India

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has taken a significant step in its global expansion with the appointment of former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid as the owner of its Dublin franchise ahead of the league’s 2026 debut season. The announcement was made in a notably understated manner in Dublin, reflecting the league’s preference for credibility-driven growth over spectacle-heavy promotion. ETPL co-owner Abhishek Bachchan emphasized Dravid’s integrity, leadership pedigree, and long-term vision as key reasons behind his selection.

India’s junior tennis circuit gathers momentum as a national ranking tournament begins in Assam, underscoring the country’s growing investment in grassroots development. Organized under the All India Tennis Association framework, the ATA-AITA Championship Series will feature Under-14 and Under-16 categories, drawing players from multiple states. Hosted at the All Assam Tennis Association complex, the event reflects a strategic push to decentralize competitive opportunities and broaden participation.

A high-intensity goalkeeping camp for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team concluded in Bengaluru on May 2, 2026, marking a focused effort to strengthen a critical position in elite hockey. Conducted over 11 days from April 22, the program was led by specialist coach David Williamson under the supervision of Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. Backed by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, the initiative reflects a growing synergy between corporate philanthropy and sports performance.

A high-stakes fixture in the Indian Premier League 2026 season will see Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Kolkata Knight Riders, with both teams navigating crucial phases of their campaigns. SRH, riding a five-match winning streak, are poised to challenge for the top spot, while KKR aim to sustain their recovery after a slow start. The encounter reflects the dynamic nature of the tournament, where momentum shifts quickly and each result carries significant implications for playoff qualification, commercial positioning, and overall team strategy in a highly competitive league environment.

The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League has exposed unexpected cracks within Mumbai Indians, with the team slipping toward the bottom of the standings despite boasting elite talent. Key players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, have struggled to deliver match-defining performances. Entering the tournament as T20 World Cup champions, both players face heightened expectations.

Hockey India has initiated a strategic phase in the development of the national women’s hockey program by announcing a Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp from May 11 to May 20, 2026. The camp will precede an exposure tour of Australia aimed at strengthening the squad’s tactical readiness ahead of the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, in June. The training initiative also forms part of a broader preparation strategy for two of the year’s most significant sporting events — the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 and the Asian Games in Japan.

India’s T20I leadership landscape appears to be entering a decisive transition phase, with growing reports indicating that selectors are evaluating alternative captaincy options ahead of future international assignments. Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson have emerged as prominent contenders as discussions intensify over the long-term direction of India’s white-ball setup.

Hockey India has announced a Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp from May 11 to May 20, 2026, as part of an extensive preparation strategy for a crucial international season. The camp will precede the Indian team’s exposure tour of Australia ahead of the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, scheduled from June 15 to June 21. The preparatory phase is also designed to strengthen India’s readiness for two major global events later this year — the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands and the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive performances in IPL 2026 have transformed the 15-year-old into one of the tournament’s most feared batters, forcing experienced bowlers to celebrate his dismissal with unusual intensity. The teenager’s aggressive stroke play and fearless approach against elite attacks have rapidly elevated his status across the league. During Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Gujarat Titans, Mohammed Siraj’s animated celebration after dismissing Sooryavanshi captured the growing pressure opposition bowlers feel while facing the young batter.

Former India captain and selector Kris Srikkanth delivered a scathing assessment of Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya following the franchise’s defeat to Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. Srikkanth questioned Hardik’s leadership credentials and batting intent during a critical phase of the chase, describing him as a “plastic captain” in comments that have intensified scrutiny around Mumbai’s inconsistent IPL 2026 campaign. The criticism emerged after Hardik arrived at the crease at No. 6 following Tilak Varma’s dismissal while Naman Dhir was still well-set.