Sports

Ahmedabad, April 30 (IANS) A dramatic moment unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as Virat Kohli found himself at the centre of attention during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Known for his passion and intensity on the field, Kohli was seen questioning the fourth umpire following a controversial catch taken by Jason Holder to dismiss skipper Rajat Patidar.

The situation developed during an important phase of the first innings when RCB were trying to build a solid platform. In the eighth over, Patidar, who was batting on 19, attempted to play a pull shot to increase the scoring rate. Holder reacted quickly, diving forward to complete a low catch, while Kagiso Rabada was also closing in, nearly resulting in a collision between the two fielders.

Replays of the incident appeared inconclusive on whether the ball had touched the ground. Despite the concern, the third umpire cleared the catch after a review, and Patidar was adjudged out. This left Kohli and the RCB camp visibly unhappy with the decision that went against them at a crucial stage of the match.

Kohli, who had earlier provided a quick start with 28 runs off just 13 balls, was later seen near the boundary rope engaging in a lengthy conversation with the fourth umpire. His reaction suggested that he was seeking clarity on the decision, particularly given the lack of clear evidence in the replays.

Patidar’s wicket came as a major setback for RCB, especially given his recent form and importance in the middle order. After the captain's wicket, RCB lost three more wickets in a span of just 4 overs.

Amid the collapse, Padikkal stood firm and continued to fight. He rotated the strike well and found boundaries regularly to keep the scoreboard moving. But his resistance ended when Rashid Khan bowled a brilliant delivery to clean him up. Padikkal scored 40 off 24 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Despite Padikkal's heroics, RCB got bowled out for just 155 runs in 19.2 overs as Arshad Khan shone with three wickets.

--IANS

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Raipur, April 30 (IANS) Amandeep Johl, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), met Subodh Kumar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, to discuss opportunities for the development and promotion of golf in the state.

A key focus of the discussions was the development of international-standard golf courses in Naya Raipur and the potential to host a world-class tournament on the DP World Tour in the future, thereby placing the region firmly on the global golfing map.

Also present during the meeting were Shri Ankit Anand, IAS, Chairman, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRDA), and Shri Rajat Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Chhattisgarh.

The discussions focused on the long-term potential of developing golf infrastructure and strengthening the ecosystem for the sport in Chhattisgarh. Deliberations included the possibilities of creating world-class golfing facilities, promoting sports tourism, encouraging youth participation, and positioning the state as an emerging destination for golf and allied economic activities.

The successful staging of the SECL Chhattisgarh Open highlighted Nava Raipur’s emergence as an important venue on the Indian professional golf circuit and reflected the growing spread of the sport beyond its traditional centres. The meeting also discussed avenues for developing new golf courses and related infrastructure in the state, which could help enhance sports tourism, generate employment, support hospitality and allied sectors, and position Chhattisgarh as a future destination for professional golf.

Amandeep Johl briefed the officials on the growing profile of professional golf in India, the expansion of the DP World PGTI calendar, and the opportunities that golf can generate in areas such as tourism, hospitality, employment, and international sporting engagement.

The meeting also explored avenues for collaboration between the state government and DP World PGTI to promote golf development initiatives and future events in Chhattisgarh.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 30 (IANS) Fast bowler Arshad Khan picked three wickets as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were bowled out for just 155 runs in 19.2 overs against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Put in to bat first, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a slow start to their innings. Mohammed Siraj bowled a tight opening over, giving away just six runs and keeping things under control early on.

However, the momentum quickly shifted in the very next over, thanks to Virat Kohli. The experienced batter took charge and attacked Kagiso Rabada aggressively, smashing five consecutive boundaries. Rabada ended up conceding 21 runs in that over, giving RCB an early boost.

Despite the strong counterattack, the Gujarat Titans struck back soon. Siraj provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Jacob Bethell, who continued his poor run of form and managed only five runs.

RCB suffered another big setback in the following over when Kohli tried to keep the pressure on but mistimed his shot. He chipped a good length delivery from Rabada straight to mid-wicket, where Rashid Khan completed the catch. Kohli scored a quick 28 off just 13 balls, hitting five fours and a six.

With two wickets down, Devdutt Padikkal kept the scoring rate high. He played some attacking shots, including two boundaries and a six against Siraj. RCB ended the powerplay at a strong 59/2.

Captain Rajat Patidar tried to build a partnership with Padikkal and looked in good touch with a couple of boundaries. However, he fell while attempting an aggressive shot at Arshad Khan. He was caught by Jason Holder at deep backward square leg.

The dismissal led to some controversy, as RCB players were unhappy with the decision. They believed Holder had not fully controlled the catch and that the ball may have touched the ground. However, the umpires ruled it out, and Patidar had to walk back.

GT tightened their grip further in the next over when Holder struck again, dismissing Jitesh Sharma for just one run. The wicket added more pressure on RCB’s struggling middle order.

The collapse continued as Rashid Khan made an immediate impact. He dismissed Tim David, who could score only nine runs. Holder took the catch once again, and by the end of 10 overs, RCB were in deep trouble at 91/5.

Things went from bad to worse when Krunal Pandya was dismissed in the next over. Trying to go for a big shot off Arshad Khan, he was caught at mid-wicket by Holder. RCB had now lost four wickets for just 17 runs, completely losing momentum.

Amid the collapse, Padikkal stood firm and continued to fight. He rotated the strike well and found boundaries regularly to keep the scoreboard moving. But his resistance ended when Rashid Khan bowled a brilliant delivery to clean him up. Padikkal scored 40 off 24 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

RCB’s lower order also failed to make much of an impact. Romario Shepherd tried to play a finishing role but managed only 17 runs before being dismissed by Holder.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar added a quick 15 runs, while impact player Venkatesh Iyer scored 12. But wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

In the end, RCB were bowled out before completing their full quota of 20 overs, capping off a disappointing finish after a promising start.

For GT, Arshad Khan was the standout bowler with three wickets. Jason Holder and Rashid Khan supported him well with two wickets each, while Siraj and Rabada chipped in with one wicket apiece to complete a strong bowling performance.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 155 all out in 19.2 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 40, Kohli 28; Arshad Khan 3-22, Rashid Khan 2-19, Jason Holder 2-29) against Gujarat Titans

--IANS

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Sri Bhaini Sahib (Punjab), April 30 (IANS) Rajasthan United FC’s title ambitions face a critical test when they take on Dempo SC in a Championship Phase fixture of Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib in Punjab on Friday.

Both teams have already opened their Championship Phase campaigns, albeit with differing outcomes. Rajasthan United suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat against Sreenidi Deccan FC, while Dempo were held to a goalless draw by Shillong Lajong FC.

The pressure, however, rests more heavily on Rajasthan. Currently fourth with 18 points, they remain within touching distance of the top of the table, but their margin for error has all but disappeared. A win here could lift them to second and keep the pressure firmly on frontrunners Diamond Harbour.

Dempo, in contrast, sit at the bottom of the Championship Phase table with 10 points and are out of the title race. However, they will be determined to finish strongly, with victory offering a potential climb to fifth.

Recent history further strengthens Rajasthan’s position. They are unbeaten in three meetings against Dempo, winning twice and drawing once, while also holding a commanding 7-2 advantage in goals scored. Their latest encounter, on April 19 at the PJN Stadium in Margao, saw Rajasthan stage a 2-1 comeback victory after Marcus Joseph’s opener was overturned by goals from Gerard Artigas and Thomyo Shimray.

A response is now essential for Rajasthan, and much of their approach is expected to centre on efficiency in transition, an aspect highlighted by assistant coach Vikas Rawat in the build-up to the fixture. “I think this game will be more about transition. If we are good in transition, be it when we are attacking or when we are defending, then I think that will do it for us,” he noted.

That emphasis aligns closely with how Rajasthan are likely to approach the contest, particularly against a Dempo side that has conceded the second-most goals (14) among Championship Phase teams. For the Desert Warriors, Artigas remains the focal point in the final third. The Spaniard also underlined the squad’s determination to move past their recent setback and regain momentum.

“It’s always hard when you have a long week after losing the last match, but the team is working well. Everyone wants to forget the last result, and I think we have a good dynamic,” Artigas said.

Even within those constraints, Dempo have shown enough attacking intent to suggest they remain a threat. Head coach Samir Naik acknowledged the difficulties his team have faced, but advocated that his side will keep pushing. He said, "It is very challenging for us to finish in the top four now since the gap is almost eight points. But the boys, we are trying very hard to push them there. We are trying to take as many points as we can."

Their primary threat continues to revolve around Marcus Joseph, the competition’s leading scorer with seven goals, who also found the net in the reverse fixture. He is expected to be supported by Sebastián Gutiérrez, whose movement and chance creation add another dimension to their attack. Gutiérrez highlighted the squad’s focus heading into the fixture. “The mood is good. Now, all players are prepared for the next match, and all people want to win and finish in a good position in the table,” he said.

For Rajasthan, it is about staying firmly in the race. For Dempo, it is about restoring momentum and finishing with purpose. As the Championship Phase begins to take shape, fixtures like these often prove defining – where contenders are separated from the rest.

--IANS

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London, April 30 (IANS) Former England player Ashley Young has announced that he will retire from professional football at the age of 40, bringing to an end a long and successful career spanning more than two decades.

Young began his journey with Watford, making his senior debut in 2003, before going on to represent clubs such as Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Everton. Initially known for his attacking role as a winger, he later adapted his game and became an effective full-back.

He will bring down the curtain on his career at Ipswich Town, having joined the club on a one-year deal in July 2025 following his departure from Everton. Despite an injury-hit campaign, Young featured 13 times for Ipswich this season, mostly as a substitute, with his last appearance coming in January during a win over Bristol City.

On the international stage, Young made his England debut in November 2007 and went on to earn 39 caps, scoring seven goals for the national team.

“I am incredibly proud and fortunate to have achieved everything I have during my career,” Ashley said in a statement released by Ipswich Town.

“It’s not too often you sit and think about this while you are still in the game, but I have lived my dream during the last 23 years. It’s now time for some reflection on what I’ve been able to achieve, and the next few weeks and months will be when I decide what I am going to do next.

“But that is all to come. My full focus is on Saturday and helping this club achieve our goal, which is promotion back to the Premier League,” he added.

Town Manager, Kieran McKenna, said, "Ashley's career in the game speaks for itself, and it has been an honour to have worked with him, firstly at Manchester United and then here at Ipswich this season.

"The professionalism, competitiveness, and quality he displays every day have had a massive impact on the group this season, and I know he wants nothing more than to end his career by helping us achieve our goal."

--IANS

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Imphal, April 30 (IANS) Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) played out a thrilling 2–2 draw with Mumbay FC in their second Group B fixture of the I-League 3, with a dramatic late equaliser capping off an intense contest at the SAI Turf Ground in Imphal.

It was a game that tested character, and ZFA responded strongly after Mumbay FC used their experience and physicality to dictate the early tempo. Their direct approach, focused on long balls and winning second balls, posed immediate challenges for ZFA in the opening exchanges. Recognising the threat, ZFA made a tactical adjustment around the 15-minute mark, shifting from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-4-2 system.

The change aimed to press higher and disrupt Mumbay FC's centre-backs in build-up, and it worked.

From that point on, the game settled into a balanced contest. Despite chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless before ZFA struck early after the break.

Building on their improved momentum, winger Abith is showing creativity on the left flank and putting in a dangerous cross into the box. Experienced striker Naro Hari Shrestha made no mistake in front of the goal, giving ZFA a deserved 1–0 lead.

But the response was immediate. Just minutes later, Mumbay FC equalised from a set-piece, bringing the game back to level terms and shifting the momentum once again. The contest continued to swing.

ZFA were then dealt a setback when a centre-back was down with a head injury during a crucial phase of play. In the resulting moment of disruption, Mumbay FC capitalised, winning the ball inside the box and converting to take a 2–1 lead in the 92nd minute.

With time running out, ZFA pushed forward in search of an equaliser. And in the 93rd minute, they found it spectacularly. Substitute SK Asif produced a stunning volley that rocketed into the net, rescuing a point and bringing an electrifying end to a fiercely contested match.

ZFA may not have taken all three points, but the fighting spirit on display ensured they remain firmly at the top of Group B with four points.

Established in 2017, Zinc Football Academy has been a game-changer in nurturing grassroots football talent from rural India. Based in Zawar, the AIFF-accredited 3-star academy has trained over 5,000 young footballers since its inception. The institution is also home to India’s largest residential football academy for girls, offering a premier training environment dedicated to excellence.

--IANS

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Jaipur, April 30 (IANS) Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed that left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc will be available for selection in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Rajasthan Royals, to be played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday.

Starc was recovering from a shoulder and elbow injury and joined the squad only a couple of days ago. He is now all set to play his first competitive cricket game since January. His presence will boost DC’s bowling line-up, which hasn’t been up to the mark so far.

“He is available from tomorrow. Our best bowler will definitely play, but the final decision will be taken tomorrow. His coming back definitely helps. Fast bowlers who may have struggled in the powerplay will get more support,” Patel said in the pre‑match press conference.

He also underlined the importance of bowlers in the T20 format. “I always say this: a match can be won by batters, but a tournament is won by bowlers. Because if you see, even yesterday, around 250 runs were scored. So obviously, if bowlers bowl well, you can win the tournament. Batters can win you a game, but if you don’t bowl well, you cannot win a tournament. That is something I strongly believe in.”

Reflecting on recent performances, including DC being bowled out for 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Patel quashed the notion that batters were nervous in facing Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who wreaked havoc in the Power-play.

“No, we were not nervous. We were playing with a different approach. We wanted to score more runs, but the wicket was doing a bit. They bowled well and took good catches. It is not like if you lose one game, you become nervous in the next game. That is not cricket.”

On the approach in must‑win situations for DC, Patel stressed commitment. “In do-or-die situations, the approach has to be 100 percent. Because you know that if you lose one or two games, you are out of the tournament. So as a unit, you have to give your 100 percent. Otherwise, it becomes very difficult to survive.”

“Our approach will remain the same. We will give our 100 percent and focus on playing good cricket. Whether we bat first or bowl first, the idea is to control the game and minimise mistakes. We will play to win and not think too much about the result.”

Asked about strategy against RR’s power-packed batting line‑up, Patel said, “If I tell you the strategy now, they will be ready tomorrow. So I cannot tell you the strategy. We will focus on bowling well and executing our plans, but I cannot reveal anything here.”

Patel signed off by ruling out sweeping changes in the playing eleven. “There won’t be too many changes. We have experienced and performing players in the squad. Unless there is an injury, I don’t think there will be many changes. It is not like you lose and then you start changing everything.”

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 30 (IANS) Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan asserted that there is no added pressure on the team’s top order despite poor contributions from the lower order, as they look to deliver consistently in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Addressing the responsibility shared by the top three, including Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, Sudharsan made it clear that the group thrives on clarity rather than pressure.

“No, I feel it's not. And we completely believe in all of the batters. And our top part is that it's our job to give a very good start. It's our job to have a very good platform for the guys who come after that. So, I think we look at it that way. There's no pressure there. I think we are looking forward to expressing ourselves very well,” he told broadcasters ahead of the GT vs RCB match.

Reflecting on his own recent form, including a century in a losing cause, Sudharsan said the key is to move on quickly while taking confidence from performances. “No, I think it's a quick turnaround for sure, but taking the good learnings and good confidence out of that game and obviously looking forward to this one,” he noted.

The left-hander also highlighted the importance of adaptability in the IPL, where conditions and situations change rapidly. “I think there are a lot of things that I've learned. Most importantly, we cannot take things into our control. Things have to unfold, and things have to happen, and at the same time, we'll have to be acute and versatile enough to adapt to those situations,” he explained.

On preparations, Sudharsan revealed that regular discussions within the group help players tackle challenges effectively. “Yeah, we have a lot of conversations around on how to go after a bowler. If I find somebody difficult, I'll have a conversation with the teammates and obviously prepare when the light is dark, of course,” he said.

“Every game is very important from now on in this tournament. So, we're taking game by game, and we're boiling it down to ball by ball so that we are there present and we give our full effort inside the field,” he added.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 30 (IANS) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Jacob Bethell highlighted the special experience of batting alongside Virat Kohli, calling it one of the standout moments of his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 journey so far, as the team clashes with the Gujarat Titans (GT) at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

Bethell spoke about the incredible atmosphere that follows Kohli wherever he plays, saying it often feels like a home game even at away venues. “Batting with Virat Kohli is an amazing experience; the love for him across India is incredible. Every match feels like a home game. Obviously, the Chinnaswamy is on another level, but even here, the atmosphere is nearly as intense. It’s unbelievable,” he told broadcasters ahead of the match.

The young opener, who was not included in the playing XI in the opening matches, added that adapting to the IPL environment has been smooth, with the transition from practice sessions to match situations mainly requiring a shift in mindset.

“I think the transition was actually quite smooth. We spend a lot of time in the nets here, so it was mostly a matter of switching from practice mode to a competitive me-versus-you mindset. It’s been a great shift so far,” he noted.

He also emphasised the learning aspect of being part of the dugout, where observing the game closely helps in understanding patterns and strategies. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe. You get to watch the game unfold through a lens similar to a coach’s perspective. You can reflect on the play and identify patterns as they emerge. However, while it’s easier to see those patterns from the sidelines, actually implementing them on the field requires you to be incredibly clear on your strategy,” Bethell explained.

Bethell further described the IPL as the most intense phase of cricket he has experienced. “You definitely feel like you're in a bubble. Whether you’re on the team bus or in the hotel, everyone watches the game together. You don’t often experience back-to-back cricket for ten weeks straight. The intensity, both on and off the field, is the highest I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

“Definitely, it’s a great crowd. The stadium is already loud, and it looks like it's only at a third of its capacity. If it fills up, it should be a brilliant evening,” he added.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 30 (IANS) Gujarat Titans (GT) have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Both teams are unchanged.

GT had a mediocre start to their season. In eight matches played, the Shubman Gill-led side has won four and lost as many matches and is currently placed fifth on the IPL 2026 points table. They are coming to the contest after registering a dominating 8-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

While RCB are performing to their best in the ongoing season and are placed at the second spot in the points table with six wins in eight matches. They are also coming to the match after an emphatic 9-wicket win against the Delhi Capitals (DC).

After winning the toss, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill said, "We are going to bowl first. The surface gives swing in the first 4-5 overs. Want to chase in case there is dew. These two games will determine how far we go in the tournament. They are playing some good cricket; they are the defending champions. The mood is nice and light. It's about having the right attitude. Same team as the last game."

While after losing the toss, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar said, "We were looking to field first. I don't think the grass cover will help much. Hope we put up a good total on the board. The way we played the first half of IPL was good to see. It's a positive sign for us; we are looking forward to it. We're playing with the same team."

RCB and GT are facing each other for the second time in the season. In their first outing at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the home team dominated completely and beat the visitors by 5 wickets.

RCB have a slight edge in the head-to-head record between the sides. In seven matches played so far, RCB have won four games while GT have come victorious on three outings. Their first-ever meeting came on April 30, 2022, which was won by the Gujarat Titans.

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

Impact substitutes: Rasikh Dar, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Venkatesh Iyer

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(wk), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar

Impact substitutes: Rahul Tewatia, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Kulwant Khejroliya, Nishant Sindhu

--IANS

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