Sports
2026 NFL Draft: Here’s the prospects that are locks to be taken in first round
The 2026 NFL Draft is now less than two weeks away. This may not be the most elite class in draft history, but it’s fascinating for a number of different reasons. There is a pass rusher that played more linebacker in college that is expected to be a top three pick, there’s a star running back that could be the next Jahmyr Gibbs, but how high he’s selected remains to be seen, and this could be a draft where just one quarterback is selected on opening night.
Every year there are players that are considered “first-round locks.” Legitimate talent that will be instant-impact players or immediate starters that numerous teams are excited about. However, not every player selected in the top 32 are considered “blue chip talents.” So how many first-round locks are there in this 2026 class?
Below, we will go position by position and break down players that are locks to go in the first round. When we say “lock,” we mean that we are betting everything on these players being selected on opening night. Not a player who has an 80% chance of being drafted in the top 32. Unless, of course, NFL teams have flagged something medical-related with the prospect that we don’t know about. With that being said, let’s begin with the quarterbacks.
QB (1)
The No. 1 overall prospect in this class and reigning Heisman Trophy winner led the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season that was capped by a National Championship. Even if you don’t think Fernando Mendoza is Joe Burrow, he’s a college football legend who is a lock to go on opening night. DraftKings Sportsbook has him listed at -20000 to go No. 1 overall.
RB (1)
Some believe Jeremiyah Love is the top player in this class. The problem is that he plays running back, which could cause him to fall out of the top five. The Doak Walker Award winner led the FBS with eight plays of 20+ yards gained, and is a threat to score from virtually anywhere on the field. DraftKings has him listed at -1400 to be a top 10 pick. Lock.
WR (2)
Carnell Tate should be the first wide receiver off the board this month. He racked up 838 yards receiving and nine touchdowns in 2025, and led the FBS with six touchdowns on throws of 30 or more air yards. He’s not a “burner” necessarily, but does separate downfield with good route running and is a clear deep-ball threat.
Yes he’s a “slot merchant,” but Makai Lemon is an immediate-impact player that could really shine in the right system. The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner had four games last season where he exploded for 150 yards and a touchdown, including against Iowa. Lemon is going in the first round, but it remains to be seen where.
TE (1)
The top tight end in this class ranked first among FBS tight ends in receiving touchdowns last year with eight, and fifth in receptions with 51. Tight ends aren’t supposed to run 4.39 40-yard dashes, but Kenyon Sadiq is that kind of playmaker that will immediately help any offense.
OL (7)
The three-year starter at right tackle for Miami is durable and consistent in both run-blocking and pass protection, which is why he’s commonly mocked as the top offensive lineman off the board. DraftKings has Francis Mauigoa listed at -300 to be the first offensive lineman to hear his name called this month.
Spencer Fano won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior offensive lineman last season, but he can play basically anywhere on the offensive line — including tackle. Fano allowed zero sacks in 2025, and three total sacks during three seasons at Utah.
Kadyn Proctor is actually CBS Sports’ top-ranked offensive tackle and No. 4 overall prospect. I would argue that he’s not the most polished prospect, but Proctor’s athleticism and 6-foot-7, 350-pound frame are hard to ignore.
Another Utah offensive lineman here. Caleb Lomu played left tackle for the Utes and showed he can move at a high level in space. He probably needs to add some mass at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, but he’s expected to go somewhere in the first round. DraftKings has him listed at -700 to be selected on opening night.
Georgia’s left tackle has been mocked as high as No. 6 overall to the Cleveland Browns. I don’t think he’s the most Day 1-ready offensive tackle in this class, but pundits speculate Monroe Freeling could have the highest ceiling as a true left tackle.
A three-time All-ACC right tackle, Blake Miller is -900 to be selected in the first round, according to DraftKings. He’s actually the Clemson record-holder for snaps from scrimmage with 3,778 in 54 starts.
Vega Ioane is arguably the top interior offensive lineman in this class, and he allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits and just four pressures this past season. Is he a natural fit for the Baltimore Ravens at No. 14 overall?
DT (0)
EDGE (3)
David Bailey is probably going No. 2 or No. 3 overall. In an EDGE class that features several different flavors, Bailey is probably the best “pure pass rusher.” He ranked second in the FBS in pressures (81), tied for first in sacks (14.5) and registered a whopping 38 QB hits. That tied for the most QB hits in a single season in the FBS over the last decade.
Rueben Bain Jr. appears to be falling down mock draft boards a bit, but DraftKings still has him listed at -320 to be a top 10 pick. CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 2 overall prospect in this class and compares him to Dwight Freeney. Bain famously has short arms, but his power is evident. No FBS player recorded more pressures than him in 2025 (83).
Arvell Reese played primarily off the ball at Ohio State, but many project him to move to EDGE at the next level. He ranked top three on a loaded Buckeyes defense in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss, and tore up the combine with his fluid on-field work and a 4.46 40-yard dash. Some draft experts would say Reese has the highest ceiling of any pass rusher in this class, and DraftKings has him listed at -1400 to be a top five pick.
LB (1)
If you want to draft Fred Warner, here’s your chance. Sonny Styles is -1400 to be a top 10 pick over at DraftKings, and is arguably a top five talent on big boards. He’s a former safety that brings coverage skills and speed to the linebacker position, but is a fantastic tackler as well.
CB (2)
Mansoor Delane is -330 to be a top 10 pick at DraftKings. He’s fluid in both man coverage and zone, and allowed zero touchdowns with zero penalties last season. At times, I thought he was an NFL player going undercover as a college cornerback.
Jermod McCoy is CB1 to some evaluators despite not playing a single snap last year. McCoy tore his ACL in January 2025, and prioritized his recovery. His 2024 season was fantastic, as McCoy recorded 44 tackles, nine passes defensed and four interceptions. There were concerns about his stock, but McCoy appeared to eliminate those concerns after an impressive Pro Day in Knoxville.
S (2)
An easy lock. The best safety in college football is the only defensive back to record 250 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and five interceptions over the past three seasons. Caleb Downs leaves Ohio State a two-time Unanimous All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner.
I imagine there’s a lot of love for Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman behind the scenes. He recorded six interceptions as a freshman at Purdue, then two years later transferred to Oregon and recorded 96 tackles, five passes defensed and two interceptions while picking up First Team All-Big Ten honors. Thieneman is aggressive in both pass coverage and in defending the run. His 306 tackles over the last three seasons rank No. 1 among all defensive backs.
Final first-round lock board (20)
|
QB |
Fernando Mendoza |
Indiana |
|
RB |
Jeremiyah Love |
Notre Dame |
|
WR |
Carnell Tate |
Ohio State |
|
WR |
Makai Lemon |
USC |
|
TE |
Kenyon Sadiq |
Oregon |
|
OL |
Francis Mauigoa |
Miami |
|
OL |
Spencer Fano |
Utah |
|
OL |
Kadyn Proctor |
Alabama |
|
OL |
Caleb Lomu |
Utah |
|
OL |
Monroe Freeling |
Georgia |
| OL | Blake Miller | Clemson |
|
OL |
Olaivavega Ioane |
Penn State |
|
EDGE |
David Bailey |
Texas Tech |
|
EDGE |
Rueben Bain Jr. |
Miami |
|
EDGE |
Arvell Reese |
Ohio State |
|
LB |
Sonny Styles |
Ohio State |
|
CB |
Mansoor Delane |
LSU |
|
CB |
Jermod McCoy |
Tennessee |
|
S |
Caleb Downs |
Ohio State |
|
S |
Dillon Thieneman |
Oregon |
Players that were close, but didn’t make the cut as a ‘lock’
Odds to be selected in the first round: (Not listed)
Jordyn Tyson will probably be the third wide receiver off the board in the first round, and that’s because of injury concerns. He’s actually holding a workout for NFL teams six days before the draft begins to prove he’s healthy. If that workout goes poorly or he re-injures his hamstring, Tyson could fall.
Cooper’s odds to be selected in the first round: -1600
Concepcion’s odds to be selected in the first round: -350
Both of these wideouts are likely to be selected in the first round, but it may come in the late 20s. Depending on how the board falls, could either Cooper or Concepcion be selected before the other, and that other pass-catcher fall to the second round? It’s possible.
Odds to be selected in the first round: -900
Keldric Faulk is a player I think NFL teams are a lot more high on than fans. He’s a 20-year-old, 6-foot-6, 276-pound pass rusher with long arms, but recorded just 29 tackles and two sacks last year.
Odds to be selected in the first round: -550
Akheem Mesidor is absolutely a first-round talent, but he’s 25-years-old.
Odds to be selected in the first round: -270
I have Max Iheanachor going in the first round, but he’s a raw athlete that didn’t start playing football until junior college around five years ago.
Rory McIlroy became the fifth back-to-back winner of the Masters, winning his sixth major after holding off the challenge of world No 1 Scottie Scheffler and Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose on a scintillating Sunday at Augusta.
The Ulsterman joined the exclusive club of grand slam winners in emotional fashion last year after overcoming Rose in a playoff, but had to fight his way back to the top of the leaderboard on Sunday after trailing Rose, overnight co-leader Cameron Young and even Russell Henley at different points during a rollercoaster final round.
After two days this tournament had seemed as good as over, with McIlroy six shots clear – the greatest margin in Masters history after 36 holes – and playing with a peace and tranquility that comes with being the defending champion.
But a one-over 73 on Saturday gave hope to those in pursuit and rocked McIlroy’s confidence, forcing him to seek answers at the practice range deep into Saturday evening.
If there was one thing that stood out about the chasing pack on Sunday morning, it was the quality of those golfers willing and able to chase.
Sam Burns and Cam Young are the young bucks of the PGA Tour, both seeking a first major after success on tour and Ryder Cup appearances. Justin Rose, Jason Day and Shane Lowry are all major winners with the experience and temperament to mount a Sunday pursuit while Scottie Scheffler is Scottie Scheffler. If you need to know more than that then welcome to your first Masters – have you tried the pimento cheese?
With the most bunched leaderboard for a Sunday morning since 2017, it was still only the final four pairings really in contention, and even then needing to play the best golf of their life to have a chance. The first hour or two posed a question of who could make gains or even just stay in the hunt.
Burns was the first to fall out of it. Louisiana born-and-bred, Burns had managed to play some highly competitive golf all weekend and shot under-par all weekend – which was more than could be said of McIlroy, Scheffler and others – but a bogey on the first and a double-bogey second sunk him simply too far back to recover.
As Burns retreated from the battle, the overnight co-leaders continued to jostle for position in the final pairing. Elsewhere, Rose became only the second golfer to birdie the fifth on Sunday to put him level with Scheffler in a tie for third. The race was showing signs of being down to just five.
Shane Lowry was the next to drop, finding sand from his tee shot on five but, significantly, catching the front wall of the bunker on his second shot with an iron that ended up further from the hole than where he had started. By the time the ball was eventually in the hole, he had carded a double-bogey six and plunged down the leaderboard to further narrow the hunt. Day followed soon after.
There was always likely to be one interloper, and Henley turned out to be that guy. The 37-year-old is something of a local favourite, hailing from down the road in Macon, Georgia, and had four birdies through the first eight holes to be tied for second. Somewhat understated, Henley had four top-10 finishes in his last eight majors and has figured out how to compete at the highest level.
At different times we had almost all possible combinations of leaders. McIlroy and Young began the day joint, then Young had sole custody before Rose joined him, Young took a step back and then Rose had it all to himself for a while. While Henley appeared from nowhere to hold the joint-lead, a bogey on 12 set him back into the chasing pack, where he would remain for the rest of the day after missing too many key putts.
By just after 5pm, five golfers were separated by just one shot; McIlroy the sole leader and four on his tail. His par putt on the 11th prevented him falling back to a five-way tie for the lead that essentially would have started the tournament again – a mini-Masters for the select few.
When it mattered, though, Young continued to err and McIlroy surged.
On 12, he went closer to the pin than anyone else had on Sunday to pick up another shot. He then birdied the 13th to open up a two-shot lead on his familiar foes, Rose and Scheffler.
In the end, Scheffler’s undoubted class was not enough to overcome the mistakes of Thursday and Friday. A two-over 74 in his second round had stranded him down the leaderboard and while he threatened a memorable Sunday charge he never led the Masters and 11 straight pars on Sunday featured a number of missed opportunities to press the defending champ.
Rose kept himself in the battle all day but went bogey, bogey and then three-putted for par through Amen Corner. Those holes, in the end, were the difference between him and his Ryder Cup teammate who picked up shots on the most (in)famous three-hole stretch in golf and used that momentum to carry him over the finish line.
A winner had not come from outside the final pairing since Englishman Danny Willett stunned the golfing world a decade ago this week, and McIlroy’s scramble to save par on 15 averted the final true threat to this remarkable achievement, becoming only the fourth person ever to defend a Masters championship.
Ultimately, though, this win figures to be a milestone for much greater achievements for McIlroy, a man who must now look at major wins as a counting stat rather than singular peaks of a career.
By entering the grand slam club last year, McIlroy confirmed his place among the all-time greats. How many more he can add to his six major triumphs will decide exactly where he sits in the golfing pantheon.
PHILADELPHIA — Giannis Antetokounmpo said it was “disrespectful” for Milwaukee to bench him over the final weeks of the season while he said he was healthy enough to play, a stinging rebuke of the franchise as he enters a stay-or-leave off-season.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who led Milwaukee to its first title in half a century in 2021, said after Sunday’s season-ending loss to Philadelphia that he learned that he had no control over his playing status as the Bucks limped to the finish.
Antetokounmpo was the subject of trade speculation as the deadline approached, but he wasn’t dealt. He has since been in a dispute with team management over his injury status.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since landing awkwardly after a dunk on March 15. Antetokounmpo said in the closing weeks of the season that he was healthy and wanted to play, but the Bucks continued to rule him out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
Antetokounmpo did not play Sunday at Philadelphia in what was also likely the final game of Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers’ career.
“Being cleared to play, I don’t understand. I’ve never in my life denied participation in practice,” Antetokounmpo said. “Whoever came up with that is disrespectful towards what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself.
“I did what I was supposed to do. I wasn’t able to come on the court now. Who has that say? It comes from above. I thought I had control. OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play. This just shows me that not just me, players in general, don’t have no control. No, I didn’t feel like I had control.”
Antetokounmpo had participated in recent pregame warmups, showing no sign of injury.
“It was draining for me, for sure,” Antetokounmpo said. “If it was draining for me, it was definitely draining for me and the organization.”
Antetokounmpo said he planned to put his phone on “do not disturb” and try to avoid the distractions that plagued the end of his season.
The Bucks could look to trade Antetokounmpo in the offseason, or he could sign a four-year, $275 million extension in October.
Antetokounmpo said he had yet to be formally offered the extension — no surprise given that it could not be finalized for months.
“That’s too far away. It’s something I have to sit down with my family and see what’s best for me, what’s best for my family,” Antetokounmpo said. “Money doesn’t mean nothing do me. Zero. Absolutely zero. What means something to me, it’s winning.”
The Bucks put Rivers’ job in jeopardy with a dismal 32-50 season that ended the Bucks’ streak of nine straight playoff berths.
Rivers had said he has a “great relationship” with Antetokounmpo and that he often talks to the superstar about what to work on and what to add to his game.
“I just want to see it end well for him and for the franchise. I think they both deserve it,” Rivers said. “Giannis is a fantastic person. I’ve been lucky to coach a lot of stars, and he’s right at the top as far as good people. I want good people to be taken care of.”
The Bucks reached the East finals during Antetokounmpo’s first MVP season in 2019 — ending an 18-year stretch without a playoff series win. They won the title two years later. But they haven’t won a playoff series since 2022.
“We’re the furthest away we’ve been,” Antetokounmpo said. “I didn’t think we were going to be in this position last year, so I don’t know what position we will be in next year.”
Sports
Why Has Jasprit Bumrah Gone Wicketless In 5 IPL Matches? R Ashwin’s Verdict On ‘Lack Of Wickets’
Jasprit Bumrah has gone wicketless in five straight IPL matches. Unthinkable as it may sound, Bumrah’s barren run now stretches across two seasons. He did not take a wicket in the last match Mumbai Indians played in IPL 2025 and has now gone wicketless in four matches in IPL 2026. India spin great Ravichandran Ashwin, however, defended Bumrah. He stressed that Bumrah’s ability to nail tight yorkers and restrict the flow of runs is more important than his wicket tally, especially at high-scoring venues like Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
According to CricViz, Bumrah has bowled 122 balls without taking a wicket – the longest wicketless streak of his IPL career.
Jasprit Bumrah’s last five IPL innings:
0/40 (4) vs PBKS, Ahmedabad
0/35 (4) vs KKR, Wankhede
0/21 (4) vs DC, Delhi
0/32 (3) vs RR, Guwahati
0/35 (4) vs RCB, Wankhede
In Mumbai Indians’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium, the ace Indian pacer again went wicketless, returning figures of 0/35 in four overs. However, he stood out as MI’s most economical bowler as RCB posted a mammoth 240/4 in 20 overs.
In a post on X, Ashwin said that focusing solely on Bumrah’s lack of wickets is misleading and could hurt MI’s cause. He reiterated that Bumrah’s true value lies in bowling pinpoint yorkers and choking runs, particularly at venues like the Wankhede.
“The lack-of-wickets narrative for Bumrah can hamper the team’s cause. Him nailing yorkers and choking the opposition for every single run is even more important than him looking to get wickets, especially at venues like the Wankhede,” Ashwin said.
“When you can’t bowl overs on the trot, your wicket-taking ability depends on your partners who hand the over to you. We have had so many years of T20 cricket now, and bowling in partnerships as a defensive group is still a seed in the minds of bowling units,” Ashwin added.
The lack of wickets narrative for Bumrah can hamper the teams cause!
Him nailing yorkers and choking the opposition for every single run is even more important than him looking to get wickets, especially in venues like the Wankhede.
When you can’t bowl overs on the trot, your…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 12, 2026
Despite going wicketless in his last five IPL innings, Bumrah has registered an economy rate above 10 in just two matches – against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier and Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing season.
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The NASCAR O’Reilly Series competed at Bristol Motor Speedway and it was a sensational event. Kyle Larson won the first two stages; however, Connor Zilisch and Brent Crews stayed out while he pitted during a late caution. So, which one of the three NASCAR drivers found victory lane at Bristol on Saturday night?
Zilisch and the No. 1 team for JR Motorsports won the O’Reilly Series race at Bristol on Saturday night, earning their first victory of the season. Crews took the lead on the final restart with old tires, but wasn’t able to hold on after running the top. Then, Zilisch was able to hold off Larson in the closing laps following the No. 88 car’s mistake.
Larson dominated the event at Bristol, but Zilisch was able to give crew chief Rodney Childers his first NASCAR win at JR Motorsports. It has been a tough rookie season for Zilisch with Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, but this win on Saturday night helps remind that he is capable of winning at this level.
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NASCAR results: O’Reilly Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway (April 2026)
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Connor Zilisch wins NASCAR O’Reilly race at Bristol in April 2026
Bankers Choice is in pursuit of a landmark achievement this Saturday in the Mornington Cup, striving to emulate just one prior horse by notching successive wins in the 2400m Listed spectacle.
Last year, the eight-year-old surged late to defeat challengers in a dramatic showdown, prepared then by Glen Thompson in the wake of Mike Moroney’s passing.
Now with Ben, Will and JD Hayes at Lindsay Park, Mongolian Khan’s progeny reappears in good nick, notching a podium finish in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) first time out then a solid eighth in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m).
Due to clash again with select Easter Cup adversaries including Ambassadorial, his connections trust the added stamina demand will enhance his prospects.
“Bankers Choice is the one that will head to the Mornington Cup,” Will Hayes said.
“He’s going to go for a course proper gallop on Monday to have a look around and hopefully defend his title.
“He ran terrifically in the Peter Young first-up, he was only three lengths off them in the Easter Cup and he looks really good.”
Despite the likelihood of substantial ballast again, Hayes prioritises the gelding’s validated long-distance credentials over that burden.
“Hopefully someone can throw an out-of-form import with a high rating into the noms that can get us down,” Hayes said.
“But he deserves the rating that he has, he does carry weight well.”
“He’ll eat up 2400 metres. He’s as fit as a mallee bull, and a seasoned old gelding like him, it’s right up his alley.”
With top preparation and his pet distance ahead, Bankers Choice stands ready to challenge strongly for crown retention.
For the Mornington Cup, compare racing betting markets across the best sites.
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma – Sunday could not have gotten better for cricket fans. At the Wankhede Stadium, the two giants clashed in the biggest match of IPL 2026 so far. Virat Kohli played a patient knock while Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar rained fury. Kohli, though, also achieved a few major firsts. The former RCB captain is now the first batter to score 1,000-plus runs against MI. KL Rahul (977) and Shikhar Dhawan (901) are next in the list.
Kohli also surpassed Chris Gayle and Babar Azam for being involved in the most century partnerships in T20s. The 120-run stand between Phil Salt and Kohli is the second-highest opening partnership for RCB against MI in the IPL. The highest remains the 148-run stand added by Faf du Plessis and Kohli in Bengaluru in 2023.
Most century partnerships in T20 cricket
47 – Virat Kohli*
46 – Chris Gayle
46 – Babar Azam
45 – David Warner
40 – Faf du Plessis
Talking about the match, Mumbai Indians (MI) won the toss and decided to field against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match No. 20 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday.
The high-voltage clash between five-time champions MI and defending champions RCB is being played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After winning the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya confirmed that Mayank Markande and Mitchell Santner came in for Rahul Chahar and Ghazanfar in their playing XI.
“We’re going to bowl first. It looks like a good track. We played the first game on the other pitch; this looks similar. It’s always good to bat second here. I think it’s a big game. Just want to come out and play our best cricket, do the things we’ve spoken about in the meetings, and enjoy the sport. We requested good wickets, and we’ve been getting them,” Pandya said.
“As long as you land the ball right as a bowler and play the right shots as a batter, you’re in the game. Over the years at Wankhede, chasing has worked for a lot of teams. Being our home ground, dew comes in later as well. So it’s good to know what you’re chasing and plan your innings accordingly. Mayank Markande and Mitchell Santner come in for Chahar and Ghazanfar,” the MI skipper added.
After losing the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said that Jacob Duffy replaced Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI.
“Obviously, we would have bowled first. But as you all know, it’s a good batting track. The ball comes nicely onto the bat with good bounce, so it won’t make too much difference. We’ll try to put a good total on the board and keep them under pressure. This is our fourth game,” Patidar said.
“The way we’ve played in the last few matches, there are a lot of positives. In the last match, we were 97 for 6 and still managed to score over 200. That’s a positive sign for us. We enjoy playing here a lot. Whenever we come, we see great crowds. It’s challenging but also fun and exciting. Just one change – Duffy comes in place of Hazlewood,” the RCB skipper added
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Sports
Unhappy Virat Kohli Throws Away Helmet Despite Scoring 50 vs MI, Does Not Celebrate Landmark. This Is The Reason
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the main protagonists in any Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians clash in IPL. Fans assembled at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday were treated to a Kohli half-century – his 65th in the IPL – which came off 37 balls. Yet, he appeared unhappy. In fact, he did not even celebrate the milestone after reaching it on the second ball of the 15th over bowled by Hardik Pandya. He departed two balls later while trying to break the shackles and looked frustrated. A strike rate of 131.58 may have been the reason. While Kohli was attempting to play the sheet-anchor role, the innings of Rajat Patidar (53 off 20 balls) and Phil Salt (78 off 36 balls) were in complete contrast.
kohli throwing his off his gloves and helmet, man he’s so pissed off by himself pic.twitter.com/8gbtBwX9tA
— satyam (@noontonightt) April 12, 2026
Virat Kohli looks disappointed after getting out , Still he has scored a half century for not like Virat Kohli’s Level.#MIvsRCB pic.twitter.com/tpDeIZvyJV
— flicksX18 (@flicks_X18) April 12, 2026
RCB BATTERS STRIKE RATE IN TODAY MATCH VS MI –
Phil Salt – 216.67
Virat Kohli – 131.58
Rajat Patidar – 265.00
Tim David – 212.50
Jitesh Sharma – 111.11RCB top 4 batters cooked Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Markande , Shardul and Santner. pic.twitter.com/WIVVfaGX6d
— Nafees (@Nafees_22) April 12, 2026
A rare Kohli failure and yess even this 50 is a failure as per Kohli Standards, even he was unhappy with his innings.
A rare failure from Virat Kohli #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/1LqIrq30RR
— Rex⚡️ (@RexUTD7) April 12, 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli all registered half-centuries as the defending champions put up an imposing 240 for 4 – the second-highest total this season – against Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt smashed a 36-ball 78, studded with six boundaries and as many maximums, while stalwart Kohli made a composed 50 off 38 balls, as the duo put on a polished 120-run opening-wicket stand.
Salt was dismissed by Shardul Thakur in his very first over – the team’s 11th – providing a huge sigh of relief to MI.
Skipper Rajat Patidar then took over from where Salt left off, scoring a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, as RCB made quite a statement.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to field.
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Justin Rose was left to rue mistakes around Amen Corner as another Masters slipped through his fingers.
A year after losing a play-off to Rory McIlroy he was leading by a shot as he approached Augusta National’s troublesome trio of holes.
But he bogeyed 11 and 12 and then could only par the 13th despite being on the green in two and with that the opportunity was taken away from him by his Ryder Cup team-mate.
“Just a chance that got away obviously. I was by no means kind of free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done but I was right in position,” said the Englishman, whose final-round 70 left him 10 under and two behind McIlroy, who made a successful defence of the green jacket.
“I was really in control, the first 10 holes I felt like I was and the mentality was to run through the finish line not just try and get it done.
“I was playing great but just momentum shifted for me around the Amen Corner. That three-putt (on 13) was untimely for sure.
“I feel like with a sudden-death loss (last year) you kind of know you got to the house. You’ve done everything it took to win, then it comes down to flick of a coin at times.
“Whereas today I felt there was an opportunity to do better, so obviously that is frustrating for sure.”
PA
The 2026 NBA playoff bracket will be finalized on Sunday night. After the night’s first batch of games, we know what the Eastern Conference side of the bracket looks like. The Toronto Raptors clinched the final top-six seed and a guaranteed playoff berth on Sunday thanks to their win over the Nets. The Raptors will be the No. 5 seed in the East and face the Cavs in the first round, as the Hawks were bumped down to the No. 6 seed with their loss to the Heat on Sunday. The Hawks will go up against the third-seeded Knicks in the first round.
The No. 1 Pistons and No. 2 Celtics await the Play-In Tournament winners in the East. The 76ers will host the Magic with the No. 7 seed on the line Tuesday, while the Hornets and Heat will play in the 9-10 matchup on Wednesday.
In the West, the biggest question is if the Nuggets can lock up the No. 3 seed and keep the Lakers at No. 4. The West’s No. 3 seed would face the Wolves in the first round, while the Rockets await the No. 4 seed.
While we wait and see how the final seeds shake out, here’s an up-to-date look at the 2026 NBA playoff bracket, as well as the schedule for the Play-In Tournament and key dates for the next two months.
2026 NBA playoff bracket
Keytron Jordan, CBS Sports
2026 NBA Playoff Picture
NBA postseason bracket after Sunday’s East games
Play-In Tournament
East first round
No. 1 Pistons vs. No. 8 TBD
No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 TBD
No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Hawks
No. 4 Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Raptors
West first round
No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 TBD
No. 2 Spurs vs. No. 7 TBD
No. 3 Nuggets vs. No. 6 Timberwolves
No. 4 Lakers vs. No. 5 Rockets
Play-In Tournament schedule
Tuesday, April 14
- 76ers vs. Magic, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets East No. 7 seed
- Suns vs. Trail Blazers/Clippers, 10 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets West No. 7 seed
Wednesday, April 15
- Hornets vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime — Loser is eliminated from postseason
- Trail Blazers/Clippers vs. Warriors, 10 p.m. ET, Prime — Loser is eliminated from postseason
Friday, April 17
- 76ers/Magic vs. Hornets/Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets East No. 8 seed, loser is eliminated from postseason
- TBD vs. TBD, 10 p.m. ET, Prime — Winner gets West No. 8 seed, loser is eliminated from postseason
2026 NBA playoffs schedule
Saturday, April 18
- Four first-round playoff games (times and matchups TBD)
Sunday, April 19
- Four first-round playoff games (times and matchups TBD)
2026 NBA playoffs key dates
Sports
Drama at Wankhede! RCB star Tim David refuses to return ball; umpire annoyed – WATCH | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Tim David left the umpire slightly annoyed with a playful act during their IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.The incident unfolded in the 18th over of the RCB innings when David smashed a towering six off Hardik Pandya over deep mid-wicket. The strike was so powerful that it altered the shape of the ball, which had also become wet, forcing the umpires to call for a replacement.As the box of used balls was brought out, David picked one up and began casually playing with it. Despite repeated requests from the umpire to hand it back, the Australian continued to toy with the ball for a few moments, leaving the official visibly miffed. After a brief delay, David finally returned the ball, bringing a smile back to the situation.Rohit Sharma also joined in, sharing a light-hearted moment with David as the incident drew laughter on the field.Earlier, RCB’s top order had dominated proceedings. Skipper Rajat Patidar, along with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, struck impressive half-centuries to power the defending champions to a massive 240/4 — the second-highest total of the season.Salt led the charge with a blistering 78 off 36 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes, while Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 38 deliveries. The pair added a fluent 120 runs for the opening wicket before Shardul Thakur provided the breakthrough.Patidar then carried forward the momentum with a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, as RCB stamped their authority with a commanding batting display.In reply, Mumbai Indians could manage 222/5. RCB won the match by 18 runs
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