Tag: Cricket News

Sports

CSK’s Legend MS Dhoni Gears Up for Another IPL Season

Tanisha Cardozo

The cricketing world can breathe a sigh of relief—MS Dhoni is officially set to play in the IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news to NDTV, ending months of speculation over whether the iconic captain would continue playing.

At 44, Dhoni may no longer be scoring prolifically and often bats lower down the order, but his presence on the field extends far beyond statistics. Known as the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies and a five-time IPL champion with CSK, Dhoni continues to be an inspiration and a fan favourite across the country. Whenever injuries or other challenges have sidelined designated captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the past, Dhoni has seamlessly returned to the helm, demonstrating the leadership and calm that has defined his legendary career.

Off the field, Dhoni has made it clear that he has no interest in joining the commentary box, citing the delicate balance required to critique players without appearing unfair. In a recent podcast, he explained, “Commentary is very difficult… It’s a very thin line. If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.” This insight underscores Dhoni’s dedication to the sport and his preference to contribute directly on the field rather than from the booth.

As the IPL 2026 approaches next month, fans of CSK and cricket enthusiasts nationwide can look forward to witnessing the return of a living legend. Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and ability to galvanise his team continue to make him indispensable, proving that while he may have scaled back his personal batting milestones, his impact on the game remains monumental. Whether he’s guiding young players, leading in critical moments, or delighting spectators with his unique presence, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL remains unmatched, promising yet another memorable season.

Sports

Kerala Beat Goa by 102 Runs in Senior Women’s One Day Trophy

Tanisha Cardozo

Kerala registered an emphatic 102-run victory over Goa in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy Elite Cricket Tournament at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Kerala posted a competitive total of 282 in 47.5 overs. Akshaya A anchored the innings with a composed 64 off 78 balls, striking nine fours. Asha S played an aggressive knock of 71 from 56 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six to accelerate the scoring. Vasu Drishya (38) and Najla CMC (27) chipped in with valuable contributions as Kerala recovered from a brief middle-order wobble to post a formidable total.

For Goa, Tejashwini Duragad delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for 48 runs in nine overs. Vidhi Bhandare picked up two wickets, while Pooja Kalel, Poorva Bhaidkar and Shreya Parab claimed one each.

Chasing 283 for victory, Goa got off to an excellent start through Purvaja Verlekar (59) and Harshita Yadav (66), who stitched together a solid 113-run opening partnership. Harshita struck nine fours and a six and appeared set for a big score before her dismissal triggered a collapse.

The middle order failed to capitalise, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Tanaya Naik remained unbeaten on 22 but lacked support as Goa were bowled out for 180 in 45.3 overs.

Kerala’s bowling attack was led by Shani T, who claimed 4 wickets for 28 runs in 10 overs, dismantling the Goa batting line-up. Asha S complemented her batting effort with figures of 3 for 19 in 10 overs, while Vinaya Surendran and Darshana Mohanan picked up one wicket each.

With this defeat, Goa concluded their campaign sixth in Group C, recording two wins and five losses from seven matches. The loss to Tripura earlier in the tournament proved costly in their overall standings.

Sports

Sheldon Jackson Guides Delhi Warriors to Unbeaten Run with Four-Wicket Win Over Gurugram Thunders

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

A composed half-century from Sheldon Jackson helped table-toppers Delhi Warriors successfully chase 173 against Gurugram Thunders at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna, extending their unbeaten run and ending Gurugram’s semi-final hopes.


Story Body
Goa, 1 February 2026: A packed Sunday evening at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna saw Gurugram Thunders take on table-toppers Delhi Warriors in a must-win encounter for their tournament survival. Despite a competitive total and a disciplined bowling effort, Gurugram fell short as Delhi Warriors completed a four-wicket win to continue their unbeaten run and maintain their position at the top of the points table.

Batting first, Gurugram Thunders posted 172 for 6, anchored by a solid opening partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Cheteshwar Pujara. The pair added 82 runs for the first wicket, with Blackwood scoring 51 off 30 balls and Pujara contributing a steady 58 from 43 deliveries. After the dismissal of both openers, wickets fell at regular intervals, slowing the scoring rate. However, Gurugram managed to recover in the latter stages to post a competitive total.

Delhi Warriors’ chase got off to a cautious start as Gurugram’s bowlers kept things tight. Stuart Broad set the tone during the powerplay, claiming two wickets in his three overs as Delhi were restricted to just 33 runs in the first six overs. The pressure told as wickets continued to fall, leaving Delhi in a tricky position midway through the innings.

Sheldon Jackson then stepped up with a calm and controlled knock, anchoring the chase under pressure. Jackson scored an unbeaten 59 off 38 balls, finding support from Pawan Negi earlier and Seekkuge Prasanna towards the end. Prasanna’s quick 36 off 14 balls ensured Delhi Warriors crossed the line in 18.5 overs with four wickets in hand.

The defeat marked Gurugram Thunders’ fourth loss in five matches, officially ending their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Earlier in the day, Pune Panthers secured a narrow 12-run victory over Maharashtra Tycoons in a closely contested Maharashtra derby. The win lifted Pune Panthers to six points, confirming their place in the semi-finals.

Sports

Late Surge and Disciplined Bowling Power Rajasthan Lions Past Dubai Royals

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

Goa | January 29, 2026
Rajasthan Lions produced a strong all-round performance, combining a crucial late batting surge with disciplined bowling, to defeat Dubai Royals by 16 runs in Match 6 of the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa on Thursday.
Asked to bat first, the Lions were rocked early as Eoin Morgan and Callum Ferguson were dismissed cheaply, leaving the side struggling at 23/2 inside the first four overs. The early setbacks, however, were steadied by a composed partnership between Naman Ojha and Suresh Raina.
Ojha played the aggressor’s role, counter-attacking with a fluent half-century off around 30 balls, while Raina anchored the innings from the other end. At the halfway mark, Rajasthan were 79/2, well-placed but yet to fully capitalise on the platform.
Raina briefly increased the tempo before departing for 30, triggering a middle-order wobble. JP Duminy was dismissed for a golden duck, as Rishi Dhawan struck twice in two deliveries to reduce Rajasthan to 95/4.
Dubai Royals then threatened to seize complete control through Piyush Chawla, who produced a sensational spell that included the first hat-trick of the World Legends Pro T20 League. His burst ripped through the Rajasthan middle order and put the Lions under significant pressure.
Despite the collapse, Rajasthan recovered through a late flourish from Jesal Karia and Bipul Sharma. Karia struck a brisk 31 off 18 balls, while Sharma added a valuable 22 off 13 deliveries, helping the Lions post a competitive total of 170/9.
Defending the target, Rajasthan Lions delivered a commanding bowling performance, led by Karia and Sharma, who shared five wickets between them. The duo ensured that Dubai Royals were never able to build sustained partnerships during the chase.
Kirk Edwards top-scored for the Royals with 46, while Samit Patel chipped in with a quick 30, but regular wickets stalled their progress. Dubai Royals were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.1 overs, falling 16 runs short of the target.
Match Result:
Rajasthan Lions won by 16 runs

Brief Scores:

Rajasthan Lions – 170/9

Naman Ojha 66 (43)

Jesal Karia 31 (18)

Piyush Chawla 3/29 (4 overs)

Samit Patel 2/33 (4 overs)

Dubai Royals – 154/10 (19.1 overs)

Kirk Edwards 46 (38)

Samit Patel 30 (17)

Jesal Karia 3/21 (3.1 overs)

Bipul Sharma 3/28 (4 overs)

Sports

Snehal Kauthankar Named Captain of Goa Senior Men’s Team for Ranji Trophy Clash Against Kerala

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 2026: Snehal Kauthankar has been appointed captain of the Goa senior men’s cricket team for their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025–26 fixture against Kerala. The four-day match will be played at the GCA Porvorim Ground from January 29 to February 1, 2026.


The home encounter forms part of India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament and will see Goa take on a strong Kerala side. The selection committee has announced a balanced squad that blends experienced players with promising young talent, as the team looks to put up a competitive performance on familiar conditions.

The squad includes established names such as Suyash Prabhudessai, Lalit Yadav, Shubham Tari, Darshan Misal and Arjun Tendulkar, alongside emerging players who will be eager to make an impact at the highest domestic level.

The Goa Cricket Association has extended its best wishes to the team ahead of the crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, expressing confidence in the leadership group and the squad’s ability to deliver a strong showing.