With just 10 days remaining in the Indian Premier League's league stage, a late surge from teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders has intensified the competition, leaving eight teams vying for the coveted four playoff spots.
Fans are travelling from across cities just to be in the stadium on days Rajasthan Royals play -- on the off-chance they get to watch him bat. Television numbers spike the moment he walks out to the crease. And there's a pattern that have quietly started to notice: The moment Sooryavanshi is dismissed, a significant chunk of viewers switch off.
Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins believes India have a "huge advantage" to be based in Dubai for the ongoing Champions Trophy while other sides criss-cross Pakistan for their group games in the tournament, being held under a 'hybrid model'.
Australia took the upper hand in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's, ending day two on 144-8 in their second innings with a lead of 218 runs after wickets tumbled freely again on Thursday.
'To be able to take over or equal Glenn, or however you want to put it, it's pretty humbling to be honest with you, and it's something that I'll look back at the end of my career, or even tonight, and sit back and try and have a moment.'
Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to capitalise on their home advantage when they face Delhi Capitals in a crucial mid-table Indian Premier League clash. Both teams are level on points, making this a key match for their IPL campaign.
Steve Smith cut a relaxed figure when he named the Australia team for the opening clash in his ninth and possibly final Ashes series on Thursday.
'To be able to then just work through it, and you could see there definitely was a shift after the second game just from his own performance, you'd see there's a little bit of extra intensity in him after that.'
Rajasthan Royals, currently leading the IPL standings, will play Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have struggled for consistency, in an upcoming match. The Royals' strong batting and improved bowling will be tested by Sunrisers' explosive but inconsistent top order.
Rajasthan Royals are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL match, seeking to avenge their previous defeat. RR, currently second in the standings, will rely on their strong batting lineup, while SRH will depend on their explosive top-order batsmen.
IMAGES from Day 5 of the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide on Sunday.
IPL captains have voiced concerns about the Impact Player rule, which has been extended until 2027, during a meeting in Mumbai. The rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during a match, has sparked debate among players and fans, with some arguing it hampers the development of all-rounders.
A review of the IPL 2026 season, highlighting the successes of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, while noting the disappointing performances of Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, setting the stage for significant changes.
Australia Test captain Pat Cummins expects greater workload with the ball for all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh against India
Australian media hailed Pat Cummins' batting heroics as the final blow of a "rope-a-dope" strategy that delivered a thrilling two-wicket win over England
Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings rode on Urvil Patel's explosive 23-ball 65 to beat Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in a tense IPL clash and keep their playoff hopes alive in Chennai on Sunday.
Smith dislocated his right little finger in last month's World Test Championship final and will be required to wear a splint for five weeks, Cricket Australia said.
'The body is holding together, and it's a great group to be a part of.'
Kevin Pietersen criticises England after their Ashes loss in Adelaide
Australia is on the cusp of scripting another milestone. If the Baggy Greens trounce the Proteas, they will become the first team to defend the WTC mace successfully.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins had a special message for the 19-year-old debutant Sam Kontas, urging the batter to enjoy being a part of the Boxing Day Test, and not overthink it.
'Personally, I think I'm really happy for a few reasons... the one main reason is it is the best that I felt like I have bowled for a little while'
IMAGES from the Indian Premier League match played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals in Hyderabad, on Monday.
With their Ashes hero Mitchell Starc retiring from T20 internationals, Xavier Bartlett is set to claim the second pace bowling slot in the group stage of the World Cup.
Australia head coach and selector Andrew McDonald has confirmed Usman Khawaja will play in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground amid media speculation it could be his last international.
The Australian captain's gesture won cricketing hearts all over.
Want to see aggressive start from SRH: Captain Pat Cummins
SRH skipper Pat Cummins said, "It was great (the team's performance). A few things came together tonight; the boys played well. Thought it (the bowling) was pretty clinical.
Australia captain Pat Cummins is returning home to Sydney due to personal reasons but will rejoin the team for the last two Tests of the series in India.
In a nail-biting finish at the MCG, Australia clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first ODI on Monday night.
Young Sam Konstas took the world by surprise with his aggressive approach in the Boxing Day Test, and the skipper lauded the teenager's adaptability.
Pat Cummins may be undecided about his future as Australia's One-Day International captain after the World Cup but few of his compatriots will be urging him to stand down after his efforts in India.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said the team is ready for the Pakistan T20I series despite a short, interrupted build-up, calling the tour vital preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Pat Cummins tore through South Africa before a Proteas fightback left the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 on a knife-edge at the end of an absorbing second day at Lord's.
The Perth Stadium curator has promised the wicket will be green, fast and bouncy but Stokes offered no thoughts on whether England would attack with four quicks or pick the specialist spinner, Shoaib Bashir, in their 11.
'I'm really excited ... for next year to try to get some games before that World Cup and push a case to not only make the side but to get back to how I feel like I can bowl in T20 cricket.'
Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne said he had "never seen" someone bowl like the way Pat Cummins did during the World Cup final against India, which they won by six wickets for a record-extending sixth title.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh says team respects criticism after shock T20 World Cup exit, with Cricket Australia set to conduct a forensic review.
England have not won a first Ashes Test in Australia in nearly 40 years, nor beaten the hosts in Perth since 1978.
'As a captain it makes my life a lot easier knowing you've got lots of settled players there.'
