Chennai Super Kings’ Noor Ahmad, left, interacts with wicketkeeper Sanju Samson (PTI Photo)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over Noor Ahmad’s form, calling it the biggest issue for Chennai Super Kings following their 43-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.Noor, who was one of CSK’s standout performers last season, has struggled to make an impact this year. The left-arm spinner has gone wicketless across three matches, conceding over 100 runs in roughly 10 overs, including an expensive outing against RCB where he was taken apart by Rajat Patidar and Tim David.“He (Noor) is CSK’s biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He does not have a single wicket. I believe that if he corrects the angle of his run-up, the alignment will improve, and his hand, which has been falling on one side, will become straighter as well,” Pathan said.Pathan also voiced his disappointment with Matt Henry, stating that the experienced pacer has not lived up to expectations so far. Henry conceded 36 runs in three overs against RCB without picking up a wicket and has looked ineffective throughout the campaign.“I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had performances and a good economy, but hasn’t been able to perform like that in this league. An experienced bowler does not bowl a half volley. Anshul Kamboj dismissed Virat Kohli with a bouncer after seeing him step out. Matt Henry bowled a full delivery even after seeing Virat step out,” he added.The former all-rounder further pointed out tactical errors in CSK’s approach to Tim David, whose unbeaten 70 off 25 balls powered RCB to a daunting total of 250/3.“Tim David usually stands outside the leg stump. So, bowling at the off stump is giving him width. If the bowler is thinking that he won’t give room by bowling at the off stump, he is actually giving him room. You have to bowl at the middle stump and leg stump; otherwise, he is going to hit you. You can block him initially, which Chennai did not do, and he took full advantage of that,” he remarked.CSK’s struggles have now extended to three consecutive defeats at the start of the season. They will be aiming to bounce back when they take on Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11.

Virat Kohli hail Dhurandhar 2 (Agency Image)

A day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, star batter Virat Kohli switched gears off the field and shared his glowing review of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar 2. Taking to social media, Kohli heaped praise on director Aditya Dhar and lead actor Ranveer Singh, describing the film as an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Virat Kohli’s Instagram story for Dhurandhar.

“Saw the film today and dare I say that I’ve never ever seen a cinematic experience like this made in India. It brought out every kind of emotion to the surface and I didn’t flinch once for almost 4 hours. @adityadharfilms your talent and conviction is reflected in what you’ve created. Hats off to you. You’re a genius. And although all actors were great in their roles BUT @ranveersingh you have attained a different level after this movie and your performance was beyond brilliant. Absolutely WOW,” he posted. Released on March 19, Dhurandhar 2 has enjoyed a sensational run at the box office. As per Jio Studios, the film has grossed ₹1622 crore worldwide so far, including ₹1228 crore domestically and ₹394 crore overseas. Its net domestic collection stands at ₹1041 crore, underlining its massive success. The film opened strongly with ₹102.55 crore on day one, followed by ₹80.72 crore and ₹113 crore on the next two days. It continued its impressive run over the weekend, collecting ₹114.85 crore on March 22 before seeing a drop to ₹65 crore on the first Monday. Through the first week, it maintained steady collections between ₹40 crore and ₹60 crore, while Day 18 alone brought in ₹28.75 crore across 14,229 shows in India. Kohli was not the only one impressed. Actor Anushka Sharma also shared her appreciation for the film and her former co-star Ranveer Singh, applauding both the storytelling and performances.

Anushka’s Instagram story for Dhurandhar.

“What a fantastic film you’ve made @adityadharfilms! It takes so much conviction to make an almost 4 hr long film. Gripping and immersive, meticulously crafted, the film holds your attention through and through. You are a fiercely original and assured filmmaker @ranveersingh You seized a once-in- a-lifetime character and delivered a solid, flawless performance @actormaddy @rampal72 @therakeshbedi sir and each and every fantastic actor in the film – Every performance lands perfectly; the film is unthinkable without each of you. Many congratulations to everyone behind this one.” With praise pouring in from both the cricketing and film worlds, Dhurandhar 2 continues to dominate headlines as one of the biggest cinematic successes in recent times.

MS Dhoni during a practice session. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni could be on the verge of a much-anticipated return for Chennai Super Kings, with the veteran set to undergo a crucial fitness test ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.The 44-year-old has missed the opening matches of the season due to a calf strain sustained during the preparatory camp. With CSK reeling from three consecutive defeats, his possible comeback comes as a timely boost for a side searching for stability and leadership.

Fitness test to decide Dhoni’s comeback

According to an IndianExpress report, Dhoni will undergo a fitness assessment over the next two days, which will determine his availability for the Chepauk fixture. The franchise has so far adopted a cautious approach, resisting the temptation to rush him back despite his steady progress in training.Although Dhoni has not travelled with the squad for away matches and was absent at the stadium during the home game against Punjab Kings, he has remained actively involved in practice sessions. Ahead of that fixture, he spent considerable time batting at the MAC B ground and later trained at the main stadium nets without showing signs of discomfort.The signs have been encouraging, but the team management is keen to ensure full recovery before bringing him back into match action. If he clears the fitness test, Dhoni is likely to feature in what could be a turning point fixture for CSK.

Brevis edges closer, middle order boost likely

Alongside Dhoni, Dewald Brevis is also nearing a return after recovering from a side strain. The young middle-order batter has missed the first three matches but has been travelling with the squad, indicating progress in his rehabilitation.Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Brevis is “closer” to regaining full fitness. “We hope he is going to be right for the next game. We have been conservative, and hopefully these next few days go as planned,” Fleming said.Brevis’ return would significantly strengthen a fragile middle order that has struggled for consistency in his absence.

Chennai Super Kings’ wicketkeeper Sanju Samson leaves the ground after losing his wicket. (AP Photo)

A struggling Sanju Samson has found himself at the centre of growing fan frustration as Chennai Super Kings continue to falter in IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter endured another disappointing outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, extending a lean run that has coincided with CSK’s three consecutive defeats.Since his high-profile move from Rajasthan Royals, Samson has struggled to justify expectations, managing scores of just 6, 7 and 9 in his first three matches. His failure to provide strong starts at the top has added to CSK’s woes, especially given his recent success as Player of the Tournament in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Viral fan post questions Samson’s ‘hunger and intent’

While poor form is part of the game, what has particularly irked fans is Samson’s perceived lack of energy and engagement on the field. A viral social media post from a CSK supporter captured the mood:“Dear @IamSanjuSamson, If you’re not mentally in it, then step aside for a few games. This isn’t just about runs anymore. Your body language is screaming disinterest. Every time the camera’s on you, you look frustrated and disconnected. Honestly, I’ve never seen you smiling even once. What’s hard to accept is the lack of energy, intent, and fight. Where’s the passion? Where’s the hunger? At least show that you care. Right now, it just doesn’t look like it.”The post quickly gained traction, with several fans echoing similar concerns about Samson’s body language as CSK continue their search for a first win this season.

Fleming backs Samson despite poor run

Amid the criticism, head coach Stephen Fleming urged patience, backing Samson to come good as he adapts to a new environment.“It’s difficult when you’ve been at a franchise for some time. Even though he probably feels comfortable, there’s still an element of belonging and he’s going through the process of connecting with this team,” Fleming said.He stressed that the team is still evolving, with multiple changes in the lineup. “There’s a little bit of work to be done off the field to tighten bonds, but he’s fitted in really well,” he added.Fleming also underlined Samson’s intent to bounce back. “He’s desperate for some runs and to contribute. We saw in the World Cup what he can do. When he gets going, he can be very dangerous. There will be nothing but support and confidence from us as he finds his path in yellow.”

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

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

Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

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

Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted his own failure at the top hurt Chennai Super Kings as they slumped to a heavy loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, elaborating on key moments in the post-match press conference. CSK were rocked early in the chase of 250, collapsing to 30 for 3 after losing Ruturaj, Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre. That early damage proved decisive despite a spirited response later. Reflecting on the fightback, Ruturaj said in the post-match conference: “Well, even I was surprised, to be honest. Great fight by Sarfaraz, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, even to some extent Shivam Dube. So I think, maybe I would have, contributed more top of the order, you never know, we would have chased it down. So definitely it’s on me today.” He highlighted how the efforts of Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer and Jamie Overton kept CSK in the contest briefly, but admitted the game had already slipped due to the poor start. Ruturaj also elaborated on a crucial moment in the field that could have shifted momentum. Virat Kohli was dropped early, and RCB capitalised fully. Speaking about that phase, he said: “We would have had, as you rightly said, if we would have taken early chance of Virat Kohli, I think that was, I mean, maybe we would have had momentum to ourselves. But I think, we still had the game in our hands till the 13th, 14th over, and that’s when the momentum really shifted.” That shift came dramatically at the death, when Tim David tore into the CSK attack. Ruturaj pointed out that they almost had an opportunity to dismiss him earlier. On that moment, he said in the press conference: “Well, you’re right, KP. I think, Anshul almost got a wicket of him. Unfortunate to be illegal delivery, but yeah, after that, he just smacked all around the park and, as you rightly said, hats off to him.” RCB’s late surge, powered by Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and David, took the game away completely. For Ruturaj, the takeaway was clear. Missed chances, an underwhelming start with the bat, and a brutal finish from the opposition combined to seal CSK’s fate.

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their dream run in IPL 2026 with a commanding 43-run victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, powered by a sensational batting display and timely strikes with the ball.Put in to bat, RCB endured a cautious start on a slightly tacky surface, going boundary-less in the first three overs. Virat Kohli looked the most assured early on, while Phil Salt gradually found his rhythm. The innings gained momentum after the PowerPlay, with Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal stitching a crucial stand.