Both teams enter this do-or-die clash on vastly different emotional trajectories. Gujarat Titans are licking their wounds after a humiliating 92-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on May 26, where they were bowled out for 162 chasing 255. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, are riding an exhilarating wave of momentum after dismantling Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator on May 27 — a match that gave Indian cricket its newest sensation.

Sooryavanshi: The 15-Year-Old Who Changed Everything

If there is one name on every cricket fan’s lips heading into tonight’s showdown, it is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old left-handed opener produced the most breathtaking innings of IPL 2026 in the Eliminator, smashing 97 off just 29 balls against SRH’s formidable bowling attack. His 12 sixes — including five consecutive off one over — left spectators gasping and pundits scrambling for superlatives.

The knock has drawn praise from the highest echelons of Indian cricket. Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on the broadcast, pushed for Sooryavanshi’s immediate inclusion in the Indian team: “He is ready. At 15, he plays with the maturity of someone who’s been in international cricket for years.” Pakistani legend Wasim Akram conceded the youngster had “something India fans never expected to hear” from a visiting great — that the boy could dominate international cricket within months.

Having already played at the Mullanpur venue recently, Sooryavanshi will be familiar with the conditions. If he fires tonight, Gujarat’s experienced bowling lineup — headlined by Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan — could find themselves in a battle they cannot win.

Gujarat Titans: Bruised But Not Broken

Shubman Gill’s men were thoroughly outclassed in Qualifier 1, but the beauty of the IPL playoff format is that it gives top-two finishers a second chance. Gujarat finished second in Group B with 18 points and a net run rate of +0.695, demonstrating consistency throughout the league stage.

Their batting order, led by Sai Sudharsan and Gill himself, has been prolific this season. Jos Buttler’s experience in pressure situations adds a crucial dimension in knockout games. The all-round prowess of Washington Sundar and Jason Holder gives the lineup depth, while the spin-pace combination of Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada remains one of the most potent in the tournament.

However, questions linger about GT’s bowling after the Dharamsala debacle. Rajat Patidar’s 93 off 33 balls exposed their death-over bowling, and they will need to find answers quickly. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj will be under pressure to deliver early breakthroughs against RR’s explosive top order.

Rajasthan Royals: Three Wins and Counting

Riyan Parag’s squad has won three consecutive matches heading into Qualifier 2, building formidable momentum through the business end of the tournament. After finishing fourth in Group A with 16 points, they were given little chance in the Eliminator against higher-ranked SRH. The result — a comprehensive 47-run victory — proved those doubts spectacularly wrong.

Beyond Sooryavanshi, the Royals possess a well-balanced squad. Yashasvi Jaiswal provides solidity at the top, Dhruv Jurel has shown match-winning ability with the bat and behind the stumps, and captain Parag has led from the front with crucial contributions. The bowling department, spearheaded by Jofra Archer’s express pace and the guile of Ravindra Jadeja, has clicked at the right time.

Nandre Burger and Brijesh Sharma have also contributed with important wickets during the playoffs push. The team’s fielding has been electric, and their energy levels appear significantly higher than Gujarat’s at this stage of the tournament.

Pitch Report and Conditions

The Mullanpur pitch has been a batting paradise this season. In five matches played at the venue, the average first-innings score has hovered around 220, and even a target of 223 has been chased comfortably. The track offers true bounce and carry, rewarding stroke-play and punishing anything short.

Given the knockout pressure, the team winning the toss is likely to bat first and put runs on the board. Dew could be a factor in the second innings, making chasing slightly easier but also adding to the nerve-wracking drama of a playoff chase.

Probable Playing XIs

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna. Impact Player: Rahul Tewatia.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja. Impact Player: Sushant Mishra / Shubham Dubey.

Key Match-Ups to Watch

The battle between Sooryavanshi and Rabada could define the match. Rabada’s ability to bowl tight lines at 145+ kph against Sooryavanshi’s fearless hitting will be a contest for the ages. Equally fascinating will be Rashid Khan versus Riyan Parag — two players who thrive under pressure and have a history of intense IPL duels.

Jofra Archer’s pace against Shubman Gill in the powerplay could set the tone. Archer has been bowling at express pace in the playoffs, regularly touching 150 kph, and Gill’s technique against raw speed will be tested from the first ball.

The Road to the Final

The winner of tonight’s clash faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. RCB, who demolished GT in Qualifier 1, will be formidable opponents in Ahmedabad. For Gujarat, a potential rematch offers a chance at revenge. For Rajasthan, it represents a shot at their second IPL title after the maiden crown in 2008.

First ball at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. With over 30,000 fans expected to pack the ground and millions more glued to their screens, IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 promises to be an unforgettable night of cricket.

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Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced perhaps the greatest individual batting performance in Indian Premier League playoff history on Wednesday night, blasting 97 off just 29 balls as Rajasthan Royals demolished Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The teenager’s staggering knock included 11 sixes and five fours, propelling Rajasthan to a mammoth 243 for 8 before their bowlers, led by Jofra Archer’s devastating new-ball spell, restricted SRH to 196 all out in 19.2 overs.

The victory sends Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2, where they will face Gujarat Titans on Friday in Mullanpur for a place in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who dismantled GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 two days earlier. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, the defeat marks the end of a promising campaign that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Sooryavanshi Rewrites the IPL Record Books

The night in Mullanpur belonged entirely to Sooryavanshi, whose 29-ball assault on the SRH bowling attack will be remembered as one of the defining innings in IPL history. Walking in as opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Mumbai teenager took just two balls to get off the mark before unleashing a breathtaking display of power hitting that left the Hyderabad bowlers shell-shocked and the 28,000-strong crowd in absolute rapture.

Sooryavanshi reached his fifty off just 16 deliveries, the fastest half-century in an IPL playoff match, surpassing KL Rahul’s 17-ball fifty against Delhi Capitals in 2020. He continued to accelerate, smashing Pat Cummins for three consecutive sixes in the seventh over and depositing Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the upper tier of the stadium in the ninth. His 11 sixes in the innings set a new record for the most maximums in a single IPL playoff knock, eclipsing Chris Gayle’s nine sixes in the 2012 Eliminator.

Most remarkably, Sooryavanshi’s tally of sixes for the season climbed to 61, breaking Gayle’s all-time IPL record of 59 sixes set in the 2012 season. The fact that a 15-year-old has now surpassed one of cricket’s greatest power hitters in this statistical category speaks volumes about both his prodigious talent and the evolving nature of T20 cricket.

His dismissal for 97, caught in the deep attempting to reach a century off his 30th delivery, drew a standing ovation from the crowd and even applause from the opposition dugout. Speaking after the match, Sooryavanshi revealed that his focus had been entirely on hitting sixes rather than personal milestones. “I wasn’t aware of any records. My focus was on hitting sixes and scoring maximum runs for the team. Centuries can come later,” the teenager said with a maturity beyond his years.

Rajasthan’s Innings: Built Around Sooryavanshi’s Blitz

Rajasthan’s total of 243 for 8 was their highest score of the season and the second-highest total in IPL playoff history. While Sooryavanshi was the undeniable centrepiece, contributions came from across the batting order. Captain Riyan Parag played a composed anchor role, scoring 34 off 28 balls and rotating the strike intelligently to keep Sooryavanshi on strike as much as possible during the powerplay.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 38 off 24 balls at the top of the order provided an electric opening partnership of 112 runs in just 8.3 overs, setting the platform for the carnage that followed. Shimron Hetmyer added a quickfire 31 off 17 balls in the middle overs, while Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 22 off 11 balls in the death overs pushed the total past 240.

For SRH, the bowling figures made for grim reading. Captain Pat Cummins conceded 48 runs from his four overs, his most expensive spell of the tournament. Bhuvneshwar Kumar went for 41 in three overs before being taken out of the attack, while T Natarajan’s yorkers, usually so effective in the death overs, were dispatched with disdain by Sooryavanshi who seemed to pick every variation early.

Archer’s Devastating Spell Seals the Deal

While Sooryavanshi’s batting heroics set up the victory, Jofra Archer’s devastating new-ball spell in the SRH chase ensured there was no way back for Pat Cummins’s side. The England quick, who has been one of the standout performers of IPL 2026, struck with his very first ball of the innings, trapping Travis Head LBW with a searing inswinger that kept low. He followed up by bowling Abhishek Sharma with a 148 kph delivery that clipped the top of off stump in his second over, and then removed the dangerous Ishan Kishan with a short ball that the wicketkeeper-batter could only glove to the keeper.

Archer’s figures of 3 for 22 from his four overs effectively killed the chase before it began. With three of their top four back in the pavilion inside the powerplay, SRH needed 210 runs from the remaining 14 overs, a near-impossible task even by the standards of modern T20 cricket. Heinrich Klaasen battled gamely for 44 off 32 balls, and Rahul Tripathi added a brisk 38, but the required run rate was always beyond reach.

Record-Breaking Match and Season Milestones

The Eliminator threw up several remarkable statistical milestones beyond Sooryavanshi’s individual records. The match saw a combined 26 sixes hit by both teams, setting a new record for the most sixes in an IPL playoff or knockout match, surpassing the previous record of 25 from the Mumbai Indians versus Gujarat Titans Eliminator in 2025.

Rajasthan Royals have now won all four matches played at the Mullanpur venue this season, establishing a formidable home-ground advantage in the playoffs. Their net run rate has climbed to the highest among the remaining four teams, giving them significant momentum heading into Qualifier 2.

The BCCI, meanwhile, has reportedly sent a warning about the fast-tracking of Sooryavanshi into high-pressure cricket, with concerns over the physical and mental toll of an extended IPL campaign on a 15-year-old. Former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting, have urged caution while acknowledging the teenager’s extraordinary talent.

Road to the IPL 2026 Final

Rajasthan Royals will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 29, at Mullanpur, a venue where they have been unbeatable this season. The winner of that match will advance to the IPL 2026 final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru await as defending champions.

Captain Riyan Parag struck a confident tone after the victory, praising his team’s all-round performance while highlighting areas for improvement. “We are peaking at the right time. The boys are hungry, and we know what’s at stake. But we can’t get complacent — GT will come hard at us on Friday, and we need to be ready,” Parag said.

For SRH, the journey ends with mixed emotions. While they showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the league stage, their inability to handle the pressure of a knockout match ultimately cost them. Captain Cummins acknowledged that his team was outplayed on the night but backed his squad to come back stronger next season.

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The Indian Premier League 2026 playoffs continue on Wednesday evening with the Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the New International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. This do-or-die encounter will bring the curtain down on one team’s campaign immediately, while the winner progresses to Qualifier 2 on Friday where they will face Gujarat Titans for a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Both teams arrive at the Eliminator with contrasting recent form. Rajasthan Royals secured their playoff berth with a convincing 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the final league match, riding high on the momentum of a late-season surge that saw them win four of their last five matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, enter the playoffs after a relatively comfortable passage through the league stage, finishing third on the points table with 16 points from 14 matches.

Head-to-Head Record and Recent Form

In their two league-stage meetings this season, the teams split results with one win apiece. Rajasthan Royals won the first encounter in Jaipur by 18 runs, powered by a century from Sanju Samson, while Sunrisers avenged that defeat in Hyderabad with a clinical seven-wicket victory where their bowling attack restricted RR to a below-par total. The balanced head-to-head record suggests Wednesday’s match could go either way, with conditions in Mullanpur likely to play a decisive role.

The Mullanpur venue has hosted six matches this IPL season, with teams batting first winning four of those six encounters. The average first-innings score at the ground is 177, and the pitch has generally offered assistance to both pace and spin, making it a ground where all-round bowling attacks tend to thrive. The evening dew factor could also play a role in the second innings, potentially making it harder for bowlers to grip the ball effectively during the chase.

Rajasthan Royals — Strengths and Key Players

Rajasthan Royals’ campaign has been anchored by the consistent performances of captain Sanju Samson, who has amassed 467 runs this season at an average of 38.91 and a strike rate of 148.25. Samson’s ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate has been the backbone of the RR batting lineup, and his experience in high-pressure knockout matches could prove invaluable on Wednesday.

The RR bowling attack has been spearheaded by Trent Boult, whose mastery with the new ball in the powerplay has been a key factor in their success. Boult has taken 18 wickets this season at an economy rate of 7.82, and his ability to swing the ball both ways in the early overs has often set the tone for RR’s bowling efforts. Yuzvendra Chahal provides the spin threat in the middle overs, with 16 wickets at a crucial economy rate of 7.41.

The concern for RR heading into the Eliminator is the form of their middle order beyond Samson. Shimron Hetmyer has been inconsistent, and the team has relied heavily on their top order to set up competitive totals. If Samson fails to fire on Wednesday, it remains to be seen whether the middle order can absorb the pressure of a playoff knockout.

Sunrisers Hyderabad — Strengths and Key Players

Sunrisers Hyderabad bring a formidable combination of explosive batting and disciplined bowling to the Eliminator. Their batting lineup, led by the explosive Heinrich Klaasen and the reliable Abhishek Sharma, has posted totals in excess of 180 on multiple occasions this season. Klaasen’s ability to clear boundaries against both pace and spin in the death overs makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in the tournament.

Captain Pat Cummins leads the SRH bowling from the front, with 15 wickets this season at an economy of 8.11. While his economy rate is higher than he would like, Cummins has a knack for taking wickets at crucial moments, particularly in the death overs. The spin duo of Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Ahmed has been effective in the middle overs, collectively taking 22 wickets while maintaining tight economy rates.

SRH’s biggest strength heading into this match may be their power hitting depth. With Klaasen, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma all capable of taking the game away from any opposition in a matter of overs, SRH possess the firepower to chase down virtually any target or set up imposing totals if they bat first.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for Mullanpur on Wednesday evening shows clear skies with temperatures hovering around 35 to 37 degrees Celsius at the time of the toss. There is minimal risk of rain interruption, which means both teams should get a full 20-over contest. The temperature is expected to drop to around 30 degrees by the end of the match, and the accompanying dew could be a significant factor in the second innings.

The pitch at Mullanpur has generally been a good batting surface with decent carry and bounce, which should suit both teams’ aggressive batting approaches. However, the ground’s dimensions, particularly the shorter straight boundaries, could favour teams with power hitters who target the longer hitting zone over midwicket and cow corner.

Prediction and Key Battles to Watch

The Eliminator promises to be a fascinating contest between two evenly matched sides. The key individual battle could be Sanju Samson versus Pat Cummins in the powerplay, where the RR captain’s ability to negotiate the new ball movement could set the tone for the innings. Equally crucial will be the duel between Trent Boult and Travis Head, whose aggressive intent against the new ball could either pay rich dividends or lead to an early breakthrough for RR.

The winner of this Eliminator will advance to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, knowing that one more victory would take them to the IPL 2026 final against the rampant Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who romped to a 92-run victory in Qualifier 1. With so much at stake, Wednesday’s match at Mullanpur promises to be an evening of high-octane cricket and intense drama.

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Both teams finished the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches, but RCB clinched the top spot on the basis of a superior net run rate. Gujarat Titans, who have been one of the most consistent sides this season under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, finished second. The stage is set for a blockbuster encounter in one of cricket’s most breathtaking venues — where the Dhauladhar mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop that few sporting arenas in the world can match.

RCB’s Road to Qualifier 1

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been the most impressive team in IPL 2026, combining explosive batting with disciplined bowling in a way that has eluded them in previous seasons. Their nine victories from 14 league matches — their best-ever showing in the group stage — have been built on contributions across the squad rather than reliance on individual brilliance.

The top order, anchored by skipper Faf du Plessis and the inimitable Virat Kohli, has been prolific. Kohli, playing what many believe could be his final IPL season, has been in sublime form — accumulating over 530 runs at a strike rate north of 155. His hunger for a maiden IPL title as a player (having missed the 2024 triumph due to international commitments) has been palpable in every innings this season.

But it’s the bowling that has truly set RCB apart. Josh Hazlewood’s controlled aggression with the new ball, Wanindu Hasaranga’s middle-overs wizardry, and Mohammed Siraj’s death-overs mastery have given the team the most balanced attack in the tournament. RCB’s bowling economy of 8.1 runs per over is the best across all 10 teams this season.

Gujarat Titans’ Strengths

Gujarat Titans, the franchise that burst onto the IPL scene by winning the 2022 title in their debut season, have shown they remain a force to be reckoned with. Under 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill, the Titans have displayed remarkable maturity and adaptability — qualities that helped them navigate a tricky middle phase of the league stage where they lost three consecutive matches before roaring back with four straight wins.

Gill himself has been the team’s standout performer with the bat, amassing over 480 runs including three fifties and a breathtaking century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate has drawn comparisons with some of the greatest IPL captains in history.

The Titans’ trump card, however, may be their death bowling. Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan have formed a devastating partnership in the final overs, conceding less than 10 runs per over in the death phase — a remarkable statistic in the era of Impact Player and flat batting pitches. Rashid Khan, with 22 wickets at an economy of 6.8, has been the leading wicket-taker in the middle overs across the tournament.

The Dharamshala Factor

The venue itself could play a decisive role. The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,457 meters (4,780 feet), presents unique challenges for cricketers. The thin mountain air means the ball travels further, making it a high-scoring ground. However, the conditions also offer swing for fast bowlers, particularly in the evening sessions when dew can be a factor.

In IPL history, the average first-innings score at Dharamshala has been around 178, with teams batting first winning roughly 55% of the time. However, the dew factor in evening matches has sometimes tilted the advantage towards chasing sides, making the toss a crucial element. Both captains will be aware that the pitch is likely to be fresh and offer something for the bowlers early on before becoming easier to bat on as the match progresses.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several individual battles could define the outcome of this contest:

• Virat Kohli vs Rashid Khan: The evergreen rivalry between India’s modern-day great and Afghanistan’s spinning wizard has produced some of the IPL’s most memorable moments. Kohli’s ability to read Rashid’s variations could be crucial in the middle overs.
• Josh Hazlewood vs Shubman Gill: Hazlewood’s disciplined line and length against Gill’s elegant driving will be a test of skill versus temperament at the top of the innings.
• Wanindu Hasaranga vs GT’s Middle Order: Hasaranga’s ability to take wickets in the powerplay and middle overs makes him a constant threat, and how the Titans’ middle-order batsmen handle his googlies and leg-breaks could be pivotal.

Head-to-Head Record

In IPL history, RCB and Gujarat Titans have met 10 times, with the head-to-head standing at 5-5 — a perfect split that further underlines how evenly matched these two sides are. In their two league-stage encounters this season, each team won one match: RCB won the first meeting by 23 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while Gujarat claimed the reverse fixture by 6 wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

What’s at Stake

The significance of today’s match extends beyond mere cricket statistics. For RCB, who ended their 16-year title drought in 2024, the chance to win back-to-back titles for the first time in franchise history would cement their status as a genuine IPL dynasty. For Gujarat Titans, winning a second title in their short five-year existence would further validate the franchise model and Gill’s credentials as one of Indian cricket’s future leaders.

The loser of today’s match isn’t eliminated, but faces the daunting prospect of playing the Eliminator winner in Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh on May 29, with fatigue and travel potentially becoming factors in a quick turnaround.

Match Details

Qualifier 1 is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioCinema. With clear skies expected and temperatures around 24°C, conditions should be ideal for an absorbing contest of cricket.

As fans across India settle in for what promises to be a thrilling evening, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: who will take the direct route to the May 31 final? The answer lies somewhere between the Himalayan peaks and the cricket pitch of Dharamshala.

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Rajasthan Royals booked the fourth and final spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a comprehensive 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, 25 May 2026. The result brought the curtain down on the league stage of the tournament, simultaneously eliminating Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings from playoff contention. With this win, Rajasthan Royals will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, while RCB take on GT in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala on Monday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Rajasthan posted a formidable 205 for 8 in their 20 overs, anchored by a blistering 78 off 44 balls from opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a quickfire 53 off 31 from captain Sanju Samson. Mumbai Indians, needing an improbable victory by a massive margin to have any mathematical chance of qualification through net run rate, were bowled out for 175 in 19.2 overs, with Jofra Archer returning career-best IPL figures of 4 for 28 from his four overs.

Rajasthan’s Batting Masterclass Sets Up the Win

The Rajasthan innings was defined by intent from the very first ball. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage sensation who has been one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026, launched into the Mumbai bowling from the outset, smashing three sixes in the powerplay to set the tone for the innings. The 17-year-old’s innings included 8 fours and 5 sixes, compiled at a strike rate of 177, before he was dismissed by Deepak Chahar in the 12th over.

Captain Sanju Samson then took over the acceleration duties with characteristic panache. Samson’s 53 off 31 balls featured four sixes, including a massive 104-metre hit off Jasprit Bumrah that landed on the stadium roof and became an instant talking point on social media. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s partnership of 87 with Shimron Hetmyer in just 42 balls effectively put the match beyond Mumbai’s reach.

Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed a steady 34 off 26 balls at the top of the order, adding 62 for the opening wicket with Sooryavanshi. The Rajasthan batting lineup demonstrated the depth and firepower that has characterised their best performances this season, with contributions throughout the order ensuring that the total crossed the 200-run barrier that proved decisive in the context of the match.

Archer’s Spell Breaks Mumbai’s Chase

Mumbai Indians needed a strong start to their chase but were rocked early by Jofra Archer, who dismissed Ishan Kishan for 2 in the second over with a vicious short ball that took the glove and was caught by the keeper. Archer’s pace, consistently clocking 148 to 152 kilometres per hour, was too much for the Mumbai top order on a pitch that offered some assistance to the quicker bowlers in the first few overs.

Rohit Sharma’s miserable run in IPL 2026 continued as he was bowled for a duck by Trent Boult in the very first over, the fourth time this season that the former India captain has been dismissed without scoring. The dismissal equalled an unwanted all-time IPL record for the most ducks by a batsman in a single season. The Mumbai dressing room’s body language visibly deflated after Rohit’s early exit, and the chase never truly gained the momentum required against a total of 205.

Hardik Pandya fought valiantly with 61 off 38 balls, hitting three sixes and four fours in an innings that briefly kept Mumbai’s hopes alive. However, Archer’s return spell in the 17th and 18th overs, during which he removed both Pandya and Tim David in the space of three deliveries, effectively ended the contest. Mumbai lost their last five wickets for just 22 runs as Rajasthan’s bowling attack, led by Archer, strangled the lower order.

KKR and PBKS Knocked Out

The result had immediate consequences for other teams in the tournament. Kolkata Knight Riders, who had been depending on a Mumbai Indians victory to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, were officially eliminated. KKR had earlier lost their final league match to Delhi Capitals by 40 runs, finishing with 14 points from 14 matches. Despite an impressive mid-season run that saw them win four consecutive matches, their poor start to the campaign — just two wins from their first seven games — ultimately proved fatal.

Punjab Kings were also eliminated, ending a season that had started with enormous promise after they secured a century from captain Shreyas Iyer in their penultimate match against Lucknow Super Giants. However, their inconsistency across the tournament, particularly in the middle overs, meant that even Iyer’s heroics were not enough to compensate for the points dropped in earlier fixtures.

The Road to the Final

The IPL 2026 playoffs picture is now complete. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who sealed first place after their match against SRH, will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Monday, 26 May. The winner goes directly to the final, while the loser gets a second chance in Qualifier 2. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished second, will face Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator on Tuesday.

Rajasthan Royals, as the fourth qualifier, will face the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2. The team’s form heading into the knockouts is encouraging, with three wins from their last four league matches demonstrating that they have peaked at precisely the right time. Archer’s bowling, Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting and Samson’s match-winning ability make them a dangerous proposition for any opponent in the playoffs.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, 1 June at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where one team will lift the IPL trophy for 2026. With the form of players like Virat Kohli for RCB, Shubman Gill for GT, Travis Head for SRH, and now Archer and Sooryavanshi for RR, the knockout stage promises to deliver cricket of the highest quality.

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• Chennai Super Kings Exit IPL 2026 for Third Consecutive Year — What Went Wrong f

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Chennai Super Kings, the most consistent franchise in Indian Premier League history with five title victories, officially exited IPL 2026 after suffering a humiliating 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 21 May. The loss sealed what has become an unthinkable reality for the yellow army: three consecutive seasons without reaching the playoffs, the longest barren stretch in the franchise’s 17-year existence. For a team that reached the final in eleven of its first fourteen IPL seasons, the current crisis represents a fundamental structural problem that goes beyond individual performances or bad luck.

The numbers tell a stark story. CSK finished the 2026 league stage with just 12 points from 14 matches, winning only six games. Their net run rate of minus 0.462 was among the worst in the competition, reflecting not just defeats but the margins by which they lost. The 89-run capitulation against Gujarat Titans, in which they were bowled out for 140 chasing 229, was emblematic of a campaign characterised by brittle batting, toothless bowling in the death overs and questionable tactical decisions.

Batting Collapses and the Middle-Order Problem

CSK’s batting unit, traditionally the backbone of the franchise’s success, was the primary source of their struggles in 2026. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite finishing with 423 runs at a respectable average of 32, failed to convert starts into match-defining innings at crucial junctures. His strike rate of 124 in the powerplay was well below the tournament average, putting pressure on the middle order from the outset in several key matches.

The middle-order composition was perhaps the most debated aspect of CSK’s campaign. The decision to persist with an ageing core that included players past their prime drew criticism from analysts and fans alike throughout the season. The franchise’s reluctance to blood younger talent from their squad, despite the evident decline in the performance of several senior players, suggested a conservative mindset that sits at odds with the aggressive, results-driven approach that modern T20 cricket demands.

The overseas batting slots were another area of concern. CSK’s international recruits failed to deliver the explosive innings that characterise the contributions of top overseas batsmen at other franchises. While Gujarat Titans had Shubman Gill anchoring their innings and teams like RCB benefited from the match-winning ability of players like Virat Kohli, CSK’s foreign batsmen averaged just 22 with a collective strike rate of 118, both figures significantly below what is required at the business end of the tournament.

Bowling Woes and Death Over Hemorrhaging

If the batting was inconsistent, the bowling was outright deficient, particularly in the death overs that so often decide T20 matches. CSK conceded an average of 54 runs in overs 16 to 20 across the tournament, the highest among all ten franchises. This inability to close out innings meant that even competitive totals were frequently surpassed by opposition teams who could accelerate with confidence against CSK’s death bowling options.

The absence of a world-class fast bowler was keenly felt. While other teams deployed the likes of Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult to devastating effect in the powerplay and at the death, CSK lacked a bowler capable of consistently generating pace above 145 kilometres per hour or executing yorkers under pressure. Their bowling attack, heavy on spin and medium pace, was effective on certain surfaces but badly exposed on flat, batting-friendly wickets.

The Post-Dhoni Transition Challenge

Underlying all the tactical and personnel issues is the broader challenge of the post-MS Dhoni transition. Dhoni’s retirement after the 2023 season left an enormous void not just in terms of his wicketkeeping, batting and on-field captaincy but also in the intangible qualities of leadership, calmness under pressure and tactical acumen that he brought to the franchise for over fifteen years.

Gaikwad, a talented young batsman, has struggled to fill that void as captain. His field placements and bowling changes have drawn criticism, and the body language of the team under his leadership has lacked the steely determination that characterised CSK under Dhoni. The franchise’s coaching and management staff have also faced questions about whether the team’s strategic direction is keeping pace with the evolution of T20 cricket across the IPL.

The comparison with other franchises that have successfully navigated generational transitions is instructive. RCB’s resurgence under new leadership, GT’s consistency since their inaugural season, and the emergence of young teams like Punjab Kings as competitive forces all demonstrate that age and experience alone are insufficient. What matters is the willingness to make tough decisions, invest in emerging talent and adapt tactical approaches to the changing dynamics of the game.

What Needs to Change Before IPL 2027

For CSK to arrest their decline and return to the playoffs in 2027, wholesale changes appear necessary. The mega auction that precedes each new cycle will provide an opportunity to rebuild the squad around a core of dynamic, younger players. However, the franchise’s historical preference for experience over youth, and for loyalty over ruthless performance-based selection, suggests that such a transformation will require a fundamental shift in organisational philosophy.

The coaching staff also faces scrutiny. While head coach Stephen Fleming has been a loyal servant of the franchise, the results of the past three seasons suggest that fresh tactical perspectives may be needed. Several franchises have benefited from bringing in specialist coaches for batting, bowling, fielding and data analytics, and CSK’s coaching structure may need to be augmented or refreshed to remain competitive.

For the millions of CSK fans who have known nothing but success for most of the franchise’s existence, the current drought is a painful but perhaps necessary experience. Every great sporting dynasty eventually faces a period of renewal, and how Chennai Super Kings navigate this challenge will determine whether the yellow era has merely paused or has definitively ended.

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The post Chennai Super Kings Exit IPL 2026 for Third Consecutive Year — What Went Wrong for the Five-Time Champions appeared first on Daily Tips.

Match 67 of the Indian Premier League 2026 delivered one of the most entertaining encounters of the season as Sunrisers Hyderabad demolished Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on 22 May 2026. However, the final result told only half the story, as RCB had the last laugh by securing first place on the IPL 2026 points table despite the heavy defeat, needing only 166 runs to guarantee the top spot by virtue of their superior net run rate.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sunrisers Hyderabad unleashed a batting masterclass that will be remembered as one of the finest team performances in IPL history. The home side posted a colossal 255 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, a total that required extraordinary hitting from top to bottom of the order. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has earned a reputation as a run-scoring paradise this season, and the Sunrisers exploited every inch of its flat deck and short boundaries.

Ishan Kishan’s Magnificent 79 Anchors Record-Breaking Innings

The star of the innings was undoubtedly Ishan Kishan, who played a sensational knock of 79 runs that combined explosive power with calculated aggression. Kishan set the tone from the very first over, dispatching the opening bowlers with a string of boundaries that immediately put the RCB attack on the back foot. His innings provided the backbone around which the rest of the Sunrisers batting unit constructed their massive total.

Kishan’s knock was particularly impressive for the way he paced his innings. Rather than going all out from ball one, he built steadily through the powerplay before unleashing a devastating assault in the middle and death overs. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries at will made him nearly impossible to contain, and he departed only on the final ball of the innings when Rasikh Dar finally found a way through his defence.

Complementing Kishan at the top of the order was the explosive Abhishek Sharma, who blitzed his way to a breathtaking 56 off just 22 balls. Sharma’s innings was a whirlwind of clean hitting, featuring towering sixes over midwicket and straight down the ground that left the RCB fielders as mere spectators. His strike rate of over 254 set the platform for the carnage that followed, and his partnership with Kishan effectively took the game away from RCB within the first ten overs.

Heinrich Klaasen, the South African wicketkeeper-batsman who has become one of the most destructive middle-order batsmen in IPL history, maintained the onslaught with a quickfire 51 off 24 deliveries. Klaasen’s ability to hit boundaries in the death overs is well documented, and he did not disappoint, smashing four sixes in a devastating spell that pushed the Sunrisers total well beyond the 250-run mark. His cameo ensured that every RCB bowler finished with an economy rate well in excess of 12 runs per over.

RCB’s Strategic Chase Secures First Place Despite Defeat

Chasing 256 to win, RCB found themselves in an unusual position. They knew that a victory was highly unlikely given the enormity of the target, but they also knew that they only needed to score 166 runs in their 20 overs to guarantee first place on the points table regardless of the match result. This mathematical equation fundamentally altered the nature of the chase and turned it into a strategic exercise rather than a desperate run chase.

RCB’s batsmen approached the task with remarkable composure. Rajat Patidar anchored the innings with a composed half-century that ensured the scoring rate never dropped below the required threshold. His innings of 50-plus was a masterclass in calculated batting under unusual circumstances, as he balanced the need to score briskly against the risk of losing wickets and falling short of the crucial 166-run mark.

Venkatesh Iyer contributed a vital 44 runs that kept the chase on track through the middle overs, while Krunal Pandya remained unbeaten with 41 to guide RCB past the all-important milestone. The team eventually finished on 200 for 4 in their 20 overs, falling 55 runs short of the Sunrisers total but comfortably surpassing the target they actually needed to hit. The scene at the end was one of celebration in the RCB camp despite appearing on the wrong side of the scorecard.

IPL 2026 Playoff Picture Takes Shape

With RCB confirmed in first place, the IPL 2026 playoff race now enters its most dramatic phase. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s emphatic victory keeps their hopes alive, but their qualification still depends on other results going their way. The remaining league matches will determine which four teams progress to the knockout stages, with Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals all still mathematically in contention for the remaining playoff berths.

Today’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow carries enormous significance for the playoff equation. A PBKS victory would significantly boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages, while a loss could effectively end their campaign. The permutations are complex, involving net run rates, head-to-head records, and results across multiple matches.

SRH’s net run rate received a significant boost from their 55-run victory, which could prove decisive if multiple teams finish on equal points. In a tournament where the margins between qualification and elimination are razor-thin, every run scored and conceded carries weight. The Sunrisers will be hoping that their dominant display translates into a tangible advantage when the final standings are calculated.

What This Match Means for the Final Week of IPL 2026

The final week of the IPL 2026 league stage promises to be one of the most exciting in the tournament’s history. With multiple teams fighting for the last available playoff spots, every match carries the potential to reshape the standings. Fans can expect high-intensity cricket as teams leave nothing in reserve in their pursuit of qualification.

For RCB, the luxury of having secured first place means they can approach their remaining matches with less pressure, potentially resting key players ahead of the playoffs. For SRH, the imperative is clear: they must win their remaining fixtures and hope that other results align in their favour. The beauty of the IPL format is that nothing is decided until the final ball of the final league match is bowled, and this season has lived up to that promise in spectacular fashion.

The India versus Afghanistan series scheduled for June will give IPL performers a chance to carry their form into international cricket, but for now, all eyes remain firmly on the race for the IPL 2026 title. With the playoffs just days away, the intensity is only going to increase from here.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the first team to confirm their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs, and they have done it in emphatic style. With 18 points from 13 matches, nine wins and four losses, and a commanding net run rate of +1.065, RCB have not only qualified but have virtually guaranteed a top-two finish that gives them two chances to reach the final.

RCB’s dominance this season has been built on consistent performances across all departments. Their batting lineup has been prolific, their bowling attack disciplined, and their fielding among the sharpest in the tournament. The team’s net run rate, the best in the league by a significant margin, reflects the comprehensive nature of their victories.

After Rajasthan Royals lost to Delhi Capitals on 18 May, only Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad can mathematically match RCB’s points tally. However, the net run rate gap makes it nearly impossible for either team to leapfrog RCB into first place. Even in a worst-case scenario where RCB lose their final match badly, their NRR would only drop to approximately 0.791, a figure that would require extraordinary results from their rivals to surpass.

Gujarat Titans: One Win Away from Playoffs

Gujarat Titans sit second on the points table with 16 points from 13 matches, having won eight and lost five. Their net run rate of +0.400 positions them strongly for a playoff berth, and their qualification scenario is simple: beat Chennai Super Kings in their final league match and they are through.

However, if GT lose to CSK and finish with 16 points, their place in the top four is not guaranteed. Five teams could potentially finish on 16 or more points, creating a scenario where net run rate becomes the deciding factor. GT’s healthy NRR gives them an advantage in this situation, but the uncertainty is real.

A top-two finish for GT depends on whether Sunrisers Hyderabad win both their remaining matches. If SRH do manage two victories, GT and SRH would be level on points, and net run rate would determine who joins RCB in the top two with the associated advantage of an extra chance in the playoff stage.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Two Crucial Matches Remain

Sunrisers Hyderabad are third with 16 points from 13 matches, identical to Gujarat Titans. With two matches remaining, against CSK and RCB, SRH have more opportunities to add points but also more risk. Two wins would guarantee qualification and could even secure a top-two finish depending on other results.

The match against RCB is particularly significant. A win over the league leaders would boost SRH’s net run rate while simultaneously reducing RCB’s advantage, potentially reshuffling the top of the table. The contest against CSK is equally important, as Chennai are also in the hunt for a playoff spot.

SRH’s campaign has been characterised by explosive batting performances offset by occasional bowling collapses, a pattern that makes them dangerous opponents but also vulnerable to teams that can build pressure early in an innings.

The Middle of the Table: A Five-Way Scramble

Below the top three, the battle for the fourth playoff spot is extraordinarily tight. Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders all harbour realistic hopes of qualification, making this the most competitive bottom half of the table in IPL history.

Rajasthan Royals, currently fourth with 14 points from 13 matches, have the best position among the chasing pack but their two remaining games will be decisive. After their loss to Delhi Capitals, RR can no longer afford another slip. Two wins from their final two matches would take them to 18 points, almost certainly securing qualification. Even one more win might be enough, depending on other results.

Punjab Kings are fifth with 13 points from 13 matches, including six wins, six losses, and one no result. With just one match remaining against Lucknow Super Giants, PBKS can reach a maximum of 15 points. This would leave them dependent on other results, but the bunched nature of the points table means 15 could potentially be enough if other teams slip up.

CSK, DC, and KKR: Outside Chances Remain Alive

Chennai Super Kings, at sixth with 12 points from 13 matches, need to win both their remaining games and hope for favourable results elsewhere. Their encounters against GT and SRH are essentially knockout matches, with defeats ending their campaign. CSK’s near-zero net run rate of -0.016 means they would likely lose any NRR tiebreaker, making wins essential.

Delhi Capitals, also on 12 points but with a poor NRR of -0.871, face a similar situation. Their victory over Rajasthan Royals on 18 May kept their hopes alive, but they need other results to go their way even if they win their remaining match.

Kolkata Knight Riders, eighth with 11 points from 12 matches, have a mathematical chance but would need to win their remaining games and rely on multiple results falling in their favour. Their poor NRR of -0.038 is an additional handicap in any tiebreaker scenario.

Shashank Singh’s Heroics: A Highlight Amid PBKS’ Disappointment

While the playoff race dominates the headlines, individual performances continue to light up the tournament. Shashank Singh’s sensational knock of 56 runs off just 27 balls for Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was one of the standout innings of the week. Despite PBKS ultimately falling short, Shashank’s aggressive batting showcased the kind of fearless cricket that has made IPL 2026 one of the most entertaining seasons in the tournament’s history.

The match also featured a noteworthy squad change at Chennai Super Kings, who brought in South African all-rounder Dian Forrester as part of a reshuffling prompted by multiple injury setbacks. CSK’s willingness to experiment with their lineup reflects the desperation of a team fighting for survival in the league phase.

Key Matches to Watch This Week

The final week of the league phase promises to be dramatic. The most consequential matches include Gujarat Titans versus Chennai Super Kings, which could eliminate one of two storied franchises, and Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which could determine the top-two finishing order. Every match matters, and the IPL 2026 playoff race is set to deliver a thrilling conclusion that will keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball is bowled.

With the stakes this high and the margins this thin, IPL 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable seasons in the tournament’s storied history. Whether your team qualifies or falls agonisingly short, the drama of the final week is what makes the Indian Premier League the greatest cricket spectacle on the planet.

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Tilak Varma’s Sensational Century Rescues Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians found themselves in early trouble at the Narendra Modi Stadium when Kagiso Rabada ripped through the top order, removing three batsmen inside the powerplay. At 42 for 3, MI were staring at another humiliating collapse in what has been a turbulent campaign. But Tilak Varma had other plans.

The 23-year-old left-hander walked in at No. 5 and proceeded to play one of the most memorable innings of IPL 2026. He smashed nine sixes and seven fours in a display of controlled aggression that left the Gujarat bowling attack in tatters. Partnering with Naman Dhir (45 off 30 balls), Varma propelled MI to a formidable 211 for 5 from their 20 overs.

Gujarat Titans, in reply, were bundled out for just 112, handing Mumbai Indians a morale-boosting 99-run win. For fans across Cricket, this innings marked Tilak Varma as one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket, and selectors for the upcoming Champions Trophy will have taken note.

Punjab Kings Reign Supreme: Five Wins From Six

At the summit of the IPL 2026 standings, Punjab Kings continue their remarkable unbeaten form. With five wins from six matches, PBKS sit atop the table with 11 points and a stellar net run rate of +1.420 — comfortably the best in the tournament.

Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab have looked a completely different side from the perennial underperformers of previous seasons. Iyer’s own form has been electric — his 33-ball 69 against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a masterclass in power hitting. The combination of experienced Indian batters and a disciplined bowling attack has made Punjab the team to beat in 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru occupy second place, also looking in fine form, while defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are locked in a tight mid-table battle. For the latest updates on the Sports tournament, the race is tighter than ever.

IPL 2026 Points Table After 30 Matches

The current standings paint a picture of intense competition:

• 1. Punjab Kings — 6 matches, 5 wins, 11 points, NRR +1.420
• 2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Strong form with consistent performances
• 3-4. CSK and Rajasthan Royals — Locked in mid-table battle for playoff spots
• 5-6. Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants — Fighting to stay in contention
• 7-8. Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders — Struggling with consistency
• 9-10. Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad — Must win almost every remaining game

Despite the Tilak Varma century, Mumbai Indians still have a mountain to climb. For the full rivalry breakdown, see our SRH vs MI head-to-head timeline. Their record of just two wins from seven matches means every remaining fixture is essentially a knockout game.

Orange Cap and Purple Cap Race

The individual honours race is equally compelling. The Purple Cap for the leading wicket-taker sits with Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj, who has claimed 13 wickets so far — impressive for a young Indian pacer making his mark on the biggest stage. Close behind is Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna with 12 wickets, followed by Lucknow Super Giants’ Prince Yadav with 11.

The Orange Cap race for the highest run-scorer has seen multiple lead changes, with explosive performances from batters across teams. The likes of Iyer, Varma, and several overseas stars are jostling for the top position, and with the tournament entering the business end, the competition will only intensify.

Also noteworthy is Jasprit Bumrah‘s form. After an unusually quiet start to the tournament, the India pace spearhead finally opened his wicket account with a first-ball breakthrough against Gujarat Titans, raising hopes that MI’s talisman is finding his rhythm at just the right time. If you’ve been following Lakshya Sen Falls Short at All England 2026: Runner-Up Again as Lin Chun-Yi Makes …, you’ll know that Bumrah’s form is often the barometer for Mumbai’s fortunes.

Key Storylines to Watch in Week 5

As IPL 2026 heads into its fifth week, several storylines demand attention:

Can Punjab Kings go unbeaten? PBKS have a realistic shot at matching or even surpassing the record for the longest winning streak in IPL history. Their next fixtures against Delhi Capitals and CSK will be the sternest tests yet.

Mumbai Indians’ playoff chances: Despite the GT thrashing, MI still sit near the bottom. With captain Hardik Pandya refusing to shoulder all the blame and instead backing his squad’s resilience, the next three matches will determine whether MI can stage a miraculous comeback — a scenario familiar to longtime Asian Boxing Championships 2026: India Women Top Medal Charts With Four Golds in U… watchers.

Overseas players stepping up: Kagiso Rabada’s hostile spells for GT, the impact players across franchises, and the mega-auction buys justifying their price tags are all threads that will unravel over the coming weeks.

What Makes IPL 2026 Different

This edition has been marked by young Indian talent making unprecedented impacts. From Tilak Varma’s century to Anshul Kamboj’s Purple Cap charge, the domestic pipeline is delivering at the highest level. The impact player rule continues to provide tactical intrigue, and the broadcast numbers — crossing 500 million digital viewers — confirm that IPL remains the world’s most-watched cricket league.

For more detailed coverage of individual match reports, head over to India Edge Past Australia in FIH Pro League 2025-26 Shootout: A Statement of Inten…. With 40+ matches still to play and the playoff race wide open, IPL 2026 promises an unforgettable climax through May.

Stay tuned for daily IPL updates, analysis, and fantasy tips right here on DailyTips.in.

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