Sports / The Times of India
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces executed missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK under 'Operation Sindoor'. The Defence Ministry confirmed the strikes, emphasising they were focused and non-escalatory, specifically targeting terrorist infrastructure. Several prominent figures, including cricketers like Virender Sehwag, have reacted to the news on social media.
Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans overcame rain delays and a sluggish pitch to secure a thrilling last-ball victory against Mumbai Indians in a rain-affected match. Gill's composed innings and Rashid Khan's strong return from injury were crucial as GT edged past MI by three wickets via the DLS method. Gill was named Player of the Match for his composed knock of 43 runs.
Shubman Gill joined Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer as the only IPL captains under 26 to score 500+ runs in a season. Gill's 43 against MI helped GT in a rain-affected chase of 156, where Rahul Tewatia and Gerald Coetzee secured a final-ball victory by three wickets. GT now leads the table, while MI's six-match winning streak ends.
Davide Frattesi's extra-time goal propelled Inter Milan to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Barcelona, securing their place in the Champions League final with a 7-6 aggregate score. In a rain-soaked San Siro, Frattesi's 99th-minute strike, assisted by Marcus Thuram, sparked jubilant celebrations. Inter will now face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, aiming for their fourth European title.
Mumbai Indians faced a narrow defeat against Gujarat Titans, with captain Hardik Pandya lamenting the costly no-balls bowled by the team. Despite a spirited bowling performance led by Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, MI fell short while defending a sub-par total of 155/8. Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya described the no-balls bowled by him and his teammates as a crime following their three-wicket defeat via the DLS method against Gujarat Titans in a thrilling contest at the Wankhede Stadium.
Singer Rahul Vaidya faced backlash after calling Virat Kohli a joker in a video mocking the cricketer's accidental like on actress Avneet Kaur's photo. Vaidya sarcastically blamed Instagram's algorithm, further escalating the situation. After revealing Kohli blocked him, Vaidya's comment about Kohli's fans being igger jokers triggered angry reactions, including personal attacks.
With the league stage nearing its end, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of playoff contention. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings are likely to advance, while Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have a chance. Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders face slim odds, with 16,384 possible result combinations remaining.
In a thrilling, rain-interrupted match at Wankhede, the Gujarat Titans clinched a nail-biting three-wicket victory against the Mumbai Indians on the very last ball. Chasing 156, Shubman Gill's 43 and crucial contributions down the order guided the Titans to the top of the league standings.
Gujarat Titans surged to the top of the IPL 2025 points table after defeating Mumbai Indians, securing their eighth win. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings closely follow, intensifying the playoff race. Delhi Capitals remain in contention, while Sunrisers Hyderabad were eliminated. Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have bowed out of playoff contention, making every remaining match crucial.
Hardik Pandya equaled an unwanted IPL record, bowling an 11-ball over against Gujarat Titans, conceding 18 runs with five extras. Despite Jacks' half-century and Suryakumar's contribution, Mumbai Indians struggled, losing seven wickets for 58 runs. Gujarat's spinners capitalized, restricting Mumbai to a paltry score after they failed to build on a promising start.
Avneet Kaur's presence at an IPL match sparked social media buzz after Virat Kohli's account seemingly liked her photo. Kohli attributed it to an algorithm error, requesting no assumptions. Singer Rahul Vaidya then mocked Kohli's explanation, suggesting similar 'glitches' could affect him and humorously claiming Kohli blocked him due to the post, possibly another 'algorithm' issue.
The Indian squad for the England tour will be selected in two weeks, confirmed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. India A players, already in a prepared pool, are set to depart on May 25 for three four-day games before the Test series commencing June 20.
Gautam Gambhir addressed his past on-field clashes with Virat Kohli, clarifying that their bond remains strong despite representing opposing teams. He humorously dismissed rumors fueled by their IPL interactions, attributing them to TRP-driven speculation. Gambhir lauded Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket and even expressed admiration for his exceptional fitness, jokingly requesting the BCCI to limit social media posts about them.
Despite skipping practice for the second day, MS Dhoni is expected to play in Chennai Super Kings' crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders, confirmed bowling coach Eric Simons. Simons emphasized Dhoni's experience in managing his preparation and his invaluable influence on the team, particularly in nurturing young talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gujarat Titans' coach Ashish Nehra celebrated Rohit Sharma's dismissal by left-arm seamer Arshad Khan. This marks the third instance in the tournament where a left-arm bowler has claimed Sharma's wicket. Since IPL 2023, Sharma has been dismissed twelve times by left-arm seamers, highlighting a vulnerability. Trent Boult has dismissed Sharma six times in T20s.
Gujarat Titans' decision to bowl first was marred by sloppy fielding, dropping three crucial catches in the powerplay and gifting Mumbai Indians early opportunities. Despite Mohammed Siraj's early breakthrough and Arshad Khan's tight bowling, missed chances off Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav proved costly. Shubman Gill noted Rabada's absence, while Hardik Pandya welcomed batting first, emphasizing execution.
Bombay Sport Exchange Ep4: India vs Pakistan relations, IPL's formation
Gautam Gambhir, the current Team India head coach, has firmly stated that there should be no relationship with Pakistan, especially in cricket and entertainment, following the Pahalgam terror attack. He emphasized that the nation's people and soldiers are more important.
Shubman Gill revealed Kagiso Rabada's absence from Gujarat Titans' crucial match against Mumbai Indians, citing the need for him to regain rhythm. Gujarat, opting to field after winning the toss, brought in Arshad Khan for Washington Sundar. Mumbai Indians, with six consecutive wins, pose a significant threat in the intensifying playoff race, making this clash vital for both teams.
Gautam Gambhir has dismissed rumours of a rift with Rohit Sharma, emphasizing their mutual respect and professionalism. He highlighted their recent Champions Trophy win, questioning the basis for such speculation. Gambhir also addressed his rapport with Virat Kohli, downplaying any perceived issues and reaffirming a strong working dynamic within the Indian cricket team.
Anna Muzychuk acknowledges the Norway Chess Women's tournament for promoting female chess players. She anticipates a tough competition with strong contenders like Ju Wenjun and Koneru Humpy. Anna reflects on her chess journey, highlighting Ukraine's chess traditions. She emphasizes the sacrifices young players face to become grandmasters. Parental support is crucial for success in chess. The tournament motivates girls globally.
Gautam Gambhir believes India narrowly missed a historic Test series win against Australia due to a lack of bowling depth. Addressing speculation about his relationship with Virat Kohli, he dismissed it as playful banter between two Delhi natives. Gambhir emphasized his commitment to Indian cricket, stating his current role is a greater responsibility than his previous franchise position.
Gautam Gambhir lauded Virat Kohli's exceptional fitness, humorously expressing his desire to possess Kohli's physical prowess. Addressing past IPL rivalries, Gambhir dismissed tensions as playful banter between Delhi natives. He acknowledged India's near-miss in the Australia Test series and affirmed his commitment to elevating Indian cricket, prioritizing performance and discipline.
Gautam Gambhir, the new Indian cricket team head coach, has made it clear that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future hinges solely on performance. He emphasized that delivering results is paramount for selection, dismissing any notions of farewells based on legacy. Gambhir also addressed media speculation about his relationship with Kohli, downplaying it as playful banter between two Delhi natives.
Gautam Gambhir, at the ABP India At 2047 Summit, strongly responded to criticism surrounding his coaching. He asserted his focus is on national pride, not pleasing commentators, and criticized former players treating Indian cricket as their domain. Gambhir defended his past actions and emphasized his commitment to building a fearless team, prioritizing accountability and nationalism over personal gain.
Arshdeep Singh, the standout pacer for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, is making waves both on and off the field. Currently third in the Purple Cap race, Arshdeep recently surprised his mother with a luxury car, sharing the emotional moment on social media.
The Indian Premier League introduced 'Champak,' a robot dog, to enhance the broadcast experience. Developed by wTVision in partnership with Omnicam and the BCCI, this four-legged robot interacts with players and spectators. Despite logistical challenges, including dismantling and reassembling for each match, Champak has garnered significant social media attention, becoming a viral sensation.
Virat Kohli has opened up about the profound disappointment he felt after India's 2019 World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli described feeling dazed and directionless in the aftermath of the defeat. Despite a strong showing in the league stage, India's hopes were dashed by a batting collapse and Dhoni's late run-out.
AB de Villiers has defended Virat Kohli against criticism regarding his strike rate in the IPL, highlighting Kohli's consistent performance and crucial role for RCB. De Villiers reminded critics of past comments about Kohli's slow batting, pointing to his recent high strike rate as evidence to the contrary. He emphasized Kohli's reliability and importance to the team's success.
IPL 2025's playoff race intensifies, revealing significant underperformers. A 'Flop XI' highlights players like Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra, who failed to ignite CSK's batting. Big names such as Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer also struggled to justify their price tags, while bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammad Shami disappointed with their performances.
Virat Kohli revealed he stepped down from captaincy roles for India and RCB due to immense pressure. He sought mental peace and happiness. Kohli felt overwhelmed by expectations and constant scrutiny. He took a break in 2022 to rediscover his love for the game. MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten supported his early career.
Delhi Capitals' promising IPL 2025 campaign faces derailment after a shocking loss to Mumbai Indians triggered a slump. Once poised for playoffs, DC now struggles, sitting fifth with 13 points. Experts Piyush Chawla and Sanjay Bangar emphasise the need for bold decisions and experienced players to step up, highlighting the team's batting order collapse.
IPL 2025 is witnessing off-field drama as singer Rahul Vaidya mocks Virat Kohli over a social media 'like' incident involving influencer Avneet Kaur. Kohli blamed Instagram's algorithm, leading to Vaidya's sarcastic response and alleged blocking. This sparked a fan backlash, with Vaidya hitting back, criticizing Kohli's fans and questioning Kohli's character, escalating the situation into a full-blown social media feud.
With 15 IPL 2025 league stage games remaining, RCB, GT, and PBKS are almost certain for the playoffs, while MI is a strong contender. DC has a fair chance, but LSG and KKR face slim odds. Probabilities are calculated based on 32,768 possible result combinations, assessing each team's chances of finishing in the top four and top two.
Ashutosh Sharma says DC aiming for three wins to seal playoffs spot
Virat Kohli credits MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten for backing him at No. 3, where he amassed 15,303 international runs. Kohli, who considered leaving Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a point, valued the established relationships and mutual respect over seeking a new team. He prioritised playing cricket without constant judgment, cherishing his long-term connection with RCB.
Coach Vettori defends SRH's tactics amid criticism of faltering aggressive approach
Inter Milan face Barcelona in a tense Champions League semi-final return leg after a 3-3 draw, with concerns over injuries to key players like Robert Lewandowski and Lautaro Martnez. Meanwhile, PSG are hopeful Dembl will be fit for their match against Arsenal, who seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
IPL 2025 witnesses the emergence of exciting uncapped Indian opening batters, showcasing their talent and potential. Ayush Mhatre, Abishek Porel, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have impressed with their explosive performances. Suryavanshi, at just 14, became the youngest T20 centurion, while others like Arya have displayed dynamic strokeplay, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's IPL playoff hopes were dashed after a washout, while Delhi Capitals gained a point, keeping their top-two aspirations alive. The result puts pressure on LSG, needing wins in their remaining games. DC's playoff chances hinge on their upcoming matches against PBKS, GT, and MI, with various scenarios determining their fate.
Following a washout against Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad's coach, Daniel Vettori, acknowledged the unexpected tricky conditions at their home ground. Despite initial hopes for an aggressive batting approach, the team struggled with consistency, securing only three wins in eleven games.
Ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 clash, Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav and Gujarat Titans' Rashid Khan engaged in playful banter, delighting fans. Rashid inquired about Surya's 'Supla' shot, to which Surya responded with a humorous jab about Rashid's 'snake shot'. Mohammed Siraj joined in the laughter, creating a lighthearted moment.
The 2025 Met Gala, celebrating Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, saw athletes joining celebrities in bespoke fashions. Lewis Hamilton co-chaired, while LeBron James missed it due to injury. Simone Biles, Angel Reese, Serena and Venus Williams, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Sha'carri Richardson, and WNBA stars graced the event.
Sunil Gavaskar has expressed concerns over BCCI's decision. The board altered rules to favour MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. Gavaskar questions the high salaries for uncapped players in IPL. He believes this move could harm Indian cricket's future. Gavaskar urges BCCI to reverse the rule change. He wants to limit salaries for uncapped players.
Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans face off in a crucial IPL 2025 match, both vying for playoff berths. MI, on a six-game winning streak, needs two more wins to secure qualification. GT's strong top order, featuring Sudharsan, Buttler and Gill, will be tested by MI's bowling attack, spearheaded by Boult and Bumrah.
Persistent rain led to the abandonment of the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. DC, after a top-order collapse, recovered to post 133/7, thanks to Stubbs and Sharma's partnership. Cummins' impressive bowling spell put DC under early pressure. SRH are now out of the playoff race, while DC moved to fifth place.
Virat Kohli, a cricket legend, dreamt of emulating Sachin Tendulkar, revealed his childhood teacher Vibha Sachdev. Kohli balanced rigorous cricket practice with academics, often preparing for exams late due to training. Despite the challenges, teachers supported his dedication.
Delhi Capitals struggled to 134 against Sunrisers Hyderabad after a disastrous start, recovering from 29/5 thanks to Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs. Pat Cummins' fiery spell dismantled Delhi's top order, taking three wickets in the powerplay. Rain arrived immediately after the first innings, jeopardizing SRH's playoff chances and potentially impacting Delhi Capitals' IPL 2025 aspirations.
Rohit Sharma presented Mohammed Siraj with his T20 World Cup winning ring, as Siraj had missed the official ceremony during the BCCI's Naman Awards. Sharma acknowledged Siraj's vital role in India's victorious T20 campaign. The customized ring features the player's name, jersey number, and an Ashok Chakra, commemorating India's first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.