‘It all went by in a flash’: Manish Pandey opens up on his 19-year IPL journey | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘It all went by in a flash’: Manish Pandey opens up on his 19-year IPL journey | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘It all went by in a flash’: Manish Pandey opens up on his 19-year IPL journey | Cricket News – The Times of India
Kolkata Knight Riders player Manish Pandey (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Indian batter Manish Pandey, one of only four players to have featured in every edition of the Indian Premier League since its start in 2008, describes his 19-year IPL journey as having “flown by in a flash.”Pandey will don the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey in IPL 2026, as the three-time champions face five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. Across 174 IPL matches, Pandey has scored 3,942 runs at a strike rate of 121.52.

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“It’s been an incredible journey for me – 19 years, and now going into my 19th season. I started with MI in the very first year after the U19 World Cup. That was a special memory, but honestly, it all feels like it just passed in a moment. From 2008 to now, 2026, it’s been a lot,” Pandey said in a video released by the IPL on Sunday.He added, “Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience. I’m glad to be among those few players who’ve been part of every IPL, and I always try to do justice to myself and the game. I’m here purely for the passion and love of cricket.”Reflecting on his landmark century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2009, Pandey said, “Absolutely. We were just young, 18-19-year-olds, discovering the game and ourselves. In my second season, I scored a hundred in South Africa for RCB, and it felt amazing. I wasn’t expecting to open the innings and get that opportunity, but it helped me a lot. Being the first Indian to score a hundred and the youngest at the time is a great memory, even though someone else now holds that record.”On the IPL’s growth, Pandey noted, “This tournament has taught us so much. We were still understanding the dynamics back then. Over 19 years, IPL has evolved massively – for players, sponsors, and fans. The joy it has given to so many is unbelievable. It’s now one of the biggest platforms for young talent to shine.”Pandey also spoke about how the game itself has changed: “Back then, 160 was a good total, and 140 could be defended. Now, everything is faster, with high-scoring games and new bowling variations. IPL is at the centre of world cricket today, testing players who’ve been here one year or many. It has made the game bigger and helped cricket grow.”He added, “We always dream of playing for India, and tournaments like IPL are crucial. Selectors watch closely, and performing here is key to staying in the game. I’ve been lucky to do that over time.”Pandey concluded by recalling his pivotal knock in the 2014 final for KKR: “That innings of 95 in the final was life-changing. It helped me break into the Indian team, where I went on to play 29 ODIs and 39 T20Is. IPL has been very kind to me, giving me the chance to handle pressure while enjoying the game.”


‘Virat Kohli was over’: Mohammad Kaif’s post after RCB win goes viral | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘Virat Kohli was over’: Mohammad Kaif’s post after RCB win goes viral | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘Virat Kohli was over’: Mohammad Kaif’s post after RCB win goes viral | Cricket News – The Times of India
Virat Kohli and Mohammad Kaif (IPL Photo)

NEW DELHI: Two years after retiring from international T20 cricket, Virat Kohli continues to prove he’s far from “finished” in the shortest format of the game. In the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, he smashed an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leading his team to a dominant win.

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His recent form has been outstanding, with consistently high scores in white-ball cricket, leaving critics with little to say.

Kaif’s post sparks debate

After the match, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared a post defending Kohli and reminding fans of his strong performances. Expressing his view on X, he wrote, “Imagine, after two ducks in Australia, they said Virat Kohli was over. His last 10 scores in white-ball cricket are: 74, 135, 102, 65, 131, 77, 93, 23, 124, and 69 n.o in this match.”While the message praised Kohli, many fans questioned its timing. They felt there was no need to defend him now since he has been performing consistently. Some also pointed out that earlier criticism was mostly about his struggles in Test cricket, not limited-overs formats.

Kohli keeps scripting records

Kohli also reached major milestones during the game. He became the first player in IPL history to score 4000 runs in chases and moved past Shoaib Malik in T20 run charts. He scored his 64th IPL fifty and finished the match in style.Alongside him, Devdutt Padikkal played a quick knock as RCB chased down 203 in just 15.4 overs, boosting their net run rate early in the tournament.


Shubman Gill joins criticism of Impact Player rule, says ‘It takes the skill out’ | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Shubman Gill joins criticism of Impact Player rule, says ‘It takes the skill out’ | Cricket News – The Times of India


Shubman Gill joins criticism of Impact Player rule, says ‘It takes the skill out’ | Cricket News – The Times of India
Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill has joined the growing list of Indian players voicing concerns over the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League, stating that it “takes the skill out of the game.”Gill’s remarks come shortly after similar criticism from players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. During the IPL captains’ meeting held in Mumbai, a majority of team leaders, including Gill, reportedly pushed for a review of the rule, which was first introduced by the BCCI in 2023 and has since been extended until at least 2027.

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Speaking a day after the meeting, Gill was clear in his stance against the regulation, which allows teams to introduce an extra batter or bowler at any point during a match.“Personally for me, I don’t think there should be an impact player. I think cricket in general is an 11 players’ game and on wickets where we play on the grounds that we play, adding an extra batsman is I think it takes the skill out of the game,” Gill said.He further explained that the traditional balance of the sport is being affected, especially in pressure situations where teams are expected to adapt with limited resources.“There’s a certain skill in the game that you need to have. When you have a certain amount of batters and if a couple of your batters get out, there’s an amount of skill that you need to have to still get the scoreboard moving and get your team to a good score.”Gill also argued that the rule is making matches more predictable and less competitive, particularly on batting-friendly surfaces.“With that one extra player, it’s making the game more one-dimensional and it’s taking a little bit of the skill out of the game. Chasing 180 on a challenging wicket or 160 on a challenging wicket is for me, it’s personally way more exciting than chasing 220 on a flat wicket,” he added.Despite the criticism from several players, the rule is set to remain in place for the foreseeable future, with any potential review expected only after the 2027 season.“It’s gonna be there till 2027. It’s something that we also spoke about in the captain’s meeting yesterday. I understand it makes the game a bit more entertaining, but let’s see. It’s there. It’s up to them what the BCCI is going to do, they’re gonna take their decision, but personally I don’t like it,” Gill said.


BCCI warns IPL captains on catch rules, provides update on impact player rule | Cricket News – The Times of India
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BCCI warns IPL captains on catch rules, provides update on impact player rule | Cricket News – The Times of India


BCCI warns IPL captains on catch rules, provides update on impact player rule | Cricket News – The Times of India
IPL captains warned for catch rules in captain’s meeting (PTI Photo/ BCCI)

IPL team captains have been warned about fielder movement during catches and the officials of BCCI have shared an important update regarding impact player rule ahead of the 2026 season. Teams have been clearly instructed that a catch will only be considered valid if the fielder has complete control of both the ball and their body before any celebration begins. As per Clause 33.3 of the playing conditions, “The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his own movement.”While this rule is not new, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized its importance during a captains’ meeting held on Wednesday. Officials presented several video clips, including examples from the recent T20 World Cup, where catches were deemed invalid due to lack of full control.The message was clear: this rule will now be strictly enforced. Former India pacer Javagal Srinath and elite umpire Nitin Menon addressed this segment during the 90-minute session.

Impact Player Rule to Stay

The meeting also confirmed that the Impact Player rule will remain in place for at least another season, with no immediate plans for review. Despite concerns raised by some players, the BCCI and IPL officials made it clear that the rule will continue until at least the 2027 season.Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel openly criticised the rule, stating: “I don’t like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, you would pick an all-rounder for both batting and bowling. Because of this rule, teams now prefer specialists.”There is a growing belief within the cricketing community that the rule could hinder the development of all-rounders. However, officials indicated that any formal review of the rule will only be considered after the 2027 season.A franchise representative who attended the meeting confirmed: “It was discussed, and it was made clear to all of us that the Impact Player rule is here to stay for at least two more seasons.”


RCB, MI, or CSK? England’s cricket legends predict IPL 2026 winners | Cricket News – The Times of India
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RCB, MI, or CSK? England’s cricket legends predict IPL 2026 winners | Cricket News – The Times of India


RCB, MI, or CSK? England’s cricket legends predict IPL 2026 winners | Cricket News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: With IPL 2026 just around the corner, former England cricketers have shared their predictions on who might lift the trophy, sparking debate among fans. While teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all in the mix, opinions differ on who has the edge this season.Former England captain Michael Vaughan is confident about Mumbai Indians’ chances and didn’t hold back, saying, “Only 1 team wining this year and it’s @mipaltan.”

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He also doubled down on the “Stick to Cricket” podcast, adding, “I’ll throw the first name out there. Mumbai Indians will win it this year. They have not won it for a few. They’ve got an incredible team.”MI, one of the most successful teams in IPL history, will be led by Hardik Pandya this season. With experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in the squad, they are expected to be strong contenders despite falling short in the playoffs last year.Not everyone agrees with Vaughan. Alastair Cook has backed defending champions RCB to retain their title, putting his faith in the team setup and coaching of Andy Flower. Phil Tufnell initially agreed with RCB but later leaned towards CSK as another strong option due to the Sanju Samson factor.RCB, however, could face early challenges with key players like Yash Dayal unavailable and Josh Hazlewood set to miss initial matches due to fitness issues. Historically, only MI and CSK have successfully defended IPL titles, so RCB will be aiming to join that elite list this season.


IPL 2026 captain’s meet: When, where and the complete agenda | Cricket News – The Times of India
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IPL 2026 captain’s meet: When, where and the complete agenda | Cricket News – The Times of India


IPL 2026 captain’s meet: When, where and the complete agenda | Cricket News – The Times of India
Captains of 10 IPL teams (Photo Credit: IPL)

The captains of all IPL teams are set to meet with officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 25 to discuss a range of key issues, including the Impact Player rule and the code of conduct. However, the primary focus is expected to be on clarifications regarding the two-bouncer rule, bat checks, ball replacement, the use of saliva, and the retired-out provision. The IPL 2026 captains’ meeting will take place at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.According to a BCCI communique to the franchises on Tuesday, accessed by Cricbuzz, Javagal Srinath and Nitin Menon – heads of the BCCI’s match referees and umpires’ panels, respectively – will address the captains. The meeting is scheduled from 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday (March 25).

What will be the agenda?

The BCCI has recently shared the playing conditions for the season with franchises, highlighting key changes to Rule 4.4 (change of ball in the second innings); 5.8.3 (bat checks); 18.5.1 and 18.5.2 (deliberate short runs); 19.5.2 (fielder grounded beyond the boundary); 28.7.6 (restriction on the placement of the fielder); and Appendix D-3.9 (combining umpire review with player review).A glance at the new season’s playing conditions, in possession of this website, does not reveal any obvious changes, but the rules around ball replacement have been elaborated in detail – something that was absent in last year’s playing conditions. Rule 4.4 in the latest playing conditions reads:Ball Replacement Rules in IPL MatchesIf, during play, the ball is lost, cannot be recovered, or is deemed unfit for use due to normal wear and tear, the umpires will replace it with another ball that has a similar level of wear. Once the replacement is made, the umpires will inform both the batter and the fielding captain.Ball Change Rule in the Second InningsIn evening matches, the team bowling second is allowed to request one ball change after the completion of the 10th over. The request must be made only by the bowling captain and it must be made at the end of an over (not during an over). This rule applies only once in the second innings, regardless of dew conditions, replacement ball will have similar wear and tear as the previous one.Additionally, the umpires retain the authority to change the ball at any time during the match at their discretion.

Key Scenarios Explained

Scenario 1: If the umpires replace the ball before the 10th over due to it being wet, damaged, lost, or out of shape, the fielding captain still retains the right to request a ball change after the 10th over. In this case, the umpires are required to approve the request.Scenario 2: If the captain requests a ball change after the 10th over (e.g., in the 11th over) due to wet conditions and the umpires replace it: Any further request for a ball change later in the innings will be subject to the umpires’ discretion, not mandatory.Scenario 3: If the captain requests a ball change during the 11th over due to damage or shape issues and the umpires agree: The team can still make their one mandatory request after the 10th over (e.g., due to dew later), and the umpires must approve it.There are also other items like team sheet, toss, broadcast media commitments and awards, about which there is no elaboration. The session will begin with an introduction by IPL COO Hemang Aming.


IPL: KKR retire Andre Russell’s No. 12 jersey – here is why | Cricket News – The Times of India
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IPL: KKR retire Andre Russell’s No. 12 jersey – here is why | Cricket News – The Times of India


IPL: KKR retire Andre Russell’s No. 12 jersey – here is why | Cricket News – The Times of India
KKR’s Andre Russell (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

NEW DELHI: In a city that worships its cricket heroes, Tuesday night was all about Andre Russell. During a lively preseason event called Knights Unplugged in Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders made a huge announcement: they retired the No. 12 jersey to honour Russell. This means no player will ever wear that number again for the team.KKR CEO Venky Mysore revealed the tribute on stage, saying, “In your honour, we would like to retire this number for KKR,” recognising how Russell made the jersey iconic with his powerful performances.

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Before the last IPL auction, there was speculation that Russell might leave KKR. But he had already made his feelings clear in a personal video that he would only play for KKR or not play in the IPL at all. Now, instead of playing, he has taken up a new role as the team’s Power Coach, helping younger players improve their finishing skills.Looking back at his journey, Russell became emotional. Over the years, he scored 2,651 runs at an explosive strike rate and took 123 wickets, playing key roles in KKR’s title wins.“I got a bit emotional watching that video,” Russell admitted.“It’s been over a decade of amazing achievements, having been part of two title-winning teams. To see what it meant to everyone… that’s a different enjoyment. World Cups feel special. When you win the IPL, it’s something different. The last one we won, I got teary-eyed.”“When you have left everything on the field, you don’t regret walking away from the game,” he said.“Every game I played, I played like it was the last game of my IPL career.”Now excited about coaching, he said, “I have no regrets about being in this role. I am excited,” and praised working with coaches like Abhishek Nayar and Shane Watson.KKR also named Rinku Singh as vice-captain under Ajinkya Rahane as they prepare for the new season.


‘I have an interest’: Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on coaching future | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘I have an interest’: Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on coaching future | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘I have an interest’: Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on coaching future | Cricket News – The Times of India
Sourav Ganguly (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

NEW DELHI: Sourav Ganguly has opened up about his future in cricket, saying he remains closely connected to the game and is open to exploring coaching opportunities. Having recently guided Pretoria Capitals to a runners-up finish in the SA20 League, the former India captain said he is keen to stay involved in different roles going forward.

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Ganguly made it clear that coaching is something he is seriously considering. “The most important thing for me is cricket. When I used to play cricket, I used to bat, bowl and also captained the national team. But whatever I am doing now is in different phases. I just want get involved with cricket, I also coached Pretoria Capitals in the South Africa League where we reached the final and I have an interest in that also (coaching),” he said in an event in Noida, as quoted by PTI.He added, “I have been BCCI and CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal) president as well and became CAB president again. I have achieved everything in life and whatever opportunities I will get I will explore them.”On the game itself, Ganguly backed Test cricket as the toughest and most important format, while calling T20 the least challenging, even though it attracts crowds.Ganguly also weighed in on the IPL’s Impact Player rule, saying it is unlikely to go away despite criticism. “Impact player rule I think it’s going to stay… this is here to stay, someone will like it someone will not,” he said.Talking about the IPL’s growth, especially the massive Rajasthan Royals deal, he called the numbers “mind-blowing” and added, “IPL will only go to greater heights… it’s mind-blowing numbers but there is lot’s more in store for Indian cricket.”He also highlighted young talents to watch, including Auqib Nabi, as the league continues to showcase emerging stars.


CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News – The Times of India
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CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News – The Times of India


CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News – The Times of India
Nathan Ellis (Photo by PTI)

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a late squad change ahead of IPL 2026 after Australian pacer Nathan Ellis was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Ellis, who was expected to lead the bowling attack, leaves behind a significant gap just before the season begins.CSK have now signed Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson as his replacement for Rs 1.5 crore.

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Johnson brings some international experience, having played limited-overs cricket for Australia, and has also featured in the IPL earlier with Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders.Ellis’s absence is a big blow for CSK, especially with the team already missing key pacer Matheesha Pathirana. He had been retained for Rs 2 crore and had a decent IPL record, picking up 19 wickets in 17 matches. His experience was expected to be crucial for the team’s pace attack this season.Earlier, there was uncertainty around the replacement, with a franchise official saying, “Yes, he is out. We have not yet decided on the replacement,” indicating the team was still working on a solution.With Johnson now coming in, CSK will hope he can step up and fill the void left by Ellis. While he may not have the same IPL experience, his international exposure and pace-bowling ability could prove valuable as the team looks to stay competitive in the new season.