IPL 2026: Goenka Gets Teary-Eyed, Tim David Smashes 70

Lucknow Super Giants owner breaks down after first victory; RCB post 250 against CSK as Tim David hits 70 off 25 in IPL 2026 action.

Emotional Owner

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka could not hold back tears as his side registered its first win of IPL 2026. The moment came when skipper Rishabh Pant hit the winning four against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Ground cameras captured Goenka wiping his eyes, a picture that quickly went viral across social media. Sources close to the franchise said the victory carried immense emotional weight after a tough start to the campaign.

Reddy’s ‘Pushpa’ Celebration

Sunrisers Hyderabad found themselves in deep trouble at 35 for 4 inside 10 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy then stitched a century stand with Heinrich Klaasen to pull his team back. Reddy brought up his fifty off just 30 balls and celebrated with his trademark ‘Pushpa’ movie gesture. The young all-rounder’s aggressive strokeplay gave SRH a fighting total, though it ultimately proved insufficient.

Pant’s Heroics Behind Stumps

Rishabh Pant delivered a wicketkeeping masterclass that turned the game in Lucknow’s favour. In the eighth over, he dived sharply to his right to grab a one-handed stunner, sending back Liam Livingstone. Later in the death overs, Pant repeated the act to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen off Avesh Khan’s bowling. His two superhuman catches broke crucial partnerships and kept SRH from posting a match-winning score.

Kohli’s ‘No-Look’ Six

The second Super Sunday fixture saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru pile up 250 runs against Chennai Super Kings. Virat Kohli set the tone early, smashing a ‘no-look’ six off Matt Henry in the fourth over. The shot drew loud cheers from the Chinnaswamy crowd, though Kohli departed soon after for 28 off 18 balls. Shivam Dube dropped his catch earlier but later redeemed himself by taking the same batter off Anshul Kamboj’s bowling.

Tim David’s 106-Metre Six

Tim David produced one of the most destructive death-overs knocks in IPL history. The big-hitter was bowled off a no-ball from Anshul Kamboj, then smashed the free hit for six. He went on to score 30 runs in a single over and finished with 70 off just 25 balls. One of his sixes travelled 106 metres, landing outside the stadium in Cubbon Park. RCB piled on 97 runs in the last five overs, largely due to David’s carnage.

Bizarre Run-Outs & Drops

The day also witnessed several unusual moments that left fans stunned. Nicholas Pooran was run out in bizarre fashion after sweeping the ball onto his own stumps, with Ishan Kishan completing the dismissal. Sarfaraz Khan dropped his bat while running between the wickets and gestured to the dressing room for new gloves. He still managed a 24-ball fifty before being stumped. Jitesh Sharma added to the highlight reel with a sharp one-handed catch to remove Shivam Dube.

What Lies Ahead

Both winning teams will look to build momentum as IPL 2026 moves into its second week. Lucknow Super Giants finally have points on the board after back-to-back losses. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, have sent a strong message with their 250-run total. The tournament now shifts focus to mid-table battles, with several franchises eyeing course correction. Cricket fans can expect more high-voltage action as the season gathers pace.

Chennai Super Kings suffer early setback as veteran wicketkeeper-batter misses first two weeks; Sanju Samson set to keep wickets.

Dhoni Sidelined with Calf Strain

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed that MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of the Tata IPL 2026 season after sustaining a calf strain during practice sessions. The 44-year-old is undergoing rehabilitation, with the franchise closely monitoring his recovery.

The announcement came on Saturday, the opening day of the tournament, just days before CSK's season opener against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. Sources indicated the injury occurred in recent intra-squad matches, forcing the team to adjust their plans quickly.

Sanju Samson to Step Up as Wicketkeeper

With Dhoni unavailable, newly acquired Sanju Samson is likely to take over full-time wicketkeeping duties. Samson, who joined CSK in a major trade from Rajasthan Royals, brings strong recent form after being named Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup.

The Kerala batter is expected to open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, adding depth and stability to the lineup during the initial phase. Team management believes this move will help maintain balance until Dhoni returns to full fitness.

Major Trade Reshapes CSK Squad

CSK secured Samson ahead of the mini-auction in a high-profile exchange, sending Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for approximately ₹18 crore. This deal was one of the biggest ahead of the 2026 season and has already sparked debate over squad composition.

Samson's inclusion provides CSK with a reliable gloveman and explosive batter, especially important as the side aims for a record sixth IPL title without their talismanic leader for the early games.

No Early Reunion with Virat Kohli

Fans hoping for an early on-field reunion between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli will have to wait. CSK face Royal Challengers Bengaluru only once in the league stage, on April 5 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A possible clash in the playoffs remains open, provided both teams qualify and Dhoni recovers in time. The injury has dampened expectations for that marquee encounter in the first half of the season.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Lauds Dhoni's Leadership Style

In a recent CSK YouTube interaction, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad spoke highly of Dhoni's approach towards the younger generation. “I have huge respect for Mahi Bhai. He doesn't attend team discussions himself, he wants Fleming and me to take things forward,” Gaikwad said.

He added that Dhoni focuses on problem-solving rather than dictating right or wrong, trusting the current leadership to drive the team. This hands-off style has been praised as a significant step for succession within the franchise.

Impact on CSK's Campaign

The absence of Dhoni, a five-time IPL champion with the team, comes as a blow for CSK at the start of their campaign. His experience behind the stumps and finishing abilities have been central to the side's success over the years.

However, the franchise appears prepared, with Samson and other options like Urvil Patel available. Early games against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, RCB, and Delhi Capitals will test the revamped lineup as they chase consistency under Gaikwad.

Recovery Timeline and Future Outlook

CSK officials have expressed optimism about Dhoni's return after the initial two weeks, with the medical team overseeing his rehab. Fans have been quick to send wishes, trending messages of support for the veteran known affectionately as 'Thala'.

As the IPL 2026 unfolds, all eyes will remain on CSK's ability to navigate the early fixtures without their iconic figure. The team management has indicated they are focused on long-term stability while hoping for a swift comeback.

What Next for Dhoni and CSK

Dhoni's return timeline will be clearer in the coming days as rehabilitation progresses. For now, the focus shifts to Samson stepping into a key role and Gaikwad leading a young unit in high-stakes matches.

The development adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing season, with CSK looking to overcome the setback and build momentum right from the start.