PV Sindhu was among the notable faces at the Indian Premier League 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Sunday. The Commonwealth gold medallist turned up to back the home side in orange, with her husband Venkata Datta Sai by her side. Sindhu was also seen alongside franchise co-owner Kavya Maran during the matchday buzz.
From Uber Cup to IPL stands
Sindhu’s appearance in Hyderabad followed her recent stint at the Uber Cup. India’s campaign ended after a defeat to China in the final Group A encounter. Despite putting in a spirited display against a strong Chinese outfit, the Indian team suffered a 0-5 loss.
With a quarter-final spot still out of reach in that tie, Sindhu returned for the first singles and faced world No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi. She kept pressure on Wang throughout, taking control for long stretches of the third game and eventually opening up an 18-12 lead in the deciding end.
However, China responded with seven straight points to flip the momentum, and they sealed the match just a couple of points later.
India’s other singles players also fought hard against the Chinese challenge. Isharani Baruah and Devika Sihag both created moments of pressure, but neither managed to break through for a win.
Singles results for India
Isharani went down to former Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei, losing 20-22 and 13-21. Devika Sihag, meanwhile, was defeated by Xu Wen Jing in a three-game contest, with scores reading 21-19, 17-21, and 10-21.
In the women’s doubles, Tanisha Crasto and Kavipriya Selvam formed a scratch pairing and started with belief. They looked set to take the point after winning the opening game against Luo Xu Min and Zhang Shu Xian, but the contest swung back as they finished on the wrong side of the result: 10-21, 21-12, 21-19.
At a glance: SRH vs KKR
- Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2026)
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium
- Day: Sunday
- PV Sindhu attended and supported SRH
- SRH toss result: Won the toss and chose to bat
- SRH XI changes: Nitish Kumar Reddy out (illness); Smaran Ravichandran makes debut; Harshal Patel replaces Harsh Dubey
- KKR XI changes: Finn Allen and Manish Pandey come in for Tim Seifert and Ramandeep Singh
On the cricket side, SRH won the toss and opted to bat first against KKR. The side also shuffled their lineup with two notable adjustments: Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out due to illness, while Smaran Ravichandran was handed a debut. Harshal Patel came in for Harsh Dubey.
KKR responded with their own two changes as well. Finn Allen and Manish Pandey were added to the playing XI, with Tim Seifert and Ramandeep Singh making way.
