‘Batter has every right’: Ashwin supports Daryl Mitchell after Usman Tariq’s ‘Pause’ drama in PSL | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘Batter has every right’: Ashwin supports Daryl Mitchell after Usman Tariq’s ‘Pause’ drama in PSL | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘Batter has every right’: Ashwin supports Daryl Mitchell after Usman Tariq’s ‘Pause’ drama in PSL | Cricket News – The Times of India
PSL drama over Usman Tariq pause (Screengrab)

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Daryl Mitchell after the New Zealand batter raised concerns over Usman Tariq’s unusual delivery pause during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 clash in Karachi.The incident occurred during the match between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi, where Mitchell pulled away twice while facing Tariq, clearly uncomfortable with the bowler’s stop-start action. During the ninth over at the National Stadium, Mitchell initially played a paddle sweep but soon appeared unsettled by Tariq’s delayed release. As the over progressed, he stepped away twice mid-delivery, pointing out the pause in the bowler’s action.The repeated interruptions prompted the on-field umpires to intervene and have a brief discussion with the batter before allowing play to continue. Mitchell was later dismissed, caught and bowled by Saud Shakeel, as Rawalpindi suffered a heavy 61-run defeat.Ashwin’s Take: “Batters Have Every Right”Ashwin, who had earlier spoken about such tactics on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, reiterated that batters are well within their rights to pull away if they feel the bowler’s action disrupts timing.”Now it’s up to the umpires and match referees to time the pause for his delivery. If the pause isn’t consistent, then the batter has every right to move away. The captains and opposition batters should raise this issue with the umpires and match referees before the game begins. Well done, Mitchell.” Ashwin wrote.Interestingly, Ashwin had earlier suggested this exact approach, encouraging batters to step away, forcing umpires to call a dead ball and thereby neutralising any advantage gained from irregular bowling rhythms. Tariq’s action has been under scrutiny for some time due to its distinctive pause before release, followed by a low follow-through. While he has been reported twice for a suspect action in the past, he has been cleared on both occasions.


‘I can’t fathom it’: Ashwin left ‘baffled’ by David Miller’s decision in DC’s one-run defeat | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘I can’t fathom it’: Ashwin left ‘baffled’ by David Miller’s decision in DC’s one-run defeat | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘I can’t fathom it’: Ashwin left ‘baffled’ by David Miller’s decision in DC’s one-run defeat | Cricket News – The Times of India
David Miller and Kuldeep Yadav

While much of the cricket fraternity expressed sympathy for David Miller after Delhi Capitals’ heartbreaking one-run defeat, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stands baffled and stunned by the decision of the South African batter in the final moments of the chase.Delhi appeared to be in control towards the end, with Miller striking crucial boundaries and bringing the equation down rapidly. However, the match turned in the final over bowled by Prasidh Krishna. On the second-last ball, Miller chose not to take a single, opting to retain the strike,a decision that ultimately increased the pressure.

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Pathum Nissanka reveals KL Rahul’s advice, opens up on powerplay plan

With two runs needed off the final delivery, Miller failed to connect with a slower ball and attempted a desperate run. Jos Buttler’s sharp work resulted in a run-out at the striker’s end, leaving Kuldeep Yadav short and sealing a dramatic one-run victory for Gujarat Titans.Ravichandran Ashwin opened in a video of his Youtube channel, “I am thinking what could have happened to Kuldeep and David Miller. If I was Kuldeep, I would have pushed him to the other end. I can’t understand. I can’t fathom it. It is just beyond me. It is bonkers,” Ashwin said. “Because if you want 4 runs or 6 runs, it was right. You need 2 runs. And what are the odds? You can take 1 run. Kuldeep will at least get into the bat. Or if he doesn’t, you can run away. Even if Kuldeep gets bowled, in a 210 game, if you reach the Super Over, you have done well. I am not able to wrap my head around it,” Ashwin further said.While Ashwin admitted that anyone can make a mistake, he is unable to find logic in the idea behind Miller’s decision to turn down the opportunity of a score-levelling single.“Mistakes can happen with anyone. Everybody can make a mistake. No doubt about it. I am sure David Miller is feeling absolutely gutted at this point of time. But I am not able to wrap my head around the thinking. What was the thinking? I don’t know, man. Delhi has such a strong team. We talked about it. But still, I told you that Delhi might find a way to kick themselves out of the tournament. If you lose like this, you are doing two things,” Ashwin said.Former Delhi Capitals player Ashwin feels Miller’s call hurt his team’s confidence while giving Gujarat Titans a significant psychological edge moving forward.“One, you have shaken the confidence of your team. And second, if a team like Gujarat Titans lost today, they will come back from the tournament thinking how they will reach from here. They will think. there will be a catch-22. But you let them come back from the tournament. But you gave them a lifeline while you’re still stuck at 4 points,” he concluded.


Ravichandran Ashwin: ‘Mentally disturbing’: R Ashwin recalls ‘painful’ CSK stint after RCB thrashing | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Ravichandran Ashwin: ‘Mentally disturbing’: R Ashwin recalls ‘painful’ CSK stint after RCB thrashing | Cricket News – The Times of India


Ravichandran Ashwin: ‘Mentally disturbing’: R Ashwin recalls ‘painful’ CSK stint after RCB thrashing | Cricket News – The Times of India
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.


‘CSK will be invincible again’: Ashwin sends strong message to supporters | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘CSK will be invincible again’: Ashwin sends strong message to supporters | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘CSK will be invincible again’: Ashwin sends strong message to supporters | Cricket News – The Times of India
Chennai Super Kings’ Matt Henry and teammates (ANI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings head into a crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, looking to bounce back after a disappointing five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Despite posting 209 on the board, powered by a fluent 73 off 43 balls from Ayush Mhatre, CSK failed to defend the total as Punjab chased it down with eight balls remaining. Shreyas Iyer led the charge with a composed fifty, while early fireworks from Priyanshu Arya (39 off 11) set the tone for the chase. Following the defeat, Ravichandran Ashwin called for patience from fans, urging them not to target the younger players. “My request to CSK fans is, please do not slam any player. Support each and every one of them,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “Being a fan of a team isn’t just about winning. The five titles CSK have won is a legacy, but the youngsters shouldn’t be burdened with the weight of it,” he explained. “The burden shouldn’t fall on Ayush Mhatre or Urvil Patel. They have to go out and play with joy. They willl learn and couple of years down the line, the side will become invincible again,” he revealed. CSK’s innings had begun with Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening, but Samson’s struggles continued as he fell cheaply once again. Mhatre then steadied things alongside Gaikwad, racing to a 29-ball fifty and taking CSK past 100 inside 10 overs before Yuzvendra Chahal removed the skipper for 28. Mhatre carried on before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vyshak, who also climbed to the top of the Purple Cap standings. However, the bigger concern for CSK remains their bowling unit. Across two matches, they have leaked 338 runs in just 30.5 overs while taking only seven wickets. Even their spinners, Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar, were expensive against Punjab, conceding 84 runs in eight overs without the challenge of dew. The pace attack of Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj has also struggled to make an impact. Things do not get easier for CSK as they now face a confident RCB side that looks far more balanced than in previous seasons. Led by Virat Kohli at the top, RCB’s batting unit appears settled, with Devdutt Padikkal rediscovering form through a blistering 26-ball 61 in their previous outing and skipper Rajat Patidar anchoring the middle order effectively. RCB’s bowling, once considered their weak link, has shown significant improvement. In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy impressed with a three-wicket haul, using sharp short-pitched deliveries to trouble opposition batters. The team may also consider bringing in left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav in place of Abhinandan Singh. Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have provided control in the middle overs. For CSK, much will depend on Samson rediscovering form quickly. With scores of 6 and 7 so far, the T20 World Cup winner has not provided the strong starts expected of him. A clash against RCB could be the perfect stage for a turnaround, but unless their bowling unit improves significantly, CSK face an uphill battle against an in-form Bengaluru side.


Ajinkya Rahane completes 200 IPL matches; joins elite club of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Ajinkya Rahane completes 200 IPL matches; joins elite club of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli | Cricket News – The Times of India


IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane backs KKR’s young pace attack after loss

Ajinkya Rahane (Image: IPL)

Ajinkya Rahane etched his name into the record books as he became the 11th cricketer to play 200 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The milestone came during Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 at the Eden Gardens.Rahane, who made his IPL debut in 2008 for Mumbai Indians, has been one of the most consistent performers in the league over the years. Ahead of this landmark game, the veteran batter had featured in 199 IPL matches, scoring 5,099 runs at an average of around 30, including 2 centuries and 34 fifties.

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IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane backs KKR’s young pace attack after loss

Ajinkya Rahane began his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians, representing them in the first two editions (2008 and 2009). He then moved to Rajasthan Royals, where he enjoyed a long stint from 2011 to 2015 and returned again for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Rahane was part of the Rising Pune Super Giants setup in 2016 and 2017 before joining Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2020 through a trade deal, where he played until 2021. He later featured for Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Rahane was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2022 mega auction and re-signed again in the 2025 mega auction. Since 2025, he has been a key part of KKR and currently leads the side as captain.Elite company in IPL historyWith this achievement, Rahane joins an elite list of players who have crossed the 200-match mark in IPL history. Only 10 players have played more matches than him, with MS Dhoni leading the chart, followed by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, and Ambati Rayudu.Rahane’s longevity and adaptability across teams and roles highlight his importance in the league, having evolved from a classical top-order batter into a dependable captain for Kolkata.


Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut loading? Zimbabwe T20I series raises big question | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut loading? Zimbabwe T20I series raises big question | Cricket News – The Times of India


Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut loading? Zimbabwe T20I series raises big question | Cricket News – The Times of India
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by PTI)

NEW DELHI: The meteoric rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no longer just a feel-good breakout story; it is rapidly turning into a serious selection debate, with growing chatter around a potential India debut in the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series.Just days after turning 15, the Rajasthan Royals prodigy delivered a stunning statement, smashing a blistering 15-ball half-century against Chennai Super Kings. The knock not only showcased his fearless intent but also reinforced why he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket today.

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A Father’s Pride: How RR, Dravid & Vikram Shaped Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Remarkably, this came on the back of a 35-ball IPL century last season, underlining that his performances are far from a one-off.Chasing a modest target of 128, Sooryavanshi ensured there was nothing modest about his approach. Taking full advantage of the powerplay, he tore into the bowlers, racing to 52 off just 17 balls in a dazzling display of strokeplay. Alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, he laid the foundation for a dominant chase, effectively sealing the game within the first six overs.Explaining his aggressive mindset, the teenager said, “I think of defending, but the plan was to decide the game in the powerplay as we’d restricted them to a low score. If the bowlers had bowled well in the powerplay then the game might have turned their way, but we went all out in the powerplay.” It was a mature assessment, reflecting not just raw talent but also a growing understanding of match situations.

Zimbabwe tour perfect launchpad for India debut

With India scheduled to tour Zimbabwe in July 2026 for a three-match T20I series, the timing of his rise could prove significant. Historically, tours to Zimbabwe have served as a platform for fresh faces to break into the national side. Players such as Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and more recently Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel have all made their T20I debuts there.Players to debut in Zimbabwe T20I series over the last decade

  • Tushar Deshpande – 2024
  • B Sai Sudharsan – 2024
  • Abhishek Sharma – 2024
  • Dhruv Jurel – 2024
  • Riyan Parag – 2024
  • Dhawal Kulkarni – 2016
  • Barinder Sran – 2016
  • Rishi Dhawan – 2016
  • Mandeep Singh – 2016
  • KL Rahul – 2016
  • Yuzvendra Chahal – 2016
  • Jaydev Unadkat – 2016
  • Sanju Samson – 2015
  • Stuart Binny – 2015
  • Kedar Jadhav – 2015
  • Manish Pandey – 2015
  • Axar Patel – 2015
  • Sandeep Sharma – 2015

Given India’s packed international calendar and the team management’s tendency to rotate squads after major tournaments, the Zimbabwe series presents a realistic opportunity to test emerging talent. Sooryavanshi, with his explosive style and growing confidence, fits that bill perfectly.

Experts divided as calls grow to fast-track Sooryavanshi

Unsurprisingly, a growing chorus of former cricketers is now calling for the youngster to be fast-tracked into India’s T20 setup. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal believes it is only a matter of time before Sooryavanshi dons the national colours.“In just 8 IPL games, he has been piling records — he already has a hundred. I think in the coming international games for India, he will get a chance after IPL. He will become a young player of the T20 international team. He has proved himself in every place. If he continues to perform, he will definitely get the chance,” Akmal said.He also highlighted the youngster’s maturity, adding, “His presence of mind, game awareness, the way he plays — he has a counter to everything at such a young age. This is remarkable… We are discussing his performance more because it was a low-scoring match of 128. But his performance is visible because he scored 50 runs on 15 balls.”Former India batter Mohammad Kaif, who had earlier urged caution around the hype, has now revised his stance. “Last season I thought Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was getting hyped way too early. An old-school cricketer, I believe there should be no haste in fast-tracking young players. But a year later, I think he is ready to graduate to the next level,” Kaif wrote. He further praised the youngster’s ability to “entertain and play match-winning knocks.”Echoing similar sentiments, veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla backed the idea of accelerating his progression. “If he plays like that, I would love to see him fast-tracked,” Chawla said, while also pointing out his consistency across formats and his knack for scoring not just hundreds, but “big hundreds.”Former India batter Ambati Rayudu also weighed in, describing Sooryavanshi as “a cut above a lot of youngsters”. However, Rayudu offered a note of realism, highlighting the challenges of breaking into a settled and successful Indian T20 side. “Don’t forget, our Indian team is a world champion team. It’s won the T20 World Cup. So to replace somebody in that side is not easy. To me, there are a few players ahead of him at the moment, because you tend to pick and build your teams ahead of the next ICC competition,” he said.While the excitement around Sooryavanshi continues to build, not everyone is in favour of rushing his progression. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged restraint, emphasising the need to manage expectations around a 15-year-old prodigy.“Don’t give him such a target. He is not even a guy, he is a kid,” Ashwin said. Stressing the importance of patience, he added, “If Sooryavanshi plays till 40, he has two and a half decades left in cricket. Leave him alone, he will come on his own when the time is right.”Despite his caution, Ashwin had no doubts about the youngster’s ability. “He is too good to not play for India. He will play anyway eventually. When will he play? For that, we might have to wait a bit. Why are we always in a hurry,” he remarked.As the debate intensifies, the selectors face a delicate balancing act: whether to fast-track a generational talent or allow him the time and space to develop naturally. With the Zimbabwe tour looming, the conversation is only set to grow louder.


‘Ponting once again proved right’: Ashwin on Punjab Kings’ bold call vs Gujarat Titans | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘Ponting once again proved right’: Ashwin on Punjab Kings’ bold call vs Gujarat Titans | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘Ponting once again proved right’: Ashwin on Punjab Kings’ bold call vs Gujarat Titans | Cricket News – The Times of India
Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting chats with captain Shreyas Iyer. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on Ricky Ponting for a decisive team selection call after Punjab Kings edged past Gujarat Titans in a tense IPL 2026 clash, stating that the legendary Australian “once again proved right.”Punjab secured a narrow three-wicket win, but it was the impact of lesser-expected contributors that caught Ashwin’s attention. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin admitted he had initially questioned the decision to include Xavier Bartlett over Azmatullah Omarzai.

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Greenstone Lobo predicts IPL 2026 winner

“I thought before the start of the game that Azmatullah Omarzai should play. Dude, why is Bartlett playing? But the way Bartlett bowled and batted, Ricky Ponting once again proved right by filling all the overseas slots with Australians,” Ashwin said.Bartlett may not have made a major impact with the ball, returning 0/36 in four overs, but he played a crucial cameo with the bat. Coming in at No. 9, he released pressure in the penultimate over by smashing Prasidh Krishna for a six off his very first ball, shifting momentum back in Punjab’s favour.Connolly’s composure seals the dealWhile Bartlett provided late fireworks, it was young Australian Cooper Connolly who anchored the chase with a mature knock of 72 off 44 balls on his IPL debut, earning the Player of the Match award.

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Was including Xavier Bartlett over Azmatullah Omarzai a good decision?

Ashwin was particularly impressed with the 22-year-old’s temperament under pressure. “This is his first game in the IPL. It isn’t easy. The guy comes from Australia and has never played cricket in India. It wasn’t a bouncy-type wicket; it was a skiddy wicket and he adapted and played a very good innings,” he said.“There was a lot of pressure near the end; even then, he held his nerve and finished the chase well. He is only 22 years old and he performed so well in the BBL that he opened everyone’s eyes,” Ashwin added.Despite a brief collapse triggered by Gujarat, Punjab’s young core and Ponting’s tactical decisions ensured they began their campaign on a winning note, reinforcing Ashwin’s belief that experience in the dugout continues to make a telling difference.


R Ashwin first Indian-capped player in MLC, to play alongside Pakistan’s Haris Rauf | Cricket News – The Times of India
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R Ashwin first Indian-capped player in MLC, to play alongside Pakistan’s Haris Rauf | Cricket News – The Times of India


R Ashwin first Indian-capped player in MLC, to play alongside Pakistan’s Haris Rauf | Cricket News – The Times of India

Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make history as the first Indian-capped player to feature in Major League Cricket after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. The veteran off-spinner, part of India’s title-winning squads at the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, has enjoyed a remarkable international career, claiming 765 wickets in 287 matches across formats. He also stands as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Speaking about the move, Ashwin highlighted the rapid growth of the league and the opportunity it presents. “The MLC has proven over recent seasons that it can put on a show, bringing in world-class players and offering significant exposure to US domestic cricket talent, and the opportunity to be a part of it with the San Francisco Unicorns was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. “Taking on the mantle as the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace. My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first Championship, while also putting on a spectacular brand of cricket for the Bay Area fans,” said Ashwin in a statement. Ashwin also brings vast T20 experience, being among the top five wicket-takers in the Indian Premier League, having represented teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He had earlier been set to feature in the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder, before a knee injury ruled him out. San Francisco Unicorns head coach Cameron White expressed his excitement at the signing, calling it a landmark moment for both the franchise and the league. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwin’s stature to the Unicorns. When you talk about match-winners and cricketing intelligence, his name is at the top of the list around the world. “Bringing in the first Indian-capped player is a massive moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but first and foremost, he’s joining to help us win games. His experience in high-pressure situations and his skill variations will be invaluable on the pitch and in the nets, and I can’t wait to get into camp and start working with him,” he said. The Unicorns will kick off their campaign on June 19 against LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas. The tournament will conclude on July 18 at the franchise’s home venue, the Oakland Coliseum. The team has already retained key overseas names including Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf, along with domestic players Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hammad Azam.Also See: IPL Live Score


‘Talking bulls**t’ about Arjun Tendulkar’: Yuvraj Singh’s father blasts R Ashwin | Cricket News – The Times of India
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‘Talking bulls**t’ about Arjun Tendulkar’: Yuvraj Singh’s father blasts R Ashwin | Cricket News – The Times of India


‘Talking bulls**t’ about Arjun Tendulkar’: Yuvraj Singh’s father blasts R Ashwin | Cricket News – The Times of India
R Ashwin and Arjun Tendulkar

NEW DELHI: A debate has broken out over Arjun Tendulkar’s chances in IPL 2026 after Ravichandran Ashwin said the youngster is unlikely to feature for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With a strong pace attack already in place, Ashwin felt Arjun would struggle to break into the playing XI.Speaking about the team combination, Ashwin said, “Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won’t play at all), and let’s not even go there. I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup. There are so many fast bowlers. How will he play? I don’t think he makes any case unless and until there are a lot of injuries.”

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Impact Player Rule: Game-changer or all-rounder killer?

His blunt take did not go down well with former India cricketer Yograj Singh, who strongly criticised Ashwin for his comments.Yograj Singh’s strong responseHitting back in an interview with InsideSport, Yograj, father of superstar cricketer Yuvraj Singh, said, “He is talking bulls**t, this guy, R Ashwin, whoever he is. He should know what to talk about somebody. Somebody’s sitting on the television and talking,’ Oh, he can’t do this, he can’t do that’. Who are you? What are you?”He also shared his own views on Arjun’s abilities, saying, “He is Sachin Tendulkar‘s son, that is a different story. When he was here, I told Yuvi, that all of you are concentrating wrong on Arjun Tendulkar. “He is not a bowler, he had a spine problem, and his hands come down from 45 degree. When he was here, I was talking to him. I told his coach as well when he was with the Goa team.”Backing his confidence, Yograj added, “If you can’t do it. Send him to me, I challenge the whole world that if Arjun Tendulkar spends six months with me, he will surpass all the batters in this world. If not, I will cut off my beard and throw it.”LSG Squad (* denotes Overseas players): Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram*, Akash Singh, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshin Kulkarni, Avesh Khan, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi, Himmat Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke*, Mayank Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mitchell Marsh*, Mohsin Khan, Nicholas Pooran*, Prince Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shahbaz Ahmed, Josh Inglis*, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Anrich Nortje*, Wanindu Hasaranga*, Naman Tiwari.


Attack Varun Chakravarthy early and his confidence drops, Ashwin warns ahead of T20 World Cup final | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Attack Varun Chakravarthy early and his confidence drops, Ashwin warns ahead of T20 World Cup final | Cricket News – The Times of India


Attack Varun Chakravarthy early and his confidence drops, Ashwin warns ahead of T20 World Cup final | Cricket News – The Times of India

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling after the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the spinner’s confidence drops when batters attack him early in his spell.India reached the final after beating England by seven runs in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Chakravarthy had a difficult outing in the match while defending a total of 253 runs.

“Holi ki double khushi ho gayi“ India fans erupt after win against England | T20 World Cup

The spinner conceded 64 runs and picked up one wicket. It became the joint second-most expensive bowling spell in a T20 World Cup match. He equalled the record of Sanath Jayasuriya, who had figures of 0/64 for Sri Lanka against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2007.“What is happening with Varun is not that teams are attacking him or picking him. Everyone knows that Adil Rashid has a googly. Teams attacking or reading a bowler is normal — it happens to every cricketer. But if this happens, you have to be tactical. You cannot miss the lengths. Line and length variations with speed variations are important. Varun has to be spoken to,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.“Every time he gets attacked upfront, the confidence is going down further, because he knows he is catching up. I am tired of saying this again and again. From the last few games, I am saying this. Do not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander,” he added.The most expensive bowling figures in a T20 World Cup match were recorded in this edition when Saurabh Netravalkar of the United States returned 0/65 against India.Chakravarthy now has the joint second-most expensive bowling figures for India in all T20 internationals. Prasidh Krishna holds the record with 0/68 against Australia in Guwahati in 2023, while Yuzvendra Chahal also had figures of 0/64 against South Africa in Durban in 2018.India will face New Zealand in the final of the tournament on Sunday, March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.The two teams had also reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and will again meet in the final of an ICC tournament nearly a year later.