Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 22 SPORTS May 8, 2026 Lakshmi Mittal, Poonawalla-Led Group To Buy IPL Franchise For $1.65 Billion A consortium led by steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine tycoon Adar Poonawalla has agreed to acquire Indian Premier League fran- chise Rajasthan Royals in a deal valuing the team at $1.65 billion, a statement said. Mittal will hold about 75% of the franchise along with his family, while Poonawalla is set to own around 18%, the statement issued by the consortium said. Existing investors, including Manoj Badale, will retain about a 7% stake. The deal includes the Rajasthan Royals’ men’s IPL team as well as its sister franchises Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 competition and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval, including from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the antitrust watchdog and the IPL Governing Council, and is expected in the third quarter of 2026. Mittal, his son Aditya, and daughter Vanisha Mittal- Bhatia, Poonawalla and Badale will join the Rajasthan Royals’ board following completion. Badale will continue to support the franchise in an ongoing role. -Reuters PHOTO:REUTERS/DENIS BALIBOUSE/FILE PHOTO Lakshmi Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal, is seen during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2020. Cricket – Indian Premier League – IPL – Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India – May 2, 2026 Chennai Super Kings’ Kartik Sharma celebrates after reaching his half century. Kartik Comeback Brightens Chennai’s Youth Push In IPL Rohit Returns In Style, Rickelton Stars As Mumbai Beat Lucknow In IPL C hennai Super Kings are beginning to see strong returns from young talent in addition to their experienced core in the Indian Premier League, with coach Stephen Fleming encouraged by Kar- tik Sharma’s turnaround after a slow start to the season. Kartik, 20, was signed for 142 million rupees ($1.5 million) at the IPL auction last year, making him the joint most-expensive uncapped Indian player, alongside all- rounder Prashant Veer. But the youngster struggled early on, managing only 58 runs from his first five matches. Chennai trusted him again on Saturday, May 2, 2026) and Kartik repaid that faith with an unbeaten 54 along- side captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (67 not out) to guide the side to an eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians while chasing 160 in 18.1 overs. “It is a big stage no matter what they’ve been doing at domestic level,” Fleming told reporters. “They can have all the talent in the world, but the tem- perament is what we’re looking for. Kartik’s “introduction was tough at the start and then he had a little bit of time out. He worked hard and today was a good reward for that…We’re really pleased and proud of what he did today.” Chennai’s management has also helped Kartik cope with the pressure of his price tag by encouraging him to spend time with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and mental-skills coach David Reid. “The mental aspect of staying calm and understanding what the mind and body are doing is reasonably un- tapped in this competition,” Fleming said. “We have had one of the best in MS Dhoni, who has been as calm as anyone can be in winning games. So learning from him but also understanding a little bit more of the science around it.” Kartik’s timely return to form has eased concerns for the five-time champions, who have lost 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre – their most prolific batter – to a hamstring injury. Sixth-placed Chennai will next play Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. -Reuters F ormer India captain Rohit Sharma made a tri- umphant return to the Mumbai Indians starting line-up, smashing 84 off 44 balls as he and fellow opener Ryan Rickelton set the platform for a six- wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League on Monday. Rohit, back after missing five matches with a ham- string injury, was ably supported by Rickelton, whose explosive 83 off 32 balls laid the foundation for Mumbai’s chase at theWankhede Stadium. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Mumbai were set a daunting target as Lucknow posted 228 for five. Opener Mitchell Marsh made 44, while Nicholas Pooran produced a blistering 63 off just 21 balls. Himmat Singh added a valuable 40 to keep the pressure firmly on the home side. Mumbai’s response was immediate, as openers Rohit and Rickelton put on a commanding partnership. Rohit struck six fours and seven sixes, while South Africa wick- etkeeper-batter Rickelton hit six fours and eight sixes, taking full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions. Rickelton was dismissed by Mohsin Khan and Rohit fell to M Siddharth, but Mumbai never lost control. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings, before late contributions from Naman Dhir andWill Jacks guided Mumbai home with eight deliveries to spare. Yadav captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Hardik Pandya, who was sidelined after feel- ing unwell. Rickelton was named Player of the Match and praised his opening partner. “One of Mumbai’s greatest, one of India’s greatest. I have enjoyed batting with him. My game suits this ground,” Rickelton said. “Really enjoyed it – the ball really flies here. Always looking to get better. The power we have is through the roof. With the class we have, it makes my role clearer.” Mumbai had struggled in Rohit’s absence, but his re- turn proved transformative as the hosts completed their highest successful run chase in IPL history. Lucknow, meanwhile, slumped to a sixth straight defeat. Five-times champions Mumbai remain ninth on the table with six points from 10 matches, while Lucknow are bottom with four points in the 10-team competition. The top four teams in the unified points table qualify for the playoffs. -Reuters PHOTO:REUTERS/PRIYANSHU SINGH Cricket – Indian Premier League – IPL – Mumbai Indians v Lucknow Super Giants – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India – May 4, 2026 Mumbai Indians’ Ryan Rickelton celebrates with Rohit Sharma after reaching his half century. PHOTO:REUTERS/FRANCIS MASCARENHAS