The players secured an impressive five medals in the Rapid segment, marking a strong start to its international campaign. Leading the charge were Tamizh Amudhan S. and Meha, who claimed Gold Medals in their respective categories. In the Under-10 Boys category, chess prodigy Tamizh Amudhan S., who recently crossed the 2000 Elo mark at just eight years old, won the Gold Medal. In the Under-12 Girls division, Meha secured another Gold Medal.

Further strengthening the medal tally, Nandish earned a Silver Medal in the highly competitive Under-18 Boys category. In the senior youth divisions, Marium (Under-20 Girls) and Kritan (Under-20 Boys) claimed Silver and Bronze Medals.

Mr. R.G. Chandramogan, Chairman, Hatsun Agro Product Ltd said, “The Hatsun Sports Academy was created to give young athletes access to world-class training infrastructure and experienced coaching. Seeing every single one of our traveling players secure an international medal in Sri Lanka reflects our belief that disciplined training, guided by the best expertise, creates the foundation required to produce world-class champions”

Hatsun Chess Academy Head Coach GM Vishnu Prasanna said: “Our students have set a phenomenal tone from the very start of the tournament. Securing five medals in the Rapid event, followed by strong performances in the Classical and Blitz segments, reflects the effectiveness of our training programs and the dedication of our players. We are immensely proud of these young champions for proving their mettle on an international stage. Achievements like these reinforce our commitment to nurturing world-class talent and expanding opportunities for young athletes to excel globally.“

Following the high-intensity Rapid segment, the grandmasters-in-the-making continued their dominant run through the Classical and Blitz championships, securing 8 additional medals. Notably, Tamizh Amudhan S., Modith Aaroh Mutyalapati, Meha Arin A., and Marium Fatima claimed 4 medals in the Classical segment, while Tamizh Amudhan S., Modith Aaroh Mutyalapati, Nandish VS, and Marium Fatima emerged victorious in the Blitz event, bringing a spectacular end to international campaign.

Category Details

BLITZ MEDALLIST
NO	NAME	CATEGORY	MEDAL	LINK
1	TAMIZH AMUDHAN S	UNDER-10 OPEN	GOLD	BLITZ UNDER-10 STANDINGS
2	MODITH AAROH MUTYALAPATI	UNDER-12 OPEN	SILVER	BLITZ UNDER-12 STANDINGS
3	NANDISH VS	UNDER-18 OPEN	SILVER	BLITZ UNDER-18 STANDINGS
4	MARIUM FATIMA	UNDER-20 GIRLS	BRONZE

STANDARD MEDALLIST
NO	NAME	CATEGORY	MEDAL	LINK
1	TAMIZH AMUDHAN S	UNDER-10 OPEN	GOLD	STANDARD UNDER-10 STANDINGS
2	MODITH AAROH MUTYALAPATI	UNDER-12 OPEN	SILVER	STANDARD UNDER-12 STANDINGS
3	MEHA ARIN A	UNDER-12 GIRLS	BRONZE	STANDARD UNDER-12 GIRLS STANDINGS
4	MARIUM FATIMA	UNDER-20 GIRLS	BRONZE

Rajasthan has had a strong start to IPL 2026 but has struggled recently, losing four of their last five matches. They sit on 12 points and need wins in their final two games to qualify for the playoffs. Lucknow, though eliminated earlier, has shown improved form with two wins in their last three matches, including victories over top teams RCB and CSK.

The match will be broadcasted on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar. The stadium, built in 1969, holds around 30,000 fans for IPL matches. Rajasthan leads the head-to-head record against Lucknow with five wins out of seven meetings, but Lucknow has managed two wins at Jaipur.

Rajasthan’s highest score in this fixture is 199, while Lucknow’s highest is 196. Yashasvi Jaiswal tops the run charts with 229 runs, and Avesh Khan leads the wicket tally with nine dismissals. Key players for Rajasthan include Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jofra Archer, while Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran are crucial for Lucknow.

Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return for Rajasthan after missing the last match due to a knee niggle. Captain Riyan Parag, despite a mild hamstring injury, remains fit to lead the team. For Lucknow, Aiden Markram is likely out for the season, leaving a gap in their middle order.

The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is dry and batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 210-215. Fast bowlers have been effective here, claiming over 65% of wickets. The weather will be hot and clear, with temperatures around 34°C to 37°C, offering no advantage to spinners.

Chasing teams have a 64% win record at this venue, making the toss crucial. Expect the team winning the toss to choose to bowl first in these conditions.

The situation spiraled into chaos when numerous VIPs and officials without valid passes entered the stadium. This led to frustration among fans, many of whom paid high prices for tickets, with some reaching ₹14,000, only to be turned away. The confusion resulted in spectators throwing bottles and attempting to break gates.

Satadru Dutta was arrested but later released on bail after 37 days. He claims he raised concerns about unauthorized access during a meeting with police officials, including Rajeev Kumar. He also alleges being threatened not to involve Biswas or others linked to the case. Dutta has filed lawsuits seeking ₹50 crore in damages and defamation suits against those involved.

The newly appointed Sports Minister under the BJP government in West Bengal, Nishith Pramanik, announced plans to reopen the investigation. He emphasized restoring dignity to those affected by the “Messi fiasco” and ensuring justice for those responsible.

The 34-year-old forward currently plays for Santos FC in Brazil. His return to the national team is seen as a major moment, as he has been away from international football since 2023 due to repeated injuries and fitness problems.

Even though he has been out of action for Brazil for a long time, Neymar remains a key figure in the team’s history. He is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals in 128 international matches. His experience and attacking skills make him one of the most important players in the squad.

This will be Neymar’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance. He has previously played in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. With this selection, he now has another chance to represent Brazil on football’s biggest stage and possibly play in his final World Cup.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the decision to include Neymar was made after careful observation of his fitness and recent performances. He explained that the coaching staff followed Neymar throughout the year to check his recovery and playing condition.

Ancelotti added that Neymar has shown better physical fitness in recent months and has been more consistent in matches. This improvement gave the selectors confidence to bring him back into the national team setup.

The decision has created excitement among Brazilian fans, many of whom believe Neymar’s return can strengthen the team’s attack and improve their chances of winning the World Cup. Supporters are hopeful that his skill, creativity, and experience will play a big role in Brazil’s campaign.

With this squad announcement, Brazil has made its intentions clear as it prepares for the tournament, aiming to combine experienced stars like Neymar with younger talents to compete for the title once again.

Rohit Sharma, the vice-captain and one of the most important batsmen for India, is on the recovery path after facing an injury setback. His ability to return to full fitness will be critical for India’s batting lineup, as his experience and leadership are invaluable in high-pressure matches. Fans and experts alike are eagerly waiting to see if Rohit can showcase his skills once again.

Hardik Pandya, known for his explosive batting and crucial contributions in the middle order, is also recovering from an injury. His fitness status remains a key talking point ahead of the match. Hardik’s inclusion or exclusion could alter India’s strategy, as he brings both power hitting and versatility to the team.

With both players’ fitness under close watch, the focus will be on how they adapt to the conditions in Afghanistan. Their participation is expected to play a pivotal role in determining India’s chances of success in the series.

CSK lost the game by five wickets, which pushed SRH into the playoffs and put CSK’s campaign in jeopardy. Despite strong performances from Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen for SRH, the emotional atmosphere at Chepauk remained intense throughout.

Dhoni’s appearance during the team photo was a highlight of the night. His presence on the field, even just for the photo, created nostalgia among fans, as they missed their former captain. Suresh Raina also shared images from the stadium, showing Dhoni and Raina sharing hugs and laughter, reminding fans of their long association with CSK.

In the match, CSK scored 180/7, with Sanju Samson leading the innings, supported by Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube. SRH’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, kept them in check. In reply, SRH maintained control through partnerships, with Ishan Kishan scoring a fluent 70 and Klaasen adding quick runs. They completed the chase comfortably with an over to spare.

The result confirmed SRH’s playoff qualification alongside Gujarat Titans, making them second and third teams in the knockout stage after Royal Challengers Bangalore. (ANI)

Speaking at an event, Tendulkar explained that success isn’t guaranteed but can be achieved through hard work and focus. While talent is natural, it’s how one develops it that matters. Many talented players fail due to a lack of discipline.

He emphasized that playing for India requires sacrifices and there are no shortcuts. Cricket is played in front of many people, so taking shortcuts can lead to failure.

Tendulkar advised parents not to pressure their children but to support them with patience and proper guidance. He stressed the importance of balancing freedom and encouragement, as this helps achieve good results.

He concluded by saying India should move from being a sports-loving nation to one that actively plays sports. (ANI)

Ishan Kishan played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 70 runs off 47 balls to help SRH chase down a target of 181 with one over remaining. However, his celebration sparked不满 among CSK supporters, who felt it was unnecessary and arrogant. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, questioning whether players had crossed the line in their post-match celebrations.

Despite the criticism, Kishan’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award. He reflected on the challenges he faced while batting on a difficult wicket, emphasizing the pressure to finish the game despite tough conditions. After the match, he shared an Instagram post with the caption: “Only thing louder than the whistles was the bat. Into the playoffs.”

With 490 runs from 13 matches at a strike rate of 179.48, including five half-centuries, Kishan has been instrumental in SRH’s IPL campaign. Their victory over CSK secured their place in the playoffs with 16 points. Meanwhile, CSK remains sixth in the standings with 12 points from 13 matches. A win against Gujarat Titans is unlikely to change their playoff fate.

SRH will conclude their league stage with a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday in Hyderabad.

Fleming expressed confidence in Gaikwad’s abilities during the IPL 2026 season. Despite a slow start this year, Gaikwad has shown improvement and demonstrated respect for his team. He has led CSK in 32 matches but has only won 14 of them. In IPL 2026 so far, he has scored 321 runs across 13 matches with a strike rate of 120.67, including two half-centuries.

Fleming noted the difficulty of replacing Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the best captains in cricket history. He praised Gaikwad’s dedication and learning process, emphasizing that leadership transitions take time. CSK currently sits sixth in the IPL standings with 12 points from 13 matches. Even a win in their final match against Gujarat Titans may not be enough to secure a playoff spot.

Dhoni attended the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad but did not play. Fleming declined to comment on Dhoni’s future with CSK, stating it was ultimately the management’s decision. He acknowledged Dhoni’s influence on the team this season, particularly for younger players, despite his limited playing time.

Initially, the BCCI was hesitant to accept CA’s proposal, but recent talks between the two organizations have been positive. A five-member CA delegation visited Chepauk and watched the Chennai Super Kings’ final IPL 2026 home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the week.

A CA representative declined to confirm the plans, stating that discussions are ongoing with the BCCI and the Australian government to strengthen India-Australia cricket ties. BCCI president Mithun Manhas also met with CA officials in Chennai.

Chennai has been CA’s top choice for hosting the BBL opener overseas since the idea was proposed. CA is also discussing arrangements with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).

While there were talks about hosting multiple matches, scheduling issues mean only the season’s first game will be held in Chennai. The defending champions, Perth Scorchers, might play in the opener.

One challenge for both organizations is Chennai’s weather during its monsoon season, which runs from October to December and could bring rain.

Sydney Thunder signed former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin for the 2025-26 BBL but he missed due to a knee injury. If he had played, he would have been the first Indian man to compete in the BBL.

Discussions about privatising BBL franchises were paused after CA couldn’t reach an agreement with state members. New South Wales rejected the plan, while Queensland delayed its decision.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said plans to sell the league to India are not being considered. He emphasized that states should decide on franchise partners.