The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fumbled at a time when they didn’t need to. They lost to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), taking a toll on their qualification chances. Akash Singh, the left-arm pacer was the unsung hero of the game. Meanwhile, another left-arm pacer was in the news lately in Arshdeep Singh. The PBKS star should be banned from IPL 2026, according to a former cricketer. Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri suggests that Sanju Samson should be India’s next T20I captain.
Arshdeep Singh should be banned?
The alleged racist remarks made by Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh towards Tilak Varma have started major controversy during IPL 2026. In a viral video, Arshdeep was heard telling Tilak, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” while calling Naman Dhir the “real noor.” Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan slammed the incident and demanded strict punishment, even calling for Arshdeep to be banned for the season. He also claimed he had faced racial abuse himself in cricket. The controversy comes shortly after BCCI introduced strict social media and conduct guidelines for IPL franchises. Read more here.
IPL 2026 updates
IPL 2026 continues to witness a surge in injuries, with several franchises forced to bring in replacements late in the season. Chennai Super Kings signed Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured pacer Khaleel Ahmed, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru roped in England seamer Richard Gleeson for Nuwan Thusara. Kuldip has previously played three IPL matches for RR, taking two wickets, while Gleeson impressed in PSL 2026 with 12 wickets in nine games. Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra has left the Kolkata Knight Riders camp to prepare for New Zealand’s upcoming Test series against England after not featuring in IPL 2026 at all. Read more here.
Pakistan fined by ICC
The Pakistan national cricket team have been penalised by the ICC following their 104-run defeat to the Bangladesh national cricket team in the first Test. Pakistan were found eight overs short during the match and were docked eight World Test Championship points, along with a 40% match fee fine. The sanction dropped Pakistan to eighth place in the WTC 2025/27 standings with just four points, only above West Indies. Captain Shan Masood accepted the offence, avoiding a formal hearing. Read more here.
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Sanju Samson to replace Suryakumar Yadav?
Sanju Samson’s incredible run in T20 World Cup 2026 and IPL 2026 has now made him a serious contender for India’s future T20I captaincy. Former India coach Ravi Shastri said Samson has done enough to enter the leadership conversation, especially with uncertainty around Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. Samson started the World Cup on the bench but grabbed his chance after India’s top order failed in the Super 8 stage. He smashed an unbeaten 97 against West Indies, followed by match-winning knocks against England and New Zealand, finishing as the tournament’s Player of the Tournament. Shastri is in all praise for Samson’s maturity. Read more here.
All well between MI and Pandya?
Mumbai Indians may finally have some relief on the Hardik Pandya front amid speculation around his future with the franchise. Hardik missed MI’s win over PBKS due to back spasms, his third absence this IPL season, which started rumours over his fitness and captaincy future. However, Shardul Thakur dismissed much of the chatter, saying not everything on social media is true and the final decisions rest with team management. He also confirmed that Hardik is currently training in Mumbai and is expected to return for MI’s next match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 20. Read more here.
Akash Singh takes LSG to win
LSG’s bowling selections have looked questionable all season. While Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav kept getting chances despite poor returns, Akash Singh came in after LSG were already knocked out and instantly delivered. The left-arm pacer removed Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the powerplay before dismissing Urvil Patel later, finishing with 3/26. On a pitch with extra bounce, Akash kept cramping batters for room and looked far more threatening than any other pacer. He played a crucial part in LSG’s win as before Mitchell Marsh’s 90-run blitz.
Cricket
CSK, RCB name late replacements for injured Khaleel Ahmed & Thusara, KKR all-rounder heads home
