB that is still in its growth, in its initial phases of growth really. We had the scouts with us at the game last night. They were watching with their families. They came to the after party here at the hotel and it was great to see them all there and that is an important part of what we do in preparation.

“It is really important to get the best people in the room and we have got a really nice group of scouts. When I say nice, they are guys we trust their cricket opinions. We trust that they are doing their due diligence and they are good guys to have in the system. So Malolan has been with RCB for a number of years and has also been instrumental in setting up that scouting system with Mo.

“So we trust that and we are going to build on that. The Indian coaches that we have got on our books have been absolutely crucial to the success that we have had so far. Omkar Salvi is one of the nicest men I have ever met and he has been great for us for a couple of seasons. He is an experienced head coach, a very good observer and gives me his very clear opinions when I ask for them.

“I think he is a bowling coach that the bowlers like working with and trust. So those are all amazing qualities for us to have amongst our coaching staff. Malolan plays a more general role. He does specifically coach the spinners and I know that KP and Suyash trust him completely. But he also plays a wider role not only on the scouting but certainly in our auction prep.

“Also he is a smart guy and he knows the game. He has also head coached before and having his brain for us to access is really important to our decision making processes. DK is a different kettle of fish altogether - full of energy, ideas and he is a great energy to have around.

“He is also a very recent and successful IPL and international cricketer. So he adds something completely different to our group - that very creative, fun energy. He is always great company and challenging us with a million and one different ideas. So he has been integral to any success that we have had to be quite frank.

“His energy for the batting group has been unquenchable and I have enjoyed watching him work with our batting group. I know that he has earned the trust of even guys like Virat. So he has done an amazing job for us and to have those three Indian coaches on our books, I think we are very fortunate in that regard and without their influence, I am sure we would not be sitting quite in the same position that we are this morning,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower said the biggest difference between the 2025 and 2026 title winning campaigns was the ‘deeper level of confidence’ within the squad this year, while acknowledging the lessons of 2024 season also immensely shaped their pursuits of being a trophy winning team.

Having won their first IPL title in 2025 and break an 18-year drought in process, RCB joined the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the third team in the IPL to win the tournament successively. If the 2025 win had tons of emotions around, the 2026 triumph was the sign of a confident unit completing the job of defending the title in clinical fashion.

“There are definite differences between 2025 and 2026 campaigns. But I would also mention the 2024 season, because that was instrumental in setting our determination to do things a little bit differently. The very tough first half of 2024 gave us real clarity about certain strategic things that we wanted to employ, and it gave us the courage through almost through desperation to take those measures.

“Then we've had 2025 where we were walking into the unknown a little. As RCB had never won the title before, so there was a lot of tension and uncertainty around getting into playoffs and then obviously lifting the trophy. This year has felt a little bit different. I think there's a deeper level of confidence in our squad.

“Our squad contains a number of very experienced and very successful cricketers, and having the likes of Virat and Bhuvi and Hazelwood and KP in that squad makes it a lot easier for us, the coaching and management team. So that deeper level of confidence after lifting last year's trophy certainly made this year feel slightly different.

“Didn't make it any easier, but certainly going into playoffs, there was a deeper level of confidence, I think, in the squad, which you may have seen in some of the performances. So they felt very different, but both very satisfying from a professional point and personal point of view,” Flower said in a virtual press conference on Monday.

Asked on how he’s been influential in keeping the RCB culture going for three seasons, including spending more time with the players who didn’t get much game time in the high-pressure tournament, Flower explained, “There are always challenges and a long list of them – you've got a big squad of players to look after. You've got obviously a variety of different people to gather together and get them heading in one direction. You've got young and old, experienced and inexperienced, different nationalities.

“So, from a professional point of view, it's a really fascinating challenge to get a group of such different characters together and make them cohesive around the task of taking on these other excellent franchises. So, Mo (Bobat, RCB Director of Cricket) and I both really like those challenges. The cultural part around the players that didn't play or didn't play much is a really important part of – I'm reticent to say only the success of a cricket squad or a franchise, but more about the feeling that is generated within that group.

“It's really important to look after people and I've learned those lessons over the years, particularly as a young head coach, how important that is. Those players that aren't playing all the time, they still need to feel valued and also feel as if they're progressing themselves. I think one of the biggest drivers in the human condition is to feel as if you're making progress in the world.

“We want everyone that's sitting out and not getting the opportunity to showcase what they can do in match situations. We want them also to feel as if they are developing themselves. So, we put as much energy as possible into looking after those players as well. It's not easy because you do have to prioritize those 12 players that are taking the field every few days.

“But it was lovely to see some young players like Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan come from India under‑19s. I watched them during the Under‑19 World Cup where I was commentating. It was lovely to see them go about their business, work at improving themselves. They were listening and watching people like Virat go about their business and you can learn lessons in that sort of environment if you're open to progress and they were,” he said.

Flower also gave the example of India batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer of a player who didn’t get game time initially, but made his chances count whenever the combination changed. With a finger injury keeping Phil Salt out, Iyer seamlessly fitted into opening the batting alongside Virat Kohli and hit 209 runs in seven games, including giving a fast start in the final.

“But the best example, I think, of people sitting out and making sure that they were ready to contribute to the overall cause was Venkatesh Iyer. He sat out after all his experiences, winning IPLs and playing for India. He had to sit out and be really patient and make sure that he was ready to contribute when he got the chance.

“He never knew when or if that chance was going to come. When it did come, each time he made contributions. It was such a wonderful example of a mature young man being humble enough to take the bad news on the chin that he wasn't going to get initial opportunities, but to make sure that he was competitive and ready when he got the chance and that's what he did.

“He was a big contributing factor to us closing out this tournament. So you rightly focus on a really important part of the franchise cricket world, that sort of environment that we operate in for 10 or 11 weeks of the year and we work hard at trying to get that as right as you can. You can't be perfect, but you do your best to get it as right as you can,” he added.

Flower further said the confidence gained from last year’s breakthrough title was visible in the squad’s composure this season. “Well, I'm glad that it's observable. Sometimes when you're actually in the dressing room or in the dugout or in the training area, you're getting a very close‑up view of stuff. But it's nice to see, it's nice to hear that even from an external viewpoint, you're seeing that level of confidence.

“I alluded to it a little earlier - there was a little more jeopardy and uncertainty around last year's title chase and after winning the trophy last year, and then after playing some outstanding cricket through the group phase this year, our confidence levels have increased. It's also fair to say that you didn't observe many nerves.

“There would have been a lot of nervous people in our dressing room, in our dugout. I was certainly one of them, but that deeper level of confidence that comes from testing yourselves against good opposition or in challenging circumstances, and proving to yourself or proving to yourselves as a group that you are not only able to handle whatever's thrown at you.

“But you're able to thrive in that high‑pressure environment and that produces real confidence. You saw and you would have observed some of that. The other thing about our group feeling confident is we've got some characters in our dressing room that inspire that level of calmness and confidence. We've spoken at length about Virat already today, but bowlers like Hazelwood, Bhuvi and KP, those guys are calm under pressure.

“The pressure in the IPL is similar to the pressure that you would experience in the playoff stages of World Cups or in Big Ashes matches. Having people there that have been there and done it before, come through in adversity before, those are deeper, stronger levels of confidence than you might have in other individuals that hadn't had those experiences before.

“So we're lucky to have some of the personnel in our dressing room, and we're lucky that they can influence the group in such a calm and positive manner. Bhuvi has been outstanding for these last two seasons, and it's arguable that we wouldn't have had our success at all over the last two seasons if he hadn't been producing performances under pressure repeatedly that he's done over the last two seasons.

“Hazelwood's the same, and we've seen what KP's done. KP's level of confidence, you could easily just attribute it to, he's had five IPL wins in 11 seasons. How amazing is that for different teams? So I think that's what you're observing, and we'd like to build on that for the next season as well,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower said the franchise is ‘very lucky’ to have veteran batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room, hailing the former skipper’s hunger and drive as ‘genuinely inspiring’ after RCB defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 crown with a five‑wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Kohli smashed a majestic 42-ball 75 not out, laced with nine fours and three sixes, as RCB completed a chase of 156 to retain the title they won at the same venue in 2025. Kohli also reached his fifty in 25 balls – the fastest he’s reached the half-century mark in his history of playing the IPL.

“You asked about Virat’s hunger and how that affects him. When I was in the dressing room last night after the game, I mentioned it actually. His hunger and drive it’s genuinely inspiring. Even for older blokes like me, seeing someone as hungry and driven, as disciplined and as ambitious as he still is, it’s wonderful to witness. And we’re very lucky to have him in the dressing room.

“He sets certain standards, like standards of intensity in the field, for instance, that means that anyone falling below those is going to stand out like a sore thumb. So we don’t need coaches driving intensity on standards in the field, for instance, because he’s living it and doing it. And everyone else has to raise their games to get anywhere near it,” Flower said in a virtual press conference on Monday.

The former Zimbabwe captain, who coached England to the 2010 Men’s T20 World Cup title win, added, “He works hard at his game, but you can see that he loves it as well. He loves batting. He loves hitting a ball. He loves the feeling of the ball meeting the middle of the bat. I would imagine the craft and mastery that he feels when he’s got a bat in his hands. Again, those standards are easy for people in our training sessions to see, and certainly it just helps everyone head in the right direction.”

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar also acknowledged Kohli’s influence on his own leadership journey after being appointed the side’s captain ahead of winning their first title in the 2025 season. “Regarding Virat bhai, as I said in many press conferences and interviews, his presence makes a lot of difference. For me, it's great learning. Whenever I’m around him on the field and off the field, I always notice him. I don’t speak much, but I always notice him.

“But whenever I have some kind of doubts regarding the leadership role or taking any decision, I always go to Virat bhai. For me, it’s a great opportunity to learn from the best and the greats of cricket. So, their ideas, inputs, and experience are definitely helping me a lot to grow in my new leadership role,” he said.

Under Patidar’s captaincy, RCB have now won back‑to‑back IPL titles and have shed their long‑standing reputation as perennial underachievers. The Indore-based batter himself had a standout campaign, scoring 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69, including a match‑winning 93 not out in Qualifier 1.

“It's not like I had to go in and target the bowlers from ball number one. No one in the team was doing that. It's important to back your instincts. We did a lot of hard work before the tournament with DK (Dinesh Karthik, batting coach-cum-mentor), Flower, and Mo Bobat (Director of Cricket) were also there.

“There was more clarity about my role. I was pretty clear that if I'm batting in the middle overs, I can maximise and I can take a risk. I like taking risks, so if I am playing in the middle overs phase, I like to maximise every bowler. If I feel I have to go after the attack on my second delivery, I back myself and go with full clarity,” he added.

Patidar also drew praise from Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, who labelled him the ‘most stylish performer’ of the season. Responding to the compliment, Patidar said, “I have spent a lot of time with Shreyas. In my first season in Ranji, we played Mumbai, and at that time, he scored a lot of runs.

“I admire him a lot. The way he was dominating in red‑ball cricket, the shots that he was playing. At that point, it was my first season, and after looking at him, I changed my mindset. The way he was playing was unbelievable. Thanks to Shreyas for the words he spoke for me.”

Patidar also mentioned Rajasthan Royals’ 15‑year‑old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who won the Orange Cap with 776 runs, as the standout performer of the season. “It’s pretty clear, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He’s so young, and the way he’s dominated this tournament. He just didn’t play; he dominated every top bowler. So the way he played his shots, he’s amazing. Whenever I saw him on TV, it was just superb. I wish him luck.”

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s players and support staff will disperse to their respective homes and holiday time from Ahmedabad rather than return to Bengaluru immediately to celebrate their second successive Indian Premier League (IPL) crown.

“Well, firstly, I don't think any of us are going to Bangalore, unfortunately. I'm traveling back to the UK tomorrow. Rajat, I'm sure, will be heading home to his family and I think Andy's got a holiday planned. So we'll have to wait a little bit longer before we can get back amongst our fans and to enjoy some of their excitement and happiness, which is always nice to experience,” Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, told IANS in a virtual press conference on Monday.

With the afterglow of the championship win still high, Bobat and skipper Rajat Patidar stated that the franchise’s balanced approach to data and analytics, especially roping in Freddie Wilde as their lead analyst, has been a key factor in them transforming as a title-winning unit since 2025.

For the longest time, RCB were the IPL’s biggest underachievers – a star-studded unit who would always fall short of winning the trophy when it mattered the most. But since 2025, that narrative has undergone a dramatic shift by becoming only the third IPL side to win back-to-back IPL titles.

The turnaround has not come not from one marquee signing or a dramatic tactical overhaul. Instead, it has been shaped by a measured, data and evidence‑based approach for constructing the squad and preparing for matches.

Under Bobat, Wilde, head coach Andy Flower and batting coach-cum-mentor Dinesh Karthik, data and analytics have now become central to how RCB operate and compete as a unit, which in turn has helped them shed the ‘nearly men’ tag associated with them.

“In terms of the sort of data related questions, both Andy and I are very similar in our views in that we don't overly focus on data. Data is obviously quite a hot topic in elite sport at the minute. We don't focus too much on that. But what I do think we share in common is a desire to have evidence‑based decision making and therefore, by definition, if you want evidence to support your decisions or to inform your decisions, then you're going to pay attention to the data that's available to you.

“So we really value and we recognize the importance of our judgment as decision makers. We make important decisions about players' careers, about their dreams, about their livelihoods. So, we both think it's our responsibility to do that with an element of rigour.

“If you're going to do that, then you will pay attention to evidence, information, data, expert opinion, whatever you want to call it. Philosophically, we both believe in that information being a combination of the more objective kind of numbers that can tell you a story, but also what some of our expert eyes and ears see and hear and what they can tell us as well, because it's all information that helps us make those evidence‑based decisions.

“So very balanced view in our sort of in our ways of working and I'd like to think that Rajat’s experiences that as captain and that we will share insights with him that might be data informed, as well as some of our own gut feel and intuition. A part of the reason why we engaged DK in the role that we engaged him in is that he has a very active tactical mind and we can learn from his many experiences as a person as well,” elaborated Bobat.

Wilde is the lead analyst of current ILT20 holders Desert Vipers and The Hundred franchise London Spirit, after being with the England men’s team. He also came into limelight after authoring a chapter in the Cricket 2.0: Inside the T20 Revolution book titled ‘Why CSK win and why RCB lose.’

Cut to now, and Wilde has played a key role in turning around RCB’s fortunes. “So a real mix there and you referenced Freddie and it's important to recognize the quality of his work. We've worked with Freddie for a few years now. He's an outstanding analyst and the things that stand him out, I think, would be he is able to kind of manoeuvre between thinking like an analyst and also thinking and operating a bit like a coach and that's quite nice territory.

“As someone who can do that, that also means we can trust him in his communication with players and groups in a way that you might not always give sort of analyst responsibilities. He's also quite practically minded. He realizes that the numbers won't always tell the full story.

“So he appreciates that there is subjectivity and context that binds a lot of the analytics that we'll do. But in short, his contributions have been huge, particularly if you think about things like the importance of building a squad and auction planning, which we invest a lot of preparation and time into.

“Then we have quite a rigorous planning and review process as we go through the season and Freddie leads a lot of that work alongside Andy. So, obviously, I can't speak much more glowingly about Freddie's work.

“He's been excellent and a real value add for the franchise, helps players, support staff, coaches on a number of levels. But the headline would be that we're kind of we're very balanced in our view – the human and the machine are probably both key parts of our process,” explained Bobat.

Flower, who added another IPL title to his growing cabinet of winning franchise T20 league trophies as the head coach, gave a little hint about how being data reliant sparked Patidar’s turnaround in being a ferocious pace hitter in this season. “I'm not going to answer anything, but I really want to hear Rajat's answer about the use of data.”

As per statistics from Cricket-21, Patidar has emerged as one of the most destructive batters against pace in IPL 2026, with his numbers showing a remarkable jump from last season. In 2025, Patidar managed 190 runs in 13 innings against pacers at an average of 23.8 and a strike rate of 143, hitting just six sixes and recording a boundary percentage of 58.9, while his boundary per ball (BPB) ratio stood at 5.3.

But in 2026, the turnaround has been emphatic this year. Across the same number of innings, Patidar has piled up 377 runs against pacers at an average of 62.8 and a strike rate of 189. He has cleared the ropes 28 times, with his BPB improving to 3.6 and boundary percentage soaring to 73.2. Patidar credited Wilde’s expertise for helping him sharpen his batting against pacers, apart from retaining his strengths of bashing spinners.

“To be honest, it was beautifully explained by Mo regarding Freddie and I can say from my personal experience as well. Four or five times in the IPL, I called Freddie and he said, ‘Freddie, I need some videos of the bowlers, especially spinners who are like Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, where you have to pick their balls from the hand.’

“So on some days, I was feeling some difficulties in reading them from the videos. So I called Freddie by saying, ‘Freddie, please help me. What's the difference in these bowlers who are bowling two or three deliveries, or different deliveries and from where I can pick him? So what's the difference?’

“So I think Freddie helped me a lot in this and that's why I give credit to Freddie. So people always used to say to me that Rajat is a spin basher. But to be honest, I always like to play fast bowling. But if I talk about spin and picking up the bowlers from their hands, the credit goes to Freddie because he helped me a lot,” concluded Patidar.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru left-arm spin bowling all‑rounder Krunal Pandya said winning trophies remains his biggest motivation in playing cricket after clinching his fifth IPL crown, as the side defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to defend their title at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back‑to‑back IPL title wins have drawn high praise from former India cricketers, with Saba Karim equating skipper Rajat Patidar’s leadership to that of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. At the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB lifted their second consecutive IPL title after beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets.

The win also made RCB the third side after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to secure consecutive IPL title victories. Patidar is only the third captain to win back-to-back IPL titles after MS Dhoni (2010 and 2011 seasons) and Rohit Sharma (2019 and 2020 seasons).

“One of the biggest reasons behind RCB winning a second consecutive title has been the clarity around individual roles within the team, and Rajat Patidar deserves a lot of credit for that. If you look at his journey, he came in as a replacement player and eventually became the captain.

“For someone without international experience, earning respect in a dressing room filled with world-class players, including Virat Kohli, is not easy. Rajat earned that respect through consistent performances. Once he established himself, he became instrumental in shaping this side.

“He has played a major role in building a strong bowling unit. I also see a lot of clarity in his captaincy. When we talk about captains who have led teams to consecutive titles, names like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma come up, and I can see similarities in the way Rajat Patidar leads this team,” said Karim on Star Sports.

Sanjay Bangar, who also served as RCB’s head coach before being succeeded by Andy Flower, felt the side’s long‑awaited breakthrough had come at the right time after years of being so close yet so far. “RCB always looked capable of making this kind of impact, but they had to wait a long time for it. They were consistently reaching the playoffs and finals, but once they tasted success and found a group of players who complemented each other well, things started to fall into place.

“What stands out about this RCB side is the experience it possesses. Most of the players have played international cricket, so in many ways it resembles an international team in terms of its make-up.

“That experience and temperament become invaluable in pressure situations. Success breeds confidence, and RCB have now multiplied that success. Who knows, this could be the start of a decade where they go on to win a few more titles,” he added.

Reflecting on runners-up GT’s campaign, Anil Kumble said their middle order failed to back up the top three in crunch situations, something which occurred in the final. “Gujarat Titans bounced back strongly after losing their first two matches, with their top order consistently providing excellent starts. Their bowling attack was also experienced and capable of handling pressure situations.

“However, the middle order lacked consistency whenever the top order failed. Opposition teams knew that dismissing the top three early gave them a real chance in the game, and that is exactly what happened in the final.

“Unfortunately for Gujarat Titans, the middle order could not recover from those early setbacks. That is an area they will certainly look to strengthen heading into next season,” he added.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting stalwart AB de Villiers hailed Virat Kohli’s match‑winning knock of 75 not out in the IPL 2026 final, saying the talismanic batter ‘knows how to pace a chase right through the innings and finish it off,’ as the side clinched their second successive title with a five‑wicket win over Gujarat Titans.

At the Narendra Modi Stadium, Kohli smashed a majestic 42-ball 75 not out, laced with nine fours and three sixes, as RCB completed a chase of 156 to retain the title they won at the same venue in 2025.

"In a final, if you take him out of that chasing batting order, then everything looks a bit different. With Rashid Khan firing from one end, and some of the other GT bowlers also doing really well, he just brings that calmness.

“He knows how to pace a chase right through the innings and finish it off. And it's very fitting that he was there right at the end, scoring the winning runs. GT were a bit naughty in feeding him into his strengths.

“A lot of deliveries were on the legs in his first 20-30 runs. If you give one of the best players of all time a start like that, he's always going to punish you. Once he started flowing, it was just plain sailing, one-way traffic. To be there at the end and call those final moments was absolutely phenomenal," said de Villiers on JioHotstar.

Kohli will be next seen in action when India take on Afghanistan in a three-game ODI series starting on June 13 in Dharamshala. De Villiers also lauded RCB’s composure and confidence in sealing back-to-back title wins. “It was a lot easier than last year, that’s for sure. Last year was emotional, and we weren’t sure what was going to happen.

“This year, when I saw Virat before the start of the game, there was quiet confidence. We’ve been here before, we know how it works and what the formula is. And what a remarkable achievement, back‑to‑back champions. I couldn’t be prouder,” he added.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) After helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru defend their IPL crown, veteran batter Virat Kohli reflected on the evolution of his batting, the demands of modern T20 cricket and the lessons he hopes the next generation of Indian cricketers can take from his journey as he urged the up-and-coming cricketers to read the game well and play according to the demands and situation.

Kohli, who played a pivotal role in RCB's title-winning game on Sunday against the Gujarat Titans and finished the season with another impressive run-scoring effort, said the key to longevity is continuous improvement and adapting to the changing nature of the game.

"The fact that I continue to play and compete, I want to keep improving and find areas in my game where I can make a difference and help the team score. That's always been my focus,” Kohli said in a video shared by IPL.

Kohli turned his attention to young cricketers, stressing that success is not solely about power-hitting but about understanding match situations and developing multiple ways to contribute.

“It's about understanding situations in the game. The preparation has to be such that you can play in 3-4 different ways. If the pitch gets tough, you should be able to hit boundaries and not just sixes. Even if that's not possible, you should be able to rotate, strike and stay in the game,” he said.

According to Kohli, the foundation for those solutions is laid long before match day, and the former India captain expressed his desire to pass on those lessons whenever younger players seek his guidance.

“For that, you need to do the work behind the scenes when you're not competing. That's probably the process to go about things when you want to make an impact on the field. Hopefully, whoever comes to have a chat with me, I can convey the same message with clarity. Keep the standard of Indian cricket high,” he mentioned.

He believes versatility is what separates good players from great ones, as he said, “I try to prepare a well-rounded game and try to implement that as best as I can in every situation that I play. That's the only thing I urge the youngsters to understand. Play according to the situation and the demands of the game. If you stay with the situation of the game, you're always going to be able to find solutions.”

The veteran batter acknowledged that T20 cricket has undergone significant changes in recent years, forcing even established players to reassess their methods. “The game is changing pretty rapidly. Just an opportunity for me to look at areas where I can get better. The explosive side of the game was something that needs to be taken care of nowadays.”

While known more for timing and placement than brute power, Kohli explained how he has adapted without straying from his strengths and also pointed to a statistic that reinforces his value to the team.

“I'm not a guy who will hit 40-50 sixes in a season, but I can hit 70-80 fours. I really worked on that aspect of my game. I'm going to hit the shots I can hit more often and take the bowlers on. That's always been my goal to be as consistent and impactful as possible. Feels good to know that when I play longer in the game, our success rate is 100% for the last two seasons. That gives me clarity as well that if I back for long enough in the game, our chances of winning improve significantly. Of course, it's a great feeling,” the 37-year-old said.

Looking back at RCB's title defence, Kohli said the champions entered the final with complete confidence in their abilities after dominating the league stage. That belief, he said, was built on months of consistent performances.

“We came to the game today, didn't feel the same as last year. We were so relaxed, so confident of our skill sets and we just knew if we play to our potential, we are the best team in the comp.

“And the league stage was a proof of that. We finished top of the league table and ended up getting to the finals before everyone else. And yeah, just very professional, very mature performance from the whole team throughout the season. And yeah, we just didn't have any doubts coming in today,” Kohli expressed.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) After Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second successive IPL title with a five‑wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik praised skipper Rajat Patidar’s calmness, saying that bowlers tend to thrive when they have a captain like him leading the side.

Patidar-led RCB finished at the top of the ten-team points table in the league stage and successfully defended their title by chasing down 156. Before Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 took them over the line, seamers Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam Dar were precise in their execution of plans to rattle GT and keep them to 155/8.

"Rajat has been a huge calming influence in a dressing room that is high-octane and high testosterone. He keeps things very calm, and that's so important. The bowlers thrive when you have a calm captain; it definitely helps under pressure.

“I think he likes to be a star, not a superstar. There are plenty of guys in that team who are big names and get the job done in high-pressure situations. The only time Rajat is aggressive is when he's batting.

“Other than that, he brings a very calm atmosphere and is happy for a lot of the senior players to go front and centre, which I believe is a very important trait in a leader. He just sits back, allows things to get done, and does exactly what needs to be done in that moment," said Karthik on JioHotstar.

Karthik was also in praise of the responsibility shown by senior players like Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar and Kohli in making RCB only the third team after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to defend their IPL title. "We have a lot of skill in the room. We're a very well-rounded team, both batting and bowling. We've tried to make sure most of the boxes are ticked in terms of the power we have and the skill we possess with the ball.

“It was great to see someone like Bhuvi bring his experience to the fore from game one right through to the end, he was always there for us. Hazlewood started in a certain way but finished strongly for us. Virat, under pressure and in a big chase, stood up yet again. That's why he's called the King.

“You can see youngsters playing a lot of different shots, but it was him who brought solidity to the chase. GT wanted one wicket. They knew that if they got Virat at any point, the game would be different for them. He withstood that pressure, and that tells you everything you need to know about him," he elaborated.

Karthik signed off by underlining the importance of squad depth and quality backups for RCB to thrive as a winning unit. "Ideally, I might not want another mega auction, but there's a lot of planning that goes into it. It's one thing to have a good starting XII, but you always know that in a tournament like this, there could be an injury, a player arriving late, or someone dealing with family issues, and you need to be prepared for all of that.

“Across skill sets, we had some really good backups. When Salty left, Bethell came in. When Bethell got injured, Venkatesh Iyer came in. When Josh Hazlewood wasn't around, Duffy was there, who was the World No. 1 T20 bowler.

“Rasikh Salam didn't get a game for us last year, but this year, the way he has come in under pressure, constantly bowling tough overs and standing up to the challenge, has been impressive. He's got that character, and it emanates from the way we practise and the clarity Mo and Andy have given to a lot of the players."

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) After their monumental triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, delivered a stirring dressing-room speech, urging his players to become "addicted" to the feeling of winning trophies.

RCB successfully defended their title at the Narendra Modi Stadium, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) to become only the third team in IPL history to win back-to-back championships.

In an address to the victorious squad, Bobat stated that this historic achievement is just the beginning of a dominant era for the franchise.

With the title win, RCB became only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to retain the IPL title, cementing their place among the competition's most successful sides.

"I'm going to ask you to do something. I'm going to ask you to really, really make sure we get addicted to this feeling, because this is a start. Not many teams have won back-to-back IPLs. It's happened twice before. So get addicted to the feeling, because it's that feeling that drives the hunger to go again next year," Bobat said in a video shared by RCB on their social media.

"It's that addiction to winning and winning that trophy and sharing these moments that drives us on," he added.

Having won the toss, captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends almost immediately as RCB seamers bulldozed GT’s prominent batting line-up with their short ball ploy before restricting the home side to 155/8.

RCB's response could not have begun in more emphatic fashion. Virat Kohli (75 not out) and Venkatesh Iyer (32) tore into the chase, bringing up the team fifty in just 3.3 overs — the fastest fifty by a side in an IPL final. The opening partnership immediately seized control of the contest and placed GT under immense pressure and reached 161/5 with 12 balls to spare to wrap up the win.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 1 IANS) Following the conclusion of a highly competitive Indian Premier League (IPL) season, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia lauded champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while noting razor-thin margins between the teams kept the tournament unpredictable until the very end, making it one of the most entertaining seasons.

Powered by Virat Kohli’s fastest half‑century in the IPL, RCB sealed back‑to‑back IPL title triumphs by completing a clinical chase of 156 and beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in front of their passionate fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

With the title win, RCB became only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to retain the IPL title, cementing their place among the competition's most successful sides.

“Congratulations to the champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and to all the participating teams for making this season highly entertaining and competitive," Saikia told IANS.

"Indian cricket continues to grow, with several young talents emerging through the tournament. The season was conducted smoothly, and the fans thoroughly enjoyed it," he added.

RCB, who entered the tournament as defending champions, managed to secure back-to-back titles. However, the road to the playoffs was a closely fought battle among all franchises, a factor the BCCI top official believes is the biggest takeaway for Indian cricket.

“Every team was equally competitive, and until the playoffs, it was difficult to predict the eventual winner. That level of competitiveness made this season even more exciting and entertaining,” Saikia concluded.

Kohli smashed a 25‑ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls – laced with nine fours and three sixes, also his highest score in the IPL playoffs. He also continued his remarkable streak - RCB have not lost a game since 2025 whenever he has scored a fifty.

Supported by Venkatesh Iyer’s brisk 32, Kohli’s masterly innings ensured the defending champions never lost grip of the chase and finished the job with authority to claim successive IPL crowns.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their IPL title, batting talisman Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma lauded the franchise’s professional blueprint, and the team played like champions throughout the season and added another golden chapter to their history by lifting their second successive title.

RCB defeated 2022 winners Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium to successfully defend their crown. Chasing 156, RCB reached 161/5 with 12 balls to spare, becoming only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to retain the IPL title.

“Yeah, it was a good achievement, but since the beginning itself they (RCB) were playing like champions, and they showed it on the ground that they are defending champions. They came with a very professional approach this year, and that is why they won the match easily and the trophy as well,” Sharma told IANS on Monday.

With their second IPL trophy, RCB came level with multiple-title winners, cementing their place among the competition's most successful sides. Following the win, talismanic batter Virat Kohli had remarked that he "didn't feel the same pressure as last year," which his childhood coach finds entirely natural given the historic context of their maiden title.

“Well, it is something natural," Sharma said, reacting to Kohli's statement. "They won it last year after a wait of 17 years. So, everybody was so excited. But since they have won last time... they celebrated, but I mean, waiting for something for years and then you win it, that's why the excitement (and pressure) was more (the first time).”

With two trophies now in the cabinet, discussions have naturally shifted toward a potential hat-trick of titles. Sharma believes that if RCB maintains their current template of collective effort, they will head into the upcoming seasons as the team to beat.

“Obviously, they should look [at a third title] the way they are playing. They are doing very well, they are playing like a champion team and everybody is doing their part. So, I think they would be favourites for the coming years,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Virat Kohli believes the relentless rise of fearless young cricketers is forcing even the most accomplished veterans to evolve, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star admitting that modern T20 cricket demands constant reinvention.

Fresh from guiding RCB to a second successive IPL title, Kohli reflected on how emerging talents have pushed him to adapt his approach, alter his mindset and continue finding new ways to stay ahead in a format that is changing faster than ever.

Reflecting on the emotions of the final, where he remained unbeaten and hit the winning runs, Kohli admitted the occasion felt like something straight out of his dreams.

“Well, it’s the stuff that you dream of. I’ve thought of this moment many times, that, you know, once when we win the IPL, I should be standing there hitting the winning runs and tonight it was possible. So yeah, just a dream day for us,” Kohli said during the post-match press conference.

Kohli said the confidence within the dressing room before the final was evident, with the team entering the contest relaxed and convinced about its strengths.

“And as I mentioned straight after the game as well, we just felt really relaxed coming to the game today and really confident about how we wanted to go about our game and what kind of team we have. And that gives you confidence to just, you know, see any kind of situation through,” he said.

The RCB star also explained why he looked so comfortable during the chase. “But yeah, in a chase, I felt really comfortable out there knowing exactly what to do.”

The final also saw Kohli register the fastest half-century of his IPL career in his 19th season. He credited the changing demands of T20 cricket and the emergence of younger players for pushing him to adapt. However, for him, the challenge of staying relevant remains a source of motivation.

“Well, not really. I mean, such is the demand of the sport today. I mean, you have these, you know, super young players pushing you all the time and really asking you to change your game and up the ante. And it’s an exciting situation because it gives you something to improve on, something to work towards. And yeah, I just take a lot of pride in getting better and just trying to figure out areas where I can improve,” he noted.

He revealed that the adjustment was more mental than technical as he said, “So yeah, it was just a case of the demands of today’s modern game where you need to get those 20, 30 extra runs. And I had to kind of change my mindset, not my game so much to hit the shots I hit, but more often and take the bowlers on, probably the best bowlers in the opposition. That was always my target. So very happy I was able to contribute towards the team cause.”

Having won the title in 2025, RCB entered this season with a clear objective — to finish at the top of the table and focus solely on their own cricket.

“Absolutely. I mean, the first target was to finish top of the table. We achieved that. And then after that, it was just about… you know, a lot of people asked us, who do you prefer in the finals? And we said, it doesn’t matter for us. We don’t care what jersey is in front of us. We are playing great cricket. We want to focus on RCB and not the other teams,” he said.

Kohli stressed that the squad maintained respect for every opponent while trusting its own abilities. “And we’re going to be respectful of all the other teams. We don’t poke any other team, you know. We’re very happy to carry on playing professional cricket. We have a lot of mature players in the group, a lot of experienced guys, and the experience always shines through in difficult situations.”

He then underlined the importance of senior players delivering when the stakes are highest. “You can have all the excitement and slam-bang in the world, but come the big situations, you need the big boys to step up. And that’s exactly what we did.”

One of the themes of RCB's title-winning campaign was the number of players who contributed at different stages. Kohli said that depth gave him tremendous confidence throughout the season.

“Absolutely. I mean, even tonight, I know it’s a chase and they probably look to get me out early, but I was very confident that even if I get out early, we have a champion team that’s going to finish the job, you know, three or four overs to go. So when you have that kind of confidence, you can go out there and really take the bowlers on.”

He credited the management and players for building a squad capable of sustaining success. “And I think that’s credit to the management, the way they stacked up the squad, the talent of the players, the belief that the players have shown. And we stand here champions back-to-back, which is a special feat.”

Kohli also revealed that the ambition of winning consecutive titles was discussed immediately after last year's triumph. “That’s exactly what Mo Bobat said when we won last year, that it’s not the end of the road. We’re going to look to go back-to-back. And that’s exactly what we ended up achieving. So we’re really proud of us as a team.”

Discussing his opening partnership with Venkatesh Iyer, Kohli said the plan was straightforward from the outset. “Yeah, I mean, simple chat to Venky in the change room. And I just told him one thing, we need to kill the game in the power play. And he said, yeah, let’s go. So it was total clarity.”

The pair's aggressive intent ensured RCB remained ahead of the chase from the very beginning. “There was no doubt at any stage when both of us were going. We just wanted to strike. We just wanted to take the bowlers on because we knew in a big game, if you lose a couple of wickets, things can get tricky.”

Kohli also explained the small targets they set during the innings. “So never let the run rate go up to seven and a half, eight. And then we had small targets in mind. You know, when you get the score under those targets, then you can really go and play free cricket. So, yeah, credit to Venkatesh as well. He stepped in and did a beautiful job up top. And his intent was probably the difference maker for us in the last three or four games.”

Finally, Kohli paid tribute to RCB's supporters, who once again turned a neutral venue into what felt like a home game. He pointed to the overwhelming support in Ahmedabad as another example of the bond between the franchise and its followers.

“I mean, I always say we don’t have seven home games. We probably have 14 because everywhere we go, we have fans cheering the team and, you know, really getting behind us. I mean, GT is probably the home side, but you see 90 percent of the guys are RCB fans. So that’s what we’ve earned over the years and we just continue to make them proud and try to put our best foot forward,” he mentioned.

Kohli signed off with a message of gratitude for the fans who have backed the team through nearly two decades.

“And yeah, their support is priceless and really happy that they can celebrate us lifting the trophy tonight and witness that.”

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Josh Hazlewood believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL title defence was built on composure, squad depth and a team-first culture, as the Australian fast bowler celebrated his third IPL victory following RCB's win over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final.

Having helped Bengaluru become only the third franchise in league history to retain the title, Hazlewood said this year's triumph felt different from the breakthrough success of 2025.

“That’s right up there. I think obviously a little bit more relaxed within the group this year. We sort of got the monkey off the back last year in terms of a long wait for that first win,” the pacer said after the win.

According to the Australian quick, the defending champions never appeared rattled throughout the campaign and consistently found match-winners in crucial moments.

“But I think the group just felt calm and composed throughout the whole tournament, really. Someone stepped up when they needed to be. I think we had, again, like 10 Man of the Match awards. So amazing depth in the squad. Anyone who came in did a great job and the bowling group is pretty special,” he added.

Hazlewood reserved special praise for fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose consistency with the new ball helped shape RCB's title-winning season. The veteran Indian seamer finished as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker with 28 scalps. “I can’t remember a game where he went for over 35 runs. In this day and age, it’s unbelievable.”

Hazlewood said Bhuvneshwar's ability to strike early regularly eased the burden on the rest of the attack.

“He got wickets up front in nearly every game we played and just took the heat off, I think, the rest of us. We could relax and, you know, we were bowling at numbers four and five in the powerplay. So it’s pretty nice,” the Aussie quick said.

The 35-year-old also highlighted the role of the franchise's management and support staff in building a winning environment.

“Yeah, I think the franchise has been put together beautifully. You know, not just the players, but I think the support staff as well. Again, it’s a nice, relaxed atmosphere to play your best, to try and play your best cricket in and perform,” the pace ace stated.

For Hazlewood, the strongest quality within the squad is the bond shared by the group.

“I think it’s hard to build that culture so quickly when the team changes quite a bit every three years, but it feels like we’ve got that now. Obviously, winning helps, but it just feels like the team’s quite a tight unit and we’re playing for someone else other than ourselves all of the time. So it’s a nice feeling,” he mentioned.

And when asked whether RCB can chase a third consecutive title in 2027, a feat that no team has ever achieved in the tournament’s history, Hazlewood's answer was brief and confident. “Yeah, I can’t see why not. Yeah, absolutely,” he opined.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) While Royal Challengers Bengaluru etched their name into history by securing their second consecutive IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans in a thrilling five-wicket final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, it was Rajasthan Royals' teenage phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who stole the show at the post-match presentation, sweeping the major individual awards of IPL 2026 after a truly unforgettable season.

The 15-year-old prodigy delivered one of the most spectacular individual campaigns the IPL has ever witnessed. He ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer, amassing a staggering 776 runs to claim the Orange Cap. His fearless and consistent strokeplay captivated fans, and his phenomenal batting also earned him the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season awards.

Sooryavanshi further cemented his dominance by claiming the Super Striker of the Season award for his astonishing strike rate of 237.31 and the Super Sixes award after clearing the boundary a record-breaking 72 times. The young batter's extraordinary season shattered multiple batting records and announced him as a global cricketing superstar.

On the bowling front, Gujarat Titans' pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada took a commanding 29 wickets to finish at the top of the wicket-takers list, earning him the Purple Cap. His teammate Mohammed Siraj was recognized for his disciplined bowling, winning the award for bowling the most dot balls in the tournament with an impressive 172.

Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan also had a noteworthy season, striking 75 fours to win the Most Fours award. Kolkata Knight Riders' Manish Pandey secured the Catch of the Season award for a gravity-defying, one-handed blinder at backward point that dismissed Tim David.

The Fair Play Award, recognizing sportsmanship and ethical conduct, was presented to Punjab Kings.

The IPL also celebrated the quality of its playing surfaces. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association received the Pitch and Grounds Award for venues that hosted four matches or fewer, while the Cricket Association of Bengal was awarded the overall Pitch and Grounds Award.

IPL 2026 award winners:

• Orange Cap: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) - 776 runs

• Purple Cap: Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) - 29 wickets

• Most Valuable Player: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

• Emerging Player of the Season: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

• Super Striker of the Season: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (237.31 strike rate)

• Super Sixes of the Season: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - 72 sixes

• Most Fours: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) - 75 fours

• Most Dot Balls: Mohammed Siraj (Gujarat Titans) - 172 dot balls

• Catch of the Season: Manish Pandey (Kolkata Knight Riders)

• Fair Play Award: Punjab Kings

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya described the franchise's successful IPL title defence as a reward for years of patience and planning, while also celebrating his own milestone of winning a fifth IPL trophy.

Having played a key role in RCB's rise over the past two seasons, Krunal admitted that each championship occupies a special place in his career and that comparing them is nearly impossible.

“Every IPL trophy is special. There’s no doubt about it. It’s like having kids, right? You can’t pick. Similar with IPL trophies because everything is so hard-earned,” Krunal said after the win.

The experienced all-rounder reflected on his personal achievement after lifting the IPL trophy for the fifth time in 11 seasons, as he said, “I’m so glad and grateful that in 11 years, to have five trophies, it’s pretty special for me.”

While players received much of the attention during RCB's title-winning run, Krunal was quick to acknowledge the work done behind the scenes. He credited the franchise's management and coaching staff for assembling a squad capable of winning consecutive championships.

“I mean, obviously, a lot of credit goes to the support staff, right? Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik, Malolan, Omi (Omkar Salvi). I mean, the way they prepared before the auction also last year and the way they set the team, right? The balance of it,” Krunal stated.

According to Krunal, Bengaluru's success was built long before the first ball of the season was bowled.

“So, again, I mean, sometimes half of the battle is won in the auction. I guess they did a pretty good job. And then eventually, it was on us to go out and deliver. And yeah, I mean, glad that we were able to, you know, have a hold on the trophy back-to-back,” the all-rounder added.

For the 35-year-old, however, the achievement extends beyond the dressing room. Krunal said the back-to-back triumphs carry special significance for a fanbase that waited 18 seasons to witness the franchise's first title.

“Yeah, definitely. Again, all those 18 years of waiting and then winning two back-to-back trophies. This is for the RCB fans. Wherever we have gone, they have supported us,” he said.

He also reserved a special mention for longtime RCB stalwart Virat Kohli, who finally experienced title success in 2025 before helping the franchise defend its crown this season.

“And obviously for Virat, it’s been pretty special. Right after 18 and 19 seasons, having two back-to-back trophies. So yeah, it’s amazing,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill admitted his side fell short of making a big score in the IPL 2026 final, conceding that a bigger total could have changed the complexion of the contest, where they lost by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Gill’s reflection came after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their crown in front of a packed crowd, powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 - his fastest IPL fifty coming off 25 balls. Kohli’s knock helped RCB chase down 156 with two overs to spare, and ensured the side joined Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as the only teams to defend their IPL title successfully.

“If we'd have gotten 180-190, it'd have been a good match. Maybe a little two-paced but not too much. There's some early movement for pacers. We lost early wickets and never got momentum. We felt we'll be in the game if we took 1-2 wickets in the powerplay,” said Gill at the conclusion of the game.

RCB’s seamers had earlier set the tone for the win on a mixed soil pitch, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar striking early and Rasikh Salam Dar returning with figures of 3-27. Washington Sundar’s fighting fifty lifted GT to 155, but the total proved to be insufficient against Kohli’s brilliance.

“We gave 15-20 too many, and they got away in the powerplay. We were one of the best bowling sides. We came back strong after losing the first two games. Kept challenging and improving ourselves. Very happy overall. Couldn't get over the line. Still would've had things to improve on even if we'd won the trophy,” added Gill.

Despite losing the final, GT got a cheque of Rs 12.5 crore for being IPL 2026 runners-up. The side also saw pacer Mohammed Siraj win the award for most dot balls in the season (172), while left-handed opener Sai Sudharsan claimed the prize for most fours hit in the competition (75).

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rajat Patidar struggled to find the right words after he led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title on Sunday. He said the achievement felt surreal and was something he had never imagined when he joined the franchise.

"It feels superb. When we came here, there were many memories from last year. I don’t have words to express how I feel, but it’s very good," Patidar said after RCB secured a solid five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The RCB captain praised the team's careful planning and the consistency of the bowling attack throughout the season. "It was clear planning. When we win the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash, and Shepherd bowled was impressive throughout the tournament," he said.

Patidar’s team delivered another strong performance to defend their title, becoming only the third team, alongside Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to successfully retain the IPL trophy. Chasing 156 runs, RCB relied on Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, marking his fastest IPL fifty, as the defending champions confidently pursued the target.

The victory held special meaning for Patidar, who reflected on his unexpected rise to captaincy. "I never dreamed of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was meant to be. I am grateful for that," he said.

RCB started the season with the confidence gained from their first title in 2025, and Patidar believed that experience made a difference. "We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere felt like a home ground for us with the fans supporting us," he said, acknowledging the traveling support for the franchise across various venues.

Patidar also shared how his preparation before the tournament played a crucial role in his success. "The pre-tournament prep was very good for me. I focused on discovering which shots work for me. I received a lot of useful input from DK," he said, crediting mentor Dinesh Karthik for his guidance throughout the campaign.

While Kohli once again shone on the big stage, Patidar highlighted the veteran's contribution beyond just runs. "He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team," he said.

Earlier, Gujarat Titans were limited to 155/8 despite Washington Sundar's fighting half-century. RCB's bowlers, led by Rasikh Salam Dar's three wickets and disciplined performances from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, kept the Titans from gaining momentum.

Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer propelled RCB to the fastest team fifty in an IPL final before the former anchored the chase to the end, creating yet another memorable night for the Bengaluru franchise.

As celebrations erupted in Ahmedabad, Patidar had a final message for the supporters who have stood by the team through the years: "This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala Cup Namdu."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) There is perhaps no modern cricketer who has lived under the spotlight quite like Virat Kohli. Every dip in form sparks debate. Every public statement becomes a headline. Every silence invites questions.

Some have even questioned his religious beliefs. Social media, often quick to judge and slow to forgive, has relentlessly scrutinised him throughout his career.

Yet, time and again, Kohli has found the perfect response.

Not with words. Not with explanations. With runs.

On Sunday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kohli once again reminded the cricketing world why he remains one of the defining cricketers of his generation.

On the biggest stage of the IPL season, with history beckoning and pressure mounting, the former RCB captain produced a magnificent unbeaten 75 off 42 balls to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans and a second successive IPL title.

It was not just another half-century. It was Kohli’s fastest IPL fifty, brought up in just 25 balls. It was his highest score in an IPL playoff match. And it was another chapter in a remarkable career built on delivering when the stakes are at their highest.

RCB entered the final chasing 156 and seeking to become only the third team in IPL history to successfully defend their title. Kohli ensured there would be no drama.

From the outset, he looked determined to seize the moment. Wristy flicks, crisp pulls and trademark drives flowed effortlessly as he dismantled Gujarat’s new-ball attack. Alongside Venkatesh Iyer, who blasted 32 off 16 deliveries despite battling a knee niggle, Kohli launched a breathtaking assault that effectively settled the contest before it had a chance to become tense.

RCB raced to fifty in just 21 balls — the fastest team fifty ever recorded in an IPL final. The message was clear: the champions were not interested in allowing Gujarat a route back into the contest.

Even when wickets fell at the other end and Rashid Khan briefly injected hope into the Titans camp, Kohli remained ice-cool. He absorbed pressure, rotated strike expertly and punished every scoring opportunity that came his way.

The innings felt familiar.

For nearly two decades, Kohli has built a reputation as cricket’s ultimate big-match player. When conditions become difficult and expectations become overwhelming, he somehow finds another gear. Sunday’s knock was yet another reminder of that extraordinary ability.

The significance of the innings was reflected in another remarkable statistic. RCB have not lost a match since 2025 whenever Kohli has scored a half-century. Time and again, when Kohli gets going, RCB become almost impossible to stop.

Earlier in the evening, Gujarat Titans had posted 155/8 after being restricted by a disciplined RCB bowling attack. Washington Sundar’s fighting unbeaten fifty gave the Titans something to defend, but Rasikh Salam Dar’s three-wicket haul, combined with excellent spells from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensured the total remained within reach.

Kohli made sure it never felt out of reach.

As the chase progressed, Gujarat tried everything. There was chatter from the field, tactical changes and moments of pressure. But Kohli remained focused on the task. Even cramps in his right leg could not slow him down.

Fittingly, it was Kohli who finished the chase. A boundary through the leg side followed by a towering six over long-on sparked scenes of jubilation among players and fans alike. The defending champions had done it again.

The victory elevated RCB into elite company alongside Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as franchises that have successfully defended an IPL title. It also strengthened their growing legacy as one of the league’s modern powerhouses.

But beyond the trophies and records, the night belonged to Kohli.

Because while narratives change and criticism comes and goes, some things remain constant.

Pressure still brings out the best in him. The biggest occasions still seem to belong to him.

And whenever the noise gets louder, Virat Kohli finds a way to make his bat speak louder.

On Sunday night in Ahmedabad, it delivered yet another unforgettable statement.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on their successful IPL title defence, praising the franchise for overcoming one of the toughest challenges in sport, sustaining success after reaching the top.

Following RCB's five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, Tendulkar took to X to acknowledge the significance of the achievement and the mentality required to remain champions.

RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend the trophy, having ended their long wait for a maiden title in 2025 before backing it up with another dominant campaign this season.

Tendulkar highlighted how expectations change once a team achieves its primary goal. According to the batting icon, winning a championship is one challenge, but maintaining those standards the following season is often even more demanding. He also noted how Bengaluru answered every question that came their way during the season and fully deserved their latest triumph.

“Congratulations to @RCBTweets on winning consecutive @IPL titles. One of the challenges in sport is that success changes the questions you have to answer. After winning once, the task is no longer proving you can do it, but proving you can sustain it. RCB met that challenge impressively this season. A well-deserved achievement!,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

RCB entered IPL 2026 as defending champions and handled the pressure impressively, finishing at the top of the league table before carrying their momentum through the playoffs and into the final.

RCB bowlers held GT batters to a par total of 155/8 before chasing it down with two overs to spare. Former skipper Virat Kohli stood strong throughout the chase and remained unbeaten, scoring a 42-ball 75 and rightfully claiming the Player of the Match award as RCB became just the third team, after CSK and MI, to defend the title.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Riding on Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 and a disciplined display from their seamers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their IPL crown with a five‑wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Washington Sundar’s fighting unbeaten 37-ball fifty took GT to 155/8, though Rasikh Salam Dar’s 3-27 and early strikes from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept them in check on a mixed soil pitch. In reply, Kohli registered his fastest half‑century in the league off 25 balls and anchored the chase of 156 with trademark authority by remaining unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls – laced with nine fours and three sixes, also his highest score in the IPL playoffs.

It also continued a remarkable streak - RCB have not lost a game since 2025 whenever Kohli has scored a fifty, as he ensured the side joined Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as the only teams to successfully defend their IPL title, while extending the streak of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine seasons.

The win completed with two overs to spare also means Josh Hazlewood remains unbeaten in white-ball finals while Krunal Pandya has emerged victorious in every IPL final he's played in. GT, champions in 2022 at the same venue, were undone by disciplined RCB bowling and the scheduling grind of playing their third game at a third venue in six days, having reached Ahmedabad only on Saturday night due to inclement weather.

Kohli’s landmark knock then turned the final into a one‑sided affair, thus reaffirming his reputation as the man for the big occasion. With this clinical triumph in Ahmedabad, RCB have not only defended their crown but also cemented their place among the league’s most successful franchises, apart from having the rare honour of holding both WPL and IPL titles at the same time.

RCB’s chase began with Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer tearing into GT’s new‑ball attack. Kohli unfurled a flurry of wristy flicks (one of which went for a jaw-dropping six) and pulls against Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, and race to 28 off just 10 balls in just four overs, while Iyer smashed 32 off 16 deliveries despite battling a right knee niggle.

The pair brought up RCB’s fifty inside 21 balls - the fastest in an IPL final - and ensured the asking rate was never a concern from the get go. Iyer eventually lobbed a pull to mid-on off Siraj and Rabada, who had conceded 37 in his first two overs, eventually dismissed Devdutt Padikkal cheaply when he sliced to third man.

By then, the damage had already been done by RCB. Rajat Patidar joined Kohli and kept the tempo high by pulling Siraj for six, before swivelling off Jason Holder for four. Kohli, meanwhile, continued to keep going despite GT trying some mind games through Sai Sudharsan’s chatter. But GT struck right after first time-out when Patidar holed out to long-on off Rashid Khan, who trapped Krunal Pandya plumb lbw in the same over.

With Tim David joining the boundary hitting act, Kohli got his fifty in 25 balls after pulling Arshad Khan though short mid-wicket for a boundary, despite struggling with cramps in his right leg. Though David gave a feather edge behind off Arshad Khan after GT got the decision in their favour via review, Kohli and Jitesh Sharma hit exquisite fours to take RCB closer.

Kohli then survived a caught out decision on 63 as replays showed the ball touched the ground while Gill was trying to take the diving catch at mid-on. Fittingly, Kohli finished off the chase by pulling Arshad in the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket before smacking him over long-on for six to spark jubilant celebrations in the RCB camp and their loyal fans after clinching the IPL title once again.

Previously, amidst the collapse triggered by RCB’s seamers executing their plans with precision, Sundar stood tall for GT. He survived an early scare when a catch taken by Jordan Cox was ruled grounded, and went on to anchor the innings with a composed fifty. After being pushed into batting first by RCB, GT endured a shaky start as Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar exploited bounce and movement off the pitch.

Gill was dismissed for 10 - slicing a short‑arm pull to Patidar, while Sudharsan followed soon after top‑edging a bouncer to Jitesh for 12. Nishant Sindhu and Jos Buttler tried to steady the innings, but with no coming boundary after the powerplay, the former holed out to long‑on for 20. Buttler, frustrated by dot balls, advanced to attack off Krunal but was undone by a wide yorker and sharp stumping from Jitesh.

Arshad briefly lifted spirits by hitting the first six of the innings in the 13th over and breaking a 40‑ball boundary drought, before falling to Hazlewood for 15. Rahul Tewatia miscued a loft off Rasikh, while Holder top‑edged off Bhuvneshwar, and though Washington reached his fifty off 37 balls and Rashid cleared the ropes once to take GT past 150, it was never going to be enough to stop a rampaging RCB from defending the crown at the very venue where they had lifted their maiden title in 2025.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50 not out, Nishant Sindhu 20; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75 not out, Venkatesh Iyer 32; Rashid Khan 2-25) by five wickets

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Moments after guiding the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second IPL title on Sunday, star batter Virat Kohli left fans intrigued with a unique celebration that quickly became the talk of social media.

After smashing the winning runs, Kohli turned towards the stands, pointed at someone and made a cupping motion with his hand.

While the celebration appeared deliberate, its meaning was not immediately clear, sparking widespread speculation online.

Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with reactions as fans tried to decode the gesture. Many users shared clips of the celebration, asking fellow cricket followers whether it carried a hidden message or was directed at a specific person or section of supporters.

“Can someone explain Virat’s celebration?” one fan wrote, while another posted, “I’ve never seen him do this before. What’s the meaning behind it?”

Kohli, known for his passionate and expressive on-field celebrations, has often used gestures to connect with fans or mark significant moments in his career. However, this latest act left even some of his most ardent followers puzzled.

As videos of the celebration continued to circulate, several theories emerged online, though none were immediately confirmed by Kohli or the RCB camp.

With RCB celebrating a historic title win and Kohli once again at the centre of attention, the mystery surrounding his celebration only added another talking point to an unforgettable night in Ahmedabad. Fans will now be waiting to see whether the former India captain offers an explanation for the gesture that has taken social media by storm.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Virat Kohli believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL title defence was built on conviction rather than pressure, with the defending champions trusting their strengths throughout a campaign that ended with a commanding victory over Gujarat Titans in the final.

After guiding the chase with an unbeaten 75, Kohli explained that the atmosphere within the dressing room was markedly different from last season, when RCB ended their long wait for a maiden IPL trophy.

“Well, I said to a few of the boys that it doesn’t feel like the same pressure as last year. We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There’s a reason why we got here first,” Kohli said after RCB clinched a second consecutive title.

The former RCB captain said the team never lost sight of the formula that had made them the competition's most consistent side during the league stage. “And we just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp. And there’s a reason why we have done well so far in the group stage. We ended up topping the league stage.”

That confidence was reflected in the final as Bengaluru produced a clinical all-round display to become only the third franchise in IPL history to defend its title.

“And yeah, it’s just the skill sets we have, the maturity, the composure of the guys just shone through again tonight and it was a clinical performance,” the veteran batter said.

However, Kohli admitted there was a period after the mid-season break when RCB's path to the final was not entirely straightforward. A defeat followed by a nervy win over Mumbai Indians briefly tested the team's momentum.

“To be fair, after the break, we had a couple of losses. I mean, one loss and then we had a close win against MI. I’d say that week for us was a bit tricky because we wanted to finish top,” he stated.

According to Kohli, the narrow victory against Mumbai became a turning point in the campaign as he said, “But as soon as we got that win against MI, the belief kicked back in. Then we had a comprehensive win against KKR and then, yeah, just ended up topping the table and just on our way to the finals.”

Kohli reserved his greatest praise for the squad's depth, highlighting how match-winners emerged throughout the season, removing the burden from any one individual.

“It’s amazing. We’ve had to wait for so long. And then, you know, just to have a group of guys where you feel like you’re stepping onto the ground, you don’t need to be the one to step up every time. There’s guys behind you, around you, who can win games of cricket for you,” the former India captain noted.

He pointed to the contributions of both the bowling attack and the batting unit, singling out several players who played crucial roles during the title run.

“We have so many Man of the Match awards cranked throughout the group as well. I mean, you look at world-class bowling like Hoff, Bhuvi, Duffy. I mean, Krunal Pandya, you know, you can bank on him, as good as ever. Rasikh Dar was brilliant this season. All the batsmen chipped in as well,” Kohli mentioned.

For Kohli, that balance across departments is what ultimately separated RCB from the rest of the field.

“So I feel so happy to play in a group where we have balance, we have strength, and we are an all-round strong team. And yeah, that’s why we have the confidence we have on the field right now,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Powered by Virat Kohli’s fastest half‑century in the IPL, Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed back‑to‑back IPL title triumphs by completing a clinical chase of 156 and beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in front of their passionate fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Kohli smashed a 25‑ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls – laced with nine fours and three sixes, also his highest score in the IPL playoffs. He also continued his remarkable streak - RCB have not lost a game since 2025 whenever he has scored a fifty.

Supported by Venkatesh Iyer’s brisk 32, Kohli’s masterly innings ensured the defending champions never lost grip of the chase and finished the job with authority to claim successive IPL crowns. Both sides had entered the final eyeing their second IPL title and aiming to join the elite club of Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders as multiple‑time champions.

RCB, who won their maiden trophy in Ahmedabad in 2025, have now become only the third team after MI and CSK to successfully defend their title, while extending the streak of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine seasons. The win also means Josh Hazlewood remains unbeaten in white-ball finals while Krunal Pandya has emerged victorious in every IPL final he's played in.

GT, champions in 2022 at the same venue, were undone by disciplined RCB bowling and the scheduling grind of playing their third game at a third venue in six days, having reached Ahmedabad only on Saturday night due to inclement weather.

Washington Sundar’s fighting fifty gave GT a total of 155/8, but Rasikh Salam Dar’s three‑for and early strikes from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept them in check. Kohli’s landmark knock then turned the final into a one‑sided affair, reaffirming his reputation as the man for the big occasion.

With this clinical triumph in Ahmedabad, RCB have not only defended their crown but also cemented their place among the league’s most successful franchises, apart from having the rare honour of holding both WPL and IPL titles at the same time.

RCB’s chase of 156 began with Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer tore into Gujarat Titans’ new‑ball attack. Kohli unfurled a flurry of wristy flicks (one of which went for a jaw-dropping six) and pulls against Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, and race 28 off just 10 balls in just four overs, while Iyer smashed 32 off 16 deliveries despite battling a right knee niggle.

The pair brought up RCB’s fifty inside 21 balls - the fastest in an IPL final - and ensured the asking rate was never a concern from the get go. Iyer eventually lobbed a pull to mid-on off Siraj and Rabada, who had conceded 37 in his first two overs, eventually dismissed Devdutt Padikkal cheaply when he sliced to third man.

But by then, the damage had already been done by RCB. Rajat Patidar joined Kohli and kept the tempo high by pulling Siraj for six, before swivelling off Jason Holder for four. Kohli, meanwhile, continued to keep going despite GT trying some mind games through Sai Sudharsan’s chatter. But GT struck right after first time-out when Patidar holed out to long-on off Rashid Khan, who trapped Krunal Pandya plumb lbw in the same over.

With Tim David joining the boundary hitting act, Kohli got his fifty in 25 balls after pulling Arshad Khan though short mid-wicket for a boundary, despite struggling with cramps in his right leg. Though David gave a feather edge behind off Arshad Khan after GT got the decision in their favour via review, Kohli and Jitesh Sharma hit exquisite fours to take RCB closer.

Kohli then survived a caught out decision on 63 as replays showed the ball touched the ground while Gill was trying to take the diving catch at mid-on. Fittingly, Kohli finished off the chase by pulling Arshad in the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket before smacking him over long-on for six to spark jubilant celebrations in the RCB camp and their loyal fans after clinching the IPL title once again.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50 not out, Nishant Sindhu 20; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75 not out, Venkatesh Iyer 32; Rashid Khan 2-25) by five wickets

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) The crown stays royal, and so does the legacy. On a memorable Sunday night in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru added another golden chapter to their history by lifting their second IPL trophy. For a franchise that has experienced soaring highs and crushing heartbreaks, this triumph felt especially meaningful.

Backed by passionate fans who never stopped believing, RCB delivered when it mattered most. As fireworks lit up the sky and emotions poured out on the field, the victory became more than just a championship win—it was a celebration of perseverance, loyalty, and a dream fulfilled. The crown, once again, belongs to Bengaluru.

Experienced batter Virat Kohli led with brilliant fifty as RCB went on to defend title, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Earlier, Bengaluru’s seamers produced a disciplined performance to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8 despite Washington Sundar hitting a fighting unbeaten half‑century for the hosts.

Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early to remove Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan inside the Powerplay, while Rasikh Salam Dar delivered his best spell of the season to pick 3-27.

More to follow....

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Experienced batter Virat Kohli led with brilliant fifty as Royal Challengers went on to defend title defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Earkier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s seamers produced a disciplined performance to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8 despite Washington Sundar hitting a fighting unbeaten half‑century for the hosts.

Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early to remove Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan inside the Powerplay, while Rasikh Salam Dar delivered his best spell of the season to pick 3-27.

More to follow....

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian cricket's newest phenomenon, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, has capped off a breathtaking Indian Premier League season by becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the Orange Cap, rewriting record books at just 15 years and 65 days of age.

The Rajasthan Royals opener finished IPL 2026 with a staggering 776 runs from 16 innings, a tally that remained untouched after Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and fellow opener Sai Sudharsan failed to mount a successful challenge in Sunday's final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

With Rajasthan's campaign ending in Qualifier 2, Sooryavanshi had already completed his season. Yet his extraordinary run-scoring exploits ensured that no batter could catch him. Gill ended the tournament with 732 runs, while defending Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan accumulated 722.

Virat Kohli, who was placed sixth before the summit clash between RCB and GT began, has scored 638 and surpassed SRH’s Klassen and Ishan Kishan to jump to fourth but still remains far from surpassing Sooryavanshi’s tally, ending fourth in the overall list.

The teenager's achievement shattered another age-related benchmark. Until now, Sudharsan's Orange Cap triumph in 2025, at 23 years and 231 days, stood as the record for the youngest winner of the award. What separated Sooryavanshi from the rest was not merely the volume of runs but the manner in which they came. The Bihar-born prodigy scored at an astonishing strike rate of 237.31, producing an aggressive brand of batting rarely witnessed in the tournament's history.

His six-hitting spree became one of the defining stories of the season. Sooryavanshi launched 72 sixes across the campaign, eclipsing the long-standing IPL record of 59 set by Chris Gayle and establishing a new benchmark for power-hitting excellence.

The season was filled with milestones. Sooryavanshi became the fastest player in IPL history to reach 1,000 career runs in terms of balls faced, requiring only 440 deliveries and surpassing the previous mark held by West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell. In terms of innings, he reached the landmark in just 23 knocks, second only to Shaun Marsh's record of 21.

His campaign could have been even more extraordinary. While he registered a century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he also suffered the heartbreak of three dismissals in the nineties, scores of 93, 97 and 96 denying him a chance to match Kohli's record of four hundreds in a single IPL season.

Nevertheless, the numbers scarcely capture the impact of his performances. Throughout IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi emerged as the tournament's most captivating storyline, combining audacious strokeplay with remarkable consistency against some of the world's best bowlers.

As the curtain falls on a memorable season, Indian cricket finds itself celebrating not just an Orange Cap winner, but the arrival of a generational talent whose rise appears only to have begun.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, May 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood stars Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur created excitement around the IPL 2026 final after they were seen aat tge Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the big match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Videos of the actors at the Ahmedabad airport went viral on social media, increasing excitement among fans before the season finale. Varun Dhawan interacted with supporters and even danced with fans at the airport. Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur were also spotted arriving in the city.

The three actors are promoting their upcoming film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, and their presence in Ahmedabad has led to speculation about their involvement in events around the IPL final. This tournament attracts huge crowds and celebrity appearances each year, making the arrival of these film stars even more thrilling.

The IPL 2026 final is set to be a historic match as both teams aim for their second title. Royal Challengers Bengaluru want to add another trophy, while Gujarat Titans are also looking for their second IPL championship.

With a full house expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium for this major event, the presence of many high-profile celebrities has heightened the excitement for one of the biggest nights in Indian cricket.

Talking of the match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s seamers produced a disciplined performance to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in the IPL 2026 final, despite Washington Sundar hitting a fighting unbeaten half‑century for the hosts.

Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early to remove Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan inside the Powerplay, while Rasikh Salam Dar delivered his best spell of the season to pick 3-27.

Amidst the collapse, Sundar stood tall for GT. He survived an early scare when a catch of him taken by Jordan Cox was ruled to be grounded, and Sundar went on to anchor the innings with a composed fifty laced with five boundaries to take GT past 150-mark.

While RCB’s seamers executed their plans with precision to keep GT in check, Krunal Pandya was excellent as the lone spinner to finish with 1-23. GT finished with the same score they had restricted RCB to in the league game at this venue. But in the pressure of a grand finale, the total looks below par against a batting line‑up led by Virat Kohli.

Pushed into batting first by RCB, GT endured a shaky start as Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar exploited bounce and movement on the mixed soil pitch by consistently bowling back of the length balls. The in-form Gill was dismissed for 10 by Josh Hazlewood, after slicing a short‑arm pull to a running Rajat Patidar at mid‑off.

Sudharsan, who hit successive fours in a 13-run opening over off Jacob Duffy, followed soon after, top‑edging a bouncer from Bhuvneshwar Kumar to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma for 12. Nishant Sindhu and Jos Buttler tried to steady the innings by adding cautious runs against disciplined pacers.

But with no boundary coming after power-play, thanks to RCB keeping things tight, Sindhu was forced to attack against Rasikh, but holed out to long-on for 20. GT almost lost Sundar on the final ball of tenth over, but Cox touched the grass while taking the catch, giving him a reprieve on four.

Buttler, visibly frustrated over being tied down by dot balls, advanced to attack Krunal, but was undone by a quick wide yorker, and Jitesh completed a sharp stumping. Arshad Khan briefly lifted GT spirits by hitting the first six of the innings in the 13th over and break a 40‑ball boundary drought - the longest time a team has taken to hit their first six in an innings in IPL 2026.

He and Sundar hit three more boundaries collectively, before Hazlewood hurried him into a mistimed pull and was caught by short fine leg for 15. Rahul Tewatia’s stay ended in the 16th over when he miscued a loft off a cross‑seam ball from Rasikh and gave a straightforward catch to mid-on.

Though Holder top-edged to Hazlewood off Bhuvneshwar, Washington pierced the gaps well to collect boundaries and get his fifty off 37 balls. A mighty six from Rashid Khan off Rasikh took GT past 150-mark, before holing out on the next ball to deep square leg and set RCB 156 to win the title.

Source: IANS

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