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Kal Somani-led consortium claims they were squeezed out of Rajasthan Royals sale

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Image: X On Sunday, it was confirmed that Rajasthan Royals’ majority ownership would be transferred to Lakshmi N Mittal and Aditya Mittal, in partnership with Adar Poonawalla, as a definitive agreement to acquire the franchise from Manoj Badale and his group was reached. The deal is valued at around $1.65 billion and is expected to be completed by Q3 2026, subject to all approvals. Following completion, the Mittal family will hold a 75% stake, Poonawalla will own 18%, while the remaining shares will stay with existing investors such as Badale. This development comes after reports that a consortium led by Arizona-based tech entrepreneur Kal Somani, also comprising owners of two NFL franchises – Rob Walton (Denver Broncos) and Michael Hamp, son of Sheila Ford Hamp, owner of the Detroit Lions – had pulled out of the race. The US-based consortium made its initial approach six months ago and reportedly submitted a $1.635 billion bid to acquire the IPL franchise in March. Now, the Somani...
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If bowlers start dominating too much in the T20 format, the excitement will fade: Wasim Jaffer

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Wasim Jaffer ( PC- X) Former India opener Wasim Jaffer is not opposed to teams chasing 250-plus totals, emphasising that T20 cricket is ultimately about entertainment. However, the 48-year-old does not support the Impact Player rule. He believes that if bowlers begin to dominate the format, it could reduce the excitement for fans. Jaffer has recently applied for the role of Bengal coach. In an interaction with this correspondent, the former Punjab Kings batting coach spoke about Mumbai Indians’ disappointing campaign, concerns around Suryakumar Yadav’s form, Punjab Kings’ success under Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, emerging Gen Z talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya, and more. Here are the excerpts: Are you in favour of 200-plus scores being chased quite often in this edition of the IPL? Wasim Jaffer : I am not in favour of the Impact Sub rule, let’s put it that way. Teams are batting well and with a lot of aggression, but I think that has been aided by the Impact...
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Rohit Sharma essays a masterclass in control and class

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  Rohit Sharma. Image: BCCI/IPL Mumbai Indians (MI) chased down 228 with a flair that is unique to them. The win might have come too late in the day, but it is an emphatic tribute to a franchise that boasts unmatched pedigree and talent. Talking of tributes, though, one must say that there are knocks, and then there are reminders. Rohit Sharma’s innings at the Wankhede was the latter – not just a contribution to a chase, but a statistical and aesthetic reaffirmation of a batter who operates on his own terms. Consider the numbers first. Chasing a daunting 228, Rohit’s 84 off 44 balls came at a strike rate of 190. It included 13 boundaries, with six fours and seven sixes, meaning 66 of his runs came from boundaries alone. That is nearly 79% of his total – a clear indicator of control rather than risk. In a chase where the required rate hovered around 11.5 per over, Rohit was not just keeping pace; he was dictating it. He started a little nervously, with an edge to short third man ...
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What’s Cooking in IPL 2026 and who will finish the dish?

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Ashok Namboodiri There is something cooking halfway through the IPL 2026. Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders have won all their last three matches, beating stalwarts like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad In fact, they are the only two teams to have won all their last three outings. If you analyse the first 23 matches of the 47 matches played so far, nearly 50% of the innings notched up scores of 200 or more. However, things seem to have calmed down quite a bit in the last 24 matches with that percentage dropping sharply to one third. If you compare this with the first 47 matches of the 2025 edition of the IPL, the results are even more startling. In the first 23 matches of 2025, the number of 200 or more scores is only one third. In the next 24 matches, that number drops to just one in five matches. Quite clearly, there is a “settling down” that happens as the league progresses. One hypothesis is that the 2026 edition saw an explosive start wi...
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Will he or will he not? The mystery and aura surrounding Dhoni’s IPL comeback

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  Dhoni. Images :X Will he or will he not? Likely or unlikely? The MSD mystery has been an integral part of the IPL so far. It is also a proof of his star power and every time there is an update on him, the story goes viral. As far as Chennai Super Kings are concerned, they are very clear. It is purely a Dhoni call. They have left it to him and while he is practicing is what we know, whether or not he will turn up and play is a mystery as complex as the Bengal election results. It is also very Dhoni. Much like Donald Trump has a stranglehold on global oil prices, Dhoni continues to control IPL fandom to an extent. Every time Trump says the war is close to over, the oil prices fall. Traders and analysts see hope and things start to look up. And then he says there is a very real chance of hostilities resuming and all hope gets blown up. The very same happens with Dhoni. Each time the host broadcaster or the franchise puts out a video of him training, fans get excited. So much so t...
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GT vs PBKS: “We had to be little calculative on the wicket” – Washington Sundar after match-winning knock

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GT vs PBKS (PC: BCCI) Washington Sundar produced a calm and composed performance under pressure as Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a thrilling last-over win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026 on May 3. Walking in at a tricky 94/3 after the dismissal of Nishant Sindhu in the 11.3 overs, Sundar found himself at the crease with GT needing 70 runs to win. The situation demanded composure, and the all-rounder responded with maturity and smart game awareness. Unlike his usual number four position, Sundar came in to bat at number five. Sundar first stitched together a crucial 30-run stand with Sai Sudharsan. From there, Sundar ensured he stayed till the end. He paced the innings perfectly as his calm presence proved vital in the closing stages as pressure mounted. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 40 off just 23 balls, striking at 173.91. Showing excellent finishing ability, he sealed the match in style with a six, guiding GT to their third consecutive win. Speaking after the match, ...
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GT vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Back-to-back defeats for Punjab as Holder, Sudharsan, and Washington shine in Ahmedabad

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GT vs PBKS (PC: BCCI) Back-to-back defeats for table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) as Gujarat Titans (GT) handed them their second loss of IPL 2026 on Sunday in Ahmedabad. After restricting the visitors to 163, courtesy of exceptional bowling from Jason Holder, GT chased down the target with one ball to spare and four wickets in hand, strengthening their playoff chances with a win in front of the home crowd. Suryansh Shedge saves PBKS from batting collapse It was a rare off-day for the PBKS top order as they lost three wickets in the powerplay. Things became even trickier when they were reduced to 47/5 in 8.4 overs. However, Suryansh Shedge showed why the franchise has backed him, smashing a counter-attacking 57 off 29 balls at a strike rate of 196.55. His 79-run partnership with Marcus Stoinis (40) helped PBKS recover and post a respectable total. A quick 20-run cameo from Marco Jansen also pushed them to 163/9. Jason Holder rattles PBKS with the ball With every match, Jason Holder...
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