Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer, calling the Punjab Kings captain a player “in the zone” and on a clear path from being good to potentially great. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Ashwin highlighted Iyer’s commanding presence at the crease and the consistency he has displayed across the last two IPL seasons. Iyer’s recent form in Indian Premier League 2026 has been particularly impressive, with scores of 50, 69* and 66 in his last three innings, striking at nearly 188. Ashwin emphasized that Iyer’s impact goes beyond numbers. According to him, the batter’s body language and composure reflect a player operating at peak confidence. “When he marks guard, it feels like he’s in a different zone altogether,” Ashwin noted, describing it as a phase where everything — preparation, mindset, and execution — aligns perfectly. A key factor behind Iyer’s evolution, Ashwin said, is his willingness to address weaknesses. Long criticized for his struggles against short-pitched bowling, Iyer has actively worked to counter that narrative. Ashwin pointed to moments such as Iyer confidently taking on top pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, including pulling him for six, as evidence of his growth mindset. “He’s not shying away from challenges. That willingness to improve is what defines the journey from good to great,” Ashwin explained. Iyer’s batting form has also translated into leadership success. Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings reached the IPL final in 2025 and have continued their strong run in 2026, sitting at the top of the table with four wins from five matches. Ashwin credited Iyer for fostering a relaxed and open team environment, where communication flows freely between players and leadership. “He’s created a brotherhood within the team,” Ashwin said. “That comfort allows players to express themselves and deliver.” Ashwin also weighed in on the ongoing debate about Iyer’s place in India’s T20I setup. Despite India’s recent success without him, including multiple global titles, Ashwin believes Iyer deserves inclusion purely on merit. “If he doesn’t get picked, it’s not his loss — it’s ours,” Ashwin stated. “You pick the best 15 players first and then figure out combinations.” He further underlined the depth of Indian cricket, referencing talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, but insisted that Iyer’s current form makes him impossible to ignore. With his batting flourishing and leadership maturing, Iyer appears to be entering a defining phase of his career — one that could soon cement his place among India’s elite in the shortest format.

Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning turnaround to defend a modest total of 194 against Chennai Super Kings, thanks to a disciplined and collective bowling effort led by Eshan Malinga and Nitish Kumar Reddy. At one stage, CSK appeared firmly in control of the chase, needing just 84 runs from 60 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, Hyderabad’s relatively inexperienced bowling unit flipped the script in dramatic fashion. Eshan Malinga (3/29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/31), supported by Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain, ensured that CSK’s chase unraveled under pressure. Each of the four bowlers maintained an economy rate of eight or less while contributing crucial wickets. Earlier in the match, Hyderabad’s innings was powered by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. Abhishek raced to a 15-ball fifty, accelerating after initially being contained, while Klaasen added a composed 59 off 33 balls, continuing his strong form this season. Despite a strong platform in the powerplay, CSK’s bowlers staged a recovery through Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, and Gurjapneet Singh, restricting SRH from reaching what once looked like a 230-plus total. Overton, in particular, impressed with his middle-overs spell, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a sharp rising delivery shortly after the batter had been dropped. In response, CSK began aggressively, with young Ayush Mhatre leading the charge. The 18-year-old struck at a blistering rate, helping CSK to 62 for 1 in just over four overs. However, his momentum was halted by a leg injury sustained while attempting a quick run, a moment that proved pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum. Following Mhatre’s departure, CSK’s innings lost direction. The middle order struggled to maintain the required scoring rate as Hyderabad’s bowlers tightened their grip. Malinga’s ability to execute yorkers and exploit reverse swing proved decisive, removing key batters including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matt Short, and Sarfaraz Khan. Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain delivered crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, effectively ending CSK’s hopes of a comeback. Despite outscoring SRH in the powerplay, CSK faltered in the middle and death overs, ultimately falling short in what would have been their first successful 190-plus chase in eight years. The result highlights Hyderabad’s growing depth in bowling and exposes lingering concerns in CSK’s finishing ability, an issue that continues to trouble them this season. Result: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Chennai Super Kings by a narrow margin while defending 194.

Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a revamped Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach and including four uncapped players for the two-match series. The squad, to be led by Shan Masood, features fresh faces Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Ghazi Ghori and Amad Butt, all of whom have impressed in domestic cricket. The changes come after Pakistan’s previous Test assignment against South Africa national cricket team at home, with five players—Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam and Rohail Nazir—being dropped. New Faces Rewarded for Domestic Performances Abdullah Fazal earned selection after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the recent President’s Trophy, amassing 622 runs in seven matches at an average of 51.83, including two centuries. Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori also impressed with 531 runs at 48.27, while Azan Awais has been a consistent performer over the last two domestic seasons, scoring 2,673 runs at an average of 48.6 with ten centuries. Fast-bowling allrounder Amad Butt secured his place after a strong season, claiming 32 wickets at 19.21 and contributing useful runs. His standout performance included a match-winning spell in a low-scoring domestic contest earlier this year. Sarfaraz Begins Coaching Tenure This marks Sarfaraz Ahmed’s first assignment as head coach of the senior national side. The former skipper, who famously led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, recently guided the Under-19 team to an Asia Cup title and worked with Pakistan Shaheens. He will be supported by former teammates Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach, forming a new-look backroom staff. Abbas Returns, Core Remains Intact Experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas returns to the Test squad after missing recent series, having been in action in county cricket. He joins a pace attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Khurram Shahzad. The batting unit retains its experienced core, featuring Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq. Spin duties will be handled by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. Series Details The two-Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team will begin in Dhaka on May 8, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16. The tour forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. With a blend of youth and experience, Pakistan will look to start strongly under new leadership as they continue their red-ball campaign.

Jemimah Rodrigues acknowledged that India failed to capitalize at a crucial stage, resulting in a narrow defeat to South Africa women's cricket team in the opening match of their five-match T20I series. India looked set for a competitive total when Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur stitched together a promising 71-run partnership for the third wicket. However, the momentum slipped away at a key moment, and India finished with 157—around 15 to 20 runs short of what they had targeted. Missed Chance to Accelerate Reflecting on the innings, Rodrigues pointed to her dismissal in the 15th over as a turning point. “We had built momentum and done the hard work, but when the time came to capitalize, we couldn’t,” she said. “I fell at the wrong time. For set batters, it’s easier to take the innings deep, and that’s something I’ll take responsibility for in the next game.” India had started well, thanks to a brisk 34 off 20 balls from Shafali Verma. But quick wickets, including that of Smriti Mandhana, stalled progress before Rodrigues and Harmanpreet rebuilt the innings. Despite Harmanpreet remaining unbeaten on 47 off 33 balls, India’s lower order failed to provide the late surge needed to push the total beyond par. Bowlers Keep India in the Contest India’s bowlers mounted a strong fightback in the second innings, taking the game deep. Rodrigues praised the efforts of Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani, who bowled with discipline under pressure. “A little better execution and we could have won,” Rodrigues noted. “But it’s encouraging that we pushed the game to the final over.” South Africa eventually chased down the target with five balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Focus Shifts to Next Match and World Cup Preparation Looking ahead, Rodrigues expressed confidence in India’s ability to adapt to conditions and bounce back in the next match. She also highlighted the importance of the series as preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled later this year in England and Wales. “With the World Cup coming up, this tour is crucial,” she said. “We have depth in our batting and plenty of allrounders, but some of them need more match experience. These games will help us prepare better as a unit.” India will now aim to level the series in the second T20I, with improvements in both finishing with the bat and execution with the ball high on their agenda.

A composed 86 from Shubman Gill helped Gujarat Titans (GT) secure a measured chase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League 2026. The match followed a familiar GT blueprint: disciplined fast bowling to restrict the opposition, followed by a controlled chase anchored by their captain. KKR’s decision-making came under scrutiny early, as they left out Finn Allen and chose to bat first despite conditions that hinted at evening dew. KKR Falter Despite Green’s Effort KKR’s innings never quite found sustained momentum. Early breakthroughs from Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada put them on the back foot, with the score crawling to 37 in the powerplay. A brief resurgence came through Cameron Green, who struck 79 off 55 balls. However, his innings was inconsistent—slow to start, explosive in the middle overs, and subdued at the finish. KKR looked set for a 200-plus total at 147 for 4 in the 15th over, but a sudden collapse saw them lose five wickets for 26 runs, eventually getting bowled out for 180. GT’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout, with tight lines and subtle movement proving effective on a pitch that offered assistance. Gill Anchors the Chase GT’s response was swift and assertive. Gill led from the front, scoring freely in the powerplay with elegant strokeplay. Contributions from Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler ensured GT raced to 71 for 1 in the first six overs, effectively taking control of the chase. Gill then shifted gears, prioritizing stability over aggression as wickets fell at the other end. While GT’s middle order—featuring Washington Sundar and Glenn Phillips—struggled to maintain fluency, the required rate remained manageable. A late wicket of Gill gave KKR a glimmer of hope, but GT held their nerve. With five runs needed in the final over, they crossed the line with two balls to spare, despite a brief scare. KKR Left to Reflect KKR will rue their inability to capitalize on key moments—both with the bat during their late collapse and with the ball when GT’s scoring slowed. A slightly higher total could have made the chase significantly more challenging. For GT, however, it was another example of their efficient, methodical approach delivering results, with Gill once again at the center of their success.

Quinton de Kock may have reignited the debate over Mumbai Indians’ preferred overseas opener after a stunning century on his return to the XI in IPL 2026. Back in familiar colours for Mumbai Indians, de Kock delivered a vintage performance, smashing an unbeaten 112 off 60 balls against Punjab Kings. The innings, laced with eight fours and seven sixes, marked only the second hundred of the season and reminded fans of his key role in MI’s title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. De Kock had started the season on the bench, with fellow South African Ryan Rickelton preferred as the overseas opener. However, an injury to Rohit Sharma opened the door, and de Kock seized the opportunity in emphatic fashion. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch attributed the free-flowing knock to de Kock’s composure and experience. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Finch suggested that de Kock’s settled mindset allowed him to play without pressure, unlike players trying to cement their place. Despite the individual brilliance, MI fell short of a commanding total. Contributions from Naman Dhir (50) and Hardik Pandya (12) were not enough to push the team past 200, as the innings lost momentum in the final overs. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene downplayed the notion of a fixed first-choice opener, emphasizing healthy competition within the squad. “You didn’t ask me that question when Ryan got that 81 against KKR,” Jayawardene remarked, defending the earlier selection of Rickelton. “It’s good to have that competition. When the time was right, we played Quinny, and he executed a brilliant innings.” Rickelton, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency since his earlier half-century, crossing double digits only once in subsequent matches. Former India spinner Piyush Chawla praised de Kock’s ability to maintain scoring pressure even as wickets fell at the other end, highlighting his role in keeping MI competitive. While de Kock’s knock may not have fully settled the selection debate, it has certainly intensified it. With both openers offering contrasting strengths, Mumbai Indians now face a welcome dilemma as they look to fine-tune their combination for the remainder of the season.

Rwanda is set to host the inaugural ICC Women's Challenge Trophy, beginning April 18 in Kigali, marking a significant step in the development of women’s cricket among emerging nations. The tournament will open with hosts Rwanda taking on Italy, followed by Nepal facing the United States later the same day. Running through May 1, the competition will feature a total of 20 matches played across 10 match days, with Vanuatu also part of the five-team lineup. Introduced as a new addition to the International Cricket Council’s calendar, the Women’s Challenge Trophy is designed to provide valuable match exposure to the next tier of Associate women’s teams. It complements the Emerging Nations Trophy, launched last year, which featured the top-ranked teams across the ICC’s five regions. Participating teams in this event were selected based on their standings in the regional T20 World Cup qualifiers. According to the International Cricket Council, the tournament will follow a double round-robin format to maximize competitive opportunities. “This ensures teams gain sufficient match exposure and are better prepared to face stronger opposition in the future,” the ICC said, reaffirming its commitment to expanding the women’s game globally. All matches will be played at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium, which includes two adjacent international-standard grounds — the Main Oval and Oval B. Stephen Musaale, president of the Rwanda Cricket Association, highlighted the importance of the tournament for the host nation. “This tournament is a testament to the growth of Rwandan cricket and would not be possible without the support of our stakeholders and the ministry of sports,” he said, urging fans to turn out in large numbers and showcase the country’s hospitality. Tournament Schedule Highlights: April 18: Rwanda vs Italy; Nepal vs USA April 19: Rwanda vs Vanuatu; Italy vs Nepal April 21: Rwanda vs USA; Vanuatu vs Italy April 22: Rwanda vs Nepal; USA vs Vanuatu April 24: Nepal vs Vanuatu; Italy vs USA April 26: Rwanda vs Vanuatu; USA vs Nepal April 27: Rwanda vs Italy; USA vs Vanuatu April 28: Rwanda vs Nepal; Italy vs Vanuatu April 30: Italy vs USA; Nepal vs Vanuatu May 1: Rwanda vs USA; Italy vs Nepal The first match each day will begin at 9:00 AM local time, followed by the second fixture at 1:00 PM. The tournament represents a key milestone for associate women’s cricket, offering teams a structured platform to gain experience and build competitiveness on the international stage.

Glenton Stuurman’s short-term stint with Kent County Cricket Club has been cut short after the South African seamer sustained an injury following just one appearance. Stuurman, who had signed on for the opening block of County Championship fixtures in April and May, suffered what the club initially described as a “mild strain” during Kent’s opening-round clash against Durham at Chester-le-Street. Subsequent scans have now confirmed that the injury will sideline him for up to six weeks, forcing an early return to South Africa. Despite the setback, Stuurman made an impression in his lone outing, claiming match figures of 5 for 107 in a drawn contest. Kent’s Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, expressed disappointment at the untimely end to the seamer’s stay. “We’re disappointed that Glenton’s time has been cut short this season,” Cook said. “He has been a good addition to the dressing room.” Looking ahead, Kent are set to welcome another South African, Senuran Muthusamy, who is scheduled to join the squad ahead of the T20 Blast in late May and will remain for the rest of the County Championship campaign. Cook also highlighted that the squad retains sufficient depth in the seam department. With Matt Quinn nearing full fitness and Mikey Cohen available for selection, alongside the potential return of Grant Stewart, Kent are expected to manage the absence. Kent currently sit second from bottom in Division Two after drawing both of their opening matches, including a rain-affected fixture against Northamptonshire.

After a disappointing run in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, Hardik Pandya has admitted that his team, Mumbai Indians (MI), must confront “some hard questions” following their fourth consecutive defeat. MI’s latest setback came against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), who delivered a dominant performance. After restricting MI to 195 for 6, PBKS chased down the target comfortably in just 16.3 overs, securing a seven-wicket victory. The loss leaves Mumbai languishing in ninth place on the points table, with only one win from five matches. Speaking after the match, Pandya acknowledged the urgency of the situation and hinted at potential changes within the team. He emphasized the need for accountability and introspection, stating that the side must evaluate whether to make “difficult calls” or persist with their current approach in hopes of a turnaround. “I don’t have much to say right now,” Pandya admitted. “We need to go back to the drawing board and identify where we are lacking—whether it’s individuals, the team as a whole, or our planning.” Despite the frustration, Pandya was quick to credit Punjab Kings for their all-round performance. He noted that match conditions evolved during the game, with the ball reversing in the first innings and dew later making batting easier in the second. However, he conceded that these factors did not overshadow PBKS’s superiority. “They outplayed us in every aspect—bowling, batting, and fielding—and that cost us the game,” he said. With the tournament progressing quickly, Mumbai Indians face mounting pressure to address their shortcomings and revive their campaign before it slips beyond recovery.

Pat Cummins is set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being medically cleared, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain targeting a comeback later this month. Cummins, who had briefly joined the SRH camp at the start of the season, returned to Australia earlier in April for follow-up scans on a lingering back issue. Recent assessments in Sydney have confirmed that the lumbar bone stress injury — which had limited his appearances since July last year — has fully healed. The Australian skipper indicated via social media that he is scheduled to fly back to India and is aiming to feature in SRH’s clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 25 in Jaipur. Cummins was initially diagnosed with the stress injury in August after experiencing discomfort during Australia’s tour of the West Indies. The setback restricted him to just one appearance during the home season — the Adelaide Test against England — where he delivered an impressive six-wicket performance to help Australia retain The Ashes. Although there had been optimism about his return in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the tournament and the early stages of the IPL came too soon for the fast bowler. SRH Holding Steady Amid Absence Despite missing their captain, SRH have managed a steady start to the season, currently sitting fourth on the points table with two wins from five matches. The team rebounded strongly after a narrow loss to Punjab Kings — where they failed to defend a massive total of 219 — by securing a convincing 57-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan has stepped in to lead the side. Head coach Daniel Vettori noted earlier that Cummins has remained actively involved with the squad, mentoring Kishan and contributing to leadership discussions even while recovering. Workload Management Key for Australia Stars Cummins’ return comes ahead of a demanding international calendar for Australia, who are scheduled to play at least 20 Test matches between August and next July. The packed schedule includes series against Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, India, and England, along with a historic 150th anniversary Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia could also feature in the World Test Championship final in June if they qualify. Meanwhile, fellow Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has recently returned to action for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and is being cautiously managed following injury. He impressed with figures of 1 for 20 against Lucknow Super Giants after being rested for a match. However, Mitchell Starc is yet to join Delhi Capitals as he continues his recovery from shoulder and elbow injuries sustained during the Big Bash League. With Cummins’ return on the horizon, SRH will be boosted by the presence of their captain as the tournament heads into a crucial phase.