×
Sports news

Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour shared an encouraging injury update on opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.The…

Sports news

Chennai Super Kings will host Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on…

Sports news

Punjab Kings completed the highest ever successful run chase in not just the IPL, but…

Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming

The contest will be played on a black-soil pitch – a surface that will be used for the first time this season. However, Crowe said it doesn’t matter which surface the game is played on.

“So, it’s black soil tomorrow, I believe. From a foreign perspective – and I know this is probably more of a coach’s view – sometimes we can make a bit too much of the conditions before the game, whether it’s red soil, black soil or mixed.

“If you come in with a preconceived idea of how a certain pitch is going to play, you limit your plan,” Crowe said.

Meanwhile, KKR’s Anukul Roy said that the team’s first win last week has boosted players’ confidence. “Whatever we are trying to do, we haven’t been able to do up to the mark. Results can go up and down. We are trying to win every game possible from here,” Roy said.

When quizzed whether Matheesha Pathirana will be available for the game, the youngster remained tight-lipped. “He has been practicing with us for the last week. You’ll only know at the toss tomorrow if he’s playing or not,” Roy said.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Youll #toss #Anukul #Roy #tightlipped #Pathiranas #availability #LSGKKR #clash"> ‘You’ll only know at the toss’: Anukul Roy tight-lipped about Pathirana’s availability for LSG-KKR clash Lucknow Super Giants is still trying to find its best combination but feels it is one match away from getting its IPL 2026 campaign going, spin bowling coach Carl Crowe said here on Saturday.Super Giants, currently ninth in the standings, have changed their batting line-up on multiple occasions in seven games so far. Captain Rishabh Pant opened in their first game with Mitchell Marsh before Aiden Markram was given that role. Ayush Badoni has opened with Marsh in the last couple of games.“I think in terms of one of those changes, it was very much a match-up. In the modern game, you try and recognise what the options are going to be and plan accordingly,” Crowe explained on the eve of LSG’s fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium.“When you’re not playing quite so well, you’re trying to find that perfect match-up, but at the same time stability is vitally important,” he added. “It’s about still trying to find the best combination for us, and when you do find that combination, you try to stick with it for as long as possible.”Crowe said the LSG batters are aware of their shortcomings in the first half of the league stage and are working hard to overcome them. “We are one match away from smashing it and getting to where we need to be,” the coach said.ALSO READ: Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach FlemingThe contest will be played on a black-soil pitch – a surface that will be used for the first time this season. However, Crowe said it doesn’t matter which surface the game is played on.“So, it’s black soil tomorrow, I believe. From a foreign perspective – and I know this is probably more of a coach’s view – sometimes we can make a bit too much of the conditions before the game, whether it’s red soil, black soil or mixed.“If you come in with a preconceived idea of how a certain pitch is going to play, you limit your plan,” Crowe said.Meanwhile, KKR’s Anukul Roy said that the team’s first win last week has boosted players’ confidence. “Whatever we are trying to do, we haven’t been able to do up to the mark. Results can go up and down. We are trying to win every game possible from here,” Roy said.When quizzed whether Matheesha Pathirana will be available for the game, the youngster remained tight-lipped. “He has been practicing with us for the last week. You’ll only know at the toss tomorrow if he’s playing or not,” Roy said.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Youll #toss #Anukul #Roy #tightlipped #Pathiranas #availability #LSGKKR #clash
Sports news

Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming

The contest will be played on a black-soil pitch – a surface that will be used for the first time this season. However, Crowe said it doesn’t matter which surface the game is played on.

“So, it’s black soil tomorrow, I believe. From a foreign perspective – and I know this is probably more of a coach’s view – sometimes we can make a bit too much of the conditions before the game, whether it’s red soil, black soil or mixed.

“If you come in with a preconceived idea of how a certain pitch is going to play, you limit your plan,” Crowe said.

Meanwhile, KKR’s Anukul Roy said that the team’s first win last week has boosted players’ confidence. “Whatever we are trying to do, we haven’t been able to do up to the mark. Results can go up and down. We are trying to win every game possible from here,” Roy said.

When quizzed whether Matheesha Pathirana will be available for the game, the youngster remained tight-lipped. “He has been practicing with us for the last week. You’ll only know at the toss tomorrow if he’s playing or not,” Roy said.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Youll #toss #Anukul #Roy #tightlipped #Pathiranas #availability #LSGKKR #clash">‘You’ll only know at the toss’: Anukul Roy tight-lipped about Pathirana’s availability for LSG-KKR clash

Lucknow Super Giants is still trying to find its best combination but feels it is one match away from getting its IPL 2026 campaign going, spin bowling coach Carl Crowe said here on Saturday.

Super Giants, currently ninth in the standings, have changed their batting line-up on multiple occasions in seven games so far. Captain Rishabh Pant opened in their first game with Mitchell Marsh before Aiden Markram was given that role. Ayush Badoni has opened with Marsh in the last couple of games.

“I think in terms of one of those changes, it was very much a match-up. In the modern game, you try and recognise what the options are going to be and plan accordingly,” Crowe explained on the eve of LSG’s fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium.

“When you’re not playing quite so well, you’re trying to find that perfect match-up, but at the same time stability is vitally important,” he added. “It’s about still trying to find the best combination for us, and when you do find that combination, you try to stick with it for as long as possible.”

Crowe said the LSG batters are aware of their shortcomings in the first half of the league stage and are working hard to overcome them. “We are one match away from smashing it and getting to where we need to be,” the coach said.

ALSO READ: Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming

The contest will be played on a black-soil pitch – a surface that will be used for the first time this season. However, Crowe said it doesn’t matter which surface the game is played on.

“So, it’s black soil tomorrow, I believe. From a foreign perspective – and I know this is probably more of a coach’s view – sometimes we can make a bit too much of the conditions before the game, whether it’s red soil, black soil or mixed.

“If you come in with a preconceived idea of how a certain pitch is going to play, you limit your plan,” Crowe said.

Meanwhile, KKR’s Anukul Roy said that the team’s first win last week has boosted players’ confidence. “Whatever we are trying to do, we haven’t been able to do up to the mark. Results can go up and down. We are trying to win every game possible from here,” Roy said.

When quizzed whether Matheesha Pathirana will be available for the game, the youngster remained tight-lipped. “He has been practicing with us for the last week. You’ll only know at the toss tomorrow if he’s playing or not,” Roy said.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Youll #toss #Anukul #Roy #tightlipped #Pathiranas #availability #LSGKKR #clash

Lucknow Super Giants is still trying to find its best combination but feels it is…

Sports news

Punjab Kings needs to complete the highest chase in IPL history in order to win…

‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals"> IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals
Sports news

‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals">IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact,…

Virat Kohli hopes to return to ‘special’ Chinnaswamy later this season after RCB’s win over Gujarat Titans

“When you are commanding the situation, you make bowlers bowl where you want. He made the wicket look easy, but it wasn’t,” Dahiya noted, adding that the knock came against “world-class bowlers”.

“I think it’s amazing. If you look at his energy… his awareness, his energy and his willingness.

“That willingness to do well… his mindset sets him apart from a lot of other people.”

“He is still one of the best runners and keeps pushing youngsters for extra runs. That willingness to do well — that ‘ zid (relentless drive)’ — is what stands out,’ Dahiya said.

The GT assistant coach stressed that Kohli’s motivation is internal rather than driven by external expectations.

“He is not playing to prove a point to anyone. It’s about the man in the mirror — trying to be better than yesterday,” he explained.

On the match, Dahiya admitted GT may have fallen short by some more runs with the bat, having been restricted to 205 after looking good for more than 220 at one stage.

“We probably could have had a few more runs on the board,” he said, while maintaining that the team’s aggressive template remains unchanged.

“The approach has been driven by fearless cricket, especially from youngsters,” he added.

Dahiya also dismissed suggestions that experienced batters need to take cues from the younger generation.

“It’s not about young or experienced. Everyone has a role. Experienced players know how to adapt, and they are self-inspired,” he said.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Kohlis #mindset #sets #Gujarat #Titans #assistant #coach #Dahiya #fivewicket #loss"> RCB vs GT, IPL 2026: Kohli’s mindset sets him apart, says Gujarat Titans assistant coach Dahiya after five-wicket loss Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Vijay Dahiya heaped rich praise on Virat Kohli, saying the former India captain’s relentless drive and hunger to improve continue to set him apart.Kohli won the Man of the Match award for his match-defining 44-ball 81 in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) five-wicket win against GT in the Indian Premier League fixture in Bengaluru on Friday.Dahiya revealed that Kohli was disappointed despite his strong innings, reflecting the batter’s high standards.“After the game, he was saying he could have converted it into a hundred. That tells you about his mindset,” Dahiya said at the post-match press conference.Highlighting what makes Kohli special, Dahiya pointed to his energy, awareness and ability to control the game.READ | Virat Kohli hopes to return to ‘special’ Chinnaswamy later this season after RCB’s win over Gujarat Titans“When you are commanding the situation, you make bowlers bowl where you want. He made the wicket look easy, but it wasn’t,” Dahiya noted, adding that the knock came against “world-class bowlers”.“I think it’s amazing. If you look at his energy… his awareness, his energy and his willingness.“That willingness to do well… his mindset sets him apart from a lot of other people.”“He is still one of the best runners and keeps pushing youngsters for extra runs. That willingness to do well — that ‘ zid (relentless drive)’ — is what stands out,’ Dahiya said.The GT assistant coach stressed that Kohli’s motivation is internal rather than driven by external expectations.“He is not playing to prove a point to anyone. It’s about the man in the mirror — trying to be better than yesterday,” he explained.On the match, Dahiya admitted GT may have fallen short by some more runs with the bat, having been restricted to 205 after looking good for more than 220 at one stage.“We probably could have had a few more runs on the board,” he said, while maintaining that the team’s aggressive template remains unchanged.“The approach has been driven by fearless cricket, especially from youngsters,” he added.Dahiya also dismissed suggestions that experienced batters need to take cues from the younger generation.“It’s not about young or experienced. Everyone has a role. Experienced players know how to adapt, and they are self-inspired,” he said.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Kohlis #mindset #sets #Gujarat #Titans #assistant #coach #Dahiya #fivewicket #loss
Sports news

Virat Kohli hopes to return to ‘special’ Chinnaswamy later this season after RCB’s win over Gujarat Titans

“When you are commanding the situation, you make bowlers bowl where you want. He made the wicket look easy, but it wasn’t,” Dahiya noted, adding that the knock came against “world-class bowlers”.

“I think it’s amazing. If you look at his energy… his awareness, his energy and his willingness.

“That willingness to do well… his mindset sets him apart from a lot of other people.”

“He is still one of the best runners and keeps pushing youngsters for extra runs. That willingness to do well — that ‘ zid (relentless drive)’ — is what stands out,’ Dahiya said.

The GT assistant coach stressed that Kohli’s motivation is internal rather than driven by external expectations.

“He is not playing to prove a point to anyone. It’s about the man in the mirror — trying to be better than yesterday,” he explained.

On the match, Dahiya admitted GT may have fallen short by some more runs with the bat, having been restricted to 205 after looking good for more than 220 at one stage.

“We probably could have had a few more runs on the board,” he said, while maintaining that the team’s aggressive template remains unchanged.

“The approach has been driven by fearless cricket, especially from youngsters,” he added.

Dahiya also dismissed suggestions that experienced batters need to take cues from the younger generation.

“It’s not about young or experienced. Everyone has a role. Experienced players know how to adapt, and they are self-inspired,” he said.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Kohlis #mindset #sets #Gujarat #Titans #assistant #coach #Dahiya #fivewicket #loss">RCB vs GT, IPL 2026: Kohli’s mindset sets him apart, says Gujarat Titans assistant coach Dahiya after five-wicket loss

Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Vijay Dahiya heaped rich praise on Virat Kohli, saying the former India captain’s relentless drive and hunger to improve continue to set him apart.

Kohli won the Man of the Match award for his match-defining 44-ball 81 in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) five-wicket win against GT in the Indian Premier League fixture in Bengaluru on Friday.

Dahiya revealed that Kohli was disappointed despite his strong innings, reflecting the batter’s high standards.

“After the game, he was saying he could have converted it into a hundred. That tells you about his mindset,” Dahiya said at the post-match press conference.

Highlighting what makes Kohli special, Dahiya pointed to his energy, awareness and ability to control the game.

READ | Virat Kohli hopes to return to ‘special’ Chinnaswamy later this season after RCB’s win over Gujarat Titans

“When you are commanding the situation, you make bowlers bowl where you want. He made the wicket look easy, but it wasn’t,” Dahiya noted, adding that the knock came against “world-class bowlers”.

“I think it’s amazing. If you look at his energy… his awareness, his energy and his willingness.

“That willingness to do well… his mindset sets him apart from a lot of other people.”

“He is still one of the best runners and keeps pushing youngsters for extra runs. That willingness to do well — that ‘ zid (relentless drive)’ — is what stands out,’ Dahiya said.

The GT assistant coach stressed that Kohli’s motivation is internal rather than driven by external expectations.

“He is not playing to prove a point to anyone. It’s about the man in the mirror — trying to be better than yesterday,” he explained.

On the match, Dahiya admitted GT may have fallen short by some more runs with the bat, having been restricted to 205 after looking good for more than 220 at one stage.

“We probably could have had a few more runs on the board,” he said, while maintaining that the team’s aggressive template remains unchanged.

“The approach has been driven by fearless cricket, especially from youngsters,” he added.

Dahiya also dismissed suggestions that experienced batters need to take cues from the younger generation.

“It’s not about young or experienced. Everyone has a role. Experienced players know how to adapt, and they are self-inspired,” he said.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Kohlis #mindset #sets #Gujarat #Titans #assistant #coach #Dahiya #fivewicket #loss

Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Vijay Dahiya heaped rich praise on Virat Kohli, saying the…

Sports news

Delhi Capitals will take on Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on…

Marco Jansen on PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer: “Never feels like a dictatorship, everyone feels valued”

With Ponting, who was coach from 2018 to 2024, Capitals attributed the Australian’s lack of availability in India through the year as a sore point.

Cut to the present, DC can only cast a wistful sigh at those calls as Shreyas and Ponting return to the Arun Jaitley Stadium as captain and coach of a red-hot Punjab Kings for Saturday’s clash.

Since their reunion at PBKS in 2025, they have transformed a floundering unit into a formidable force, enabling it to exude the flair and aggression that characterises the duo. After a runner-up finish in 2025, Punjab has been just as dominant this season, notching up five wins in six matches (one no-result).

Capitals, to the contrary, are facing a familiar mid-table crisis. After two wins to begin the campaign, frailties have surfaced in recent matches. A case in point was their last match, where Axar Patel and Co. suffered a 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. While the bowlers conceded 242, the bigger concern is the batting unit, which is yet to click as a whole.

For Shreyas and Ponting, then, this is a chance to consolidate Punjab’s position, and remind DC of the reality that both these men have moved on to greener pastures.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Floundering #Delhi #Capitals #faces #visit #redhot #Punjab #Kings"> DC vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Floundering Delhi Capitals faces visit from red-hot Punjab Kings In an alternate universe, Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting could have still been the men in charge at Delhi Capitals. Shreyas spent seven seasons at the franchise and led it to its first and only Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 2020. Ponting was head coach then and also lent his services for seven years.In both cases, the exits didn’t appear entirely amicable. When a shoulder injury ruled Shreyas out of the first half of the 2021 season, Rishabh Pant became the stand-in skipper. The middle-order batter from Mumbai, however, wasn’t handed back the leadership reins once he regained fitness for the second half, and subsequently parted ways altogether.READ | Marco Jansen on PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer: “Never feels like a dictatorship, everyone feels valued”With Ponting, who was coach from 2018 to 2024, Capitals attributed the Australian’s lack of availability in India through the year as a sore point.Cut to the present, DC can only cast a wistful sigh at those calls as Shreyas and Ponting return to the Arun Jaitley Stadium as captain and coach of a red-hot Punjab Kings for Saturday’s clash.Since their reunion at PBKS in 2025, they have transformed a floundering unit into a formidable force, enabling it to exude the flair and aggression that characterises the duo. After a runner-up finish in 2025, Punjab has been just as dominant this season, notching up five wins in six matches (one no-result).Capitals, to the contrary, are facing a familiar mid-table crisis. After two wins to begin the campaign, frailties have surfaced in recent matches. A case in point was their last match, where Axar Patel and Co. suffered a 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. While the bowlers conceded 242, the bigger concern is the batting unit, which is yet to click as a whole.For Shreyas and Ponting, then, this is a chance to consolidate Punjab’s position, and remind DC of the reality that both these men have moved on to greener pastures.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #PBKS #IPL #Floundering #Delhi #Capitals #faces #visit #redhot #Punjab #Kings
Sports news

Marco Jansen on PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer: “Never feels like a dictatorship, everyone feels valued”

With Ponting, who was coach from 2018 to 2024, Capitals attributed the Australian’s lack of availability in India through the year as a sore point.

Cut to the present, DC can only cast a wistful sigh at those calls as Shreyas and Ponting return to the Arun Jaitley Stadium as captain and coach of a red-hot Punjab Kings for Saturday’s clash.

Since their reunion at PBKS in 2025, they have transformed a floundering unit into a formidable force, enabling it to exude the flair and aggression that characterises the duo. After a runner-up finish in 2025, Punjab has been just as dominant this season, notching up five wins in six matches (one no-result).

Capitals, to the contrary, are facing a familiar mid-table crisis. After two wins to begin the campaign, frailties have surfaced in recent matches. A case in point was their last match, where Axar Patel and Co. suffered a 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. While the bowlers conceded 242, the bigger concern is the batting unit, which is yet to click as a whole.

For Shreyas and Ponting, then, this is a chance to consolidate Punjab’s position, and remind DC of the reality that both these men have moved on to greener pastures.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Floundering #Delhi #Capitals #faces #visit #redhot #Punjab #Kings">DC vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Floundering Delhi Capitals faces visit from red-hot Punjab Kings

In an alternate universe, Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting could have still been the men in charge at Delhi Capitals. Shreyas spent seven seasons at the franchise and led it to its first and only Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 2020. Ponting was head coach then and also lent his services for seven years.

In both cases, the exits didn’t appear entirely amicable. When a shoulder injury ruled Shreyas out of the first half of the 2021 season, Rishabh Pant became the stand-in skipper. The middle-order batter from Mumbai, however, wasn’t handed back the leadership reins once he regained fitness for the second half, and subsequently parted ways altogether.

READ | Marco Jansen on PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer: “Never feels like a dictatorship, everyone feels valued”

With Ponting, who was coach from 2018 to 2024, Capitals attributed the Australian’s lack of availability in India through the year as a sore point.

Cut to the present, DC can only cast a wistful sigh at those calls as Shreyas and Ponting return to the Arun Jaitley Stadium as captain and coach of a red-hot Punjab Kings for Saturday’s clash.

Since their reunion at PBKS in 2025, they have transformed a floundering unit into a formidable force, enabling it to exude the flair and aggression that characterises the duo. After a runner-up finish in 2025, Punjab has been just as dominant this season, notching up five wins in six matches (one no-result).

Capitals, to the contrary, are facing a familiar mid-table crisis. After two wins to begin the campaign, frailties have surfaced in recent matches. A case in point was their last match, where Axar Patel and Co. suffered a 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. While the bowlers conceded 242, the bigger concern is the batting unit, which is yet to click as a whole.

For Shreyas and Ponting, then, this is a chance to consolidate Punjab’s position, and remind DC of the reality that both these men have moved on to greener pastures.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Floundering #Delhi #Capitals #faces #visit #redhot #Punjab #Kings

In an alternate universe, Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting could have still been the men…

Floundering Delhi faces visit from red-hot PBKS

“Being in the middle-order in general, you come into different situations all the time. You are sort of mentally prepared for that. I don’t really mind where I come in. If the team asks me to bat higher up the order, I will be more than happy to do it,” Stubbs said on Friday ahead of DC’s clash against Punjab Kings. “I have batted through my whole career from 3 to 6. It changes all the time. With (playing) Test cricket as well, it has allowed me to be able to try and change gears and do what I think is right out there.”

Stubbs doesn’t expect the surface for Saturday’s afternoon clash to be a batting featherbed. “From the T20 World Cup to now, we haven’t seen an absolute belter here. It will probably be really similar,” he stated, before adding partly in jest, “Hopefully it is really low, ragging and 120 plays 120. That will be great.”

PBKS, meanwhile, is a well-drilled outfit under Shreyas Iyer. Praising the skipper, Punjab’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said: “Shreyas’ leadership qualities are special. The rapport he has with each player, he knows how to get the best out of everyone.”

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#IPL #Happy #bat #higher #order #DCs #Stubbs"> IPL 2026: Happy to bat higher up the order, says DC’s Stubbs Too often in this Indian Premier League (IPL), Tristan Stubbs has had to come in to bat when Delhi Capitals has lost a spate of wickets. It has resulted in the South African having to rebuild rather than attack from the get-go, as indicated by a middling strike rate of 137.06 after six matches.It prompted Venugopal Rao, Capitals’ Director of Cricket, to remark after their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad that they could look to free up the 25-year-old by moving him to No. 3.READ | Floundering Delhi faces visit from red-hot PBKS“Being in the middle-order in general, you come into different situations all the time. You are sort of mentally prepared for that. I don’t really mind where I come in. If the team asks me to bat higher up the order, I will be more than happy to do it,” Stubbs said on Friday ahead of DC’s clash against Punjab Kings. “I have batted through my whole career from 3 to 6. It changes all the time. With (playing) Test cricket as well, it has allowed me to be able to try and change gears and do what I think is right out there.”Stubbs doesn’t expect the surface for Saturday’s afternoon clash to be a batting featherbed. “From the T20 World Cup to now, we haven’t seen an absolute belter here. It will probably be really similar,” he stated, before adding partly in jest, “Hopefully it is really low, ragging and 120 plays 120. That will be great.”PBKS, meanwhile, is a well-drilled outfit under Shreyas Iyer. Praising the skipper, Punjab’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said: “Shreyas’ leadership qualities are special. The rapport he has with each player, he knows how to get the best out of everyone.”Published on Apr 24, 2026 #IPL #Happy #bat #higher #order #DCs #Stubbs
Sports news

Floundering Delhi faces visit from red-hot PBKS

“Being in the middle-order in general, you come into different situations all the time. You are sort of mentally prepared for that. I don’t really mind where I come in. If the team asks me to bat higher up the order, I will be more than happy to do it,” Stubbs said on Friday ahead of DC’s clash against Punjab Kings. “I have batted through my whole career from 3 to 6. It changes all the time. With (playing) Test cricket as well, it has allowed me to be able to try and change gears and do what I think is right out there.”

Stubbs doesn’t expect the surface for Saturday’s afternoon clash to be a batting featherbed. “From the T20 World Cup to now, we haven’t seen an absolute belter here. It will probably be really similar,” he stated, before adding partly in jest, “Hopefully it is really low, ragging and 120 plays 120. That will be great.”

PBKS, meanwhile, is a well-drilled outfit under Shreyas Iyer. Praising the skipper, Punjab’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said: “Shreyas’ leadership qualities are special. The rapport he has with each player, he knows how to get the best out of everyone.”

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#IPL #Happy #bat #higher #order #DCs #Stubbs">IPL 2026: Happy to bat higher up the order, says DC’s Stubbs

Too often in this Indian Premier League (IPL), Tristan Stubbs has had to come in to bat when Delhi Capitals has lost a spate of wickets. It has resulted in the South African having to rebuild rather than attack from the get-go, as indicated by a middling strike rate of 137.06 after six matches.

It prompted Venugopal Rao, Capitals’ Director of Cricket, to remark after their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad that they could look to free up the 25-year-old by moving him to No. 3.

READ | Floundering Delhi faces visit from red-hot PBKS

“Being in the middle-order in general, you come into different situations all the time. You are sort of mentally prepared for that. I don’t really mind where I come in. If the team asks me to bat higher up the order, I will be more than happy to do it,” Stubbs said on Friday ahead of DC’s clash against Punjab Kings. “I have batted through my whole career from 3 to 6. It changes all the time. With (playing) Test cricket as well, it has allowed me to be able to try and change gears and do what I think is right out there.”

Stubbs doesn’t expect the surface for Saturday’s afternoon clash to be a batting featherbed. “From the T20 World Cup to now, we haven’t seen an absolute belter here. It will probably be really similar,” he stated, before adding partly in jest, “Hopefully it is really low, ragging and 120 plays 120. That will be great.”

PBKS, meanwhile, is a well-drilled outfit under Shreyas Iyer. Praising the skipper, Punjab’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said: “Shreyas’ leadership qualities are special. The rapport he has with each player, he knows how to get the best out of everyone.”

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#IPL #Happy #bat #higher #order #DCs #Stubbs

Too often in this Indian Premier League (IPL), Tristan Stubbs has had to come in…