Bengaluru, May 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Adil Kalyanpur and Mukund Sasikumar gave the host nation a lot to cheer for as they won the doubles title in the SM Krishna Memorial Open 2026, claiming their maiden doubles title as individuals and as a ATP Challenger 50 tennis tournament both as individuals and as a pair, in Bengaluru, on Saturday.

The unseeded Indian pair defeated Petr Bar Biryukov and Grigoriy Lomakin of Kazakhstan, 6-7(3), 6-4, 10-3 in the final, sealing the win in one hour and 37 minutes at the SM Krishna KSLTA Tennis Stadium.

The Indian duo fought back strongly after narrowly losing the opening set in a tie-break. Kalyanpur and Mukund stepped up in the second set to force the match into the super tie-breaker, which they dominated to win the title on home soil.

Earlier in the tournament, Kalyanpur and Mukund upset fourth-seeded Japanese pair Kokoro Isomura and Ryuki Matsuda 6-3, 7-6(4) to enter the semi-finals.

They then defeated second seeds Charles Barry of Ireland and Joshua Charlton of Australia 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets to book their place in the final.

Meanwhile, India’s Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Saketh Myneni lost 6-3, 6-4 to Biryukov and Lomakin in the semi-finals. Mukund also enjoyed a strong run in singles at the SM Krishna Memorial Open.

The 29-year-old Mukund produced a spirited performance against Great Britain’s Alastair Gray in the quarter-finals before eventually losing 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a match lasting two hours and 40 minutes.

In the singles final, Petr Bar Biryukov defeated Belarusian Ilya Ivashka 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-4 to claim the title.

Earlier on Friday, Former top-50 player Ilya Ivashka produced a composed display under pressure to overcome Britain’s third seed Hamish Stewart 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in a gripping semifinal, while fourth seed Petr Bar Biryukov outlasted second seed Alastair Gray 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in another marathon encounter.

The SM Krishna Memorial Open was the third Challenger tournament held in Bengaluru this year, after the Bengaluru Open in January and the Karnataka Open, which ran last week.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said his maiden IPL hundred ‘came at the right time when the team needed it,’ as his unbeaten 101 guided the side to a seven‑wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and kept their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive after six successive defeats.

“I’m ecstatic to be honest. It’s my first hundred and came at the right time when the team needed it. We won eventually after six consecutive losses. It’s a great positive and just hoping to support MI tomorrow,” Iyer said after being named Player of the Match.

The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals’ clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals.

If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. On his batting approach, Iyer, who became the third PBKS captain to hit a century after KL Rahul and Adam Gilchrist, said, “It's a surreal feeling when you finish off the game and score a century. All the batsmen dream of that.

“Today was one of the days when I felt super. I was in a great mindspace. I knew what I wanted, knew how the wicket was playing. Kinda reading the situation and how the wicket was playing helped me to score my runs, and the partnership was crucial. That creates the momentum in the game, and just to win it from there, I'm elated.”

On sharing a 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who made 69, Iyer said, “I know if I give myself some time in the middle and time the ball as much as possible rather than getting on top of the ball and trying to score off a good ball. I feel it's necessary for me to stay out there as much as possible because then the runs keep coming.

“Prabh - the way he took on the bowlers, it takes two to tango. He seriously showed us what he's capable of. He was temperamentally active, and the communication we had in the middle was sensational.”

On how PBKS regrouped ahead of this clash to break a losing streak, Iyer said, “We didn't say anything, just kept it simple. Rather than having meetings, putting more pressure on the boys. You kinda get lost in the previous losses when you discuss a lot. It's important that you let them be. Free flow of mind is required in crucial matches.

“You don't want to make them overthink in pressure situations. Today I literally told Ricky, 'let's not do any team meetings. Let's just head to the ground and do our rituals, which we've been doing consistently, and we could see the result.”

Iyer then praised his bowlers for pulling the game back. “Elated by their performance. Even though we went 16 off the first over. Just to get the game back towards us, Azmat bowled brilliantly. The first over, which he bowled, got a wicket and saved those crucial runs.

“It’s all about momentum in this situation, and just to get the game back, especially Yuzi, the way he came back and restricted runs. He got the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant. Kudos to him; he leaked a lot of runs in the last game, but he showed his character.”

Coach Ricky Ponting lauded his captain’s maturity. “We've done it the hard way, let's put it that way. We've done what we needed to do today. Sloppy in the field again, gave them 20 more runs than they should've got. Pretty clinical chase, especially being in trouble early. The captain he's done that all season. That's his first IPL century tonight.

“We'll celebrate that, and then we'll sit around and wait for those results tomorrow. There's a reason I spent as much money at the auction as I did a couple of years ago. He's a ripping guy, a very mature player now, and a very mature leader. More often than not, he keeps his emotions in check on the field. The respect he has from his players is second to none.

“The moment he stands in front of the group and speaks, not a single eye ball leaves a single word he says. Delighted to work with him. Really happy with the season he's had. Great to see him back in the Indian one-day team.

“I really think there's a bigger, brighter future for him in the Indian T20 team as well. The level of cricket we played in the first half was a level I've never seen before. And then we just made some crucial errors at different times in the last six games.”

Speaking about Prabhsimran, Ponting said, “A terrific player. It's probably only been the last couple of years that he has realised how good he is. He and Priyansh have been outstanding for us the last couple of seasons. Seeing him play a mature innings tonight in a good run chase will do him a world of good. We'll try to get the boys together and watch it (the RR-MI game).”

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant admitted it was a tough season, as it's now confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the points table. “Initial thoughts are - it's a tough one. Still have to bite the bullet regardless of everything. Always you can get 5-10 more, but I think there was enough for the total.

“But at the same time, you know batting gets easier in the second innings at Ekana. Sometimes, ideas without accountability are the hardest thing to do. As a team, we want to look at the positives… Definitely a lot of positives. It’s been a long season, we promise to come back stronger next year.”

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan's abysmal 2-0 whitewash in Bangladesh has left head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed fuming with anger at his players in a team meeting after the Sylhet defeat, a news report has claimed.

Pakistan suffered a second successive 2-0 clean sweep at the hands of Bangladesh, following their defeat at home by the same margin two years ago.

"After the 58-run defeat in the second Test, head coach Sarfaraz blasted the players for their individual game and scoring runs for themselves, and that happened before a full squad meeting with manager Naveed Cheema and other staff present," sources told Telecom Asia Sport on Saturday.

"Players should play for the team and not for themselves," Sarfaraz was quoted as saying to his players, especially to the batters.

None of the Pakistan batters could score 200 runs in the four innings of the series, with young debutant Azan Awais the only one to score a century.

"It is noted that players were playing for themselves. It is good to give individual performance, but it should help the team and not the individual," the head coach told the players. "The senior players have failed to take responsibility. Look at other teams and their progress while our team is going backwards," he said.

Sarfaraz, sources told www.telecomasia.net, was not happy with skipper Shan Masood's passive captaincy and lack of decision-making on the field, especially his reluctance to take reviews when the decision could have gone in Pakistan's favour.

Pakistan did not take a review of Mushfiaur Rahim and Litton Das gloving the ball. Das, out on 52, went on to score a brave 126, which helped Bangladesh recover from a precarious 116-6 to 278, adding a big 162 runs for the last four wickets.

Sources said Sarfaraz is likely to continue as head coach for the July tour of the West Indies, where Pakistan play two Tests followed by three in England.

However, Shan Masood is certain to be removed as captain after suffering 12 defeats in 16 Tests. Middle-order batter Agha Salman is tipped to be the favourite to become the next Test skipper.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Captain Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden IPL century to guide Punjab Kings to a seven‑wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and break their six-game losing streak to keep their playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday.

In response to LSG’s 196/6, Punjab hunted down the target in 18 overs, with Iyer unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls, studded with 11 fours and five sixes coming at a strike-rate of 198.04. Apart from wowing the crowd with his sublime timing, strong pick-up of deliveries and bottom-handed shots, Iyer also shared a crucial 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 69 off 39 balls.

The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals’ clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.

The chase began dramatically as Priyansh Arya fell first ball to Mohammed Shami, caught on the pull for a golden duck. Cooper Connolly counter‑attacked with four boundaries in the second over, before being castled by Mohammed Shami and leaving PBKS at 22/2 in 2.2 overs.

Iyer joined Prabhsimran and the pair steadied the innings. Iyer struck successive fours off Mohsin Khan and Shami, while Prabhsimran found his rhythm with inventive strokes and used the bowlers’ pace to his advantage. The partnership blossomed after Power-play as Prabhsimran dropped on 20 by Pant off Arjun Tendulkar, and got his fifty in 28 balls.

Iyer, meanwhile, cut and drove with authority to get his fifty in 33 balls. The boundaries flowed freely before Arjun trapped Prabhsimran lbw for 69. But Iyer pressed on, smashing three sixes in one Shami over to all but seal the contest. Fittingly, Iyer launched a slower ball from Mohsin over cow corner to complete his maiden IPL hundred and clinch an important victory for PBKS.

For Iyer, the century was a moment of relief and joy - helmet off, arms aloft, as he was embraced by teammates over ending a six-game losing streak and PBKS playoffs hopes still very much alive. Even as PBKS rejoiced in the glow of a much-needed victory in a must-win clash, LSG’s tenth defeat of the season also confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.

Previously, riding on Josh Inglis’s fluent 72 off 44 balls and Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 37 off 20 deliveries, LSG posted 196/6, though it looked like they finished well short of a par score. Inglis didn't see much of the strike in the first few overs, as he lost partners from the other end.

But he slowly came into his own to add 49 runs for the third wicket and shared a 65-run partnership with Rishabh Pant. Inglis came into his own during the middle overs to hit nine fours and two sixes in all in his knock, coming at a strike-rate of 163.64.

At 147/4 in 15 overs, LSG were primed for a big finish, but losing Inglis was huge for them, though Samad did show some fight with a late cameo. For PBKS, Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen were the standout bowlers with two scalps each.

The innings began briskly for LSG, though they suffered early setbacks. Arshin Kulkarni and Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply, leaving the hosts two down inside the Power-play. Inglis did not see much of the strike initially, but once it had settled, he counter‑attacked with authority.

Badoni joined Inglis and the pair steadied the innings before the former was stumped off Chahal for 43. Inglis then found another partner in Pant, and together they pushed the score past 100. With Inglis striking cleanly through the middle overs, LSG looked assured for a big total, though they lost Pant for 26.

But Inglis’ dismissal checked their momentum, leaving Samad to shoulder the responsibility in the death overs after Mukul Choudhary fell cheaply. Samad rose to the occasion with crisp strokes through point and mid‑wicket to take LSG past the 190-mark, which was inadequate to stop Iyer and PBKS from getting a clinical win.

Brief scores:

Lucknow Super Giants 196/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 72, Ayush Badoni 43; Yuzvendra Chahal 2-25, Marco Jansen 2-33) lost to Punjab Kings 200/3 in 18 overs (Shreyas Iyer 101 not out, Prabhsimran Singh 69; Mohammed Shami 2-45, Arjun Tendulkar 1-36) by seven wickets

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The controversial statue outside Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata’s Salt Lake area was removed on Saturday following directions issued by the state Sports Department.

State Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik had earlier announced that the structure located near the VVIP gate of the stadium would be demolished.

The demolition work began on Saturday morning and was completed shortly thereafter.

The statue had been installed in 2017 during the renovation of the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Salt Lake ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted in India that year.

The structure, extending from the feet to the waist and featuring the Biswa Bangla logo, had reportedly been designed by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The installation had triggered controversy soon after it was unveiled, with many football supporters and social media users criticising the structure as bizarre and visually unappealing.

Several football fans had questioned the meaning and artistic interpretation of the installation.

Following the change of government in the state, Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik visited Yuva Bharati on May 17 to watch the Mohun Bagan-East Bengal derby.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Pramanik criticised the structure and said: “Such a strange and bizarre statue, a football on a severed leg. I think the bad days of the previous government started after installing this statue. Then the Messi scandal happened and the government is no longer in power.”

He subsequently informed the Public Works Department that the structure would be removed.

After the demolition on Saturday morning, only two boots and a football remained at the site.

There is speculation that a statue of a footballer may now be installed at the location.

On the night of the derby, Pramanik had said: “We won’t keep a statue that has no meaning. A statue of a famous footballer will be installed in its place.”

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden IPL century to guide Punjab Kings to a seven‑wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and break their six-game losing streak to keep their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive here at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

In response to LSG’s 196/6, Punjab hunted down the target in 18 overs, with Iyer unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls, studded with 11 fours and five sixes coming at a strike-rate of 198.04. Apart from wowing the crowd with his sublime timing, strong pick-up of deliveries and bottom-handed shots, Iyer also shared a crucial 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 69 off 39 balls.

The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals’ clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.

The chase began dramatically as Priyansh Arya fell first ball to Mohammed Shami, caught on the pull for a golden duck. Cooper Connolly counter‑attacked with four boundaries in the second over, before being castled by Mohammed Shami and leaving PBKS at 22/2 in 2.2 overs.

Iyer joined Prabhsimran and the pair steadied the innings. Iyer struck successive fours off Mohsin Khan and Shami, while Prabhsimran found his rhythm with inventive strokes and used the bowlers’ pace to his advantage. The partnership blossomed after Power-play as Prabhsimran dropped on 20 by Pant off Arjun Tendulkar, and got his fifty in 28 balls.

Iyer, meanwhile, cut and drove with authority to get his fifty in 33 balls. The boundaries flowed freely before Arjun trapped Prabhsimran lbw for 69. But Iyer pressed on, smashing three sixes in one Shami over to all but seal the contest. Fittingly, Iyer launched a slower ball from Mohsin over cow corner to complete his maiden IPL hundred and clinch an important victory for PBKS.

For Iyer, the century was a moment of relief and joy - helmet off, arms aloft, as he was embraced by teammates over ending a six-game losing streak and PBKS playoffs hopes still very much alive. Even as PBKS rejoiced in the glow of a much-needed victory in a must-win clash, LSG’s tenth defeat of the season also confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.

Brief scores:

Lucknow Super Giants 196/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 72, Ayush Badoni 43; Yuzvendra Chahal 2-25, Marco Jansen 2-33) lost to Punjab Kings 200/3 in 18 overs (Shreyas Iyer 101 not out, Prabhsimran Singh 69; Mohammed Shami 2-45, Arjun Tendulkar 1-36) by seven wickets

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three-time Asian Championship medallist and Odisha gymnast Pranati Nayak secured the silver medal in the Vault event at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Delivering an impressive performance against a strong international field, Pranati scored 13.025 in the Vault final to earn a podium finish and add another milestone to Indian gymnastics. Her achievement stands as a testament to her relentless hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence, while also reflecting Odisha’s rising presence in the sport at the global level, the Odisha Gymnastics Association informed in a release on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Pranati, who won bronze medals in vault in the 2019, 2022, and 2025 editions of the Asian Championships, is only the third Indian woman gymnast to win an international medal after Dipa Karmakar and Aruna Reddy.

Congratulating Pranati on her success, chief coach Ashok Mishra said, “Pranati’s achievement is a proud and inspiring moment for Indian gymnastics. Her dedication and consistency continue to set an example for young athletes across the country. We are delighted to see her shine on the international stage and are confident she will achieve even greater success ahead.”

Expressing his happiness on the achievement, Ashok Sahoo, Honourary Secretary of the Odisha Gymnastics Association, said, “Pranati Nayak’s silver medal at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 is a historic and proud moment for Odisha as well as the entire country. Her achievement reflects the growing standard of gymnastics in Odisha and the immense potential of our athletes to excel on the world stage. On behalf of the Odisha Gymnastics Association, I congratulate Pranati for her outstanding performance and wish her continued success in future international competitions.”

The Odisha Gymnastics Association extended its heartfelt congratulations to Pranati Nayak for her outstanding accomplishment and wished her continued success in future international competitions.

Source: IANS

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Kalyani, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season came to a thrilling conclusion as Shillong Lajong FC secured second place in the standings with an outstanding 3-0 victory over champions Diamond Harbour FC at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani on Saturday.

Shillong Lajong headed into the break with a two-goal advantage courtesy of strikes from Everbrightson Sana in the 30th minute and Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli in stoppage time of the first half. The visitors capped off their superb display in the 54th minute when Phrangki Buam added the third goal.

Diamond Harbour finished the campaign as champions of the Indian Football League 2025-26 with 29 points, while Shillong Lajong ended the season just one point behind in second place with 28 points.

With the title already secured, Kibu Vicuña fielded a heavily rotated squad for the final game of the season. The match began in an open-ended fashion, with both sides adopting an attacking approach from the opening whistle.

Luka Majcen found the back of the net in just the second minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Girik Khosla saw his left-footed effort drift narrowly wide of the post. The champions gradually settled into the contest and continued to threaten going forward, making effective use of the pace of Bryce Miranda and Girik on the wings. Left back Lalremruata hit the post with a thunderous left-footer from a long distance before the 25th-minute mark.

The visitors gradually grew into the contest and began to impose their typical style of play. Phrangki Buam and Figo Syndai both tried their luck from outside the box, but their efforts sailed over the crossbar. The Red Dragons capitalised on this positive spell to take the lead at the half-hour mark.

The visitors worked the corner kick short to Damaitphang Lyngdoh, whose looping cross towards the far post caused problems for the defence. Diamond Harbour goalkeeper Susnata Malik failed to gather the ball cleanly, allowing Rudra Ved to head it back into a dangerous area. Everbrightson Sana reacted quickest and nodded the ball home from four yards out into an empty net, with the defenders rooted to the spot.

Diamond Harbour continued to press high and looked to find the equaliser quickly. Sunday Ofolabi’s right-footed effort from the edge of the box at the end of a corner kick whistled past the right post, and in stoppage time of the first half, Hugo Díaz’s header from another corner kick was acrobatically saved by Ranit Sarkar.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the closing moments of the first half. Ephraim Lalremtluanga played the ball into open space for Phrangki Buam, who calmly rolled it into the path of Gladdy Kharbuli. The midfielder then produced a wonderful curling effort from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance of keeping it out.

The second half began with Diamond Harbour wasting a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit. Bryce Miranda delivered an inviting cross into the box for Luka Majcen, but the Slovenian scuffed his effort and sent the ball wide of the post.

The home side gave away the ball in their own half on multiple occasions and were punished by Shillong Lajong on the fourth mistake. Phrangki Buam scored his eighth goal of the season with a brilliant finish after being set up by Gladdy.

The Red Dragons looked outstanding going forward, repeatedly splitting open the defence with their quick passing combinations and constant movement through the middle and down the flanks. Everbrightson Sana came close to scoring his second goal of the game after being released from the halfway line by a brilliant low pass from right-back Kitboklang Khyriem. The striker attempted to chip the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, but Susnata Malik managed to get a fingertip to it and prevent it from finding the back of the net.

At the other end, Hugo Díaz and substitute Sahil Harijan both came close, with their efforts flashing past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper. There was still time for Shillong Lajong to strike the crossbar in stoppage time, as substitute Jakob Vanlalhimpuia saw his left-footed effort crash against the woodwork and bounce back into play.

In the end, Shillong Lajong FC capped off their IFL season with a brilliant performance against the eventual champions, Diamond Harbour FC.

Individual Awards

Best Goalkeeper: Ashish Sibi (Dempo SC)

Golden Boot: Marcus Joseph (Dempo SC)

Most Valuable Player: Phrangki Buam (Shillong Lajong FC).

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) At the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Mumbai Indians banked on seasoned players Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah to carry them towards their sixth title -- especially the India pacer, who had played a key role in the country's triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year. But that did not happen.

Rohit Sharma, the most successful batter and captain in the IPL, was expected to provide MI with great starts and started off his campaign with a fifty in their opening match.

But as the five-time title winners get ready for their final league match against the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Rohit Sharma and Bumrah have had inconsistent campaigns, contributing to the team's failure.

On Saturday, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene spoke about what has been happening with both veteran players. He said both have struggled with niggles and injuries, which have hampered their performances. Rohit missed a number of matches due to injury concerns and has amassed just 283 runs in 8 matches. The former MI skipper was diagnosed with a hamstring injury, which hampered his progress. There have also been instances when the legend has been relegated to the bench and used as an impact sub.

Jayawardene said the playing XI is decided by taking various factors into consideration and what will work for the team on that given day. He added that Rohit Sharma understands that principle and accepts it.

"To be honest, I don't think about the Indian team or what their requirements are when I am assembling a team for the Mumbai Indians. I set it up, and Rohit understands that he is a team player. He understands what is required for the Mumbai Indians, and we go about it. Yes, he had a hamstring injury. We gave him the time that he needed to recover, and then he came back. We were cautious even with his batting, the way he was running, because he had to adapt slowly, gradually coming back into it,” said Jayawardene.

About Bumrah, Jayawardene said the pacer did not get enough time to recover after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in February -March this year. Bumrah has managed just four wickets in 13 matches for the Mumbai Indians.

"It is due to a combination of a few things. Coming back from the (T20) World Cup, he had a slight niggle which he played with through the World Cup, so we gave him adequate rest to come back," said Jayawardene.

About Bumrah's reduced pace in the early stages of the campaign, Jayawardene said that it was because Bumrah was going through a gradual build-up.

Source: IANS

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Thrissur, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) When 17-year-old Namrata Vinoth walks into the Athreya Cricket Ground in Kerala's Thrissur on Sunday morning, it will not just be another local cricket match.

For the teenager with cricket running deep through her veins, it will mark the beginning of a brand new journey, as a cricket umpire.

Namrata will officiate in her 'debut' match between the Trichur District Cricket Association EC Committee/Selectors and the Palakkad District Association EC Committee/Selectors, after clearing the written examination in umpiring.

For most teenagers, such a moment could be nerve-racking.

But Namrata appears remarkably unruffled.

"What's the big deal?" she asks with a laugh.

"I know being tense only complicates things. I prefer to stay cool and calm so I can perform better. My mother's feelings are understandable."

Her mother, however, admits she is far from calm.

"Yes, I'm a bit tense because I know what happens in a cricket match," says Niketha with a smile.

"Perhaps Namrata is too young to fully realise what a real match situation can be like. One thing that makes me happy is that she isn't nervous."

Niketha knows the pressures of cricket better than most.

A former Kerala women's cricketer, she later rose to become Chairperson of the Kerala Women's Selection Committee and also led the South Zone selection panel.

The cricketing pedigree in the family does not end there.

Namrata's aunt, Vilasini Nair, her father's sister, also played for Kerala and now serves as a Southern Railway coach-cum-player, besides being a member of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association selection committee.

Yet, despite the formidable cricketing lineage surrounding her, Namrata carries none of the weight of expectation.

Friends describe her as cheerful and carefree, someone equally at ease on stage as on the cricket field.

An accomplished singer and dancer since childhood, she has already faced audiences far larger than the one she will encounter on Sunday.

But this time, the applause will give way to appeals, close calls and raised voices and right in the middle of it all will stand a composed teenager quietly beginning her own chapter in Kerala cricket.

Source: IANS

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Ranchi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) An incredible performance by two male sprinters---Gurvindervir Singh and Vishal TK---- set the track ablaze with record-breaking performance to establish new benchmarks while Tejaswin Shankar became the first Indian decathlete to cross 8000 points in the Senior Nationals Federation Cup athletics at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday.

On a blockbuster day, Gurvindervir Singh, 25, was the first to enter the record books. The Punjab sprinter representing Reliance at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition, clocked 10.09 seconds to reclaim his men’s 100m crown. The newly-crowned champion had clocked 10.17 seconds in the semis on Friday. “This record is to prove that I’m not finished and still have power in my legs,” says Gurvindervir Singh in post-race interaction.

The men’s 100m champion also achieved the Glasgow Commonwealth Games qualification time of 10.16 seconds. He also bettered the meet record of 10.18 seconds set by Animesh Kujur last year.

On Gurvindervir Singh’s outstanding performance, his coach, James Hillier, says he expects his athlete to further improve in the coming months. “He is learning to execute the plans in the races, and his performance graph is getting better,” says James Hillier.

But it wasn’t Animesh Kujur’s day. He finished second with a time of 10.20 seconds. Animesh Kujur had, in fact, clocked 10.15 seconds in the second semis on Friday.

A couple of minutes after Gurindervir Singh’s record-breaking performance, focus shifted to the men's quarter-mile race. Vishal TK became the first Indian athlete to break 45 seconds for the 400m on Indian soil. His gold-winning time of 44.98 seconds was better than his national record of 45.12 seconds clocked last year in Chennai. “Athletics fans will certainly keep a track of me when I compete at the global level,” says Vishal TK of conquering new territory on Saturday.

In his preparation to break the 45-second barrier, Vishal TK says he had visualised the race. “I was confident of breaking 45 seconds today,” says the Tamil Nadu sprinter.

Away from track races, the spotlight was on Tejaswin Shankar as he became the first Indian to join the 8000 points club in decathlon. His gold-winning performance of 8057 in Ranchi was better than his own national record of 7947 points set earlier this year in March. He also bettered the Glasgow Commonwealth Games qualification mark of 7787 points.

Results:

Men

100m: Gurindervir Singh (Reliance) 10.09 (NR previous record 10.18 secs in 2025), Animesh Kujur (Odisha) 10.20 secs, Pranav Pramod (Reliance) 10.29 secs.

400m: Vishal TK (Tamil Nadu) 44.98 secs (MR improved his own time of 45.12 secs), Rajesh Ramesh (Tamil Nadu) 45.31 secs, Jay Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) 45.47 secs

Decathlon: Tejaswin Shankar (Reliance) 8057 points (NR previous best 7947 points), Thowfeeq N (NCOE Trivandrum) 7530 points, Gokul KR (Navy) 7157 points.

Women

100m: Sudeshna H (Maharashtra) 11.56 secs, Giridharani Ravikumar (Tamil Nadu) 11.58 secs, Tamanna (Haryana) 11.62 secs.

400m: Vithya Ramjaj (Tamil Nadu) 52.22 secs, Ansa Babi (All India Police) 53.07 secs, Prachi (JSW) 53.26 secs.

1500m: Pooja (JSW) 4:11.34, Ankita (Uttarakhand) 4:12.28, Anju (Haryana) 4:21.26.

Javelin throw: Shilpa Rani (Haryana) 56.46m, Annu Rani (Uttar Pradesh) 55.61m, Rashmi K (Andhra Pradesh) 54.85m

Shot put: Krishna Jayashankar (Reliance) 17.35m, Yogita (Haryana) 16.82m, Shiksha (Reliance) 16.61m.

Pole vault: Baranica Elangovan (Tamil Nadu) 4.10m (MR previous 4.06m in the name of Krishna R), Nitika Anup (Madhya Pradesh) 4.10m, Krishna Rachan (Railway sports) 3.90m.

Triple jump: Niharika Vashisht (Punjab) 13.64m (MR improved his own record of 13.57m), Bhairabi Roy (Railway sports) 13.28m, Mallala Anusha (Andhra Pradesh) 13.28m.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell hailed KL Rahul’s influence on and off the field, adding that he was delighted to see him become the vice-captain of the Indian Test team again and that his efforts to bring a real shift in his T20 strike-rate have paid off.

Rahul is DC’s leading run-getter with 533 runs in 13 games at an average of 44.42 and a strike-rate of 171.93. Recently, Rahul replaced Rishabh Pant as India’s vice-captain in Tests for the one-off game against Afghanistan, to be played in New Chandigarh on June 6.

“Firstly, it’s great to see him become vice-captain again for India. I think the hard work he’s put in through this. I disagree with that comment. I think you look at his strike rates this year, he’s put in a real shift. You’re absolutely right in saying that he’s a massively important player for us and for India as well.

“He’s brilliant in the dressing room. Take away the batting, as a human being, the way he speaks to the younger players, the way he is, the way he holds himself, the way he trains is first class. I think his strike rates have gone through the roof, and he’s guaranteed to get another 500-run season. He’s been awesome for us, on and off the field, absolutely fantastic,” said Bell in the pre-match press conference.

Bell also praised the depth of Indian talent in the DC set-up. “It’s been great to see the amount of young talent coming through and dominating the style of play. Certainly, the modern-day player now, especially the guys at the top of the order, the fearless brand of cricket they play.”

“As a franchise, we’ve tried to give opportunities to young players as well. Obviously, we’re here to win, as every team is, but it’s great to see the amount of talent in India and what’s coming through.

“I know for a fact a lot of other countries around the world are jealous of the quality and talent coming through in this country. The IPL is a great platform for young Indian players, and it’s an exciting future ahead, certainly in white-ball cricket.”

On Mitchell Starc’s role within the squad, Bell explained that he’s a great role model in the team, just like how Rahul is. “No doubt when Mitchell Starc arrived, it certainly helped us just having somebody bowling at 140-plus. I think that does make any bowling attack slightly different, and that was a big impact for us.”

“It would have been nice to have him from the first game, but the guys have trained hard and worked hard on their skills, whether it’s with the new ball or yorkers. They’ve been prepared, but we know it’s a ruthless tournament. If you get it wrong, you go.

“He’s great around the group. Last night at training as well, talking about the surface and tactics here. He’s somebody who is very good with the younger players and the squad in general, sharing information.”

“The way he trains, I don’t know if anyone watched him bowl last night, but he was at full tilt, running in, and it was a test for all our batters. As a coach, you want training to be a real challenge and played at a really high standard. I thought the way he trains is a great role model for all our young players to watch, as KL is,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Punjab Kings’ left‑arm seam-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen described Lucknow Super Giants’ total of 196/6 as competitive, while noting that while slower balls had some effect, the surface overall at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium remained good for batting.

“Slower balls did help now and then, but it’s all in all a good wicket. Yeah, it felt like the oddball would hold a bit, but the older the ball got, it felt like a decent wicket to bat on. You had to be creative in terms of your change‑ups and stuff like that. Luckily, it’s a big field, so as a bowler, you have a lot to play with,” Jansen said to broadcasters after the first innings ended.

Jansen, who picked 2-33, admitted he was relieved to finally get back among the wickets. “I am just happy to take a wicket after a long time. Nice feeling to contribute with the ball again for the team. Happy I put in a decent performance,” he remarked.

Asked about advice for the batting unit chasing 197, Jansen quipped, “I think I should ask them for advice. No, I think the guys up top know what they have to do; they know what they do best. So let them just go out and have a good crack at it.”

The chase of 197 will now test PBKS’s batting depth, with the spotlight on their top order to deliver under pressure and keep their playoff chances alive. PBKS had a wonderful first half in the season by winning six of their first seven games, with one clash against KKR washed out due to rain.

But they have been winless in their last six outings and need to win over LSG while hoping for other results to go in their favour to enter the last four stage and set up an Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Riding on Josh Inglis’s fluent 72 off 44 balls and Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 37 off 20 deliveries, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted 196/6 against Punjab Kings in their final league clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday.

Inglis didn't see much of the strike in the first few overs, as he lost partners from the other end. But he slowly came into his own to add 49 runs for the third wicket and shared a 65-run partnership with Rishabh Pant. Inglis came into his own during the middle overs to hit nine fours and two sixes in all in his knock, coming at a strike-rate of 163.64.

At 147/4 in 15 overs, LSG were primed for a big finish, but losing Inglis was huge for them. Though Samad did show some fight with a late cameo, LSG will reckon they ended at least 10-15 runs short of a par score on a good batting pitch. For PBKS, Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen were the standout bowlers with two scalps each, as the side needs to win this game and then hope RR lose to MI to enter the playoffs.

The innings began briskly for LSG, though they suffered early setbacks. Arshin Kulkarni and Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply, leaving the hosts two down inside the Power-play. Inglis did not see much of the strike initially, but once it had settled, he counter‑attacked with authority.

Badoni joined Inglis and the pair steadied the innings before the former was stumped off Chahal for 43. Inglis then found another partner in Pant, and together they pushed the score past 100. With Inglis striking cleanly through the middle overs, LSG looked assured for a big total, though they lost Pant for 26.

But Inglis’ dismissal checked their momentum, leaving Samad to shoulder the responsibility in the death overs after Mukul Choudhary fell cheaply. Samad rose to the occasion with crisp strokes through point and mid‑wicket to take LSG past the 190-mark.

The question now is whether it will be enough for LSG to defend against PBKS, who must win to stay in playoff contention. LSG, already out of the race for the playoffs, will look to their bowlers to defend the total.

Brief scores:

Lucknow Super Giants 196/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 72, Ayush Badoni 43; Yuzvendra Chahal 2-25, Marco Jansen 2-33) against Punjab Kings

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court has permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, holding that motherhood cannot be treated as a “disability” or a ground for exclusion from professional opportunities.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, while questioning the exclusionary nature of the eligibility criteria framed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), directed the federation to allow Phogat to participate in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31 and ordered that the process be video-recorded.

“Motherhood must be viewed as a natural and deeply significant aspect of life that deserves accommodation and institutional sensitivity. Therefore, the law must ensure that motherhood does not become a ground for exclusion or marginalisation of female athletes such as the Appellant,” the Delhi High Court said.

Allowing Phogat’s appeal against the earlier interim order passed by a single judge, the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench said the three-time Olympian had made out a prima facie case against the WFI’s Asian Games selection policy and the circular restricting participation in the trials to medal winners of select domestic events conducted in 2025 and 2026.

It observed that the policy framework failed to account for Phogat’s maternity-related sabbatical and post-partum recovery period, which coincided with the qualifying tournaments prescribed under the eligibility criteria.

“In the present case, the Appellant’s exclusion from the Selection Trials is directly attributable to the sabbatical and temporary retirement from her sporting activities,” the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench held.

The order also strongly disapproved of the language used in the WFI’s show-cause notice issued to Phogat earlier this month, particularly its characterisation of her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 final after failing the weigh-in as a “national embarrassment”.

Calling the remarks “deplorable”, the Delhi High Court said the observations appeared “pre-mediated” and “vindictive”, especially when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had already recorded that there was “no wrongdoing” on Phogat’s part.

“Such observations are retrograde and show the mala fide intent of Respondent No.1 (WFI) by being vindictive against the Appellant,” the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench said.

Observing that motherhood and childbirth posed extraordinary physical challenges for female athletes, it stressed that institutional sporting frameworks could not remain oblivious to those realities.

“A legal and regulatory framework that either expressly or impliedly disadvantages a woman on account of pregnancy or post-partum recovery would clearly violate the principles of non-discrimination enshrined in Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution,” the Delhi High Court said.

It also took note of past WFI practices, including earlier guidelines permitting “iconic players” to participate in selection trials despite not satisfying standard eligibility conditions.

The order said that the revised policy marked a “significant deviation” from earlier practice and prima facie appeared arbitrary by limiting participation only to medal winners from specified competitions held during 2025 and 2026.

Allowing the appeal, the Delhi High Court directed that Phogat be permitted to participate in the selection trials, while clarifying that her participation would be subject to the outcome of the pending writ petition before the single-judge Bench.

It also directed the Union government to nominate two independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee the trials and submit a report before the single judge hearing the main matter.

The CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench clarified that it had not expressed any final opinion on the merits of the case and that all issues relating to the validity of the WFI’s policy, selection criteria and show-cause notice would be decided in the pending writ petition.

Phogat had challenged the WFI’s Asian Games selection policy dated February 25, 2026, the selection circular issued on May 6, and the show-cause notice dated May 9, contending that they unfairly excluded her from the trials.

The wrestler argued that despite duly informing the International Testing Agency (ITA), United World Wrestling (UWW) and the SAI about her maternity-related sabbatical, she was rendered ineligible from participating in WFI events till June 26, 2026.

During the hearing, the WFI had opposed the plea, arguing that the policy and circular were uniformly applicable to all athletes and that the federation lacked discretion to carve out exemptions.

However, the CJ Upadhyay-led Bench said that if Phogat was not permitted to participate in the upcoming trials, the pending writ petition itself would become infructuous.

“In the interest of sport and justice… it is necessary that the Appellant is permitted to participate in the Selection Trials,” the order said.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir as replacements for Quinton de Kock and Raj Angad Bawa, who were previously ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season due to various injuries.

Wicketkeeper-batter de Kock sustained a tendon injury in his left wrist before MI’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29, while seam-bowling all-rounder Bawa suffered a ligament tear in his right thumb against Punjab Kings on May 14. Both players featured in only three matches for MI this season.

Lomror, a left‑handed batting all‑rounder from Rajasthan, has played 40 IPL matches and previously represented Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He was also a part of the Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans squads but did not get a game. He now joins MI for Rs 50 lakh.

Meanwhile, Ahir, 25, is a wicketkeeper‑batter from Saurashtra with 16 List A and 12 T20 matches to his name and now joins MI for Rs 30 lakh. “He was a part of the Reliance team at the DY Patil T20 Cup 2026 this pre-season, where the coaches and team management had the opportunity to observe him closely. Mumbai Indians are pleased to welcome both players to the squad,” said the franchise.

MI are currently at ninth spot on the points table with eight points from 12 games and have already been eliminated from the playoffs race. They will look to sign off on a high in front of their home crowd when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday afternoon. A tenth defeat, though, would leave MI at the ignominy of finishing at the bottom spot of the IPL 2026 table.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Suraj Singh and Sagar Singh led the charge with silver medals as India made an impressive start to its campaign in the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships by securing five medals in the Greco-Roman category on the opening day of the competition at the Tien Son Sport Center in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Saturday.

While Suraj Singh and Sagar Singh claimed silver medals in their respective weight categories, Kumar Sachin, Rohit, and Hardeep added to the tally with bronze medals in their respective weight categories.

Suraj Singh impressed in the 60kg category with a solid run to the final before going down 0-4 against Kazakhstan’s Aibek Aitbekov in the gold medal bout to finish with silver.

In the 67kg category, Sagar Singh also produced a commendable performance throughout the tournament. However, he suffered a 0-9 defeat by technical superiority against Uzbekistan’s Aytjan Khalmakhanov in the final and settled for the silver medal.

Kumar Sachin added a bronze medal in the 77kg category despite going down 3-10 against Kazakhstan’s Alikhan Dursunov, while Rohit narrowly missed out after suffering a hard-fought 3-5 defeat against Uzbekistan’s Bekhruz Barnoev in the 97kg division. Hardeep also fell short in the 130kg bout, going down 0-4 against Kazakhstan’s Jokhar Uzarov.

Vinit (72kg) and Amit Gope (82kg) bowed out after suffering defeats by technical superiority against their respective opponents, with Vinit going down 6-9 against Uzbekistan’s Shakhzod Kuchkorov and Amit losing 0-10 to Tajikistan’s Muhammad Sultanzoda.

“It is an encouraging performance by our Greco-Roman wrestlers to finish the opening day with five medals. The wrestlers showed great determination and discipline on the mat, and this performance reflects the steady progress Indian Greco-Roman wrestling has been making at the continental level. I congratulate all the medal winners and wish the remaining wrestlers the very best for the upcoming bouts,” said Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh.

India had won three medals in the U23 Greco-Roman category at the previous edition of the U23 & U17 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Vietnam, including a gold medal by Sumit (63kg) and bronze medals by Ankit Gulia (72kg) and Nitesh (97kg).

The country had also secured five medals in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2026 Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, last month, marking India’s best performance in the category at the continental senior event in the last five years.

On Sunday, India’s Greco-Roman campaign will continue with Neeraj taking the mat in the 55kg category qualification bout while Sumit (63kg) and Rohit Bura (87kg) will also be in action, aiming for podium finishes.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell said the mood in the camp remains upbeat despite the high‑stakes clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the Eden Gardens on Sunday evening. At the same time, Bell admitted that consistency has been the missing link in their campaign.

DC, currently at eighth spot with 12 points, must not only get a big win over KKR, but also rely on favorable outcomes from other remaining matches. “We’ve had a couple of down days, and the guys have trained really well yesterday. The spirits are good. Obviously, we know there’s a big game tonight and a big game before us tomorrow.

“We’re doing everything we can at the moment, training and preparation, just to win our next game. I think that’s the important thing. We’ve got to turn up here in the right attitude to get a win tomorrow.

“But the atmosphere around the group is brilliant. Certainly through the playing group, there’s some really good characters that have stuck together through some highs and lows, so it’s in a positive way,” said Bell in the pre-match press conference.

On facing KKR, who are in the midst of a resurgence in the second half of the season, Bell said, “Another class team, isn’t it? Obviously, we’re on the wrong end of a bad result at home against KKR.

“We know, and I’ve worked with the likes of Finn Allen, and we know the qualities they have with Narine. All the way through their team is world-class players, so we know we have to turn up tomorrow and put in a really good performance, probably one of our best performances of the season so far.”

Bell further admitted that inconsistency has hurt DC and felt it's an area they can look to improve upon in the 2027 season. “I think most teams will say that, the teams that aren’t in the top four are down to consistency. I think we’ve proven this season that we can score 265 and then follow that up by being bowled out for 70. We couldn’t defend 265 as well with the ball.

“So there have been times when we’ve been brilliant, and then there have been times when we haven’t been good enough. We know in the IPL, when you have your opportunities against these teams, you have to take them, and I think that’s probably where we have to be honest and say we haven’t taken those key moments.

“We lost the game against GT off the last ball and, as I said, the game against Punjab, where we scored 265 and didn’t defend it. You turn those into wins, and suddenly, if we win tomorrow, we’re on 18 points and looking at the top two.

“So the margins are so small in IPL, and that’s why, as a coach and as a player, you want to be in this league because you’re in the highest pressure against the best players in the world, with the biggest fan base and the best stadiums.

“But you also realise that the margins are so small and you have to make sure every day when you are on top, it’s like Test cricket when you play against the best teams, you don’t give good teams an opportunity to get out.

“I think at times we’ve been a bit guilty of not seeing the game through. As I said, two different results with fine margins, and we’re suddenly guaranteed top four. But you have to be ruthless in those opportunities,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Aryaveer Dewan (boys’ U-19), Shiven Agarwal (boys’ U-17), Anika Dubey (girls’ U-17), and Amarya Bajaj (boys’ U-13) advanced to the finals in their respective categories at the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Panzhihua, China, on Saturday.

Aryaveer, seeded 3/4, defeated Malaysian top seed Nickhileswar Moganasundharam in four games in the semifinals and will meet either Md Alnasafan (KSA) or Jonghyeok Lee (Kor) for the crown. Aryaveer had beaten the Malaysian for the U-17 title last year.

Meanwhile, Shiven, seeded 5/8, beat fellow Indian Squash Academy trainee Lokesh Subramani in a close four-game semifinal and will take on Pakistan’s 9/16 seed Nauman Khan for the U-17 title.

Anika, seeded 3/4 and bronze medallist in this age group last year, will battle with Malaysian top seed Harleein Tan for the U-17 crown after her semifinal opponent retired midway through their match.

Amarya, seeded 3/4 and bronze medallist in the boys’ U-13 category last year, beat Malaysian second seed Muhammad Sharhan Mohd Saiful in four close games in the semifinals. He will take on top seed Leung Ngo San of Hong Kong in the U-13 final.

Results involving Indians (semifinals):

U-19 Boys: 3/4-Aryaveer Dewan bt 1-Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (Mas) 11-6, 11-4, 3-11, 11-6.

U-17 — Boys: 5/8-Shiven Agarwal bt 5/8-Lokesh Subramani 4-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9. Girls: 3/4-Anika Dubey bt 2-Jinoreeka Ning Manivannan (Mas) 9-11, 3-2 retd.

U-13 —Boys: 1-Leung Ngo San (HK) bt 3/4-Abhyuday Arora 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4; 3/4-Amarya Bajaj bt 2-Muhammad Sharhan Mohd Saiful (Mas) 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8. Girls: 1-Kareena Sashikumar (Sgp) bt 3/4-Shanaya Parasrampuria 11-5, 11-6, 13-11; 3/4-Rio Yoshino (Jpn) bt 2-Divyanshi Jain 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 4-11, 12-10.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar said his approach ahead of their crucial clash against Delhi Capitals is to ‘keep things quite simple’ and focus on controlling the controllables, stressing that preparation and consistency matter more than worrying about outcome at this stage in IPL 2026.

After a disastrous start to the season in which KKR lost six of their first seven matches, the three-time winners scripted a remarkable turnaround by winning six of their next seven games. The equation now is straightforward but steep: - KKR must DC and hope that both Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals lose their respective fixtures to sneak into the playoffs.

“I try to keep things quite simple and focus on controlling the controllables. Often, when you come to this stage of the tournament, you think about the fact that if things are meant to be, they will happen. The important thing for us is that we have a game tomorrow, and the preparation we need to play a game of cricket.

“Whenever you are representing a franchise, whenever you are playing in the IPL, that preparation remains the same. The consequences are out of our control. What we can control is walking out tomorrow and playing the best cricket we can. So, more than nervousness, I think the focus is on preparation and playing good cricket tomorrow,” said Nayar in the pre-match press conference.

Asked whether he would be following PBKS and RR matches and what sparked KKR’s turnaround, Nayar said consistency in messaging and trust in players had been the key to reviving their campaign. “To answer your first question, I try to watch every game in the IPL. You want to watch all teams and understand what they are doing because, as they say, it becomes part of your routine during these two months. As for the turnaround, I would put it down to consistency.

“I often talk about adversity, and when you are in difficult situations, the one thing a leadership group can do is remain consistent with the players. The messaging did not change much. The trust in the players did not change. The way we looked at our players did not change.

“When everything around you starts to feel like it is crumbling, you have to stay strong and stick to your core values as a team and as individuals. Sometimes, it takes time for people to understand their roles and what the team is trying to achieve.

“We talk about momentum being key in team sport, and once that momentum starts to build, belief starts to grow too. I think the hardest thing in the IPL is to remain consistent as an individual amid all the noise around you. As a group, we have tried to do exactly that,” he elaborated.

Speaking about the challenge that DC brings, Nayar stated, “Any opponent in the IPL is a strong opponent. All teams are beautifully balanced. They have the best players in the world, the best Indian players, and young cricketers eager to make a name for themselves.

“So, there is no team in this format, especially in the IPL, that you can say is not strong. Every team is dangerous. Every team wants to perform at the highest level. The individuals you mentioned will always want to produce something special in every game.

“As I said, our approach has remained very consistent, and we want to continue with that. We assess the opposition and try to understand them, but eventually, on the day, the team that plays better cricket usually wins. That is what we are trying to do. At the same time, respecting the opposition and the talent they possess is something we will always do and have always done,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after sustaining an injury to his left ring finger during the match against Punjab Kings and will now return home for further assessment.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development in an official statement, saying that they will also assess the extent of injury picked up by Bethell and whether he will be fit in time to play England’s first Test against New Zealand, to be played on June 4 at Lord’s.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League.

“He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men’s medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June,” it further said.

Bethell, who had partnered Virat Kohli at the top of the order in recent weeks in Phil Salt’s absence, had struggled for runs – amassing only 96 runs in seven games. He also sat out of RCB’s last league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad due to the same injury, as Venkatesh Iyer opened the batting in his absence.

“Following medical assessment, Jacob will return to England for further evaluation ahead of England’s upcoming Test series. Everyone at RCB wishes Jacob a speedy recovery and the very best for his rehabilitation process,” added RCB.

Defending champions RCB have qualified for the playoffs and will take on Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26. The winner will directly seal their slot in the final set to happen on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar lauded wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy’s commitment to playing for the franchise despite being hit with injuries, adding that the toughest characters in the game always find a way to overcome pain and adversity.

Chakravarthy picked up a hairline fracture in his foot after being struck by a ball during the clash against the Delhi Capitals and has been playing with discomfort. But with him bowling in obvious discomfort, a debate broke out over his continued participation and questioned whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had done enough to protect him from being over‑played in the ten-team tournament.

“I do not think my words will do justice to it. For him to go through injury, endure a difficult start to the season, and then come back into form is a testament to how strong he is as a character. He has already broken quite a few bones during this tournament, specifically two fingers, and now his toe.

“I always say the toughest characters learn to overcome pain and adversity, and that is exactly what Varun is. He is someone who is highly motivated and feels very deeply for the franchise, too. He has been an integral part of the team, and I think he understands that.

“He is very emotional when it comes to this team and everyone associated with it. That is the thought process behind his wanting to continue rather than forcing himself to do so. Sometimes players are not keen to push through, but he has been very keen because of the love he has for the city and the franchise,” said Nayar in the pre-match press conference.

On Angkrish Raghuvanshi being ruled out due to a concussion and finger fracture, Nayar admitted the void was difficult to fill when they take on the Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens on Sunday evening, with a slight hope to enter the playoffs.

“From the start of the season, setbacks are something we have become used to. It has been that kind of season, with some unfortunate injuries. He has been such an integral part of the side, not only with the bat but also as a wicketkeeper behind the stumps.

“We have not spoken much about it because that is how good he has been, but it is a difficult spot to fill. You cannot simply replace someone like that. However, we have players like Manish Pandey, who stepped up and did his job at number three.

“Similarly, this becomes an opportunity for someone else to step up. It is an opportunity for one of our young wicketkeepers to come in and do something special. I feel this tournament is all about opportunities,” he added.

Nayar also praised young pacer Saurabh Dubey’s maturity in playing his first IPL season, especially after bowling a memorable spell against the Mumbai Indians. “I think Saurabh has been tremendous. When he first came into our set-up, he was not originally part of the squad. I saw him bowl in the D.Y. Patil tournament, and he had a very good competition.

“He has not played a lot of domestic cricket this season, so when we decided to take a chance on him, all the coaches felt he was bowling really well. I think every player has a time and place for when he enters the tournament. Sometimes, for someone who has not played much domestic cricket or experienced the IPL extensively, it helps to observe enough before stepping into the competition. I have always believed destiny plays a huge role in such situations.

“There will always be ifs and buts, but I feel Vaibhav had done a tremendous job for us until then. He won us a lot of games and bowled crucial overs. The way we viewed Saurabh was more as a new-ball bowler, while Vaibhav was more of an all-phase bowler.

“So, I think the timing was perfect, as it often is when things are meant to happen. Saurabh has been tremendous for us. He has shown a lot of maturity and bowled some very critical overs during the tournament. He should be very proud of what he has done, and everyone in the franchise is extremely proud of him as well,” he concluded.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) held its 16th Annual General Meeting, bringing together state cricket associations from across the country in a landmark gathering that celebrated a historic World Cup triumph and unveiled the most ambitious chapter yet in Indian blind cricket — the Bharat Blind Cricket League (BBCL) 2026.

The headline moment of the AGM was the unveiling of the Bharat Blind Cricket League (BBCL) — a mega competitive league slated for 2026 that promises to do for blind cricket what the IPL did for the mainstream game. Designed to dramatically expand the sport's reach, the BBCL aims to create a high-profile national platform, elevate player visibility, attract broader audiences, and unlock new sponsorship and media opportunities for athletes with visual impairment. The proposal was passed with unanimous support from all attending state members.

The AGM was graced by Rahul Gupta, IAS, District Collector of Hingoli, who announced that Ganga Kadam, vice-captain of the Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team, has been appointed Brand Ambassador for Hingoli Yellow Gold. Maharashtra's turmeric capital now has a World Cup hero as its face. An appointment letter was formally presented to her at the AGM, to a resounding reception from all members present.

Dr. Mahantesh Ghativalappa Kivadasannavar, Chairman, Cricket Association for the Blind in India, expressed, “At CABI, we have always believed that blindness is not a barrier to excellence, and our players prove it every single day. The Bhrat Blind Cricket League 2026 is our next leap forward — a platform that will inspire millions and cement India's place as the global home of blind cricket."

The AGM opened on a note of national pride, honouring the Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team for their extraordinary victory at the inaugural Women's Blind Cricket T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka — a first-of-its-kind achievement that has already redrawn the map of inclusive sport in India. The victory, members agreed, has sparked unprecedented national visibility for blind cricket and inspired a new generation of athletes with visual impairment to take up the sport.

State association representatives presented updates on domestic tournaments, talent identification drives, and coaching camps — painting a picture of a sport growing rapidly at the grassroots. Performance data from the prestigious Nagesh Trophy further underscored the rising quality and scale of domestic blind cricket competition across India.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Winner of the inaugural edition, Rajasthan Royals (RR), have signed Punjab left‑arm spinner Emanjot Chahal as a replacement for wicketkeeper‑batter Ravi Singh, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to a hamstring injury.

It is understood that Ravi sustained the injury while fielding in RR’s clash against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 17. “Rajasthan Royals (RR) have signed Emanjot Chahal as a replacement for wicketkeeper‑batter Ravi Singh, who has been ruled out of the remainder of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to a hamstring injury,” the IPL said in a statement on Saturday.

Emanjot, the 21-year-old all‑rounder from Patiala, has represented Punjab in domestic cricket. He boasts of a top score of 83 in first‑class cricket and has taken 11 wickets in three matches with his left‑arm spin and will now join RR for a fee of INR 30 lakh.

RR, meanwhile, will face five‑time champions Mumbai Indians in their final league stage match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with their playoff hopes hanging by a slim thread. A win will secure them a place in the Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad as the fourth‑placed team in the points table.

But a defeat will leave them dependent on other results to progress into the last four stage. RR will need Punjab Kings to lose to Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday and for Kolkata Knight Riders to go down to Delhi Capitals on Sunday evening to sneak through.

With KKR’s fixture scheduled after their own, RR, currently at fourth spot on the points table with 14 points, will look to avoid permutations and beat MI to hold on to their current position. Earlier in the season, RR defeated MI by 27 runs in a rain‑curtailed clash in Guwahati, with Yashasvi Jaiswal hitting an unbeaten 77.

Source: IANS

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Kuala Lumpur, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chinese shuttlers booked spots in four finals at the 2026 Malaysia Masters after a strong showing in Saturday's semifinal matches in the BWF World Series event in the Malaysian capital.

In men's singles, Li Shifeng defeated compatriot Hu Zhe'an 21-17, 21-16 to advance to the final, where he will face Thailand's Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul on Sunday. Women's singles star Chen Yufei cruised past Japan's Hina Akechi 21-11, 21-14 and will take on Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in the title match.

In women's doubles, Chen Fanshutian and Luo Xumin rallied to beat fellow Chinese pair Bao Lijing and Cao Zihan 18-21, 21-9, 21-19, setting up a final clash against Japan's Sayaka Hirota and Ayako Sakuramoto, reports Xinhua.

Mixed doubles duo Gao Jiaxuan and Wei Yaxin also battled into the final after overcoming Denmark's Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Boje 22-24, 21-16, 21-18. They will meet Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the championship match.

Earlier, Chinese shuttlers stormed past their quarterfinal opponents on Friday, securing semifinal berths across multiple events.

Men's singles world junior champion Hu Zhe'an outplayed Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 14-21, 21-13, 21-16, while Li Shifeng defeated France's Toma Junior Popov 21-18, 15-21, 21-5.

Women's singles player Chen Yufei outplayed Thailand's Pitchamon Opatniputh 21-19, 21-9.

Women's doubles pair Bao Lijing and Cao Zihan overcame Chen Yan Fei and Sun Liang Ching of Chinese Taipei 21-14, 18-21, 21-15, while Chen Fanshutian and Luo Xumin overpowered Japan's Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi 24-22, 21-18.

Mixed doubles duo Gao Jiaxuan and Wei Yaxin outplayed Malaysia's Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei 21-18, 21-16, while Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui defeated Presley Smith and Jennie Gai of the United States 23-21, 22-20.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Marco Jansen and Vyshak Vijaykumar have come in for Punjab Kings as captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants in a must-win Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday.

PBKS come into Saturday’s clash after being winless in their last six outings, but still have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs if they beat LSG. They would also need to finish above Kolkata Knight Riders on net run rate (NRR), and hope Rajasthan Royals lose to Mumbai Indians on Sunday afternoon.

PBKS had beaten LSG by 54 runs in the previous meeting between the two teams this season in New Chandigarh. After winning the toss, Iyer said, “It is suddenly exciting (on being in a do-or-die situation). It's like a do-or-die game for us. I would rather do.

“So looking forward to the challenge. Never been in this situation before, as in the league table. But the boys are super excited. They're eagerly waiting to see how it turns out at the end of the day.”

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant said left-arm pace bowling all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar is making his debut for LSG, while Arshin Kulkarni also comes into the team, along with Mohammed Shami, especially with Mitchell Marsh not available.

“We would have bowled first as well. This wicket is good for cricket regardless of bowling or batting. This is one of the better batting wickets; it could be a high-scoring match.

“It's been a tough season, but at the same time, there has been a lot of learning, both for the team and personally. I’d say sorry to the fans; they have come from all over UP. It's been tough going for us, but we'll give our 100 percent today.”

Playing XIs:

Lucknow Super Giants: Josh Inglis, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (wk), Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Arjun Tendulkar, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, and Mohsin Khan

Impact substitutes: Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, M Siddharth, Himmat Singh, and Akash Singh

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact substitutes: Harpreet Brar, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, and Pravin Dubey

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wicketkeeper‑batter Josh Inglis has conceded the results in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 have been disappointing for the franchise, but maintained that the atmosphere in the camp remains upbeat, with the focus firmly on finishing the tournament strongly.

LSG never had the momentum in their favour in IPL 2026 and were knocked out early from the race to the playoffs. The side needs a win in their final league game against the Punjab Kings in Lucknow to sign off on a high and get themselves out of being wooden spooners in the points table.

“It’s been nice to contribute individually, but it’s a shame how the season has unfolded. It’s certainly not how we wanted to finish, but on a personal level, I’ve enjoyed the challenge. As I said, the results are disappointing, but the vibe remains positive.

“We have a fantastic group of people here. The emphasis right now is on finishing the tournament strongly; we are still playing to win every game, and there is still plenty to play for in terms of pride and momentum,” Inglis said in a pre-match chat with the broadcasters.

Reflecting on his role at the top of the order, where he’s made 194 runs in four innings, Inglis explained the demands of batting in the format. “It is fairly simple, really. When you're batting at the top of the order in this format, you don’t have much time to ‘build’ an innings in the traditional sense; you have to get on with it as quickly as possible.

On preparations and adaptability, Inglis added, “You do your homework before the game, looking at previous matches played on this specific wicket and studying the opposition, but you must adapt quickly. You don’t have a long window to settle in, so you must identify your best scoring options immediately while maintaining a really positive mindset.”

Inglis, who was with Punjab Kings in last year’s season, signed off by saying familiarity with some of the opposition’s players was an advantage but not a guarantee. “I’ve loved batting with Mitch (Marsh); he’s great at taking the pressure off me from the other end, and we’ve managed to form a really effective partnership.

“Having played with many of these guys last year, I’ve spent a lot of time around them, and I know their skill sets well. That’s definitely a bonus heading into tonight, but it doesn't guarantee success. Hopefully, I can turn that knowledge into a big score.”

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that the state government has taken a major step towards the overall development of Bengaluru by initiating the construction of an international-standard cricket stadium at Suryanagar near the city, which he added would boost sports, tourism, employment generation and economic growth.

Speaking after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for multiple housing and infrastructure projects organised jointly by the Housing Department and the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) at Suryagram, the Chief Minister added that the project reflects the state government's long-term development vision.

Referring to the stadium in Gujarat with a seating capacity of around 90,000, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka's proposed stadium would become the second-largest in the country.

He added that the stadium would help accelerate tourism growth, improve the local economy of surrounding villages, and create employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said the stadium would be constructed entirely using KHB funds without any financial assistance from the state government.

He cited estimates suggesting that KHB could generate nearly Rs 20,000 crore through the sale of its vacant residential sites.

The event included the foundation stone laying ceremony for the international cricket stadium, launch of the Chief Minister's "Namma Mane" housing scheme, foundation stone laying for the Suryashine and Surya Divine residential complexes, and symbolic distribution of housing sites to landowners who had provided land for the housing project.

Siddaramaiah added that the Housing Department and KHB, which had so far focused mainly on housing construction, have now ventured into building an 80,000-seat international stadium, calling it a significant milestone in the state's development plans.

He praised KHB Chairman and MLA Shivalingegowda and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan for their efforts in taking up the project.

"Every individual dreams of having a roof over their head. With land prices rising sharply, KHB is providing affordable housing sites for poor and middle-class families," the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah also announced that administrative approval has been granted for the construction of key connecting roads in Jigani hobli to support the area's development, and officials have been instructed to begin the work soon.

He said that the Housing Department has already distributed more than three lakh houses and residential sites across Karnataka during the current phase.

"Hence, through sports, tourism, employment generation and economic development, we have laid the foundation for the region's comprehensive progress," the Chief Minister added.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, KHB Chairman Shivalingegowda, Anekal MLA Shivanna, senior legislators T.B. Jayachandra and Krishnappa, former MP D.K. Suresh, Slum Development Board Chairman and MLA Abbayya, MLC Ramoji Gowda, and Guarantee Implementation Committee Chairman H.M. Revanna were among those present at the event.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ethan Nwaneri has been called up to join England’s pre-World Cup preparation camp in the United States as manager Thomas Tuchel continues to assess the country’s emerging talent ahead of the tournament.

The Arsenal youngster will link up with the senior squad in Florida alongside Alex Scott, Josh King, and Rio Ngumoha as part of England’s preparations before the World Cup begins later this summer.

England confirmed Nwaneri’s inclusion on Saturday through an update on the team’s official social media channels, one day after Tuchel announced his 26-man squad for the tournament.

Nwaneri spent the second half of the season on loan at Olympique de Marseille after making 12 senior appearances for Arsenal during the first half of the campaign. The 19-year-old featured 10 times in France, although opportunities became limited following managerial changes at the Ligue 1 club.

The midfielder initially made an immediate impression in Marseille, scoring on his debut against RC Lens under then-head coach Roberto De Zerbi. However, De Zerbi’s departure, before taking charge of Tottenham Hotspur, altered Nwaneri’s role within the squad.

Under new manager Habib Beye, the teenager struggled to earn regular minutes and faced criticism for his consistency and commitment in training.

Despite that, England’s coaching staff continue to hold Nwaneri in high regard. The midfielder already has 15 appearances for England’s Under-21 side and is viewed as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.

England’s squad will assemble in Palm Beach on June 1 before beginning their World Cup preparations with friendly matches against New Zealand in Tampa and Costa Rica in Orlando.

Tuchel’s side will then travel to Kansas City, their tournament base, ahead of opening their Group L campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. England will also face Ghana and Panama during the group stage.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, neither the Mumbai Indians nor the Rajasthan Royals would have imagined that their last match of the preliminary round at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday would turn out to be so crucial not only for them but for the entire league.

Both teams have everything to play for -- RR for the playoff spot, MI for their pride, and to avoid finishing at the bottom of the pile.

The outcome of the match will decide the fourth spot in the playoffs -- if Rajasthan Royals, who are on 14 points, win the match, they will move to 16 and beyond the reach of Punjab Kings, who are on 13 and at maximum move to 15 points at most by winning their last league match against Lucknow Super Giants.

Winning the match will also help five-time champions Mumbai Indians avoid the wooden spoon as they are currently tied with Lucknow Super Giants on eight points and have a better Net Run Rate.

So, the last day of league action in the IPL 2026 will start with a make-or-break afternoon for Rajasthan Royals, who will be getting into it with their fortunes in their hands, with the two teams engaging in the final day game of the season.

The winner of the inaugural edition of IPL has had an up-and-down season so far and are coming into Sunday's encounter after ending a three-match losing streak with a win over bottom-placed LSG. They had started their campaign with four wins, but then lost their way, posting indifferent results due to inconsistent performances.

Rajasthan’s campaign has been powered by explosive starts at the top provided by the explosive Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have been in sensational form, piling up exactly 589 runs in just 293 balls at a strike rate exceeding 200. Sooryavanshi has already scored a century and blasted a 38-ball 93 in their previous match against LSG. Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 53 in that match while Jaiswal led them in the absence of regular skipper Ryan Parag.

Rajasthan Royals' fearless approach with the bat has consistently set the tone for their campaign, while Jofra Archer has spearheaded the bowling attack with 18 wickets, striking when it matters most. Sandeep Sharma and Dasun Shanaka will be crucial on Sunday as they will be with Yash Raj Punja coming into the game after claiming 2-38 against LSG.

In contrast, the Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have endured a season to forget. They made history by winning their season opener for the first time in 14 years, but things went downhill soon after as they lost matches in clusters. Their batting has lacked rhythm and consistency, though they have registered the most centuries by a team this season with three individual hundreds.

The biggest contributing factor to their dismal campaign was the poor form of talismanic pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who had gone wicketless in his first five matches of the season. Though they have found performers like Ashwani Kumar, Raj Angad Bawa, and Raghu Sharma, they have failed to produce consistently good performances, making this campaign a tough one to digest.

But MI now have one final chance to salvage some pride and end their season on a winning note while avoiding finishing at the bottom of the table. They will have to keep the rampaging Rajasthan Royals batters in check and then produce one more noteworthy performance with the bat, something that will help them leave the Wankhede on Sunday night with hope for the next season.

With Wankhede set to host the final day game of the league stage and emotions running high, everything is in play, pride for one, qualification for the other. Will Rajasthan seize the moment, or will Mumbai script one last twist and play the perfect spoiler?

Squads:

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Shrijith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Keshav Maharaj, Raj Angad Bawa, Vignesh Puthur, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Penmetsa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Rao Perala, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen, and Kwena Maphaka.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bruno Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Season after delivering a remarkable campaign that powered Manchester United back into the UEFA Champions League places.

The United captain enjoyed one of the finest individual seasons of his career, combining creativity, leadership, and consistency to emerge as the standout performer in England’s top flight. Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the award since Nemanja Vidic claimed the honour in 2011.

The Portugal international’s influence has been reflected most strongly in his extraordinary creative numbers. Fernandes registered his 20th assist of the league season against Nottingham Forest last weekend, matching the all-time Premier League record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

With one game still remaining against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, Fernandes now has the opportunity to become the outright record-holder for most assists in a single Premier League season.

Alongside his playmaking brilliance, Fernandes has also contributed eight league goals, taking his overall tally to 28 goal involvements in 37 appearances this campaign.

No player has created more chances in the Premier League this season than Fernandes, whose 132 chances created place him comfortably ahead of the competition. The United skipper produced 43 more chances than the next-best player, Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool.

Fernandes’ award arrives just weeks after he was voted the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Footballer of the Year, underlining the widespread recognition for his performances during United’s resurgence.

United’s campaign had looked uncertain midway through the season following managerial upheaval and inconsistency, but Fernandes remained the side’s driving force throughout the turbulent period. His leadership and output proved central to the club’s eventual rise to third place under Michael Carrick, securing a return to Champions League football.

Fernandes topped a strong shortlist that included Declan Rice, David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago, and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) India started its participation at the United World Wrestling (UWW) U23 Asian Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, on a positive note, as Greco-Roman wrestlers Sagar Singh and Suraj moved on to their respective gold medal matches on the first day at the Tien Son Sport Centre.

Leading India’s efforts were outstanding performances in the 67kg and 60kg Greco-Roman categories, where both wrestlers demonstrated attacking spirit and calmness under pressure to earn their spots in the evening finals.

Sagar Singh delivered a strong performance in the 67kg category, demonstrating tactical discipline and consistency throughout the preliminary rounds to reach the gold medal match. He is joined in the finals by Suraj in the 60kg division, who also secured his spot in the title match after a confident campaign during the day, ensuring India at least a silver medal.

In the 77kg category, Kumar Sachin fought hard but narrowly lost in a close semifinal match against Alikhan Dursonov. Meanwhile, Indian wrestlers in the 72kg and 82kg categories couldn't advance past the early rounds due to tough continental competitors.

Praising the performances of the wrestlers on the opening day, Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh said, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to the wrestlers advancing to the finals. The level of competition here in Vietnam is extremely high, and our athletes are showing great determination and fighting spirit on the mat. We are proud of the hard work they have put in leading up to this championship and wish our finalists, along with the entire contingent competing in the upcoming days, the very best.”

India’s Greco-Roman campaign resumes tomorrow with qualification bouts across various weight classes. Neeraj starts the challenge in the 55kg category, followed by Sumit in the 63kg division and Rohit Bura in the 87kg category. All three wrestlers aim to reach the quarterfinals and keep India’s momentum going at the continental championship.

Source: IANS

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Colombo, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League has generated massive international interest, with more than 650 overseas cricketers registering for the tournament ahead of the player draft scheduled for June 1.

“More than 650 overseas players have registered for the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026. Players from all ICC Full Member nations, as well as several Associate Member countries, are among those registered for the tournament,” Sri Lanka cricket said in a statement on Saturday.

Among the Full Member nations, Pakistan recorded the highest number of registrations with 102 players, followed by the West Indies with 75 and South Africa with 66. Bangladesh contributed 48 registrations, while New Zealand had 41 players sign up for the draft pool. There were also 24 registrations from Australia, 15 from England and 12 players from India.

Among Associate nations, the highest number of registrations came from the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland. Overall, players from 21 cricketing nations have entered the registration process.

Tournament officials, however, confirmed that only 310 players will be shortlisted for the final draft following the screening process. The player draft for LPL 2026 will take place on June 1, with the tournament scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8.

Meanwhile, SLC already announced the opening fixture of the tournament, with defending champions Jaffna Kings set to face runners-up Galle Marvels in the season opener at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on July 17.

The tournament, originally planned for December 2025 before being rescheduled due to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, will feature 24 matches across four venues: Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla.

Five franchises will compete in a double round-robin format before the top four teams progress to the playoffs, culminating in the final on August 8.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals will enter Sunday’s IPL 2026 league-stage finale at Eden Gardens knowing their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. While both teams are still mathematically alive in the race for the final knockout berth, qualification scenarios remain heavily dependent on results elsewhere.

The key equation centres around Punjab Kings’ clash against the already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. A Punjab victory would officially end Delhi’s campaign and leave KKR requiring a massive win over DC to overcome Punjab’s superior net run-rate. Even a narrow PBKS victory would mean Kolkata need a huge margin of victory to stay in contention.

Both teams will also hope for Mumbai Indians to defeat Rajasthan Royals in the first game on Sunday, the penultimate match of the league stage, with RR capable of sealing qualification by reaching 16 points.

Delhi’s inconsistent campaign has largely revolved around the performances of KL Rahul, who has scored 533 runs at a strike rate above 171. The return of David Miller has strengthened the middle order, but underwhelming bowling displays from Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have hurt DC throughout the season.

KKR, meanwhile, have staged a strong comeback after an injury-hit start disrupted their bowling unit. Six wins in their last seven matches have revived Kolkata’s hopes and restored momentum heading into the final league fixture.

When: Sunday, May 24, 7:30 IST

Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Where to watch: The KKR vs DC match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game.

Squads:

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Umran Malik, Varun Chakaravarthy, Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Matheesha Pathirana, Kartik Tyagi, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, Tejasvi Dahiya, Sarthak Ranjan, Rachin Ravindra, Akash Deep, Prashant Solanki, Daksh Kamra

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (captain), KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Lungi Ngidi, Vipraj Nigam, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, and Rehan Ahmed

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) As New Zealand prepare for a landmark first-ever men’s Test against Ireland later this month, Rachin Ravindra believes a brief return home after leaving the IPL early has helped him mentally and physically reset ahead of a demanding red-ball tour.

New Zealand departed for Ireland on Saturday for the one-off four-day Test from May 27-30 before beginning a three-match Test series against England.

Ravindra left the Kolkata Knight Riders camp before the conclusion of IPL 2026 after finding limited opportunities in the playing XI. However, the left-hander said KKR were supportive of his decision to head back early and prepare for national duty.

"I mean KKR were very welcoming and understanding of the situation. Obviously, the way it was going, I wasn't playing. The decision was spoken to the CEO and the coach about potentially coming home for a refresh and obviously not knowing I'd be home until... Well, I wouldn't be home until late August because of what's to come,” Ravindra was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"So, really awesome from them to be able to say, go home, refresh, do a bit of training and what you need before joining the boys in Ireland. Because there was always going to be a little bit of an overlap. It made it easier since I wasn't playing. It's a great little refresh. We spend so much time away from home and even four or five days at home, which I've had, is fantastic,” he added.

Despite spending most of the IPL season on the sidelines, Ravindra insisted he does not feel short of match preparation ahead of the UK tour.

"I haven't played a game in a little while, and sort of obviously running the drinks in the IPL and getting opportunities to train and talk to guys has been great. But to be honest, I don't really feel too out of match practice. I think it was a very, very hectic schedule beforehand,” he said.

The left-handed all-rounder used the short break at home to work on his red-ball preparation before linking up with the New Zealand squad.

"But yeah, I think part of the reason being able to come home for five days or so and do a little bit of training and prepare for what's to come because we know Test cricket is super important, especially a series in Ireland and England. So I just wanted to give myself the best chance. I was down in Christchurch for a day and had a couple of training sessions down there. I had some nice grass facilities,” he added.

Ravindra also highlighted how his IPL experience provided valuable learning opportunities beyond the T20 format itself, particularly through conversations with experienced international cricketers and coaches.

"There's benefits to playing cricket and training. There's also massive benefits being in the IPL too. I mean, you get to talk to someone like Ajinkya Rahane, who's a lovely man who's played so much cricket overseas, scored a hundred at Lord's and played so much cricket against England and Australia away,” the Kiwi batter stated.

"The coach (Abhishek Nayar0 used to be the assistant batting coach for India. You got Shane Watson, who is our batting coach, who has played England a lot, coached a lot of guys who have played England. So it's sort of, it's more than just the T20 as well. Being able to sit down and talk to Virat (Kohli) about batting or talking to KL Rahul - all these guys who've done well and had success over periods of time,” he noted.

New Zealand head into the tour with a pace-heavy squad featuring the returning Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Ben Sears alongside the towering Will O'Rourke. Ravindra expressed excitement over the depth in New Zealand’s fast-bowling resources.

"I think we had a few injuries last summer and super excited to have those boys back. Obviously, Matt Henry, who missed the last couple of Tests, Blair Tickner, who is bowling so well, and the big man Will O'Rourke. Nathan Smith coming back, Ben Sears is fit, we've got a serious pace battery, which I'm excited to face at the nets,” Ravindra said.

He reserved special praise for O'Rourke’s recent performances, saying, “I remember Will O'Rourke the way he was bowling in his last Test series in Zimbabwe actually and the way he was bowling against England at home was fantastic. So, looking forward to see him on the park again. Truly exciting times for New Zealand cricket and we've got so much depth."

With no specialist spinner named in the squad, Ravindra also indicated he is ready to contribute with his left-arm spin if required.

"Always interested with my bowling. Sometimes, it tends to take a back seat, but definitely trying to do a little more of that. Had some opportunities at the T20 World Cup, which was cool. On some occasional sporting wickets, it was nice to get some overs in, but Test cricket is a different beast. With the different ball, have to be a bit more consistent. I'll work on that with GP when I can,” he said.

While the Ireland Test will not count towards the World Test Championship standings, Ravindra stressed that New Zealand will not underestimate the hosts despite injury concerns in the Irish camp.

"I mean, Ireland (are) obviously a Test-playing nation. They have quality cricketers and I'm not too sure what the pitch conditions will be like, but obviously it's a great lead-in to the England Test series, but you can't necessarily take any team lightly as you've seen in world events of late,” the middle-order batter concluded.

Source: IANS

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