Delhi Capitals have included T Natarajan, their expensive acquisition, in the playing XI for the first time, replacing Mukesh Kumar to strengthen their death bowling. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and chose to field first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Both captains emphasized the importance of executing their plans and maintaining a positive team environment as the league progresses.
Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has received a death threat via email, prompting an FIR to be filed in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district. The sender, identified as Rajput Sindar, allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs one crore. Shami is currently playing in the IPL 2025 for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is cleared to play again after completing a substance abuse treatment program. This followed a positive test for a recreational drug during the SA20 competition in January. SAIDS confirmed Rabada tested positive after a match on January 21 and was informed on April 1, leading to a provisional suspension.
Chennai Super Kings face a setback. Wicketkeeper Vansh Bedi is out of IPL 2025. Urvil Patel replaces him. Patel is a wicketkeeper-batter from Gujarat. He had strong domestic performances. CSK is already out of playoff contention. The team will focus on future rebuilding. Patel’s addition offers a glimpse into the next generation. CSK will play final games with pride.
Karachi Kings, led by David Warner, secured a crucial 10-run victory against Lahore Qalandars in a rain-affected PSL match. Irfan Khan’s explosive innings of 48 off 21 balls propelled the Kings to chase down the revised target. Warner playfully criticized Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pre-match comments about the pitch, praising his own team’s bowlers and Irfan Khan’s match-winning performance.
Rajasthan Royals faced elimination from the IPL. The team suffered several close defeats due to inexperienced batting. Key players failed to perform in crucial moments. Stand-in captain Riyan Parag admitted to tactical errors. The absence of Sanju Samson was felt. The decision to back youth over experience backfired. The team’s batting coach Vikram Rathour expressed frustration over missed opportunities.
Mixed Martial Arts will debut at the 2026 Asian Games. India’s athletes need government and sponsor support. Currently, there are no awards or government funding for training. India lacks a recognized federation to govern MMA. Ritu Phogat and Puja Tomar highlight the financial struggles. They emphasize the need for training centers and coaches.
Rishabh Pant’s struggles continued with a meager 18 runs against Punjab Kings, further disappointing LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. His poor form, marked by a low strike rate and multiple single-digit scores, contrasts sharply with Punjab Kings’ dominant batting performance, highlighted by Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive 91, propelling them to a formidable total of 236.
Trent Alexander-Arnold declared his departure from Liverpool, his childhood club, upon the contract’s expiration at the season’s end. He acknowledged it as the “hardest decision” of his life. The English defender has been strongly linked with free transfer to Real Madrid.
