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Chennai Super Kings’ most expensive player, Prashant Veer, has been injured ahead of IPL 2026. A shoulder injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy match has cast doubt over his availability. Prashant Veer injured (Photo: ESPNcricinfo) Prashant Veer Injury: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), gearing up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, have encountered an early setback before the season even begins. The franchise, which invested heavily in the most expensive uncapped player at the IPL auction, has suddenly faced a major blow. The team had acquired all-rounder Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crore. However, he has sustained an injury during a Ranji Trophy match, raising questions about his availability for IPL 2026. He injured his right shoulder while fielding. Injury Sustained While Fieldingpatrika Prashant Veer sustained this injury during the Ranji Trophy match between Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. In the 30th over of the match, while fielding at mid-off, he dived to his right to stop a powerful shot from Shikhar Mohan. Although he managed to stop the ball, his right shoulder hit the ground hard as he fell. He remained on the ground in pain for a considerable time. The physio immediately administered a pain relief spray, but he was later taken off the field and sent to the hospital for scans. Doubt Over Playing in IPL 2026 According to initial reports, Prashant Veer is suspected to have a Grade 2 tear, which could keep him out of cricket for at least three weeks. With IPL 2026 scheduled to commence in late March, the pressure on his fitness will mount with time. With less than two months remaining until the IPL begins, if his recovery is delayed, CSK may have to explore other options. Created History at Auction Chennai Super Kings showed immense faith in Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. With a bid of ₹14.20 crore, he became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. Fans have referred to him as Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement in the franchise. However, this injury before the season starts has serious implications for CSK.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav lauded Ishan Kishan’s batting. He said, “I was a bit annoyed that he wasn’t giving me the strike in the powerplay, but I understood the situation later.” Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav struggling with poor form (Photo credit: IANS) India vs New Zealand T20: India has taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series by defeating New Zealand by 7 wickets in the second match. After this victory, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that he was upset when Ishan was not giving him the strike during the powerplay, but he understood the situation later. Suryakumar Yadav Reveals After winning the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “I don’t know what Ishan ate for lunch, but I have never seen anyone go from 6 runs for 2 wickets to around 60 by the end of the powerplay. This is what we want from our batsmen: to play freely. I was a bit upset that he wasn’t giving me the strike in the power play, but I understood the situation later.” Surya and Ishan Forge Century Partnership In this match, Surya played an unbeaten innings of 82 runs off 37 balls, with the help of 4 sixes and 9 fours. During this, he forged an unbroken partnership of 122 runs with Ishan Kishan and 81 runs with Shivam Dube. Talking about his brilliant form, Surya said, “I was batting well in the nets, had a good break, and had a great practice session before the match. The bowling also made a tremendous effort. When New Zealand scored 110 runs for the loss of 2 wickets, I thought the score would go around 230, but our bowlers took responsibility and contributed. I am thoroughly enjoying what is happening right now. The atmosphere in the camp is happy, and I want it to remain that way.” What Mitchell Santner Said After the Loss On the other hand, after trailing 0-2 in the five-match T20 series, Mitchell Santner said, “Perhaps scoring 300 runs against Team India is appropriate? When you play against a team with such batting depth, and with the intent India started with from the first ball, it was important for us to put them under pressure wherever possible. We were put under a lot of pressure today, but it was a good opportunity for us to learn and come back.”

IND vs NZ 3rd T20i Playing 11 Prediction: Two major changes are possible in the Indian team for the third T20 match. After resting Jasprit Bumrah, he will be played again in the third match, while the team’s vice-captain Axar Patel may return after injury. Two major changes possible in Indian team for third T20I (Photo source: IANS) IND vs NZ 3rd T20i Playing 11 Prediction: New Zealand is currently on a tour of India for a five-match T20 series. Having won the first two matches of the series, the Indian team is leading 2-0. India has dominated New Zealand in both matches. In this context, the Indian team will want to win the third match and clinch the series. Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to stay in the series by winning this match. For the third match of the series, the Indian team will want to field its best playing combination. Two major changes could be made to the team for this. Key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will return to the team. On the other hand, bowler Kuldeep Yadav, who took the most wickets in the second match, might have to sit out. Kuldeep Yadav Out? Vice-captain Axar Patel was ruled out of the second match of the series due to injury. Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was included in the team in his place. Now, Axar Patel could return for the third match, while Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled brilliantly in the second match, might have to be benched. Kuldeep bowled economically in that match and took two wickets. While other bowlers conceded a significant number of runs, Kuldeep not only took wickets but also curbed the run rate. Bumrah’s Return India’s key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the second match, will be included in the team again for the third encounter. Fast bowler Harshit Rana was included in the team in his place. For the third match, he will have to make way for Bumrah and will likely be back on the bench. Apart from these two major changes, the team will largely remain the same. India will play the T20 World Cup with this team, so they will want to field their best combination for the third match.

The effects of the heat were clearly visible in the match of the current men’s champion, Jannik Sinner. During the match played at Rod Laver Arena, Sinner appeared to be suffering from cramps and movement issues. As the heat stress index reached its maximum level, his match was paused for eight minutes, allowing him time to cool down before play resumed under the closed roof. Australian Open outdoor matches halted due to extreme heat (Photo: Australian Open) Australian Open 2026: The Australian Open is being affected by extreme heat. Matches scheduled on outdoor courts were temporarily suspended on Saturday after temperatures reached 36 degrees Celsius, and the roofs of the main show courts were closed. Organisers clarified that the safety of players and spectators is the top priority. Strict Policy Implemented to Combat Heat A strict policy is in place at the Australian Open to deal with extreme heat, which evaluates four key factors: air temperature, radiant heat, wind speed, and humidity. Play is suspended when all these factors combine to reach Condition Level 5. This situation led to the postponement of several matches on Saturday. Spectators were also advised to stay hydrated, wear hats, and use the misting fans installed in the stadium.

Joe Root’s stellar performance in the second ODI against Sri Lanka saw him break Kevin Pietersen’s record, becoming the player with the most Player of the Match awards for England England batsman Joe Root (PC: IANS) Joe Root breaks Kevin Pietersen’s Record: England are currently on a tour of Sri Lanka. England registered a victory in the second match of the ODI series being played here, levelling the series at 1-1. The hero of England’s victory in the second match was the experienced player Joe Root. After taking 2 wickets with the ball, he also performed brilliantly with the bat, scoring a half-century of 75 runs. It was due to Root’s performance that he was chosen as ‘Player of the Match’. With this, Root has surpassed former batsman Kevin Pietersen in terms of the most ‘Player of the Match’ awards. ‘Player of the Match’ for the 27th time In the second ODI played against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Joe Root achieved another record with his stellar performance. By being chosen as ‘Player of the Match’ in this encounter, Root has become the player with the most ‘Player of the Match’ awards for England. He now has 27 such awards to his name. In this regard, he broke the record of former batsman Kevin Pietersen, who had held the top spot for a long time with 26 such awards. Most POTM for England Showed brilliance with both ball and bat Talking about the match, Sri Lanka were all out for 219 runs while batting first. England’s bowling was tight, and Root also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets. England’s start was ordinary as they began chasing the target, but Joe Root, batting at number three, steadied the innings. He played a crucial innings of 75 runs off 90 balls, which included five fours. His partnership with Ben Duckett put the team in a strong position, while later, he laid the foundation for victory in partnership with Harry Brook.